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[M.F.S] Ch 163: World Summit—The Reverie
🕑 Added 2025-03-29 02:52:35 +0000 UTC— — — — — —
After some days - Red Line
Joey had everything in Totto Land organized and had reached the Red Line.
It was time for the World Summit—the Reverie.
"Chief Joey!"
Hearing the voice, Joey turned slightly to see a figure approaching quickly.
A familiar face.
Yet, compared to his memories, this figure was much younger.
Vinsmoke… Judge!
Joey greeted him calmly, "Mr. Judge, hello."
Judge hurried forward with a smile, "Chief Joey, your assistance to Germa Kingdom has been invaluable. We nearly missed the Reverie, and I apologize for my delay in arriving."
Joey smiled, "It's no big deal. No harm done."
Both men exchanged pleasantries, sharing brief words before returning to their respective palaces.
After all, there were still four days before the Reverie officially began. These days were merely for preliminary matters.
The real event was yet to come.
---
As night fell, the city's majesty became even more evident.
Countless palaces were illuminated, casting a dazzling glow across the cityscape.
Beautiful maids and stunning women—offered as gifts by the World Government to each visiting king—graced the grand halls.
After all, hospitality was key.
Joey remained calm.
Seated in his chamber, he swirled the dark red wine in his glass, seemingly lost in thought.
Yet, no one knew what truly occupied his mind.
With a soft exhale, Joey set his glass down just as Katakuri entered the room, setting down a teapot and cups.
Katakuri spoke quietly, "Big Brother, there are no issues."
Joey responded warmly, "Caution is natural, but don't be overly wary. Even the Five Elders wouldn't resort to such disgraceful tactics."
Katakuri nodded, "I understand, but it's still best to remain alert. If something does happen, we must be prepared. These old men—nothing they do would surprise me."
Joey regarded his brother approvingly. "You're right. After all, for someone as ruthless and ambitious as me, no tactic is too low."
Katakuri hesitated, wanting to say something.
Joey stopped him with a slight gesture, pouring a cup of tea.
"Katakuri, this is simply the truth. No need to argue. I am a ruthless and ambitious man. Some call it being a strategist; others, a tyrant. But to men like us, victory justifies everything."
Katakuri remained silent.
What could he say?
His own brother was speaking so frankly about himself.
If he agreed, it felt inappropriate.
If he disagreed, it felt dishonest.
Joey chuckled, shaking his head at Katakuri's expression. "No need to be so tense. This is just reality. Everyone has ambition, Katakuri. Family unity comes from love."
"But to outsiders?"
"They must fear us. They must dread us. Only through fear can the Charlotte Family continue to thrive."
Katakuri nodded deeply, his sharp gaze firm with newfound resolve.
His brother's words further solidified his own beliefs.
Joey said nothing more. He reached for a cigarette, glancing at it with mild amusement. "A cigarette, huh? Oh well, might as well give it a try."
Click!
He lit the cigarette and took a drag, exhaling a cloud of smoke.
Katakuri just observed silently.
Katakuri didn't drink, didn't smoke, and had no interest in women.
Anything that could potentially make him vulnerable—he rejected it outright.
He maintained a perfect, invincible posture.
All to become stronger.
That was Katakuri's way.
After a moment, Joey stubbed out the cigarette, shaking his head with a wry smile. "As expected, this doesn't suit me anymore. I've moved past it."
"Katakuri, what do you think is the best way for a person to relieve stress?"
Katakuri thought for a moment before answering, "Big Brother, I believe the best way is to eliminate the source of stress altogether."
Joey smirked, "That's certainly a good way."
Joey continued, "Cobra, King Riku, Judge, Adam, Songfen, Neptune, and Hana..."
"Three kings from superpowers, two influential leaders, and two special existences," he summarized. These seven people were all connected to him in some way.
As for the other kings? They weren't worth his attention.
Katakuri spoke seriously, "The Kingdom of Dressrosa holds 12 votes, and Alabasta holds 16. Together, that makes 28 votes, already surpassing the 50% threshold needed to pass any decision regarding Totto Land."
Joey nodded, "Not bad! But it's still not enough to make an overwhelming statement. The best outcome would be getting all votes aligned with our cause."
Katakuri pondered for a moment before replying, "Big Brother, that will be easy. The Kano Kingdom, Adam Kingdom, and Powder Kingdom are all major superpowers. Even with the 7 votes promised to us by the Five Great Mafia Families, that only brings us to 38 votes. Including Ryugu Kingdom and Germa Kingdom, we have 40 votes..."
With 40 votes secured, the situation had drastically changed.
At first, having just 28 votes meant they were only a strong faction, but now, with 40 votes, they were nearly unstoppable.
Moreover, with three superpowers and two powerful factions backing them...
The remaining nations would have to pick a side.
Joey spoke slowly, "Based on the current situation, we can already count on 40 votes. If things go smoothly, we could get 50 votes. But no matter how promising the odds seem, there's always room for unexpected problems."
Katakuri nodded seriously, "We can't afford to be careless. There are still four days left before the meeting. If we can persuade more people within this timeframe, that would be ideal."
Joey shook his head, "No. Actively convincing them isn't a good idea. Like you said, once schemes and negotiations reach their limits, the only thing left to display is absolute power."
"If we make them fear us, make them understand the consequences of opposing the Charlotte Family, then what do you think will happen?"
Katakuri fell into deep thought.
After a brief silence, Joey asked, "Do you understand my point now?"
Katakuri responded, "Big Brother, I understand."
"Good," Joey said calmly. "The key isn't to shed unnecessary blood. It's about making them realize that going against the Charlotte Family is a mistake they can't afford to make."
Katakuri nodded firmly. He fully understood what his brother meant.
Meanwhile, Cracker scratched his head, clearly lost in the discussion.
Joey laughed, "Cracker, this kind of strategy isn't your strong suit. Just stick to what you do best and leave the planning to us."
"Oh!" Cracker responded, still scratching his head. He figured it was best to just stay out of it.
Joey and Katakuri continued discussing their strategy.
— — —
After Three days
By now, all the kings had arrived, mingling in small groups and engaging in idle conversation.
Joey, Neptune, Otohime, Tiger, and Katakuri walked together, chatting casually.
Neptune sighed, "After all these years, this is my first time stepping onto land. The experience is surreal."
Joey smiled, "This is only the beginning. In the future, you'll experience even more."
"Is that so?" Neptune shook his head, unsure how to respond.
Just then, a loud and arrogant voice interrupted their conversation.
"Oh my!"
"Is that… a mermaid?"
"What a beautiful mermaid! I want her as my new slave!"
"Go! Grab her!"
Following the excited command, a group of men dressed in black suits rushed forward.
Their target—Queen Otohime.
"Huh?!"
Otohime barely had time to react and instinctively took a step back.
"You bastards!" Fisher Tiger roared, instantly leaping into action.
BANG!
With a single exchange, Tiger was completely overpowered.
A group of men in white suits stepped forward.
CP0.
The leading CP0 agent spoke coldly, "This is something the supreme World Nobles desire. No one can stop them. NO ONE. Otherwise, they will face endless death and destruction."
Silence fell over the scene.
Everyone could feel the sheer killing intent radiating from CP0.
They were lifeless machines, serving as the so-called "strongest shield" of the Celestial Dragons.
"Hahaha!"
The black-suited man walked toward Otohime, his grin widening.
The surrounding royals simply watched.
None of them dared to intervene.
The only ones with the authority to step in were the kings of major superpowers.
But instead, they just observed, eager to see how this would play out.
After all, this was the Ryugu Kingdom's first time attending the World Conference in years. If they were to suffer an incident here, what would that mean?
More importantly…
Ryugu Kingdom had come under Joey's protection. And that, in itself, was an intriguing situation.
As the tension reached its peak, a calm, yet powerful voice rang out.
"Celestial Dragon…"
"What exactly do you think you're doing to my people?"
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.
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