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[M.F.S] ch 121: New Player
🕑 Added 2025-02-25 15:33:21 +0000 UTC— — — — — — —
"This...?"
Elder Vemin stood frozen, watching everything unfold before her eyes.
She couldn't believe it—her eyes widened in shock.
This wasn't a battle between equals. It was a complete and utter massacre, one-sided from start to finish.
The so-called 'battle' was nothing more than a demonstration of absolute dominance.
"Heh..."
A soft chuckle broke the silence. Standing beside Vemin, Cornstarch spoke in a gentle tone, "Elder Vemin, why are you so surprised? Isn't this exactly how things should be?"
Vemin turned toward the small child, her voice barely a whisper. "This... is how it should be?"
Cornstarch tilted his head. "Big Bro said we'd win, didn't he? If Big Bro says it, then of course, it's only natural."
In that instant, Vemin's eyes widened further, filled with disbelief.
That level of trust.
It wasn't just blind faith—it was a conviction rooted deep in their souls. For these people, victory wasn't a possibility. It was a foregone conclusion.
Since Joey had declared their victory, then that was the reality. Simple as that.
Just like how...From beginning to end...Joey had never even left his palace.
Cornstarch gave a warm smile. "Elder Vemin, we still need your help. You wouldn't want all of the Longarm Tribe to be wiped out, would you? You should go convince them to surrender."
"Otherwise, if we leave it to Big Bro Daifuku, Big Bro Oven, Big Bro Opera, or Big Bro Cracker..."
"Hmm..." Cornstarch trailed off with a knowing smile, shaking his head lightly.
But the message was clear.
Vemin quickly nodded. "I understand, I understand."
With that, the old woman wasted no time and left.
Cornstarch also turned away and walked off.
"Brrrr... Brrrr..."
At that moment, a Den Den Mushi slowly connected.
Seated on his throne, Joey quietly watched as the call went through.
"Brrrr..."
Finally, it connected.
Silence.
Complete silence, as if no one wanted to speak first.
Everyone simply remained silent.
"Heh..."
Joey chuckled softly. Though he hadn't said anything, his quiet laughter echoed through the Den Den Mushi for all to hear.
A woman's voice finally broke the silence. Hana spoke in a calm tone. "Joey, it seems you won this game quite easily."
Joey responded warmly, "Miss Hana, it's just a game. No need to get so tense. Winning and losing is perfectly normal, isn't it?"
Hana's voice turned colder. "But I've never lost before. Joey, your actions are rather unfair, don't you think?"
"Hmm..." Joey rubbed his temple, feigning distress. "Really? You think I was unfair? That what I did was inappropriate?"
"Heh..."
Then, his tone shifted. "I don't see the issue. It's just a game. Winning, losing—it's all part of the fun. But playing and refusing to accept defeat? Surely no one here actually believes they're some kind of god, right? That would be pretty ironic."
Though he was chuckling, his words dripped with sarcasm.
In reality...Joey hadn't just called one person.
At that very moment, multiple Den Den Mushi connections were active. And aside from Hana, the other four people on the call remained silent.
But...They were all proud individuals. They couldn't possibly tolerate such blatant mockery.
"Hmph!"
A cold snort broke the tension. Adam spoke with an icy tone. "Joey, do you really think a single victory in this 'game' means you've already secured your place at the top?"
Adam's voice carried an undeniable chill.
After all...In the New World, Adam was an undisputed king. Even the once-mighty nation of Elbaf, home of the giants, had been thoroughly crushed once under the might of the Adam Kingdom.
While Elbaf still held the title of 'World's Strongest Nation,' its former glory had long since faded.
So, Adam Kingdom had every reason to be confident.
Yet now...Someone dared to mock them?
Joey shook his head. "Mr. Adam, no need to be so tense. A single win in a game doesn't mean much to me. In fact, it's not even worth paying attention to. Or rather, I don't think anyone should take a simple game this seriously. It's not that important."
"But..." He suddenly changed his tone. "Mr. Adam, you don't actually believe that the New World belongs to the Adam Kingdom, do you? I'm really curious—when do you think your kingdom will finally collapse?"
"Heh..."
His soft laughter made the atmosphere grow eerily tense.
Adam's voice remained cold. "Joey, the Adam Kingdom and the Charlotte Family have an agreement. Once a deal is made, it will not be broken. But whether you can last until the contract is fulfilled... now, that's another question entirely."
Joey smiled. "Mr. Adam, that's none of your concern. It's my problem to handle. No need for you to worry about it."
Clearly, Joey wasn't taking Adam's threats seriously.
For Adam, this was an unforgivable humiliation.
Joey shook his head. "Mr. Adam, no need to get so angry! The game has only just begun. If you're this upset already, it's going to be quite exhausting. Try to relax a little."
"Heh..." Adam sneered. "So, Joey, you plan to continue this game?"
Joey replied, "Well, the game's already started. And I don't think anyone can stop it now, can they?"
Joey knew perfectly well.
This game wouldn't end. No one could stop it now.
And it would continue...Until next year's World Summit.
"Hehehe—"
At that moment, a raspy chuckle echoed through the air. A voice spoke calmly, "Joey, my boy, young people these days sure have a temper! If you want to play the game, you should take your time."
Joey responded with a warm tone, "Old man Songfen, you're still alive? Honestly, I thought the rumors about your death were true."
An awkward silence followed.
In this world, there were seven superpower nations that, while not on par with the Navy or the World Government, still possessed the strength to dominate others at sea.
Each of the Four Seas and the New World had one superpower. Meanwhile, the Grand Line had two.
One of the Grand Line superpower nations was the Powder Kingdom.
It was a country built on organized crime, deeply connected to the five major mafia organizations of the West Blue. However, the exact nature of these connections remained a mystery.
Songfen, the current king of the Powder Kingdom, was already in his twilight years. Rumors of his death had spread across the seas, but as it turned out, he was alive and now confronting Joey.
"Hehehe—"
Songfen let out a dry chuckle. "Ah, it really is amusing. Young people these days, so arrogant. But remember, sometimes taking a step back isn't a bad thing."
Joey remained composed. "But if young people aren't a little reckless, are they really young?"
"Hahaha!" Songfen burst into laughter. "Well said! Truly remarkable, Joey. I look forward to seeing how far you can go."
Despite their casual exchange, an overwhelming killing intent loomed in the air.
Three of the world's superpowers—The Kano Kingdom, The Adam Kingdom, and The Powder Kingdom.
All three had their eyes on the Charlotte Family.
But now, more importantly, the last Den Den Mushi which had remained silent throughout the entire conversation.
Joey turned his attention to it and spoke. "So? The one who holds the highest authority... do you have nothing to say?"
"Hehehe—"
A quiet chuckle came through. This time, an old voice spoke with admiration. "I must admit, heroes do rise among the young."
"Joey, your mindset and strength are truly commendable. I didn't think much of you and lost in this game, and I even gifted you a dowry—allowing the Charlotte Family to gain full control over the Longarm Tribe."
Joey responded, "As expected of the Five Elders. I should thank you for your generosity."
The voice on the other end belonged to one of the Five Elders, the highest authority in the World Government.
They were not just participating in this game within the Tehna Gehna Kingdom. They were its orchestrators.
But to them, no matter how far Joey went, what did it really matter?
In their eyes, he was just another pawn on the board.
The Elder spoke calmly, "Joey, this round of the game—I'll admit I lost. But you won't have an easy victory. Some things are far from being as simple as you think."
Joey remained unfazed. "No need for you to worry about that. Some matters haven't reached the point of being troublesome."
"Oh?"
The Elder chuckled, "So, Joey, you intend to be a player rather than just a piece on the board?"
Clearly, everyone had caught on to Joey's ambitions. But now, the Elder had outright stated it.
In that instant, the expressions of everyone listening changed slightly.
They had sensed it before. But to say it aloud?
Once that veil was lifted, everything became different.
At this moment—They all awaited Joey's answer.
This answer would determine everything.
And so, every single one of them held their breath.
"Hehehe—"
Joey chuckled lightly. "How interesting. So, everyone here... you're really that unwelcoming toward new players? If that's the case, this game might turn out to be far too boring."
A glimmer of light flashed in Joey's eyes.
His calm words echoed in everyone's ears.
.
.
.
