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[M.F.S] ch 104: Mystic Eyes of Death Perception!
🕑 Added 2025-02-10 20:51:24 +0000 UTC— — — — — — —
For every younger brother and sister born into the family, Joey had forged the perfect weapon for each of them.
After all, the Dwarves were one of the races under his command, and if there was one thing they excelled at, it was forging weapons.
Not to mention the skilled craftsmen from Wano and the ones he had trained himself.
It was safe to say that Joey had left no stone unturned in this regard.
An interesting fact was that the Dwarves possessed a special ability—one that was incredibly rare.
It was a simple yet remarkable skill: they could instantly discern the most suitable weapon for any individual.
So, the moment a younger sibling was born, the Dwarves would determine the perfect weapon for them and start forging it.
All Joey had to do was hand it over when the time was right.
After all, giving it as a reward was also a good way to encourage them.
His younger siblings needed to grow and improve.
Seeing Nusstorte's excitement, Joey gently said, "Nusstorte, Custard, Moscato! You must work hard to learn and grow! Now that you've made your choices, make sure you live up to them."
"Yes!" The three children nodded firmly.
Joey didn't say much more. He turned and instructed, "Alright, tell Momo to prepare a feast. Tomorrow, we all begin our own journeys."
Everyone smiled and nodded.
This separation was only so they could reunite even stronger in the future.
Joey had his own travels ahead, and Katakuri and the others had their own tasks to accomplish.
The Big Mom Pirates still needed to expand their reputation. And Katakuri and his crew needed to recruit more pirates.
Having only family members as crew wasn't enough.
In this vast sea, there were plenty of non-human pirates—many of whom were worth recruiting. With the right control, they could become valuable combat power.
As for loyalty? That wasn't an issue at all.
If anyone disobeyed, Katakuri had his own ways to make them submit.
— — —
Time passed quickly.
After indulging in some pastries, everyone went about their own activities—whether it was resting, training, or studying.
Joey, as usual, sat on the deck's couch reading a book.
This had always been his habit.
No matter the weather, rain or shine, he would always read there.
Everyone in the family knew about their eldest brother's love for books.
"Master!" Akanegakubo Momo approached and respectfully said, "Afternoon tea is ready."
"Hmm?" Joey looked up and asked, "Is it that time already?"
"Yes, Master. It's time for afternoon tea!" she confirmed.
Joey chuckled. "Looks like I got too caught up in reading. Bring the sweets over."
"Understood!" Momo bowed and left to fetch the treats.
Joey put down his book. It wasn't anything particularly rare—just a common sea story filled with various legends.
Most people treated these as mere storybooks.
But Joey never saw them that way.
To him, these so-called legends often held grains of truth.
He meticulously searched through them for any useful knowledge.
Lately, for instance, he had found some information about the Lunarian Tribe.
"Hmm…" He rubbed his temples and murmured, "I wonder if the intel on the Lunarians is accurate."
"Well, accurate or not, I have to check it out. I can't just ignore it. If it's true, then they would be an invaluable addition to me."
A light chuckle escaped him.
Joey was a collector—not just of rare creatures and exotic plants, but also of unique races.
From this world, he had already gathered the Giants, Three-Eyed Tribe, Tontatta Tribe, Fishmen, Merfolk, Long-Armed Tribe, Long-Legged Tribe, and Snake-Neck Tribe.
Only the Sky Tribe and Mink Tribe remained elusive.
From other worlds, he had acquired the Beastmen, Elves, Dwarves, and Oni.
But he wasn't stopping there.
His collection was far from complete.
Lunarian Tribe and even the legendary Dragon Tribe were his next targets.
If he could locate them, they would be the most precious additions.
He chuckled softly.
"Now that… that would be a real treasure."
Momo arrived with the tea and, noticing his grin, sighed, "Master, every time you think about something devious, it's way too obvious."
Joey snapped back to reality and asked, "Do I really look that suspicious?"
"Yes!" she nodded firmly.
"Master, at times like this, your smile is downright creepy," added Kobayashi Rindo.
"No doubt about it," she agreed, nodding in sync with Momo. "Master, you really need to work on that expression—it totally ruins your usual aura."
Joey sighed, "Alright, I'll work on it. It's not exactly a good habit, and letting others notice it isn't ideal either."
After making their point, the two chefs dropped the subject.
To know…the status of the family's subordinates had recently been upgraded.
They were no longer just followers. They were now recognized as retainers.
However, becoming a retainer was extremely difficult.
After some investigation, they had discovered that the easiest people to become retainers were ordinary individuals.
For those with talent, strength, or ambition, it was almost impossible.
As for why chefs with the "Top tier" aptitude had it easier?
That was simple. Cooking was a profession built on devotion.
No matter how powerful chefs became, they would eventually find someone worth dedicating their lives to.
After the two head chefs left, Joey leisurely enjoyed his afternoon tea.
In the Charlotte Family, afternoon tea was sacred.
During this time, every family member relaxed and enjoyed the moment.
It was a time of peace.
After finishing his tea, Joey wiped his mouth and muttered, "Looks like I really do need to work on my expressions. Not exactly a good look for me… But still, those rare races… they're just too exciting!"
A glint of enthusiasm flashed in his eyes.
He was truly thrilled.
The Lunarian Tribe—a nearly extinct race from legend.
Born with the ability to control flames and fly, they were truly unique.
A treasure like that—how could he not be excited?
It was impossible not to be.
But shaking his head, he decided not to dwell on it for now.
Relaxing his mind, he returned to his book.
These were valuable records. Flipping through the pages, he searched for any potential clues.
Time passed quickly. Especially when engrossed in something so important.
Before he knew it, the sky had darkened completely.
Joey looked up and saw Katakuri beside him, lighting a lantern.
He gave his younger brother a warm look and asked, "Katakuri, what's on your mind?"
Hanging the lantern in place, Katakuri sat down and softly said, "Big Brother… there's something I've been meaning to talk about, but I don't know how to say it…"
Joey took a sip of his still-warm tea and said, "Go ahead. As your big brother, it's my job to help you through your doubts, isn't it?"
"Hmm..."
Katakuri fell silent.
Joey didn't rush him, simply watching with a gentle smile.
Clearly, Katakuri was struggling with something internally.
After a long pause, Katakuri finally spoke. "Big bro..."
"I'm here," Joey reassured him. "Didn't I tell you? No matter when or where, I'm always here to listen."
"Yeah..."
Katakuri nodded, then said, "Big bro, I'm really confused right now. I have the resolve, but I keep doubting myself. Can I really do this? Can I really protect the entire family?"
That was it. That was the source of Katakuri's hesitation.
He was determined to stay strong. But he was also lost in doubt.
After all, he hadn't yet lived through the events of the original story.
Right now, Katakuri still lacked absolute confidence in his heart.
He was still somewhat inexperienced.
At this moment, Joey understood why.
Katakuri hadn't yet mastered his Stand's true power.
Invincible Death.
Just hearing the name made it clear. Katakuri did have an invincible spirit.
But it wasn't unwavering yet.
There was still a small crack in his resolve, and with a flaw like that, he couldn't unleash the full potential of his Stand.
Joey chuckled softly at Katakuri's troubled expression. "Katakuri, I think you've hit a dead end."
"Big bro?" Katakuri looked even more confused.
Joey gave him a gentle smile. "What's your name?"
"Charlotte Katakuri."
Joey nodded. "That alone is enough. Remember your name. You are my brother—Charlotte Joey's younger brother. Isn't it natural for you to be invincible?"
"In this world, you were always meant to be unbeatable. The only reason someone might surpass you now is because they've lived three or five years longer than you."
"But in the future—"
"Do you think you won't surpass them?"
"Remember this." Joey stood up, clapping Katakuri on the shoulder. "Do you want to watch your younger siblings suffer?"
Katakuri responded instantly. "Of course not!"
Joey grinned. "Then that's all that matters! You are an invincible man. You are the unshakable pillar of this family. No one—no one—will ever doubt or question that. Think about how your brothers and sisters look at you, and you'll understand everything."
Simple words, but they struck deep into Katakuri's heart.
He thought of his younger siblings.
Their voices echoed in his mind.
Perospero: "Katakuri! I'm leaving this to you!"
Compote: "Katakuri! Even when no one else can do it, we know you can!"
Broye: "Katakuri! That enemy doesn't stand a chance against you!"
Amande: "Katakuri,...."
One after another, their words surfaced in his mind.
Their figures burned themselves into his memory.
In that moment, Katakuri finally understood.
Their eyes. Every single one of them looked at him with absolute confidence.
It was expectation. It was certainty.
To them, his invincibility was simply a fact of life.
"So this is what it means to be invincible?"
Katakuri clenched his fist.
At that moment—Invincible Death manifested before him.
He saw the world differently.
Cracks appeared everywhere as if reality itself was fracturing.
As if those cracks represented death.
It felt like he could slice through anything with just a simple motion of his blade.
If Joey had seen it, he would have realized immediately—
This was the Stand version of Mystic Eyes of Death Perception!
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