Chapter 24: Totto Land
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In the beginning, Joey had simply thought of his five younger brothers as a group of promising warriors, their strength reminiscent of formidable generals.
But later, when the Yamata no Orochi fruit was consumed, he realized something remarkable—these five brothers truly embodied the spirit of the legendary Generals. And so, the title "Five Generals of Pastry" was bestowed upon them.
Each of the five brothers wore heavy, custom-made armor. This was no ordinary gear; it was forged by master craftsmen Joey had acquired through a deal with Kurozumi Higurashi.
Craftsmanship from Wano Country was unmatched anywhere in the world. Under Higurashi's guidance, Kurozumi Orochi had seized control of these artisans, and through them, gradually claimed dominion over the entire nation. This alone demonstrated the unparalleled value of Wano's craftsmen.
Joey spared no expense, trading vast amounts of gold—Wano's sole accepted currency—to purchase 20 artisans from Higurashi. These skilled craftsmen created the perfect armor for the Five Generals: sturdy, heavy, yet offering exceptional mobility.
Elder Brother Opera: Wielding the Azure Dragon Crescent Blade, empowered by the Azure Dragon Fruit.
Second Brother Counter: Wielding the Long Snake Spear, empowered by the Yamata no Orochi Fruit.
Third Brother Cadenza: Wielding the Silver Dragon Spear.
Fourth Brother Cavalette: Wielding the Golden Tiger Head Spear.
Fifth Brother Gala: Wielding the Sun-Moon Mountain-Splitting Blade.
"Big brother!"
Opera approached Joey. Towering nearly three meters tall and clad in imposing armor, he looked like an indomitable iron-clad general. Joey sized up the five brothers, a rare smile of pride spreading across his face.
"You five all grown so much. Truly impressive!"
"Ah?"
"Haha!"
"Hehe…"
Hearing Joey's praise, the five brothers scratched their heads, visibly flustered. Joey, while gentle, had always been the strict elder brother, earning their utmost respect. This unexpected compliment left them both proud and embarrassed.
Joey chuckled and shook his head. "Alright, prepare to set sail! Remember, we're not pirates. You must carry yourselves with the dignity of future kings. Understood?"
"Understood!"
The five brothers immediately straightened up, nodding solemnly.
Just then, a sweet voice called out. "Big brother! Big brother!"
Charlotte Brûlée ran over and jumped into Joey's arms. "Can I come with you?"
Joey smiled warmly. "Brûlée, what are you doing here on your own?"
With his sisters, Joey was always gentle. He understood the value of raising girls with care and affection. The saying "raise sons roughly, raise daughters gently" was a principle he upheld.
(A/N: I want to beat this MC)
Brûlée grinned. "Big brother, I want to come with you! Broyé wants to come too, but she's too shy to say it!"
"Big brother…" Broyé, her twin sister, stepped out hesitantly, twirling a lock of her pink hair.
The twins were undeniably adorable. Brûlée, the elder, had violet hair, while Broye's hair was pink. Joey was determined to ensure these girls had happy childhoods, unmarred by bullying or neglect. He couldn't imagine letting them grow into anything less than the beauties they were destined to become.
"Alright," Joey said, ruffling Brûlée's hair and smiling at Broye. "If you want to come along, then you can join me."
At that moment, Perospero arrived with Daifuku and Oven in tow.
Perospero: A Paramecia user of the Brush-Brush Fruit, at Bronze Level 4, near Vice Admiral strength.
Daifuku: A Paramecia user of the Puff-Puff Fruit, also at Bronze Level 4.
Oven: A Paramecia user of the Heat-Heat Fruit, similarly at Bronze Level 4.
Joey looked at the three of them. "Perospero, Daifuku, Oven—the family's affairs are in your hands now. I'm leaving you with 1,000 guards while I take the other 1,000 with me. Protect the family's assets, develop the intelligence network, and don't slack on your training. You're only a step away from the next level."
The Charlotte family's true pillars of strength were few in the original timeline, with only nine individuals—Perospero, Katakuri, Cracker, Smoothie, Snack, Daifuku, Oven, Compote, and Amande—fitting the bill. That was precisely why Joey was so intent on cultivating the rest of the family's potential.
He ensured the five brothers were combat-ready and sought to develop the unique talents of his other siblings, even those who might not become fighters. Whether in battle or other domains, they all had their parts to play.
Perospero nodded firmly. "Big brother, don't worry! I'll handle everything. But you—be careful. The family can't afford to lose you!"
Touched by his brother's words, Joey smiled confidently. "When I return, it will be time to establish Totto Land as a nation!"
As Joey spoke, Perospero, Daifuku, Oven, and the other brothers couldn't help but tear up.
The Charlotte family could survive without anyone—anyone but their eldest brother.
With a determined smile, Joey turned toward the horizon, ready to embark on the next phase of their journey.
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