The live broadcast continued.
After hearing Luffy's request, Ron smiled and shook his head "Captain Luffy, there's a particular quote I quite like: 'A man's dreams will never die.' As long as you persevere, anyone can achieve their dreams. I believe you are no exception."
"Hehehehe, you're a pretty nice old man," Luffy grinned at Ron.
He always respected those who respected the dreams of others.
Ron paused to think, then asked, "Captain Luffy, have you ever thought about becoming a TikTok creator?"
"TikTok creator? What's that? Is it tasty?" Luffy scratched his head, confused.
"..." Ron froze for a moment. This guy really thinks about food all the time.
He patiently explained, "A TikTok creator is someone who posts a certain kind of video regularly. Since your dream is to become the Pirate King, you could become a creator who documents that journey."
"TikTok creators specialize in particular types of content. They use their influence to inspire and encourage others," Ron added.
"That's right! I'm gonna be the Pirate King! I can be a TikTok creator too!" Luffy's eyes lit up with determination. Then he looked at Ron again, a little confused. "So how do I become one?"
Ron smiled. "It's simple. Record your journey toward becoming the Pirate King and post it to TikTok. The spirit of chasing your dream, working tirelessly day and night—that'll definitely move people and give them hope."
"Hahahahaha, old man, you're really good at talking," Luffy put on his straw hat, his eyes full of fire. "Old man, that's our promise! I'm gonna become a TikTok creator for sure!"
Nami, standing off to the side, was also deeply moved. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Mr. Developer really was amazing. His voice was soothing, his words insightful, and his advice was perfect for them.
So, does this mean they're gonna be famous in the future? Once they go viral, they can add a shopping cart and rake in tons of cash! The kind where you count money until your hands cramp!
The rest of the crew were equally excited.
Usopp was already imagining himself becoming a mega creator with thousands of followers!
Sanji was lost in fantasies of being chased by thousands of gorgeous fans who wanted to taste his cooking. Just thinking about it felt like paradise!
Even Zoro squinted slightly at the idea. If this worked, he could use TikTok to watch and study other people's sword techniques. It might help him become the world's greatest swordsman!
Nami's eyes had turned into Berry symbols. She looked at the stream and quickly jumped in, "Hello, Mr. Developer, I'm the navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates, Nami. Could you help us name our dream-chasing series?"
Luffy nodded right away. "Yeah, old man, help me come up with a cool name! I want the whole world to know it!"
Huh?
Ron was stunned. He hadn't expected that kind of request.
But naming something? That was easy!
After all, in his past life, their story had already become a manga and anime legend.
Still, Ron acted like he was thinking hard. Then, like he had a sudden inspiration, he snapped his fingers. "Got it! Let's call it... One Piece! Chasing dreams, becoming Pirate King—all the way!"
Luffy's eyes lit up. He was pumped. He laughed and clutched his phone. "Nice! That name's awesome! Let's go with One Piece!"
The rest of the crew were just as thrilled.
The road to fame and the Pirate King? Now that sounded like fun!
The call ended there. All the guidance had been given.
"Then, Captain Luffy, we'll end the call here. If you have more questions later, just follow my uploads. I'll post tips on video production regularly," Ron said.
"Ah, old man... that fast?" Luffy was a little surprised, but nodded anyway.
The video call disconnected.
Meanwhile, the live chat was already full of gunpowder. The atmosphere was electric.
People were practically shouting that they were going to set out immediately and take down the Straw Hat Pirates.
"What kind of brat thinks being a pirate is playing house? Screw this, I'm going after him now!"
"Straw Hat punk, don't run! I, Smoker, will catch you and throw you in prison! Let's see who can save you this time!"
"Hahahaha... didn't expect the Navy to already be targeting this kid!"
"It's me, Gecko Moria! I'm the one who'll be Pirate King! You bastards better get ready for my zombie army to crush your ships!"
"Even a Warlord of the Sea is joining in? Don't tell me the Seven Warlords are becoming TikTok pirates now?"
"Still just pirates. Lapdogs of the World Government!"
The live chat had completely exploded. Bullet comments flew across the screen like a blizzard, the chaos of a massive war just moments away.
Ron hadn't expected the live room to be this intense. With that one call, the Straw Hats had entered hell mode on expert difficulty.
But for Luffy, who had that main character glow, maybe this was just the beginning of another miracle.
Ron ignored the chat and was about to go offline when a small, glowing blue airship shaped like a tree floated up from the bottom of the screen. At the same time, a line of gold text appeared for everyone watching:
[Drum Kingdom · King Wapol sent Universe ×1]
"???"
Ron froze. What the hell? They learned how to send gifts without even being taught?!
The viewers were just as stunned. Wait... we can do that?!
What was that flashy thing just now? It blinked in and vanished.
"Thanks, Wapol, for the Universe gift. But actually, no need to spend money, everyone. This stream is public service, meant to help people understand video-making and improve their skills," Ron explained to the chat.
Only then did people realize what the flashy thing was, it was a gift animation. When a streamer's live, viewers can send virtual gifts with real value.
And then everyone saw it... Universe actually cost 100,000 Berries!
One hundred thousand Berries!
Who the hell's that rich?!
Just then, a new animation appeared. A sunglasses effect dropped down onto Ron's face and lingered a few seconds before fading out.
The same kind of golden text appeared again:
[Nojiko sent Sunglasses ×2]
Then Nojiko's bullet comment popped up:
"Thank you, Mr. Developer. I'll send you a big gift once I start earning money!"
Ron smiled and waved. "It was nothing. I just hope the TikTok environment keeps improving and everyone makes better and better content."
But then... one comment made Ron's mouth twitch.
"Hello, Developer, I'm Wapol. I clicked the wrong button earlier. I didn't mean to send a gift. Stupid hippo, stupid hippo! Mr. Developer, could you return the gift? Or maybe half? Please?"
Before Ron could reply, the rest of the chat exploded:
"Serves you right! Who told you to flex like that? Damn, that felt good!"
"Are you poor or just pathetic? And you call yourself a king? Can't even afford a hundred thousand Berries?"
"Thought it was some rich guy earlier. I was about to follow. But nope. Unfollowing now!"
(To be continued.)