Ricks nodded in amazement. If Queen hadn't pointed it out, even he wouldn't have noticed that Sengoku had also sent a gift during the livestream.
But the livestream screen didn't lie. If it showed Sengoku's name, then he had definitely sent a gift.
So Ricks doubled down with confidence. "Of course it's real, Queen-sama!"
Queen was beginning to believe it. The proof was right in front of his eyes. He kept scrolling and spotted tons of familiar names—people from North Blue, West Blue, South Blue, and East Blue!
Looking at all those usernames, a flicker of surprise lit up in his eyes. "These... Are all these people real?"
Ricks nodded, his tone steady with conviction. "Queen-sama, they're all real users. TikTok has spread across the entire Sea. People from all the Islands can interact in real time. These bullet comments and gifts are all live. It means they're watching at that very moment."
Queen fell silent. His eyes were gleaming with excitement. Everything Ricks said—it was all true.
If he could hold a concert via livestream, then the entire Sea could see him perform and hear his music!
It was an irresistible temptation.
"Perfect! I'll buy one of these phones!" Queen said ecstatically, holding the phone like it was a precious treasure. He could already picture himself broadcasting to the whole world.
"But Queen-sama, to hold a concert, you need at least 1,000 followers. Just a heads-up," Ricks added tactfully.
He was also a little nervous. If Queen bought the phone and then realized he couldn't stream due to low follower count, he might flip the whole booth. Better to explain everything clearly now.
"What?! I need 1,000 followers?!" Queen's face darkened instantly, brows furrowed in frustration. "What kind of scam is this? I already bought the phone! Why can't I just start my concert?"
Ricks quickly explained, "Queen-sama, after registering your TikTok account, you need at least 1,000 followers to unlock livestream privileges. If you try to build up followers naturally, it could take days just to get one."
He kept his explanation short and sweet, hoping Queen would get it.
Queen's expression turned even more sour.
He had the means. He had the stage. But he was blocked by a follower count requirement? That was infuriating. "So troublesome. If only there was a way to gain followers quickly."
Seeing Queen pacing with anxiety, Ricks smirked internally. Got him. The fish had bitten. He scratched his head, pretending to hesitate. "There is a way, but... it's a bit dumb."
"Spit it out!" Queen demanded.
Ricks gave a sly grin. "Queen-sama, you're one of the All-Stars. You must have at least 1,000 subordinates. Just buy one phone for each of them and have them follow you. Boom—1,000 followers instantly."
Queen's eyes lit up like a firework. Why hadn't he thought of that? Brilliant!
He slammed his palm down on the table. "How much for one phone? Give me 10,000 units!"
Ricks was dumbstruck. His brain short-circuited, eyes going wide and glassy. This was too much good fortune at once—it hit like a hurricane.
Big customer. Huge customer!
"Queen-sama, the retail price is 20,000 Berries per phone. But since you're our first customer today, you get a 50% discount. And since you're buying 10,000 units, I'll apply another 50% off using my personal authority."
Ricks winced dramatically, then raised five fingers. "5,000 Berries per phone. That's the absolute bottom line."
"5,000 Berries? 10,000 units makes 50 million Berries..." Queen didn't even blink. He turned to his men and barked, "Go back and get 50 million Berries."
"Yes, Queen-sama!" The subordinate took off like a rocket.
Ricks nearly collapsed from joy. These pirates really were loaded. Fifty million Berries—just like that!
Then he felt a pang of regret. Had he priced it too low?
If he'd known, he could've added a zero and made it 500 million!
While they waited, Ricks started showing Queen how to use the phone and explore TikTok's features.
As expected of a former MADS scientist, Queen's brain was fast and sharp. He picked up the controls in no time.
"This 'Shopping Cart' feature is insane. It can transmit goods over unlimited distance!"
As a scientist, he instantly recognized how wild this tech was. Not even Vegapunk had cracked something like this!
His shock was well-hidden. Then he registered his TikTok account.
Username: Plague Queen!
Sure enough, the app displayed the 1,000-follower requirement to unlock livestreaming. Ricks hadn't lied.
Just then, the subordinate returned with the money. The transaction was completed smoothly, and Queen led his crew back to Udon without delay.
Once there, he immediately called for an emergency assembly.
…
Central Square of Udon.
Queen held a mic in his hand, a proud grin stretching across his face. He scanned the crowd of subordinates gathering around him, eyes gleaming.
"Listen up, you lot!"
Instant silence. All eyes locked on Queen, filled with curiosity and anticipation.
With a wave of his hand, several subordinates hauled over giant wooden crates. They landed with heavy thuds, kicking up clouds of dust.
The pirates swarmed around, whispering and murmuring, eyes full of curiosity.
Queen kicked open one of the crates. Inside, rows of brand-new phones gleamed under the sunlight. The glass screens reflected a dazzling shine, making everyone squint.
"These are phones! One for each of you! Come get yours now!" Queen shouted.
Everyone immediately lined up and began collecting their devices. They stared at the light, square gadgets in their hands, completely confused. One guy even bit it, nearly cracking his teeth.
"What... what the hell is this? It's black and slippery," one pirate said, baffled.
Another pirate cursed, "I've never seen anything like this! Damn thing almost broke my teeth!"
"Queen-sama said it's a phone. Could it be... a new virus?" muttered a horned subordinate, his tone filled with suspicion.
(To be continued.)