Half a day later, under the glow of the setting sun, the World Economy News Paper's airship slowly descended onto a secluded island.
According to Morgans, this was a backup island he'd scouted long ago. Its concealment was top-notch, not a soul in sight.
He led Ron off the airship and into a hidden cave system. The cave was divided into eight chambers, four of which were fully stocked with food, fresh water, and even premium wine.
"What do you think, Ron? One of my backup HQs. Food, water, fine wine—it's all here." Morgans beamed with pride, then pointed to the other four rooms behind them. "These were originally for meat storage, but the island's crawling with wild beasts, so we don't need it. That frees up space to stockpile cell phones!"
After speaking, Morgans turned to Ron with blazing eyes, practically begging. "Ron, let's go! My ten million phones!"
"It's definitely not bad," Ron agreed as he surveyed the rooms. The lighting came from traditional kerosene lamps, and the cave was dry and well-ventilated—ideal for storage. Plus, its location was remote and hidden.
"You stand guard outside. I can't afford distractions while producing phones," Ron instructed.
"Understood!" Morgans responded immediately.
Ron picked the largest room and stepped in.
It was spacious, well-ventilated, and dry—perfect conditions.
He placed the one billion Berries Morgans had prepared on the floor and opened the box. "System, recharge one billion Berries!"
A black hole appeared above the cash, and in a flash, all one billion Berries vanished.
Ron quickly checked the system store. Sure enough, the balance in the top-right corner now displayed one billion Berries.
"System, purchase one hundred million phones! And this time, stack them neatly. Don't toss them around."
He specifically emphasized the arrangement. Last time, the mess nearly gave his mild OCD a meltdown.
As soon as he spoke, a massive black hole opened in the air above him. A bright flash followed, and one hundred million phones were generated inside the room.
This time, the phones weren't scattered randomly but stacked neatly in square columns, all perfectly aligned.
He didn't bother checking. With the system handling it, he knew there wouldn't be any shortages. That alone made it worth trusting.
Outside, Morgans waited anxiously. He wasn't sure if Ron could really create that many phones.
Using a Devil Fruit power was physically draining, and Ron's health was terrible. If something went wrong, it'd be a huge problem.
Just as Morgans was spiraling into worry, Ron's voice came from inside.
"Morgans, come on in."
Morgans burst in like a rocket.
The moment he saw the room packed with phones, he froze.
"Wha… Is this ten million phones?!" he blurted.
"You're thinking too small." Ron pointed at the towering stacks. "That's one hundred million. Ten million are yours."
"..."
Even if it was just one-tenth, Morgans' eyes practically burst into flames.
He was already fully addicted to the benefits of smartphones.
Just the encrypted voice and video call functions were enough to make him envious. This thing was pure gold.
As for Ron learning any of his secrets? Who cared? Morgans had no secrets from Ron anyway.
If it hadn't been for Ron saving his life back then, he wouldn't even be alive today—let alone running a news empire.
Ron noticed the fire in Morgans' eyes and casually fanned the flames. "Morgans, how about we partner up?"
"Partner my ass! What's yours is mine, and what's mine is yours. Just tell me what you want." Morgan rolled his eyes hard. Every time Ron said the words "partner up," it meant trouble. The last time was about those Celestial Dragon files. What would it be this time?
Ron burst out laughing, unfazed. "Help me sell these phones. We'll split the profit 50-50."
"You're gonna sell this?!" Morgans' eyes widened. "You're seriously gonna sell something this good?"
Ron nodded seriously and laid out the plan.
He didn't hide anything from Morgans. Their years of surviving hell together meant there was no need for secrets.
"I want to change this world—just like you want to be the King of News."
"Change the world with this thing?" Morgans picked up a phone and waved it. "This can't even knock someone out!"
Ron: "…."
"Morgans, sometimes changing the world doesn't need brute force. Sometimes, changing minds works even better."
Morgans scoffed. "Sure it does. Like how Joy Boy tried? That worked out real well. Ron, let's be honest, this phone thing? It's perfect for our news agency. Beyond that, eh…"
Ron realized the silly bird had a fried motherboard. Logic wasn't getting through to him.
So he calmly rolled up his sleeve. A surge of purple-black Armament Haki coated his fist, layered with Conqueror's Haki.
"I believe! I believe, okay?!" Morgans panicked, his feathers standing on end.
Ron sighed. "Guess a little force is still necessary before changing the world."
…
In the end, Morgans agreed to help Ron distribute the phones—at a retail price of 100 Berries each.
They walked out of the cave together, and Ron prepared to set out on the next step of his plan.
"Morgans, once this batch sells out, message me. I'll produce more."
"Got it."
"And make sure every phone comes with a user manual. Give buyers a quick rundown when you hand them out."
"Got it."
"If anyone tries to rob you, just—"
"Rob me? Rob me?! Who would dare? I'm one of the Emperors of the Underworld!"
"True. Alright then, I'm off." Ron double-checked everything, then hopped into a small boat and left the island.
His next goal? Find TikTok's true addictive driving force.
Because even if all the phones sold, people wouldn't use them for long without something addictive to hook them.
And as everyone knows, the most irresistible content… is suggestive content.
A little spice brings fun. Constant spice? Endless fun.
Whether it was pirates, Marines, or regular civilians, none of them had real entertainment in their lives. Only the Celestial Dragons or a few nobles had even minimal luxuries.
So Ron's plan to change the world through smartphones wasn't just feasible—it was genius.
Just then…
Boom!
The sea exploded as a massive Sea King leapt from the water, opening its jaws wide to swallow Ron whole.
One cold stare from Ron was all it took to make the Sea King freeze in place.
"You showed up at just the right time. Saves me the swim." Ron leapt onto the Sea King's head, pointed toward the Calm Belt, and said calmly, "Go that way. Once we get there, I'll let you go."
The Sea King nodded furiously and started swimming at full speed.
Standing on its back, Ron felt the salty breeze on his face. His thoughts drifted as he looked up at the cloudless sky stretching for miles.
He thought his life was over.
But now, with the God-tier Entertainment System, he had the power to change the world.
"It's been seventeen years since I last saw that girl… I wonder if she still remembers me."
(To be continued.)