Lin finally reached the climax: Luffy standing before Shanks at the harbor. The legendary pirate took off his signature straw hat and placed it on the boy's head.
"I'm leaving this hat with you. It's my most precious treasure. Bring it back to me someday... when you've become a great pirate."
At that moment, tears began to blur Lin's vision. As the daughter of a strict Martial Master who only valued raw cultivation, she had never seen such a bond—one built on sacrifice and a shared dream rather than bloodlines or status.
When she finally closed the book, her hands were shaking.
"How much?" she asked, reaching for a heavy pouch of gold coins.
Ray smirked. "This chapter is free. But for the next one... bring your friends from the Academy."
The moment Lin stepped out of the shop, the System's cold voice rang out:
[Ding! Mission Accomplished: Gain your first loyal fan.]
[Reward: Skill 'Inking Reality' (Ability to manifest a basic item from the manga into the real world).]
[Item Available: The Straw Hat.]
Ray reached toward the drawing on his desk. His fingers dipped into the paper as if it were water, and he pulled. Slowly, a physical straw hat—weathered and smelling of the salty sea—emerged into his hands.