Chapter 5: The reactions
The video hitting 2 million views was impressive, but what happened afterward was even more interesting. Nearly half a million comments made it the most commented video in the world at the time, propelling it to trend on Twitter and amassing 6 million views by the end of the day.
But the real question is, how did the video get those 2 million views in the first place? After all, it was from a channel with no prior uploads. The answer lies with Buttergod, an established YouTuber who stumbled upon the "SuperiorNerd" channel, which had only one video.
Buttergod enjoys discovering and supporting new YouTubers since he lacked that support when he first started. He found the video amusing, especially since it was recorded by the kid's uncle, but as the video progressed, he realized the genius behind it. The kid had managed to create a complex device with such simplicity, but Buttergod also feared for the kid's safety when he explained the dangers of the device before testing it. However, he was relieved to see that the kid ensured the whole thing was safe.
The wholesome dynamic between the uncle and nephew compelled Buttergod to subscribe, like the video, and share it on Twitter. He tagged NASA's official Twitter account with a humorous query:
"Yo, my man's, why did you guys research the ocean for so long and then just say 'fuck it' and start researching space? We need answers."
Buttergod thought nothing more of it, assuming it was just a small joke for his fans.
The tweet gained traction, sparking a discussion:
- **Stuttering Stuart:** "Is Buttergod smoking pot again, or what? He's acting all creepy conspiracy theorist and shit🤣"
- **Damsel Will Destroy:** "Holy shit, I didn't think of that. NASA needs to answer and show us whatever the fuck they're hiding from us."
- **Benchpress Boy:** "Wait, did none of you guys actually watch the video he linked? It's funny as hell, ngl.🤣"
- **Wannabe Watanabe:** "OMG, @Benchpress Boy is so right. The video is fire, and it felt like a vlog. Makes me wonder if this type of shit happens all the time in their house."
- **Sparky Spunk:** "Love how he explains the mechanics behind what he made, even though I don't get any of it, lol."
As the discussion grew, more people watched the video to understand the context. The surge in views and comments pushed the video to YouTube's front page, accelerating its growth.
Meanwhile, on Twitter, Uncle Ben's theory being cut short by Peter's entry into the video led to wild speculation. People began theorizing about why NASA might have shifted its focus from the ocean to space, with some believing NASA discovered horrific creatures underwater or even Cthulhu. This conspiracy led to the hashtag #WhatsUnderTheWater trending at number one on Twitter.
NASA eventually responded with a cryptic hint:
"The reason was given by the person who questioned it himself."
This sent people on a goose chase to find the original question, and when they did, those in the know responded with:
"Link to I SPY MYSELF Part 1: The Oxygenator video."
This drew even more viewers, who left comments with their theories:
- **Dave098:** "The reason NASA shifted focus is simple—they saw Star Wars and decided to follow the most trending thing at the time."
- **FemGiraffe:** "It's because they found the lost city of Atlantis, where the Atlanteans threatened to overthrow the world. NASA's planning an escape for humanity."
- **YeOldDriver:** "It's obvious—they stopped researching the ocean because it's harder to handle the pressure down there than it is to reach space."
- **Srers:** "@YeOldDriver shut the fuck up, nerd. Nobody cares."
- **YeOldDriver:** "Why are you booing me? I'm right."
- **Srers:** "I don't care."
- **YeOldDriver:** "Ugh, young people nowadays."
As more people commented on the meme and its context, others discussed the actual content of the video:
- **ChairWayToHeaven:** "Holy hell, this guy is just awesome. He put so much effort into making this just for the sake of it."
- **AxisAcid:** "Ayo, this uncle and nephew feel like they came out of a Rick and Morty episode with their roles reversed."
- **RidingPony:** "Uncle Ben seems a little sus with the random info he gives, like the bit about blood being hard to wash off. I'll be watching you, Uncle Ben 📸."
- **IKnowShit:** "How the hell is this kid making this stuff?"
- **Hairport:** "Is this available to buy somewhere?"
- **BlanketBanger✔️:** "Great first video, dude. Hope you make more awesome stuff."
As engagement soared, people were shocked to discover that this was the channel's first video. The praise poured in, and subscribers began to increase steadily, reaching 120k by the end of the day.
However, the video also caught the attention of unscrupulous companies that wanted to sell a product like the one Peter made. They discovered that the device was copyrighted, but that didn't stop them. They used online platforms to hide their tracks, selling knockoffs produced in sweatshops in China. Years later, a Polish company attempted to scam people with artificial gills similar to those in the video, but Peter's warnings kept most people from losing too much money.
While all this was happening, Peter was busy debating with Ned about why adding midi-chlorians to Star Wars was a bad idea, arguing that it ruined the mystery of the Force. Ned, however, believed that without midi-chlorians, people would wonder where young Padawans were coming from.
Peter looked thoughtful before saying, "But if that's the case, the Sith could have created a Jedi breeding chamber to produce more Jedi easily." The seriousness of his tone contrasted with the absurdity of his statement, but Ned couldn't help but shake his head in disgust.
"Eww, dude, first of all, that's gross," Ned retorted. "But YOU'RE FUCKING WRONG BECAUSE MIDI-CHLORIANS AREN'T BASED ON GENETICS! THEY'RE FUCKING FORCE BULLSHIT! WHAT MADE YOU THINK OTHERWISE, YOU DUMB FUCK?"
Peter covered his ears from Ned's outburst before yelling back, "WELL, MAYBE IT'S BECAUSE ALL THE SKYWALKERS SEEMED TO BE GETTING THEIR DICKS SUCKED BY THE FORCE!"
"AAAAAHHH!" Ned screamed, charging forward and using his momentum to push Peter off his chair.
They rolled around on the ground, fighting until they got kicked out by the owners for causing a scene. Exhausted (with Peter faking it to seem normal), they sat on the sidewalk, panting. They exchanged numbers, got up, and walked away in opposite directions, the rays of the setting sun illuminating their paths as they headed home to fight another day for the things they believed in.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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