An elf, a genius scientist who traveled from the world of One Piece.

Chapter 7 Umbreon: I was here first!

Upon hearing Giovanni's words, Umbreon froze on the spot as if struck by lightning.

Sakagi explained in detail, sharing some key points about raising Pokémon with Su Sheng.

Just like how Su Sheng trained athletes in his previous life.

If you want to train a football player who can play in the World Cup, you have to start preparing from the stage when he has just learned to walk and cannot talk.

And now, Eevee's age is like a student who is about to take the college entrance exam tomorrow, and you're saying you want to train her to play in the World Cup?

Is this realistic?

Okay, that's a bit of an extreme example.

But that's exactly what Sakaki meant.

"That Umbreon, at best, can only reach the level of an Elite Four member; its potential is too low."

I wonder how many trainers will be moved to tears upon hearing Giovanni's words.

What does it mean to say "at most, he's only at the level of the Four Heavenly Kings"?

Keep in mind that this is a height that 99.99% of trainers can only dream of in their lifetime, okay?

But that's not surprising.

After all, Giovanni is already a Champion-level Trainer, and in the future he will almost reach the level of a Champion, known as a "Master" or "Grandmaster".

It's normal for him to look down on the Four Heavenly Kings' class.

In Sakaki's eyes, Su Sheng should not be limited to the mere Four Heavenly Kings.

"That's a heartless remark, old man. You're not trying to make me abandon Umbreon, are you? I don't care about the strength of Pokémon."

Originally, Yueyibu had been lowering her head further and further because of Sakaki's words, but when she heard the disdain in Su Sheng's tone...

A glimmer of light returned to his eyes.

"Ha~ Of course not, I'm just reminding you that there's no need to put too much effort into an elf with a low potential."

Sakaki smiled slightly and said:

"Just like how our gym leaders train some Pokémon with average aptitude to deal with some novice challengers, once you get a better Pokémon, that Umbreon can be placed in the second-tier team."

It's no secret that gym leaders adjust their teams based on the challengers' skill levels.

However, the animation did not explicitly show this.

This was later confirmed in the game and the special edition animation.

And what Sakaki said was indeed not without reason.

Just like teams in competitive sports.

Those with ability start, those without ability become substitutes.

That's just how reality is.

Umbreon buried its head deeply once again.

Then Sakaki said again:

"Perfect timing. I have some promising newborn Pokémon that you could try training, like... Dratini or something..."

Mini Dragon!?

Upon hearing those three words, Umbreon's expression turned even uglier.

Although she is just a Pokémon, she has lived in the human world since childhood and doesn't know much about other Pokémon.

But I've also learned about what kind of Pokémon "Dragonite" is from its former owner, gossip from others, or TV programs.

A powerful Dragon-type Pokémon that matures late but, once nurtured to its final form, will overpower most other Pokémon and is hailed as a "quasi-legendary" Pokémon!

Umbreon bit its lower lip hard with its fangs.

That kind of spirit... is more suited to such a perfect master, isn't it?

"How about it? Want to give it a try? If it were you, I think one day you could train it into a Dragonite that wouldn't be inferior to those Dragon Tamers in Blacksmith City."

Giovanni's words were like daggers, each one piercing the softest part of Umbreon's heart.

Umbreon imagined what kind of Pokémon would join its team in the future.

From then on, the owner will devote all the care they give to it.

Every night I hold her as she falls asleep, giving her a loving smile, and even kissing her cheek...

And all I could do was huddle in a corner and watch it all silently.

Then, feeling sorry for herself, she said, "I was here first..."

"Uncle Giovanni, you seem to look down on my Umbreon. How about we make a bet?"

Su Sheng finally responded.

Let Umbreon raise its little head that was about to droop to the ground again.

"Next time we battle, I'll have her defeat your Pokémon, using this Eevee that you called 'too low potential'."

Sakaki looked incredulous, then smiled. "Having goals is a good thing, but you also need to consider reality, young man. Every Pokémon has its limits..."

"So you want to surpass the elves?"

Su Sheng's rhetorical question left Sakaki speechless for a moment.

This brings to mind the idea of ​​"degeneration" that I heard from Su Sheng ten days ago.

Then I saw the look in his eyes that showed absolutely no hint of a joke.

Sakaki couldn't help but think, "Is this kid serious?"

At this moment, Umbreon's expression was just like Chopper's after being redeemed by Hiluluk, with tears streaming down its face.

Su Sheng suddenly stood up when he saw him on the beach.

Eevee quickly went back inside and lay down again.

"Don't you want the Mini Dragons anymore?"

Sakaki glanced at him and asked.

"More than that, I'd like Uncle Giovanni to sponsor me some money. I want to study Pokémon properly."

Su Sheng shrugged. "Just consider it an investment. I'll definitely repay you in the future."

"Whoa~"

Sakaki couldn't help but show a look of anticipation, "I hope it won't disappoint me."

Su Sheng smiled in response, "Don't worry, this will be the most satisfying investment you've ever made."

I learned so many things from Vegapunk in my past life.

Still can't you tinker with something?

I'm not the kind of useless protagonist that the author has written millions of words for but who hasn't grown at all.

……

Early the next morning.

Su Sheng, who was sleeping on the sofa, had just opened his eyes when he found Yueyibu lying next to his pillow.

Coincidentally, Umbreon also opened its blood-red eyes at that moment.

"Heh~ Did you get into the wrong bed when you got up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night?"

Su Sheng rubbed the other's short, but surprisingly nice-feeling black hair.

Hmm, although it's not as fluffy as Flareon, it's still quite moist.

"I'm going out to buy some things. If all goes well, I'll find a way to help you revert back to Eevee soon. You stay home and wait patiently."

Su Sheng got up, put Yueyi back on the bed, then patted Yueyi's chin, quickly washed up, and went out.

Yueyibu, who had been staring at Su Sheng's back the whole time, looked like she wanted to say something but hesitated.

It really wanted to tell Su Sheng that it no longer cared about its appearance.

Su Sheng has said more than once that she looks beautiful now, and Yueyibu has fully accepted herself as she is now and is proud of her current state.

But... just as Yueyi was about to express her feelings to Su Sheng.

She suddenly remembered what Sakaki had said last night—

That Eevee's potential is too low.

If the master completes the research and allows himself to return to the Eevee era...

Will this give me a second chance to grow and break through the bottleneck caused by age?

No, we must not rush things.

What needs to be done now is to reach the limit of this identity.

Set a small goal: first, reach the King level.

(End of this chapter)