Just purchasing Energy Blocks cost twenty-three thousand alliance coins.
It's evident how much money is required to nurture Pokémon, especially with premium quality.
This isn't the most premium or top-notch level; compared to those who truly spend fortunes, Natsuhiko's efforts are just like...
A drop in the ocean.
After consuming two special Tree Fruits and shedding skin once, Weedle not only grew larger but also increased its appetite.
Which is a good thing for both it and Natsuhiko, as a bigger appetite means more energy absorption, accelerating Weedle's absorption of Insect-type and Poison Energy. However, for Natsuhiko's wallet, it might not be great news.
"Thankfully, I didn't try to capture a second Pokémon, otherwise there wouldn't be extra resources to train another one."
Sighing inwardly.
With his current capabilities, focusing on nurturing one is key. Having another Pokémon might add a margin for error, but would definitely divide resources originally meant for Weedle.
Currently, Weedle's potential is no weaker than other Pokémon. Dedicating full effort would certainly yield corresponding rewards.
"There are still two matters, but before that..."
Leaving the northern district of the black market, entering the relatively quieter streets of the East District.
He visited multiple shops regarding Pokémon literature, purchasing many books and materials that aren't available on the regular market.
As he left the last bookstore, Natsuhiko suddenly turned into an alley in the East District.
Soon after he entered.
Another person, hidden under a cloak, followed suit.
"Paras, where is he?"
Sakagami, who followed Natsuhiko into the alley, stood unsurely at a fork in the road, asking his Pokémon.
"Para~~" Paras on the ground slightly sensed the air's humidity and the spores it had dispersed, pointing toward a left path.
Sakagami hesitated slightly.
Natsuhiko's sudden action made him contemplate if he had been discovered.
Yet, after a brief hesitation, he quickly proceeded.
Paras's spores are fine, not easy to notice. A move he constantly relies on for survival at Goldenrod City's black market.
Working for shops, reclaiming sold goods, and keeping the surplus.
There's a dedicated group of people in the black market like him, targeting customers specifically.
His Paras plants spores on customers, if discovered, he'd abandon it; if unnoticed, it indicates the target isn't strong...
As he walked further, the alley became a dead end.
In the corner at the alley end, he noticed a small spore trying hard to root and sprout upon ground contact.
"Darn it!" His heart skipped in alarm.
Shouting hastily, "Paras!"
Swish, swish, swish—
Yet, as he spoke, three Poison Needles streaked with a purple glow shot from an inconspicuous crevice in the alley.
Piercing through the cloak, entering Sakagami's body.
"Para!!" Paras gasped.
Turning around, it saw a larger-sized Weedle crawling slowly out from the crevice, its small eyes exuding coldness.
Sakagami fell heavily to the ground, unmoving.
But from the alley's other end, a voice echoed again.
"Weedle, use Poison Needle again, aim for his head."
It was Natsuhiko, stepping out from the corner, standing in the shadows, rubbing a small spore gently in his hand.
The shade here seemed somewhat unnaturally green.
"Wait a minute! Misunderstanding!"
Just as Natsuhiko finished speaking, Sakagami jumped up from the ground, looking terrified.
Why aren't you playing by the usual rules?
Seeing him motionless should have been the cue to claim the spoils, only to be reverse attacked by him pretending to be dead, right?
With eyes appearing exceptionally bright in the shadows, Natsuhiko ignored his words and simply commanded again: "Weedle!"
"Ah!"
Weedle understood, once again shooting three Poison Needles, this time aiming for Sakagami's head.
Natsuhiko's intent was clear.
Since Sakagami was sneakily following him and had scattered spores on him, he certainly had no good intentions; dealing swiftly with such individuals was necessary.
If Weedle hadn't detected the spores on him, the consequences later would've been predictable without much thought.
Rather than waiting for someone to act, it's better to strike first.
"Damn!"
Sakagami's eyes flared, feeling the sting on his back from the Poison Needles.
Simultaneously shocked, as he'd been wearing protection to prevent Pokémon attacks, something he'd relied on to deal with many inexperienced "customers."
But it was just a Weedle, yet its Poison Needles seemed intent on piercing through his protection; the needle tip had already penetrated, breaking through his skin.
Toxins were spreading.
"Paras! Paralysis Powder!"
Paras on the ground leapt up, blocking the Poison Needles in its stride, its two mushrooms on its back gently trembling to release a large quantity of fine, glistening green powder throughout the small alley.
However, having been struck by the Poison Needles, Paras cried out in agony, crashing heavily to the ground.
Weedle's Poison Needles aren't easy to withstand, particularly for Bug-type and Grass-type Pokémon like Paras, which are heavily countered by Bug-type and Poison-type Pokémon like Weedle.
Whether using Insect-type Techniques or Poison-type Techniques, they can deliver double the damage to it.
Seeing Paras hit the ground, Weedle remained indifferent, once more shooting Poison Needles from the horn on its head at a particularly tricky angle aimed toward Sakagami's head.
No need to tangle with Paras; taking out the Trainer ends things more straightforwardly.
This time, Sakagami was out of options.
Splurt—
Sakagami stared with widened eyes, three small holes upon his forehead, where dark red blood gradually flowed, purple threads spreading from the holes across his forehead.
Thud!
Once more collapsing, but this time genuinely dead.
Witnessing its Trainer's demise, Paras stumbled to its feet, its gaze bewildered.
Sakagami only regarded Paras as a tool, so Paras naturally felt no attachment, just a confusion over what to do now that its Trainer was dead.
After waiting for the Paralysis Powder to fully dissipate, Natsuhiko approached Sakagami's body, finding only a small amount of money, some empty Pokeballs, and Paras's Pokeball.
Putting away Paras, taking Weedle along, he tugged his hood, quickly disappearing into the alley.
He didn't dwell much on the scene that had just unfolded.
The chaotic nature of a black market is such that showing wealth can make one a target.
Thus, many choose not to hide their identity, as it displays strength; others keep their Pokémon outside, similarly showcasing their strength.
But Natsuhiko's Weedle was somewhat recognizable, exposing it outside risked revealing his identity.
Emerging from the alley.
Having bought Energy Blocks and books, just one task remained.
Headed towards the black market's South District.
The South District is a Pokémon sales area, compared to the relatively calm East District's bookstore zone, they're worlds apart in terms of bustling activity.
Among the thronging crowds, cages placed outside various shops house numerous Pokémon, mostly rarer ones to attract customers, including many from other regions.
For instance, Hoenn Region's Starter Trio Pokémon Mudkip, or Sinnoh Region's Glameow, and so forth.
As Kanto Region's largest city's black market, Goldenrod City offers any region's Pokémon provided you have sufficient money.
Even Pokémon from areas not entirely under the alliance's jurisdiction can be purchased.
Money is the key.
Pushing through the crowd, Natsuhiko couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
"Money moves mountains..."
Nevertheless, Natsuhiko noticed a peculiar phenomenon.
Outside many stores' cages, a few Electric-type Pokémon were always present to some extent.
Even among street vendors' stalls on the ground, several Electric-type Pokémon could be seen.
Despite them being relatively common Electric-type Pokémon, since when did Goldenrod City experience such an overflow of Electric-type Pokémon?
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