Unlike Tyranitar's smooth fusion with the Shukaku template, Scyther's fusion with Chōmei was far more difficult.
A 70% compatibility meant that Scyther would have to endure intense pain throughout the fusion process.
The moment Sam chose Yes, the fusion began.
An unknown energy suddenly enveloped Scyther's body.
To ensure the fusion proceeded smoothly, that energy began actively reshaping Scyther. Under its infusion, Scyther's body grew at a speed visible to the naked eye, reaching nearly two meters tall in less than two minutes.
It was no longer stunted as before.
The crack along the blade of its right scythe slowly repaired itself, and it wouldn't be long before it returned to perfect condition.
Everything was developing in a positive direction.
"Ding. Fusion complete. Congratulations to the host—Scyther has successfully integrated the Chōmei template."
[Pokémon]: Scyther
[Type]: Bug / Flying
[Ability]: Technician (boosts the power of lower-base-power moves)
[Template]: Chōmei
[Compatibility]: 70%
[Strength]: High Elite
[Potential]: Champion
Hearing the system's prompt, Sam finally let out a breath of relief.
Probably because the compatibility with Chōmei wasn't extremely high, Scyther's overall strength hadn't skyrocketed despite the successful fusion.
Still, this result was more than satisfactory.
It was time to leave.
Sam had already spent quite some time in Viridian Forest, and there was no reason to stay any longer.
He didn't choose to say goodbye to the fishing ranger or Yellow, instead leaving quietly.
Scyther had changed far too much. If he ran into them, Sam wouldn't know how to explain it. It was better to leave that for another time.
"Uncle, big brother left with Midori."
"…I see. I hope their journey is blessed with tailwinds."
---
"Nibi City… we're finally here."
"Bulba, bulba."
After leaving Viridian Forest and arriving in Nibi City, Bulbasaur's mood clearly dropped.
As a Grass-type Pokémon, it naturally preferred the lush greenery of Viridian Forest over a city built almost entirely of stone.
"Cheer up, Bulbasaur. Don't sulk like a child," Sam said with a smile, crouching down and patting it gently on the back.
Bulbasaur would be the core of his challenge against the Nibi Gym. During their time in the forest, it hadn't been idle at all. Aside from polishing its existing moves, it had also learned two new ones.
Razor Leaf and Leech Seed.
With just these, Sam was confident that Bulbasaur alone could clear the Nibi Gym,
assuming nothing unexpected happened.
"Bulba!"
Bulbasaur was only a little downhearted. After Sam's reassurance, it quickly perked up again.
---
"Hello, my name is Sam. I'm from Viridian City, and I'm here to challenge the Nibi Gym."
After cleaning up at the Pokémon Center and changing clothes, Sam went straight to the gym.
Unfortunately, his timing wasn't great.
The Nibi Gym Leader was already in the middle of a battle.
"Please wait a moment," a young gym attendant said, leading Sam to the viewing area. "Big brother is having a Gym Battle right now."
"Is that… Ash?!"
The boy scratched his head helplessly. "You know him? This is already his third challenge."
"Third time?" Sam frowned slightly.
In his memory, Ash Ketchum had only challenged the Nibi Gym twice. Had the plot changed?
From the spectator seats, Misty also noticed Sam. She shook her head and gave a wry smile.
"Ash is way too stubborn. He insists on letting Pikachu fight."
Sam didn't know what to say. This was classic Ash, the master of fighting type disadvantages head-on.
The battle itself unfolded exactly as expected.
Facing Onix, Pikachu had almost no room to resist. After a brief exchange, Pikachu was defeated once again.
"That's just reckless," Sam muttered, shaking his head. "Using Pikachu against Onix was never a good idea."
But he also understood Ash's predicament.
At this stage, Ash only had three Pokémon: Pidgeotto, Butterfree, and Pikachu. None of them were truly suited to fighting Onix. Choosing Pikachu was less a strategy and more a last resort.
"Pikachu!"
Even after another defeat, Ash wasn't discouraged. He rushed forward, holding Pikachu tightly in his arms, his eyes as firm as ever.
"I'll come back again, Brock."
With a sigh, Brock replied,
"There's no denying the bond between you and your Pokémon. But if you want to defeat me, that alone isn't enough."
He was being kind, choosing not to directly point out Ash's lack of battle command skill.
Sam watched quietly from the side, his gaze thoughtful.
Soon, it would be his turn.
------