Aaron walked alone through the forest, encountering many Pokémon along the way—Caterpie, Beedrill, Butterfree, and others.
Using the system's scanning function, he found that all of their Potential was relatively low. His second Pokémon needed to have at least Champion–level Potential to complete the mission.
With no other choice, Aaron continued deeper into the forest.
Along the way, he came across several Enhancement Berries.
[Name: Red Apple]
[Description: An energy-rich apple. When consumed by a Pokémon, it can enhance its strength...]
...
[Name: Yellow Banana]
[Description: An energy-rich banana. When consumed by a Pokémon, it can enhance its strength...]
The effects felt similar to his Energy Cubes.
Naturally, Aaron wasn't about to pass up these Enhancement Berries.
He immediately released Froakie.
Several Aipom were perched in the trees that bore these fruits. If he tried to pick them himself, he would definitely be attacked by those Pokémon.
He had to drive those monkeys away first!!
"Froakie, use Power-Up Punch on Aipom!"
Aaron issued the command.
"Froakie—"
Froakie's gaze sharpened. Light flared around its fist as it rushed toward one of the Aipom at incredible speed.
The Aipom didn't even have time to react before it was sent flying by the Power-Up Punch, instantly losing its ability to fight!!
"Skree skree—"
The remaining Aipom were immediately enraged, letting out furious cries.
Four Aipom charged straight at Froakie, their long palm-like tails whipping behind them as they prepared to unleash Double Slap!!
"Froakie… use Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!!"
"Then, everyone use Quick Attack!!"
A cloud of white smoke burst around Froakie. When it cleared, six identical Froakie stood in the same spot.
The Aipom were completely dumbfounded.
But all seven Froakie flashed with light at the same time.
Quick Attack activated.
In an instant, all four Aipom had their skills interrupted and were smashed backward, sent flying at the same time.
Normally, clones created by Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu start with only 30% of the original's stats. However, a Mastered Multi Shadow Clone possesses 36% of the user's full attributes.
Those Aipom were only at Newbie (Peak Stage) strength.
Meanwhile, Froakie was already at Beginner (Mid Stage), and on top of that, it had the Shiny bonus.
The damage dealt by clones with 36% full stats was absolutely nothing to scoff at!!
Seeing the other side so overwhelmingly "frog-heavy," the four Aipom could only squeak indignantly, glaring viciously at Aaron before fleeing in a few quick leaps…
Aaron then had Froakie and its clones pick all the fruits from the trees.
In total, there were 6 red apples and 8 yellow bananas!!
Aaron had Froakie eat them all.
Despite its small body, Froakie's belly showed no sign of bulging after consuming so much.
Perhaps once these Enhancement Berries were eaten, they turned directly into energy, slowly converting into power that strengthened the Pokémon.
Aaron felt that if he could find a few more batches of Enhancement Berries, Froakie might even break through to Beginner (Late Stage).
Feeling extremely pleased with himself, Aaron continued forward…
...
Inside the academy's surveillance room.
The old principal stared at one of the screens in shock, then turned to the others and asked,
"Am I really that out of touch!?"
"Can Double Team actually deal damage to enemies now!?"
The footage—shown without audio—made it seem as though Aaron's Froakie was using Double Team against the Aipom.
The sight nearly made the old principal rip out his beard.
Is this even scientific!?
Could the illusory copies of Double Team actually be physical entities!?
The old principal was utterly baffled…
"Uh—"
The others looked at one another, equally at a loss.
"Maybe this is a technique Aaron created himself!?"
"Physical copies… or rather—clones!?"
One of the school administrators stroked his chin and spoke up.
"Mhm, I think that's possible!!"
"Seems like that's the only explanation..."
"If that's the case, this kid is a real combat genius!!"
"Exactly! Creating a new technique as a beginner trainer—this kind of talent is insane!!"
"This kid has a huge future ahead of him!! Not bad, not bad..."
...
The other school leaders joined the discussion, all praising Aaron.
A faint smile appeared on the old principal's face as well. He nodded, clearly agreeing with them.
...
Meanwhile, Aaron had run into serious trouble.
He hadn't expected the Aipom he had just driven off to come back—and bring along its boss.
A powerfully built, white-furred, furious-looking Primeape!!
The Aipom pointed at Aaron while chattering nonstop beside Primeape, listing all of Aaron's so-called "evil deeds."
After hearing this, Primeape snorted violently, two streams of white air blasting from its nostrils.
It was obviously furious!
"Grrraaah—"
It bellowed at Aaron.
Aaron's mouth twitched slightly. These Aipom really had no shame at all!!
Behave yourself!!
Aaron quickly used the system scan to pull up the attribute panel of this menacing Primeape:
[Name: Primeape]
[Gender: Male]
[Nature: Hasty]
[Type: Fighting]
[Ability: Vital Spirit]
[Base Stats Total: 455]
[Level: Beginner (Late Stage)]
[Pokémon Potential: Elite level]
[Known Moves: Leer (Proficient), Claw (Proficient), Fury Swipes (Proficient), Karate Chop (Basic)...]
[Description: Primeape, the Pig Monkey Pokémon. It is constantly enraged, and once it locks onto a target, it will not stop until the fight is finished...]
....
Beginner (Late Stage) Primeape.
No wonder it had a group of underlings.
"Primeape… listen to me, bro. Being the boss isn't easy these days. You should head back already..."
Aaron tried to reason with it.
"Grrrraaaah—"
After hearing Aaron's words, Primeape's rage exploded even further!!
It charged straight at Aaron.
"Holy shit—"
"No shame at all!"
Aaron hadn't expected this damned monkey to be so shameless, attacking a human without hesitation.
...