"Ding~ Mission Triggered: Beat Up Grovyle..."
"In broad daylight, this damn Grovyle dares to bully an injured Treecko? Is there no justice anymore!?"
"Give Grovyle a proper beating and teach it a lesson to complete the mission!!"
"Mission Rewards: Potential Booster Pill ×1, Pokémon Candy (Intermediate) ×1..."
The system's furious voice rang out in Aaron's ears.
"Frog Boss… I'll leave it to you!!"
"Hit it hard!!"
Aaron's voice turned icy. Greninja instantly stepped forward, cutting off Grovyle's path.
This Grovyle was only at Intermediate (Late Stage).
Frog Boss could handle it effortlessly.
Seeing Greninja block its way, Grovyle roared and unleashed a barrage of explosive seeds.
Seed Bomb!!
Greninja remained calm. As the seeds hurtled toward him, energy surged into his right hand. Water-blue light condensed rapidly in his palm, forming a swirling sphere in an instant.
Water Pulse!!
He fired it straight into the incoming Seed Bomb.
BOOM—!
A deafening explosion shattered the attack midair.
Before Grovyle could react, a dark blur flashed in front of it.
Its pupils shrank—
An ice-blue fist filled its vision.
BOOM—!
Grovyle was blasted backward, its body twitching violently before it crashed to the ground, unconscious.
"Crack—"
The remaining Treecko cried out sharply at the sight of their fallen leader. They rushed over, hoisted Grovyle up, and fled without hesitation.
At least they were loyal enough to carry their leader away.
"Ding~ Congratulations on completing the Mission: Beat Up Grovyle!!"
"Congratulations on obtaining rewards: Potential Booster Pill ×1, Pokémon Candy ×1..."
The system's voice sounded again.
Aaron opened his system inventory and checked the description of the Potential Booster Pill.
[Name: Potential Booster Pill]
[Description: A highly refined supplement. When consumed by a Pokémon, it increases its Potential by one level!!]
(Note: Only effective for Pokémon below Champion Level!!)
A spark of excitement flickered in Aaron's eyes. The system really knew how to come through.
This was practically tailor-made for this Treecko.
He shifted his gaze to the one-eyed Treecko.
That's right. He had already chosen this unyielding little fighter.
"Treecko… will you be my partner?"
"I can help you grow stronger."
"So no one will ever bully you again."
"I'll show you the world beyond this forest. Together, we'll stand at the very top."
"Will you accept?"
A rare seriousness settled over Aaron's expression as he spoke sincerely to the Treecko in his arms.
His persuasion was in full swing—practically maxed out.
Every word struck straight at Treecko's heart.
Stronger.
Power.
No more being bullied.
The world beyond.
The very top.
One promise after another crashed over the simple-hearted Treecko. Its face flushed red, its breathing growing uneven.
Its bright eyes locked onto Aaron. A flicker of hesitation surfaced—
Then hardened into resolve.
"Snap—"
Treecko pushed itself to its feet and leapt to stand opposite Aaron. Its single eye blazed with fighting spirit.
The message was clear.
Defeat me—and I'll follow you.
A faint smile curved Aaron's lips.
"Alright."
"You won't regret this."
"Frog Boss, go."
"Grenin…"
Greninja stepped forward, positioning himself between Aaron and Treecko, letting out a low cry as his eyes fixed on his opponent.
"Hah—!"
Treecko shouted, its body blurring into a streak of light as it charged straight ahead.
Quick Attack!!
Using Quick Attack against Frog Boss?
That was picking the wrong opponent to test your speed.
Greninja seemed to read the move before it even happened. He calmly lifted one hand and blocked Treecko's charge with ease.
"Huh!?"
Confusion filled Treecko's tiny mind.
"Greninja… Stun Attack."
Aaron's voice remained steady.
Expressionless, Greninja shaped his right hand like a blade and brought it down in a clean, precise chop against Treecko's head.
Bang—!
Treecko's pupils shrank. Its eyes rolled back, and it fainted instantly.
"Go… Poké Ball!"
With practiced ease, Aaron tossed the Poké Ball, red light flashing as it drew Treecko inside.
...