Aaron had never expected that after fusing with the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai, Grovyle would undergo such a dramatic transformation.
Even its Ability had changed—
It was now Wood Physique!!
Under sunlight, it could restore its stamina and recover from injuries.
Compared to Overgrow, this was on an entirely different level.
Its potential had also risen to Champion-Level!!
On top of that, it now possessed seven skills—
All of them ultimate techniques of the First Hokage…
What Aaron couldn't understand was why Grovyle's Ability had changed at all.
Was it because the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai was exceptionally compatible with Grovyle?
If so, he would need to be more cautious in the future.
He had to make sure any enhancements matched a Pokémon's attributes perfectly.
"Congratulations, Grovyle."
"You've grown stronger…"
Aaron smiled and patted Grovyle, who was now nearly as tall as his chin.
"Groo-vyle…"
Grovyle nodded happily. It knew that everything it had gained came from its Trainer.
Gratitude shone clearly in its eyes.
BOOM—!
"Groo-vyle—!"
A thunderous explosion echoed from the distance, followed by an enraged roar.
Aaron stiffened and looked up.
Not far away, thick clouds of dust were rising into the air.
Beside him, Grovyle's pupils narrowed sharply.
"Groo!"
With a grim expression, it called out to Aaron and immediately sprinted toward the source of the disturbance.
Aaron caught the urgency in its eyes.
Something had gone wrong.
He and Greninja quickly followed.
...
Deep within the forest, beside a towering ancient tree, a man and a woman were commanding their Pokémon in battle against a green, lizard-like Pokémon with a long leaf extending from its tail—
The evolved form of Grovyle:
Sceptile!!
This Sceptile was clearly aged—well past its prime.
High up in the massive tree, several Treecko clung to the trunk, trembling in fear.
The elderly Sceptile stood before them, shielding its kin as it fought against multiple powerful opponents.
The two trainers were none other than Ice Phoenix and the perverted man from the mysterious organization.
Ice Phoenix's Pokémon was Weavile.
The perverted man's Pokémon was Weezing.
Both were Elite-Level.
Sceptile was also Elite-Level—
But it was old.
And it was fighting alone.
Driven back under their combined assault, Sceptile's body was covered in wounds. It panted heavily, each breath labored—
Its stamina was nearly gone.
And yet it still gritted its teeth and held the line.
Because it knew—
If it fell,
Its tribe would be finished.
...
Aaron arrived near the giant tree with Grovyle just in time to witness the battle.
The moment he spotted the bold letter "L" emblazoned on their coats, his expression darkened.
Pokémon Hunters…
That "L" was the mark of Lone Fang—one of the most notorious factions within the broader Pokémon Hunter Organization. They specialized in capturing and trafficking rare Pokémon and were a major target of crackdowns across the Hualis Region.
Without hesitation, Aaron pressed the alarm device in his pocket.
It had been given to him by the checkpoint officer, with strict instructions to activate it if he encountered danger. Reinforcements would be dispatched immediately.
"Beeep—Beeep—Beeep—!"
The instant he pressed it, a shrill alarm echoed across the entire area.
The sudden siren caught the two Pokémon Hunters off guard.
What the hell?!
Why was there suddenly an alarm?!
Ice Phoenix's expression darkened.
"Damn it… Why is the alarm going off? Hurry!"
"Finish off that old Sceptile and grab those Treecko!"
The perverted man's mocking grin vanished. He gave a sharp nod and hurled out another Poké Ball.
An Elite-Level Arbok appeared.
"Arbok—use Poison Sting!!"
"Ssssss—!"
Arbok seized the opening. While Sceptile was entangled with the other two Pokémon, it reared back and unleashed a barrage of Poison Sting in a sudden sneak attack.
"Scep—tile!!"
By the time Sceptile reacted, it was already too late.
It could only watch as the Poison Sting closed in.
A flicker of unwillingness passed through its clouded eyes.
Was this the end…?
"Grovyle—Wood Release: Wood Barrier Jutsu!!"
At that critical moment—
A clear voice rang out from behind.
Rumble—!
From the ground in front of Sceptile, a massive wooden shield carved with fierce, fang-like totems burst upward, blocking the incoming attack.