"No. I don't agree."
Norman frowned the instant Peter finished speaking, shaking his head with an expression that looked uncannily like an old man scolding someone on public transit.
"Huh?" Peter was stunned. He had expected approval—not outright rejection.
If that was the case, then what had been the point of coming all this way?
Seeing Peter's reaction, Norman softened his tone.
"Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't mind you raising a Slaking.
But this is your final year. Just the League challenge alone will take more than half a year. Slaking is a Pokémon that's extremely difficult to train into combat-ready condition. The risk for you is simply too high."
Peter frowned.
He realized Norman wasn't wrong.
Yes, over the past three years, he had successfully nurtured a Miltank with the Early Bird Ability at the ranch.
But that had been one success among dozens of Miltank—and it had taken three full years.
Who could guarantee that within a single year, he'd be able to fully awaken Slaking's potential?
After a moment's thought, Peter nodded.
"I understand. I should look for a Pokémon that can form real combat power more quickly as my starting partner."
"Exactly," Norman said, nodding in approval.
"If you really like Slaking, I suggest making it your fourth Pokémon or later.
Once you already have three reliable core members, earning results in the League will be much easier."
"When that time comes, I'll help you find one with excellent aptitude and let you raise it from childhood. How does that sound?"
Peter smiled and nodded.
"That sounds perfect. Thank you, Teacher."
-----
One Month Later
Over the following days, Peter studied under Norman every single day.
He learned how to adjust tactics based on a Pokémon's personality,
how to refine commonly used Normal-type moves,
how to identify the best timing during battle,
and how to control the rhythm of combat.
Whether the lesson seemed immediately useful or not, Peter learned everything with complete seriousness.
After all, his previous experience came from turn-based games.
But real battles weren't rigid exchanges of "your turn, my turn."
If a Pokémon was fast enough, it could suppress its opponent with continuous pressure, never giving them room to breathe.
Every day, Whitney would call his video phone.
Officially, it was to "supervise his progress" and make sure he was working hard toward his dream.
In reality, Peter patiently listened to her chatter every time.
And after each call ended, he felt re-energized—
as if she herself was his personal charging station.
…
One thing worth mentioning—
Peter sold off the Pokémon food Whitney had prepared for him and converted it into funds.
For now, he planned to focus on learning battle tactics and theory under Norman. Letting food sit around would only cause it to expire.
Besides, with the Pokéblock crafting technique, he had no intention of feeding his Pokémon ordinary food anyway.
During breaks from training, Peter regularly borrowed an Berry Blender at the Pokémon Center.
Thanks to the wide variety of premium Berries Whitney had prepared, he had plenty of room for experimentation.
Eventually, he successfully produced several types of Basic Pokéblocks, including:
Stamina Pokéblocks
Made from Oran Berries, Sitrus Berries, and Figy Berries—capable of rapidly restoring a Pokémon's stamina.Dual-Offense Pokéblocks
Made from Liechi Berries, Lansat Berries, and Salac Berries—effective at enhancing both Attack and Special Attack.And various other combinations that enhanced Defense, Special Defense, or Attack and Speed.
By the time Whitney's massive Berry supply was fully used up, Peter had produced 200 units of each Pokéblock type—far beyond expectations.
With this technique, Peter was finally free from financial pressure.
After all, Pokéblocks were worth more than five times the value of the raw Berries used to make them.
Buying Berries, crafting Pokéblocks, and reselling them was already a stable income loop.
------
One month passed in the blink of an eye.
Under Norman's careful guidance, Peter's theoretical knowledge and practical combat understanding improved dramatically.
And today—
Was the day he would leave.
"Why suddenly decide to go to Sinnoh?" Caroline asked while packing his bag.
"Why not just travel through Hoenn first? I could've had your teacher give you a Gym Badge right away."
Peter smiled softly.
The couple had truly treated him well.
Norman had barely trained himself this entire month—every spare moment was spent teaching Peter.
Caroline, meanwhile, cooked every meal on time and never once let Peter help with chores.
In her words:
"If you call me 'Master's wife,' then don't be polite.
Your only job is to learn everything your teacher knows and wring him dry."
"Auntie… I'll call you often to let you know I'm safe," Peter said sincerely.
"That's the bare minimum," Caroline replied.
"And come back often when you have time, understand?"
"Alright, alright," Norman interrupted gruffly.
"You call her 'Auntie' once and she starts acting like your mother.
Just do your best out there—and don't embarrass me."
"Yes, sir!" Peter nodded firmly.
He slung his pack over his shoulder and pushed open the door.
Behind him came Caroline's slightly choked voice and Norman's awkward attempts at comfort.
Peter realized—
He had gained another home in this world.
With renewed determination, he stepped forward.
Next stop: Sinnoh.
…
Why Sinnoh?
First—Peter had already decided on a Pokémon native to Sinnoh as his true starting partner.
Second—he had inadvertently learned about May's whereabouts.
She was currently challenging a Grand Festival in Johto.
Based on Peter's long-term observations, this world followed the anime's timeline closely.
Which meant—
Ash should currently be challenging the Sinnoh League.
Peter wasn't planning to steal anyone's destiny.
He just wanted to witness the power of the so-called "Senior Disciple"—
And that mysterious man who carried the aura of a Legendary Pokémon:
Tobias.
-----
Three Days Later
Eterna City – Western Entrance to Eterna Forest
"Skreee—!"
Peter brought his mountain bike to a stop and hopped off.
He glanced at the roadside sign and nodded.
"So this is it… Eterna Forest."
After flying into Sinnoh, he had ridden his bike nonstop to reach this place.
"Alright," Peter smiled, pulling out the Pokéblocks he'd prepared in advance.
"Let's begin."
These were Stamina Pokéblocks infused with Payapa Berry juice, giving off a distinct, gentle fragrance.
Peter's target was a Pokémon that loved Payapa Berries—
Buneary.
Yes.
This was the partner Peter had ultimately chosen.
Buneary's final evolution, Lopunny, wasn't just elegant and powerful—it could also Mega Evolve.
Beauty and strength in perfect balance.
It was also one of Peter's favorite Pokémon from his previous life.
After all—
Who could resist a Pokémon that combined charm, agility, and power?
(Ahem.)
Payapa Berries reduced damage taken from Fighting-type moves—
making them especially popular among Normal-type Pokémon and a primary food source for the Lopunny line.
After spraying himself with Bug Repellent, Peter ventured deeper into Eterna Forest.
He didn't rush to set up his bait.
Most rabbits were active at night, so he planned to find a suitable campsite first.
After all—
Choosing the right partner among wild Pokémon wasn't something to be rushed.