"So, you want this child to join the Isshin Dojo for training?" Koushirou looked at Pawniard standing behind Dak, curiosity evident in his gaze.
But Dak couldn't see it.
This caused Dak considerable frustration. The inability to observe the other party's expressions made it challenging for him to decipher their thoughts, complicating communication.
No wonder everyone says those with squinty eyes are enigmatic. Then, I might as well squint too.
Unaware of Dak's thoughts, Koushirou saw him suddenly squint, which puzzled him, prompting three question marks to metaphorically appear over his head.
Kuina nearly laughed at the sight but managed to restrain herself, thanks to her good upbringing.
"Yes, this child wishes to become stronger. You should be able to see his talent. He's destined to be a swordsman. Unfortunately, I lack any knowledge of swordsmanship, which is why we've come to seek your guidance."
Dak brought Pawniard closer, removing its protective gear to reveal the blades on its body.
Upon seeing Pawniard's body, both Koushirou and Kuina were surprised, with Koushirou even widening his eyes.
Without reservation, it could be said that Pawniard seemed naturally destined for the way of the sword.
"Pawn."
Pawniard bowed to Koushirou.
It didn't want to leave the Mystery Hatchery House or Dak, but it also desired to grow stronger, very much so.
"Pawniard is..."
"A Pokémon."
Dak preempted Koushirou's curiosity, addressing his question directly.
"Indeed."
Koushirou nodded, not overly surprised. His openness to new things was not typical of someone from the East Blue but rather resembled that of someone from the New World. "Well then, let's proceed with an entrance test."
"An entrance test?"
Dak paused, taken aback. Was such a thing necessary to join the dojo?
"Kuina, you'll handle it."
"Okay."
Kuina nodded, understanding her father's intentions. Entrance tests were usually not required, but Koushirou brought them up only when a particularly promising newcomer appeared.
"Pawn."
Pawniard nodded, showing no fear.
Dak, however, hesitated.
Because Pawniard was still in its juvenile stage, he didn't want it to get injured. An entrance test wouldn't reveal much; young Pokémon are frighteningly vulnerable.
"What's wrong?"
Koushirou noticed Dak's hesitation.
"It's like this, Pokémon have a different growth cycle compared to humans."
Dak didn't hold back, sharing his concerns and some knowledge about Pokémon with Koushirou.
"You mean, this child is only half a month old?"
Koushirou widened his eyes again, a hint of surprise in his tone.
Pawniard appeared mature, but it was actually... just a baby.
"Yes."
Dak nodded but quickly added, "Pawniard will likely leave its juvenile phase within a week. Then, it can begin training. For this week, I hope it can mainly observe and learn, getting used to the dojo's rules."
"I see, no problem then."
Koushirou nodded in understanding, gaining a bit more insight into Pokémon.
Kuina, too, watched Pawniard with curiosity, as Dak redressed it.
"Also, there's this."
Dak tapped the floor, and a dark vortex appeared, revealing several items.
To the growing astonishment of Koushirou and Kuina, items emerged: MooMoo Milk x1000, customized outfits for Pawniard x9, and a fine whetstone x1.
Item after item was silently exchanged from the Mystery Market through Darkrai's power, quickly spending 1300 Magical Coins.
It wasn't exactly painful, but the sudden expense was slightly disheartening.
"This is..."
Koushirou pointed at the floor, his voice filled with curiosity.
"That's a Pokémon ability. Pokémon are miraculous creatures with diverse abilities. You'll see more from Pawniard. As for the other items, they're for Pawniard's daily use."
Dak explained everything, ensuring Koushirou and Kuina understood each item's purpose, to remind Pawniard in the future if necessary.
Pawniard, standing by, looked up into Dak's eyes, tears welling up before quickly being wiped away.
It resolved more firmly than ever to grow strong and assist Dak.
[Main Quest: Breeding Lesson 6 - Growth, Completed]
[Reward: Pokémon Pokédex (Mechanical) Fabricator]
The completion sound of the main quest echoed in Dak's mind, unnoticed by him as he continued to discuss Pawniard's needs with a patient Koushirou.
By the time Dak finished, the sun had fully set, and the dojo's courtyard was enveloped in darkness.
"Then, I entrust Pawniard to your care."
Dak stood up, bowing slightly to Koushirou.
"Rest assured."
Koushirou also stood, returning the gesture.
"Pawniard, you'll stay here from now on. This is for you."
Dak handed the Pocket Token to Pawniard.
With the token, Pawniard staying at the dojo wouldn't be much different from being at home.
However, a Pokémon like Pawniard, filled with ambition, likely wouldn't return home until it achieved something significant. Dak might not see Pawniard for a long time.
"Pawn."
Pawniard held the Pocket Token tightly, nodding at Dak.
"I'll see you out. Kuina, call Zoro to help take these items to the dormitory."
"Yes."
Kuina responded, then said to Pawniard, "Let's go."
Pawniard nodded, turning to follow Kuina but kept looking back to see if Dak was leaving.
Dak stood silently, watching Pawniard leave until it vanished from his sight.
Dak sighed internally, then turned to the patiently waiting Koushirou.
He was curious if Koushirou was truly a member of the Revolutionary Army, a question without an answer even before his transmigration, merely a popular fan theory leaning towards 'yes.'
Dak didn't ask, as Koushirou's affiliation made no difference to him.
'If the Revolutionary Army wants Pokémon, they'll naturally send someone after the Water 7 branch opens. No need to contact them beforehand.'
"Thank you for showing me the way, Mr. Koushirou."
"You're welcome, Mr. Dak."
Ultimately, Koushirou escorted Dak only out of the dojo, although he had intended to accompany him further.
But Dak couldn't really leave; stepping out of the village meant not being able to return.
Moreover, Dak wasn't ready to go back yet.
He wandered alone to a small forest near Shimotsuki Village, standing beside a small lake.
Judging by Kuina and Zoro's current state, it seemed close to Kuina's tragic narrative turning point.
"Should I save her?"
Slap.
The moment this thought crossed his mind, Dak slapped himself hard.
He looked at his reflection in the lake, his face quickly turning red, but he felt no regret.
"When did you start weighing the pros and cons of saving an innocent girl?"
Dak's gaze hardened as he looked at his reflection. He didn't want to become a heartless merchant, afraid that he might act against the Pokémon's wishes in the future.
Save.
"I'll come back in a couple of days and have Pawniard keep an eye out too."
"If you're sick, see a doctor. Don't scare me here."
An elderly voice suddenly came from nearby.
Dak turned to see an old man sitting on a large rock, smoking a pipe and holding a bamboo fishing rod, with a finely crafted knife at his waist.
Koushirou Kozaburo.
At first glance, Dak guessed his identity.
Perfect.
Dak hadn't returned immediately because he planned to visit this renowned swordsmith.
"Hello, Mr. Kozaburo, I've long admired your reputation."
"To think someone still recognizes this old man these days. You're no ordinary fellow."
Kozaburo, unfazed by being recognized, leisurely smoked his pipe, watching the fishing line in the lake.
"The swordsmith who forged Wado Ichimonji and Yubashiri, how could I not recognize you?"
Dak smiled, making himself comfortable beside Kozaburo, and quickly got to the point, "I have a favor to ask of you."
"I no longer forge swords."
"Please forge just one more."
Dak brazenly asked the old swordsmith to come out of retirement.
"I can't anymore. I lack the strength. I can't forge any good swords anymore. Better not to forge at all."
"This sword is different. Traditional forging methods won't work."
Dak spoke with a hint of mystery, knowing this would intrigue Kozaburo.
"Oh? Is that so?"
(End of Chapter)