"What!? There's actually a product this magical available for redemption!?"
After returning to his residence in the Upper Yard, with Thundurus still recovering in the Poké Ball and nothing else to do, Enel began fiddling with his newly acquired Rotom Phone. Of course, what intrigued him most was the mobile Rotom's information mall system, which displayed all the purchasable items.
For Enel, a newly minted trainer, everything in the store was novel and fascinating. Since he had VIP level 5 access, he could see all the items, including abilities like Aura, Dragon Power, and more!
While browsing through the various special abilities, one particular item caught his eye.
The Sky Island God instantly turned into a flash of lightning, moving from lying on his bed to standing, holding the phone.
"Thunder Physique?"
Enel murmured, his eyes filled with astonishment.
On the Rotom Phone, a line of text was displayed:
[Thunder Physique: Greatly increases the affinity with Electric-type Pokémon, making it easier to gain their favor. Additionally, being struck by Electric-type moves will slightly enhance physical strength.]
Reading this brief description, Enel began trembling with excitement, unable to contain himself. Once again, he marveled at the wonders of the other world.
However…
This Thunder Physique was a fairly common ability in the Pokémon world. It couldn't compare to special powers like Aura, Psychic abilities, or the Power of the Giant Tree.
In certain towns, trainers with this ability could be found everywhere. Typically, those with Thunder Physique could more easily tame Electric-type Pokémon. And while their bodies did become slightly stronger after being hit by Electric-type moves, the increase was so minuscule that it was barely noticeable. Even those who did notice wouldn't subject themselves to such training—after all, Pokémon moves aren't to be taken lightly!
In the Pokémon world, the attribute behind Thunder Physique that enhances physical strength was almost completely ignored.
But in another world…
To Enel, a Thunder Devil Fruit user.
This ability was a glowing beacon of power!!!
Seriously!
As the mighty God of Thunder, Enel was utterly immune to lightning attacks! Even a full strike from Thundurus was nothing to him. After consuming the Thunder Fruit, Enel had achieved complete immunity to lightning! What he truly lacked was physical strength, and even after acquiring Armament Haki, this remained a significant weakness.
But this special ability could help address that weakness!
"It's just..."
Enel murmured softly.
"I'm not sure if this special ability would benefit someone like me, who already possesses the power of the Thunder Fruit."
After much hesitation, he refrained from pressing the Rotom contact function on his phone. Despite his lack of emotional intelligence, he could sense that Leo was busy with something important, which is why he'd been teleported back to his residence. He dared not disturb the great dimensional merchant at this time.
So Enel waited.
And three days passed.
For three days, he wavered and paced around, unable to decide whether to contact Leo. Finally, unable to contain himself any longer, he tapped the [Apply for Transaction] button on the Rotom Phone.
Suddenly, a mysterious light enveloped him.
Familiar with this sensation, Enel offered no resistance, allowing the magical power to transport him instantly from the palace.
Meanwhile, at the Sky Island's Celestial Gym, Leo was seated in the gym leader's chair. When he saw Enel materialize through the teleportation, a joyful smile spread across his face.
It had been two days since the Celestial Hall's construction was completed. During that time, Leo had been waiting for Enel to request a transaction.
Now, he'd finally come!
Before Enel could react, Leo got straight to the point:
"Enel, is there something you wish to trade for?"
Though it was a rhetorical question, protocol demanded it be asked.
Hearing Leo's voice, Enel's expression instantly became serious. He quickly and respectfully replied:
"Yes, Sir Leo."
"But…" He hesitated briefly before continuing:
"Before making a purchase, I'd like to ask a question about a particular product."
"Oh?" Leo raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "What would you like to ask?"
"It's… about this special ability…"
With Leo's permission, Enel quickly took out his Rotom Phone, bringing up the screen that described [Thunder Physique]. Holding the phone in both hands, he said:
"I'd like to know, Sir Leo, whether the increase in physical strength from this Thunder Physique would also apply to someone like me, who has the Thunder Fruit ability?"
In truth, Enel had already devised a training method in his mind, using the power of lightning to stimulate his cells and make his body stronger. However, it was difficult to put into practice. He worried that the Thunder Physique might only work by enhancing his cell endurance through lightning attacks from Pokémon.
If that were the case, this special ability might not be as valuable to him. After all, he could achieve similar results on his own, though it would be troublesome. But the vague wording in the system made him feel it was necessary to clarify before purchasing.
Fortunately, Leo's response completely alleviated Enel's concerns.
After hearing Enel's inquiry, Leo's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise before softening into a reassuring smile. He answered: "Don't worry, Enel."
"Your concerns are unnecessary."
Leo looked at Enel with eyes that seemed to see right through him and continued:
"The physical boost provided by Thunder Physique doesn't come from electric stimulation but from the special energy within Pokémon."
"Special energy?"
Enel's face showed a puzzled expression.
Leo elaborated:
"Unlike ordinary lightning, all Pokémon possess an exclusive energy, like a life essence, regardless of their type. When someone with Thunder Physique is hit by an Electric-type move, their body absorbs this special energy, which is then converted into physical enhancement."
"In that sense, this special ability is indeed a perfect fit for you!"
With those words, Leo leaned back with a satisfied smile.
Enel, finally receiving the answer he had been hoping for, clenched his fists in excitement.
"In that case…"
His eyes flashed with intermittent lightning as he made a firm decision:
"Sir Leo, I wish to redeem 5,000 points for the Thunder Physique!"
These 5,000 points could be spent on many things—whether it be purchasing items or nutritional supplements to strengthen Thundurus.
But!
These paths had their limits in terms of how much they could improve Thundurus's strength.
However, with this special physique, Enel could quickly make himself stronger with Thundurus's help.
This kind of natural enhancement would slow down over time, but it had no upper limit!
Compared to one-time power-ups, the permanent benefits of Thunder Physique were clearly more valuable!
"Happy trading."
Leo smiled warmly, and with a wave, he deducted all of Enel's remaining points.
And as soon as Leo's voice fell, a strange energy emerged from the void, slowly pouring into Enel's body like a gentle stream, altering his physique.
Two minutes later, when Enel opened his eyes and looked at his Rotom Phone, he saw his points balance had dropped to zero.
Although he didn't feel any immediate changes, he knew one thing for sure…
He was no longer the same as before!
(End of this chapter)