In just a few months, everything had changed.
With the evolution of their bond, Pikachu could now unleash more power than Butterfree had ever been able to in his prime. However, in Nami's heart, she never forgot the mentor who had saved her from the Arlong Pirates.
Before Pikachu grew strong, it was Butterfree who protected her.
Throughout their journey, Butterfree had taught both her and Pikachu everything it knew, without holding anything back. Its guidance allowed them to shine in the grand competition they were part of.
Despite its age, Butterfree selflessly gave everything to help Nami as much as it could.
And now, it was finally time for Nami to repay Butterfree-sensei!
Under Leo's control, the rich life essence flowed gently into the bodies of Nami, Pikachu, and Butterfree, like a stream of pure energy.
Suddenly, Nami felt an incredible energy surging through her. This energy felt as powerful as the lightning during their evolved bond, but it was more mysterious and easier for her to control.
She focused a portion of the life essence and imagined channeling it into her own abilities. Instantly, a sense of enlightenment washed over her. She hesitated for a moment, clenching her fist, feeling an unfamiliar but exhilarating sensation—an assurance that if she trained, she could become even stronger!
This was a completely new feeling for her, unlike anything she had experienced in her entire life.
At the same time, her sensitivity to weather patterns sharpened dramatically. Nami could now sense the flow of the wind in the air and predict the shifting clouds in the sky with striking clarity.
"This... is the power of life essence? It's unbelievable!" she murmured in awe.
Nearby, Pikachu and Butterfree were equally astonished by the life essence's transformative effects.
Pikachu, quick to understand its value, channeled the energy into maximizing its future potential rather than immediate power. Originally, it had mid-level extraordinary abilities, but after using the life essence, its potential surged to the peak of extraordinary levels—just shy of the mythical tier!
In contrast, Butterfree used the life essence to extend its lifespan and restore its aging body. Under the nourishment of the life force, its once-worn body rejuvenated. Its once-cloudy compound eyes now shone with the brilliance of rubies under the sunlight. Its graying wings became clear and flawless, and its tired cells brimmed with newfound vitality.
Although it hadn't fully regained its peak power yet, with its years of combat experience, it wouldn't take long for Butterfree to return to its former strength—perhaps even surpass it and enter the realm of the Heavenly Kings!
"Mi~ (Thank you, Nami!)"
Butterfree, now rejuvenated, cried out with joy as it fluttered onto Nami's head, its eyes glistening with tears. Its white wings gently flickered, sending out a breeze full of life with each movement.
"I did it, Butterfree-sensei!" Nami laughed, her heart overflowing with happiness.
With her mother Bellemere resurrected and Butterfree no longer constrained by its aging body, Nami felt like her life had become immensely joyful.
And all of this was thanks to the arrival of the great dimensional merchant!
"Thank you, Sir Leo!"
Emotions swirled within Nami as she deeply bowed in gratitude toward Leo.
But Leo merely smiled, using his psychic powers to lift Nami back up.
"There's no need for such formalities, Miss Nami. You deserve all of this."
Leo appeared calm, but deep down he was thrilled. With Nami in her current state, she would undoubtedly become a powerful ally when the portal to other worlds opened!
Unfortunately, since the life essence only affected living beings internally, not many could witness the changes in Nami, Pikachu, and Butterfree. The effect wasn't very public or visible.
But that was fine—this was just the prize for runner-up, after all.
...
With Nami's awards done, Leo turned his attention to Garp with a smile.
"Mr. Garp, congratulations on winning third place in this Pokémon League Tournament~"
A large trophy materialized in front of Garp, radiating a soft cyan glow, contrasting with the deep black runner-up trophy.
When Garp accepted the trophy, he immediately felt a surge of bravery fill him, as if the aura from the trophy was strengthening his spirit.
"Thank you, Sir Leo," Garp replied seriously, standing up straight.
However, what Garp was truly anticipating wasn't the trophy, but the special reward that he had been waiting for since he joined this tournament.
Suddenly, the void cracked open once more, releasing an aura of nothingness that spread across the venue. Then, golden light flooded the crack, illuminating Garp.
The same golden light that had recorded Nami's world now encased Garp, capturing his knowledge of the world before vanishing once again.
Leo added a new memory sphere to his collection. Although these memory spheres were not of immediate use, Leo knew that in the future, when different worlds converged, these spheres would allow others to quickly understand the world of pirates.
...
With the formalities over, the most exciting part of the award ceremony arrived.
Leo summoned another life essence, larger than the previous ones, and smiled as he announced:
"This is the third-place prize for the Pokémon League Tournament—150 years of life essence, and..."
A holy light flashed, revealing a vibrant, seven-colored feather before Garp.
"...an opportunity to unconditionally resurrect the dead!"
The crowd erupted.
Resurrecting the dead was an extraordinary feat—one that seemed like a mere legend to most. Everyone had lost someone they longed to see again, and now, for the first time, they would witness the possibility of reversing that fate!
...
In the arena, Garp found himself overwhelmed by the feather's life force. He hesitated for a moment, muttering under his breath:
"Forgive me, Sengoku."
"But with the world in chaos, what's one more ripple, right?"
Gulping nervously, Garp raised his head, his eyes filled with both anxiety and nostalgia.
"Sir Leo, can I... resurrect the dead now?" he asked, his voice trembling as the entire world held its breath.
"Of course!" Leo replied instantly.
Already aware of who Garp intended to resurrect, Leo's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Please, speak the name of the person you wish to resurrect!"
...
Garp, now grinning, surveyed the crowd, noting their expressions. Clearing his throat, he turned to Leo, his voice sharp and clear as he shouted:
"The person I want to resurrect..."
"...was executed by the Navy in Loguetown 20 years ago..."
"...The Pirate King, Gol D. Roger!"