"MEGA Evolution, Scyther Special Edition?"
Zoro's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
After witnessing Charizard's Dynamax, the players eagerly studied Dynamax mechanics and also familiarized themselves with MEGA evolution and Z-moves.
However, it was precisely Zoro's knowledge of MEGA evolution that made him puzzled by the words "Special Edition."
Leo smiled mysteriously, not keeping Zoro in suspense for long.
A surge of information flooded Zoro's mind, transmitting the details of the reward directly to his consciousness.
In an instant, a wide grin spread across Zoro's face.
As everyone knows, in the Pokémon world, only fully-evolved Pokémon can typically undergo MEGA evolution.
However, thanks to Leo's improvements, the MEGA Stone had been modified to target even earlier stages of evolution.
In other words, Pokémon like Charmander and Squirtle could also undergo MEGA evolution using this enhanced MEGA Stone.
This innovation was part of the reason why MEGA evolution was worth 5,000 points.
But for Zoro, who already knew these basics, it wasn't MEGA evolution itself that excited him.
The real thrill came from the knowledge that if he selected [MEGA Evolution (Scyther Special Edition)] as his reward, his Scyther would transform into an entirely new form after MEGA evolving.
A form designed just for him by Leo...
Super Scyther (Sword Form)!!!
In this special MEGA evolution, his Scyther would transform into dual sword blades—perfect for Zoro, a swordsman!
Even better, thanks to Leo's enhancements to the MEGA Stone, Scyther would still be able to evolve into Scizor in the future without needing a different MEGA Stone.
"This is amazing!" Zoro exclaimed as he imagined Scyther's new form.
He had been wondering where to find a new blade to replace his Wado Ichimonji sword should Kuina return to claim it.
Now, seeing his Scyther's new form, those concerns vanished.
At that moment, Zoro knew this reward was tailored specifically for him by Leo!
"Thank you, Sir Leo!!!"
Gratitude didn't need words between men, but Zoro's heart was filled with appreciation. If Leo were to ask him to face any danger, Zoro wouldn't hesitate!
"I choose the fourth option: [MEGA Evolution (Scyther Special Edition)]!" Zoro declared without hesitation.
Leo, sensing Zoro's loyalty, was pleased.
Though modifying Super Scyther cost only slightly more than creating a standard MEGA Key, Leo reserved such generosity only for those who truly valued their bonds with him. Zoro's deep sense of friendship made him worthy of this special treatment.
"As you wish," Leo said with a smile, conjuring a special MEGA Stone for Zoro.
At the same time, a custom wristband appeared on Zoro's arm, containing three slots, one already filled with a MEGA Key Stone.
Suddenly, Zoro understood the connection between the MEGA Key Stone and the MEGA Stone, a sensation reminiscent of bond evolution—though fundamentally different.
Bond evolution connected a trainer's heart with their Pokémon, while MEGA evolution unlocked the hidden power between the MEGA Key Stone and the MEGA Stone.
...
...
In the audience, murmurs of discontent arose.
"Why are the rewards so secretive?" some complained.
Seeing Zoro confidently choose the fourth option, it was obvious that this reward was far more powerful than the first three. Curiosity gnawed at them—just how strong could it be to surpass Gigantamax?
But only Zoro would ever know the truth about his third sword, unless he chose to reveal it.
...
...
On the battlefield, Zoro, with Leo's help, affixed the MEGA Stone to Scyther.
The connection between trainer and Pokémon intensified, sparking excitement for the power awaiting them.
But now wasn't the time to test it.
For Zoro, another reward awaited.
As part of the competition, 200 years' worth of life essence appeared before Zoro.
Leo, holding the essence in his hand, asked: "So, Mr. Zoro, how do you plan to use this 200-year life essence?"
Zoro, bathed in the emerald glow, was taken aback for a moment before an idea struck him.
"Sir Leo, may I store this life essence for later use?"
"Of course," Leo answered with a knowing smile.
"In that case..." Zoro said, making a quick decision. "Please divide the essence into four equal parts—for me, Scyther, and Doubledge... And store the remaining 50 years for future use."
Leo nodded, and with a flick of his wrist, the large essence split into four, with three parts flowing into Zoro and his Pokémon. The remaining 50 years were condensed into a fragrant pearl, placed carefully in a porcelain vial for safekeeping.
Leo handed the porcelain bottle to Zoro. After Zoro absorbed all of the life essence into his body, he smiled and said:
"The remaining life essence has been stored in this container. When you need it, Mr. Zoro, simply open the container and swallow the thing inside."
"Thank you, Sir Leo!" Zoro expressed his gratitude once more.
The frustration of his earlier defeat had vanished, replaced with deep appreciation for Leo. Zoro carefully placed the bottle containing the life essence into his coat, intending to use it after the tournament to begin preparations for resurrecting Kuina.
Though he hadn't won the Pokémon League Championship, finishing second among such formidable opponents had earned him global recognition.
After Kuina was revived, Zoro would have fulfilled their long-standing promise.
...
...
Meanwhile...
After Zoro's award ceremony concluded, Leo turned his attention to Ace, approval gleaming in his eyes.
"Congratulations, Mr. Ace!"
At this moment, the triumphant music reached its peak.
Before the crowd's eyes, a radiant golden light enveloped Ace. Although it was merely the same recording light from earlier, it now acted like a spotlight, casting Ace in a powerful glow.
Even as the light faded, Ace continued to shine in everyone's view.
The first-ever Pokémon League Champion!
While some strong individuals might have dismissed the title as somewhat lacking, in the eyes of millions of ordinary people from the pirate world, Ace was now the undisputed strongest trainer in the world!
"Hah..."
Feeling the weight of the audience's admiration, Ace couldn't help but flash a broad smile.
His excitement grew even more after seeing Zoro's incredible reward.
If the runner-up received such an extraordinary prize, Ace was sure that Leo's generosity would provide him with a world-shattering reward for winning the championship!
He had a feeling.
"Brother Leo..." Ace whispered, taking a deep breath and standing tall before Leo, presenting himself to the world.
Without hesitation, Leo revealed the championship prize and placed it in front of Ace.
At the same time, dozens of cameras zoomed in on the scene.
The powerful life force emanating from the life essence was palpable, even through the lenses of the cameras, leaving viewers in awe.
"The champion's reward comes in two parts," Leo explained, holding up a finger in front of Ace.
"First, there's the basic reward for the champion—300 years of life essence."
The rich energy from the life essence brushed against Ace's face, making him feel instantly empowered with just a single breath.
But Leo didn't ask Ace to decide on the use of the life essence right away. Instead, he held up a second finger and added,
"The second part of the reward requires Mr. Ace to make a choice."
"A choice!?"
Ace's eyes lit up with excitement, sparkling like stars.
Although he wasn't entirely sure what reward Zoro had just received, judging by Zoro's reaction, Ace could tell it was something impossible to refuse.
Now, the same opportunity for an important choice lay before him.
His attention sharpened as Leo continued,
"There are two options for the second part of the reward..."
"Option one is that Mr. Ace receives 1,000 points."
"1,000 points!?"
Just hearing that option was enough to get Ace excited.
Although he had already established a solid foothold in the New World, 1,000 points—equivalent to 5 billion beli—was still a considerable sum, not something easily amassed.
With 1,000 points, Ace could further power up his Charizard with MEGA evolution and Z-moves!
At that point, his strength would reach unimaginable heights.
Perhaps even surpassing his grandfather Garp wouldn't be out of the question!
However...
Ace quickly composed himself, suppressing his excitement.
He knew from experience that the last option was often the most extraordinary.
Leo, sensing Ace's anticipation, smiled knowingly before continuing,
"The second option is to join the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce and become one of its members!"