Pokémon: Rowlet
- Attributes: Grass, Flying
- Features: Lush (When Rowlet is damaged, the power and effect of Grass-type moves increase.)
- Level: 1
- Price: 1000 points
- Note: Please handle this newborn with care and affection.
"Rowlet?" Usopp's eyes widened as he read the name of the Pokémon Leo had chosen for him.
Leo, ever the diligent merchant, offered an explanation. "This is the Pokémon I've selected for you. Don't be fooled by its appearance—it might look like a little ball, but it's actually a bird Pokémon. It also has two evolutionary stages: Dartrix and Decidueye."
As Leo spoke, images of Rowlet's evolved forms appeared on the tablet Rotom's screen, allowing Usopp to get a better understanding. "And if the price doesn't already tell you," Leo continued, "this Rowlet is exceptionally talented, one of the best among all Pokémon. If you take good care of it, its potential is limitless."
Leo knew well what Rowlet's talent meant. It had reached the highest level of extraordinary talent, similar to Nami's Pichu and only slightly below Garp's Machamp. Its talent alone surpassed most descendants of legendary Pokémon, making the 50 million berries price tag a steal. That's why Leo's tone carried such conviction.
"Immeasurable..." Usopp muttered, the seriousness of the situation finally settling in. He stared at the tiny, green feathered ball on the screen, with its short claws, blunt beak, and wise, bean-shaped eyes. It was hard for him to reconcile this adorable creature with the powerful Pokémon Leo described. It looked more like a cute companion than a battle-hardened fighter. Could it really become as strong as Leo promised?
As doubts swirled in Usopp's mind, he recalled the person he was before Leo appeared—just a boy from an ordinary village, laughed at by others and dismissed as a liar. No one believed in him, and he had started to lose faith in himself. But then, against all odds, a dimensional merchant had seen potential in him. Wasn't Rowlet in the same position now?
In that moment, Usopp remembered the vision of the Sniper King he had seen in the illusion before. If his future was as brilliant as Leo said, then perhaps Rowlet was the one who would understand him and accompany him to the top.
"I…" Usopp's heart trembled as he made the connection. If he was destined for greatness, then Rowlet would be his partner on that journey.
With renewed resolve, Usopp raised his head and declared, "Lord Leo, I want to buy this Rowlet! I will become a real strong man with it, and we'll never let you down!"
For the first time, Usopp's demeanor carried the hint of a warrior. It was just a small spark of confidence, but it was a significant step forward for someone as timid as him.
Leo smiled warmly. "I look forward to it."
In that moment, Leo saw a glimpse of the character he had once admired so much. It was strange—these fictional characters had once been his source of inspiration and joy. Now, he was the one guiding them as a dimensional merchant.
With a snap of his fingers, Leo summoned a red-and-white Poké Ball from the system and handed it to Usopp, sealing the deal with the Kaya family.
"Well, now that you've both chosen your Pokémon, you should spend some time getting to know them," Leo said with a wave of his hand, signaling the end of their transaction. "As for the special fodder for Miltank, I'll transfer it to your warehouse. Is that okay?"
"No problem! Of course, no problem!" Kaya's father replied quickly, though he couldn't help but try to extend the encounter. "Lord Leo, why don't you stay for lunch? We can share a bottle of fine red wine…"
Leo interrupted with a smile. "Drinking isn't good for your health, and besides, I have other matters to attend to. We'll talk more during our next trade."
With another snap of his fingers, Leo vanished from sight, leaving Usopp and Kaya's father standing there, contemplating their future.
…
On the coast of West Rob Island, Leo reappeared with Eevee in his arms, grinning as he looked out at the sea.
"8,000 points in hand!" he exclaimed, his excitement palpable.
This trip to Syrup Village had been a success—two and a half new traders and 9,688 points gained. Combined with the 10,000 points he had left, Leo's balance now exceeded 20,000.
"20,000 points… enough to make a maid," Leo mused, though his heart wasn't really in it. "But women? Ha! Business is far more interesting!"
Watching his customers embark on new lives under his guidance brought Leo unparalleled satisfaction. Who else in the world could enjoy such a pleasure?
Turning his gaze to the distant sky, Leo's mind buzzed with ideas. "Time to conquer the East Blue Sea! Wailord, let's go!"
A roar echoed across Syrup Village, causing the villagers to look up in fear. But only Usopp and Kaya's father knew that it was the sound of the dimensional merchant bidding them farewell.
…
A week later, in a private bar room on Odyssey Island in the East Blue Sea, Nami sipped her orange juice, engrossed in her phone. Butterfree sat beside her on the sofa, holding a cup of tea with its tiny hands, looking out of place in the noisy bar. On the table, a small yellow creature curiously explored its surroundings.
"Butterfree-sensei, do you think we should buy some water energy blocks for Pichu?" Nami asked, not looking up from her phone. "You said you could teach it the Rain Dance skill in the future, right? It might help it learn faster."
Butterfree sighed, a drop of sweat forming on its forehead. Using the Rotom translation app, it replied, "Piipipii!?? (Pichu is an Electric-type Pokémon. Why would it need water energy blocks? For brushing its teeth?)"
Butterfree's large, ruby-like eyes looked at Nami helplessly. It had only been a few days since Pichu was born, yet Nami was already piling up supplies for it in the system's shopping cart—everything from decorations to training equipment. Even Poké Ball stickers hadn't escaped her notice.
Butterfree was confused. The Nami it knew was a miser, someone who clung to her money tightly. How had she become such a shopaholic now that she could shop online?
"Hmph," Nami pouted after Butterfree's scolding but still added the water energy block to the cart. "Where is Carina? She's late! We agreed to meet at ten, and it's already one minute past. If she doesn't show up, She'll miss out on this lucrative business deal!"
(End of this chapter)