As time passed, the atmosphere on the sea grew increasingly intense.
"Hey! Look over there! What's that?"
The unusual activity on the water quickly caught the attention of the busy crowd at the port.
Waves formed a pure white halo, cascading from the rising sea surface and returning to the ocean.
At that moment, everyone at the port turned their gaze towards the sea, their faces filled with curiosity and surprise.
In the water, a dark, smooth mound began to slowly emerge.
"That's... that's..."
A grizzled one-eyed man suddenly remembered something. His eyes widened as he shouted in astonishment:
"It's the dimensional merchant!!! That's the dimensional merchant's pet!!!"
"It's just like what was reported in the newspaper!!! No doubt about it!!!"
In recent times, the news of the dimensional merchant's appearance in the East Blue Sea had spread like wildfire.
Leo's open trades were captured by paparazzi from all over, and now the entire sea knew...
The mysterious dimensional merchant would arrive on a terrifying giant beast to trade with the fortunate.
Sure enough.
No sooner had the burly, scarred man finished shouting than the entire port erupted into chaos.
"Holy crap!!! It's true! The dimensional merchant is here!!!"
"Quick, quick, quick!!! Weigh anchor and set sail!!! Let's move, boys!!!"
"I can't believe it! The moment I set sail, I run into the dimensional merchant! I must be destiny's favorite!!! Hahahahaha!!!"
"Could someone give me a lift? Damn it, my crew didn't even wait for me—the captain!"
"..."
People scrambled to leave the port, rushing towards the spot where the Wailord had surfaced.
The frenzy led to a "ship jam" at LogueTown's port, but even so, sailors hoisted their sails, grabbed their oars, and pushed their engines to the limit, desperate not to miss the chance to trade with the dimensional merchant.
The sea had turned into a chaotic bumper boat game.
"ROOAAARRR!!"
Suddenly, a sound like a dragon's roar resonated from beneath the water, echoing through the sky.
The ripples on the sea grew even more violent.
A massive Wailord gradually emerged, towering above everyone.
In an instant, the sea fell silent, as if someone had hit the mute button.
The crowd that had been shouting with excitement moments ago now hesitated, their courage faltering in the face of the mountain-sized deep-sea beast.
At that moment, a streak of white smoke shot out from among the many ships, heading straight for the Wailord.
"The dimensional merchant really has come to LogueTown!!!"
Smoker, now partially transformed into smoke, flew swiftly towards the Wailord, a flash of surprise in his fierce eyes.
Just a few days earlier, the navy headquarters had sent him some information...
According to intelligence analysis, there was a high probability that the dimensional merchant would appear in LogueTown.
As a result, the Navy Headquarters had granted Captain Smoker access to all the resources at his base to conduct transactions with the dimensional merchant, provided it didn't interfere with the navy's normal operations.
This was a clear sign of the Navy Headquarters' support for its rising star.
The sea was on the verge of entering a new era. In recent days, the navy had been holding meeting after meeting, discussing various policies and proposals.
Although the World Government remained silent, keeping everyone in suspense, the navy, bolstered by the support of its top leaders, had decided to actively engage in the new era's turbulent competition!
Why?
Because the power of the navy's new department was immense!
Five thousand Magikarp might only be ornamental, but when ten thousand Feebas gathered together, the navy's top brass were thrilled!
No one had imagined that a monster formed by ten thousand Feebas could rival Admiral Aokiji!
Although it was ultimately defeated, acquiring a force almost equivalent to a candidate for admiral with just half a billion Beli was a staggering bargain!
Of course, the Feebas had significant limitations. Each one required careful care and training, and after much deliberation, the navy's top brass decided to equip each naval combat unit with one Magikarp and two Feebas.
It was unrealistic to keep all 5,000 units moving together. As a result, the maximum power these Feebas could exert became limited.
This was why Sengoku hesitated to continue purchasing more Feebas.
But regardless, the navy had realized that...
Trading with the dimensional merchant was undoubtedly profitable!
This understanding led to their decision to select suitable naval elites to participate in the Pokémon League Conference in a year's time.
...
With a final puff of smoke, Smoker successfully landed on the back of the Wailord.
Stepping onto the vast, land-like surface of the Wailord, his heart raced.
He had thought coming to the East Blue Sea would be a harsh test, but he had been soundly defeated by the rookie Ace.
The loss had dealt a heavy blow to his confidence!
But now, with the navy's resources backing him, he was determined to defeat Ace!
"Excuse me, is the dimensional merchant here?"
Smoker waved away the smoke trailing behind him, even discarding the cigar from his mouth into the sea for the first time. He didn't want to make a bad impression on Leo.
The moment he spoke, a figure materialized before him as if by magic.
"Hello, Mr. Navy."
Leo greeted him with a smile.
Smoker's eyes lit up at the sight of Leo, a look of surprise crossing his face.
According to the information he had received, if the dimensional merchant was willing to speak with you, it meant you had a chance to trade!
Smoker's excitement was palpable:
"Finally, I've found you!"
He was so overwhelmed that he almost rushed forward to embrace Leo.
This was a testament to the emotional toll Ace and Charizard had taken on him!
However, despite Smoker's enthusiasm, Leo simply smiled, his expression unchanging.
"No need to get excited, Mr. Navy."
Leo waved his hand gently, and a soft blue light enveloped Smoker, instantly calming his nerves.
Seeing a tough man lose his composure like that was quite unsettling!
With Smoker back to normal, Leo continued with a smile:
"It seems I don't need to introduce myself..."
"I presume you're already familiar with my identity."
"As you know, I am a dimensional merchant, traveling the world. I wonder, Mr. Navy, are you interested in making a deal with me?"
"Yes! Absolutely!"
Although his excitement had subsided, Smoker's tone still held a hint of eagerness as he replied quickly:
"Sir Leo, I'm well aware of the transaction process!"
"Could you please help me assess how many points I can redeem with my current resources?"
(End of this chapter)