At this moment, anyone with even a hint of intelligence could tell that something was off with the situation!
This was especially true for the strong men who had been using their heightened senses to monitor the field...
A moment ago, the two trainers in the ring appeared weak and unimpressive.
But after they underwent bond evolution, these strong men immediately sensed a surge of energy boiling up inside their bodies.
While this energy wasn't particularly powerful for people like them, it was still enough to catch their attention.
What truly shocked them, however, was the origin of this power!
No matter how advanced their observational abilities were, they couldn't detect the energy channels created by the power of the bond.
However, they were certain that it all had to do with the Pokémon!
In the world of pirates, where strength is everything, power is the ultimate currency! Whether it's the power of one's lineage, a strong physical body, Devil Fruit abilities, or technological weapons, anything that grants control over others is highly sought after.
However...
Not everyone in this world has access to such power.
Lineage-based power depends on reincarnation, physical strength requires innate talent, Devil Fruit abilities demand both talent and hard work under favorable conditions, and technological weapons are limited and not widely accepted in mainstream combat.
These limitations mean that only a select few can join the ranks of the truly powerful and gain the ability to control their own destinies.
As time goes by, people often reach the limits of their abilities.
Take Doflamingo and Crocodile, for example—both are middle-aged figures in the pirate world whose strength is impressive, yet their potential for further growth is limited.
This is why one of them has turned to building a vast underground business empire, while the other hides in Alabasta, searching for the long-lost ancient weapon, Pluton.
They are both hoping to find new ways to achieve greater power.
Now, guided by the dimensional merchants, a new path appears to be opening in the world of pirates!
Although this path is not without its challenges, for those who truly seek it, these challenges are nothing!
"It seems that dealing with these dimensional merchants should become a top priority," Doflamingo thought, a glint flashing in his eyes as his fingers twitched slightly, like a puppet master ready to pull his strings.
...
After the bond evolution, both the trainers and their Pokémon experienced a significant boost in strength, elevating the battle's intensity to a whole new level.
The fight in the ring became fierce, with the combatants exchanging powerful blows in a highly animated display!
Countless flames and rocks seemed to materialize from thin air, launching towards the opponents, only to be dodged or blocked in turn.
The level of this battle had finally reached a point where even Doflamingo and the others began to take it seriously.
In the end, the trainer of the Onix managed to land a decisive blow by using his Pokémon's massive body to block the Infernape's fatal strike, before countering with a rock spike that hit the noble trainer.
The outcome of the battle didn't stir much emotion among the audience.
After all, their excitement had already peaked when they witnessed the bond evolution.
Even after the two trainers left the stage, the crowd continued to buzz with heated discussions about the bond evolution.
And soon, these discussions spread beyond Celestial Island, broadcasted on large screens.
...
"Worororororororo!!!"
"The ability to harness the power of Pokémon!? This is fascinating! Worororororororo!"
On Onigashima, Kaido, slightly drunk, continued to gulp down his potent liquor from his ever-present large gourd, laughing heartily as he watched the large screen set up by the World Economic News.
Even in his intoxicated state, he had immediately recognized the secret of the bond evolution.
After all, anyone with a bit of insight could see those elemental attacks, mirroring the attributes of the Pokémon, and infer the connection.
Though Kaido had been hiding out on his island in the New World, his interest in Pokémon had been keen.
His goal was to transform all his crew members into users of animal-type abilities!
Just like the name of their pirate crew—the Beast Pirates!!!
Thus, when he heard about Doflamingo's experiments with artificial Devil Fruits, he had invested substantial resources to support these efforts.
But now, he had new plans for the future of the Beast Pirates!
If every pirate under his command could become a Pokémon trainer, wouldn't he still retain the title of "Hundred Beasts"?
Moreover...
The path of becoming a Pokémon trainer seemed far more reliable than the unpredictable artificial Devil Fruits!
"Worororororororo!!! It seems I'll need to save some resources to buy Pokémon. Let's start by cutting off support to Doflamingo! Worororororororo!!"
Kaido laughed out loud.
As one of the Four Emperors of the New World and the owner of the vast Kairōseki quarry in Wano Country, the Beast Pirates' wealth far exceeded that of the other Four Emperors' crews.
Unlike Whitebeard and Shanks, Kaido wasn't one to show mercy, nor did he have the habit of accepting desserts as protection money...
"I just wonder when the dimensional merchants will come to the New World again!"
"Gulp, gulp, gulp..."
As he downed another bottle of strong liquor, Kaido began to ponder.
He couldn't possibly venture all the way to the East Blue in search of a dimensional merchant.
Now that Whitebeard had regained his youth, he seemed to be quietly expanding his influence.
Although he hadn't yet encroached on the territories of the other Four Emperors, many unclaimed islands had recently fallen under Whitebeard's control.
His ambitions were clear.
However...
While Kaido might appear to be a brute, he was shrewd and perceptive.
If Whitebeard were still old and frail, he would have already taken action.
But with Whitebeard restored to his prime, it was better to bide his time.
When Whitebeard eventually sets his sights on the territories of the other Four Emperors, it won't be too late for Kaido to seek allies and eliminate Whitebeard.
In those few moments, numerous strategies flashed through Kaido's mind.
But in an instant, his gaze returned to its usual glazed expression as he continued watching the Pokémon Conference on the big screen.
The next match featured two relatively unknown trainers from Group C.
Their skills were even less impressive than those of the noble and merchant from before.
After a brief exchange, they too underwent bond evolution.
Instantly, the previously disinterested audience members widened their eyes in anticipation!
This was the moment they had been waiting for!
The sudden appearance of bond evolution, granting humans special abilities, was like discovering a mysterious, untapped gold mine, radiating an irresistible allure.
Everyone wanted to learn more about it and uncover the treasures hidden within.
This was precisely why Leo had scheduled the battles this way on the first day, featuring only those with limited strength of their own.
With their abilities, Zoro and Sanji could easily defeat their opponents without needing to resort to bond evolution.
They wouldn't reveal all their cards on the first day unless absolutely necessary.
This way, Leo could fully showcase the power of bond evolution and attract potential high-quality clients!
...
...
Starting with Group C and continuing through today's eighth battle, every trainer has utilized Bond Evolution, a feature designed by Leo.
Trainers who have harnessed Bond Evolution no longer simply stand on the sidelines directing their Pokémon. Instead, they rush to the forefront of the battle themselves!
After extensive special training, these trainers have become well-acquainted with the power granted by Bond Evolution.
The intensity of each battle is breathtaking.
Brilliant flames, waves that shatter the sky, raging lightning, and mystical psychic powers...
From what were once ordinary human forms, these trainers have unlocked abilities equal to or even surpassing those of superhumans, igniting excitement among the live audience and those watching from screens.
Some of the most skilled trainers have reached a level comparable to the legendary Shichibukai after evolving through the bond!
Upon seeing this, even Crocodile couldn't maintain his usual composure.
Since retreating from the New World and becoming a Shichibukai, he had not made any effort to improve his strength, leaving him weaker than he once was.
Now, witnessing the elemental attacks casually unleashed by those he once considered weaklings after their Bond Evolution, he realized their power was not to be underestimated.
In an instant, the importance of this transaction escalated several notches in his mind.
...
...
As the sun set, painting the sky in shades of crimson and blue, the clouds swirled with the wind and dispersed into a fine mist upon reaching the boundaries of Celestial Island.
After a nearly non-stop day of battles, with only a two-hour break at noon, the arena finally fell silent.
The Rocket Trio, dressed in evening gowns befitting the sunset, gracefully descended from the sky, microphones in hand, smiling warmly.
"Thank you to all our viewers for your enthusiastic support of the Pokémon League Tournament!"
"I now announce…"
"The conclusion of the first round of the Pokémon League Tournament Preliminary Group Stage. We will soon announce today's winning trainers, along with information about their Pokémon, in the information section."
"If you're interested, feel free to find a nearby Rotom to check it out."
"Please exit in an orderly manner. We'll see you again at the same time tomorrow!"
After these closing remarks, the audience began to stir.
Nearly 10,000 spectators reluctantly left their seats, heading towards the designated exits.
During the tournament, spectators and players are housed separately.
The 32 players reside in the gym, while spectators stay in temporary towns located slightly farther away.
Yet, no one voiced any complaints.
Their minds were still immersed in the day's battles.
Most of those who attended the event held some level of status.
They didn't lack the resources to purchase Pokémon, but they were seeking an opportunity.
Thinking of the trainers, ordinary like themselves, who gained immense power through Bond Evolution…
These people clenched their fists, their desire to trade growing stronger.
However...
To maximize the impact of Bond Evolution and keep the audience's reactions as genuine as possible, Leo wouldn't reveal the secret behind Bond Evolution just yet.
Revealing secrets too soon would rob them of their novelty.
If they wanted to obtain the power of the bond, they would have to wait until the event's conclusion.
...
...
Later that evening, in the gym's dining hall.
All 30 trainers, except for the last group still receiving treatment, were summoned.
"Good evening, fellow trainers!"
Under the bright lights, Leo suddenly appeared.
He wore a crisp black suit, holding a gentleman's cane. A small Eevee, donning a black top hat with a red band, perched on his left shoulder, its bright eyes surveying the crowd.
"Good evening, Sir Leo!"
The trainers responded in unison.
As for Enel, who appeared behind Leo, they ignored him completely.
They couldn't forget how he had repeatedly kicked them into the abyss during their hellish training.
Leo chuckled, casually walking among them as he spoke:
"Thank you all for supporting my work and helping to make this event a success. I appreciate your hard work."
"It's no trouble at all! No trouble!!!"
Although they knew Leo's words were just a formality, hearing them warmed their hearts.
Leo smiled slightly and, not wanting to delay dinner, quickly got to the point:
"Some of you may have questions, and now is a good time to ask."
As soon as he finished, Leo's gaze turned towards Cobra.
After all, Cobra was the only one today whose defeat was shrouded in mystery.
He hadn't participated in the special training and knew nothing about Bond Evolution.
Sure enough, after hearing Leo's words, Cobra stepped forward and respectfully inquired about Bond Evolution.
Leo patiently explained its role to those who hadn't undergone the special training.
After a while...
Understanding dawned on Cobra's face as he murmured:
"It's incredible that such a power exists in this world!"
At that moment, Robin stepped forward and asked:
"Sir Leo, can we trade while participating in the competition?"
Robin was instantly captivated after hearing about Bond Evolution!
She had already redeemed the power of nature, and now, with just 500 points, she could greatly enhance her and her Espeon strength!
For Robin, who had been participating in contests for some time, 500 points were nothing.
With Kalifa and others' help, her reputation had spread worldwide, even landing her in the newspapers several times.
Many admired her.
Even Robin's current appearance fees were now in the hundreds of millions.
If it weren't for her goal of resurrecting those unjustly killed in O'Hara, Robin's points would have already been enough to elevate her to the top level of the Shichibukai.
"Of course!"
Hearing Robin's question, Leo grinned.
After all...
This was exactly why he had come!
(End of this chapter)