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Seeing the Ditto in front of him transformed into an Ekans, baring its fangs and claws, Sato's blue eyes flashed as he utilized the system's detection ability to scan the Ditto.
Ditto's Data:
Pokémon: Ekans (Ditto Transformation)
Level: 15
Type: Poison (Originally Normal)
Ability: Limber
Gender: None
Known Moves: Transform (Original Move), Wrap, Glare, Poison Sting, Bite, Leer.
"What a fascinating Pokémon! It really can possess the skills of the Pokémon it transforms into. However, the Ekans that Ditto has transformed into can only use the skills available to a level 15 Ekans. Does this mean Ditto can't learn moves from transformed Pokémon through other means?" Sato pondered, contemplating the system's displayed information on Ditto.
Due to the incomplete data collected so far, Sato couldn't draw definitive conclusions and needed to observe Ditto trying to transform into other Pokémon to arrive at an accurate assessment.
(In this novel, it is established that Ditto can only inherit the moves of the Pokémon it transforms into that are available at its own level. For example, if a level 15 Ditto transforms into an Ekans, it can only use the skills a regular level 15 Ekans possesses; inherited moves or those learned through other methods cannot be acquired.)
While Sato was lost in thought about the wonders of Ditto's transformations, the Ditto, still in the form of Ekans, noticed Sato standing in front of it. With its already foul mood, it chose to take out its frustration on Sato, opening its mouth wide as a barrage of thin purple poison spikes shot out toward him.
Of course, since it was enclosed in the glass cage, Sato could only feel speechless at Ditto's outburst.
However, Sato found himself liking this Ditto even more because its persistent spirit contrasted sharply with the majority of nearby Pokémon that had already chosen to stay docile in their cages.
"Please stop attacking me; you should feel that I mean no harm. I can take you with me," Sato said softly, leaning closer to the glass cage to communicate with the Ditto, which had reverted to its original form.
Transforming into other Pokémon clearly required a lot of energy. The Ditto, now back to its original form, was panting heavily as it looked at Sato, its small eyes reflecting deep suspicion.
Upon hearing Sato's gentle words, the originally wary eyes of the Ditto squinted slightly. To Sato's surprise, it transformed again, this time into a Ralts, inching closer while keeping its sharp eyes fixed on Sato. Meanwhile, the small red horn on its head began to emit a faint glow.
Ditto didn't sense any malice from Sato, but it remained distrustful. The other trapped Pokémon had warned it that humans were treacherous and untrustworthy, so it needed to verify this for itself.
Ditto had encountered Ralts before and envied their teleportation ability that helped them to escape, which was why it had chosen to transform into them long ago.
However, Ditto was disappointed; despite transforming into a Ralts, it was never able to teleport, and even using Psychic-type moves was quite difficult.
(Note: The strength of psychic power is a crucial factor in determining the power of Psychic-type moves. The threshold for training psychic power is very high; only those with inherently strong psychic abilities or awakened psychic powers can cultivate them.)
"Impressive! It can even transform into a Ralts, and it seems to be able to slightly utilize Ralts' ability to sense the emotions of other beings," Sato thought, astonished by the Ditto currently transformed into Ralts.
There was no doubt that this Ditto's transformation aptitude was exceptional.
At this moment, the Ditto, in the form of Ralts, was using Ralts's ability to sense Sato's shock, and a hint of pride appeared on its small face.
However, besides sensing Sato's surprise, the Ditto also picked up on Sato's thoughts regarding itself and the other nearby Pokémon, and its expression shifted from pride to surprise.
The Ditto reverted to its original form, looking dazed at Sato, with its wariness now gone.
"It seems you've sensed my true thoughts through Ralts' innate ability. So, how about you come with me? I hope you can help me," Sato said with a bright smile beneath his mask, leaning closer to the glass cage as he spoke softly to the Ditto.
The Ditto's mood calmed; using the temporary abilities gained from transforming into Ralts, it realized that Sato was not a bad person and that he genuinely wanted to help them.
"Ditto~" Since it understood that Sato was not a threat and also didn't want to remain in this dreary place, the Ditto nodded in agreement without hesitation.
"Old man, I want to buy this Ditto. How much is it?" Seeing the Ditto nod, Sato immediately lifted the glass cage containing it and brought it before the old hunter, eagerly asking for the price.
The glass cage was specially made and difficult to break; to take the Ditto out, Sato had to get the key to open it from the old hunter.
In stark contrast to its earlier anger at Sato, the Ditto shrank into a corner when it saw the old hunter, trembling in fear like a mouse in front of a cat.
In truth, the Ditto was afraid of the aging Houndoom beside the old hunter. The once lethargic Houndoom now radiated a formidable aura, revealing the terrifying intimidation of a Hellhound.
This not only sent shivers down the Ditto's spine but also made Sato feel a chill run down his body. From the data he had previously gathered through his system's detection ability, he knew that this Houndoom was at least level 60.
Now that he looked closely, even in its old age, the Houndoom's power remained quite formidable.
"Ditto is quite the catch; this little fellow isn't easy to grab, and its talent isn't comparable to those other worthless Pokémon you've seen. However, since it hasn't been tamed, I won't charge you too much. Let's say a flat price of 7 million PokeDollars. I won't sell for anything less," the old hunter said, pausing his carving work to address Sato in a nonchalant manner.
In truth, the old hunter observed every one of Sato's movements and noted the entire process of the Ditto's change in attitude toward Sato. He understood that Sato was determined to acquire this Ditto, so he deliberately raised the price.
However, the old hunter was also aware of the market value; the average trading price for Ditto in the black market of Saffron City was about 5 million PokeDollars. Since the Ditto hadn't been fully tamed, he didn't raise the price too high to avoid losing Sato, a rare customer. Still, now that he had set the price, he was determined to see it through and wouldn't accept anything less than that.
Spending 7 million PokeDollars on a Ditto was still a deal worth considering for Sato, especially since the amount was within his budget. After thinking for a while, Sato transferred the 7 million PokeDollars to the bank account specified by the old hunter through an anonymous transaction.
Although he was clearly paying more than market value, he was also aware of the fact that he might not encounter another Ditto like this one again, so, in the end, Sato decided that acquiring a Pokemon that fit his needs and standards was much more important that saving some money which he could quickly end up making again.
"Here you go; it's yours now." Upon seeing the money transferred, the old hunter didn't say another word. He expertly took out a key, opened the glass cage, and retrieved a PokeBall to collect the Ditto, then handed the PokeBall to Sato.
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