Late at Night.
Kashiwagi lay sprawled on the bed after returning from a gathering, staring blankly at the mottled ceiling.
The overstuffed Aron nestled against his left calf, curling up obediently with its eyes closed, taking a nap.
"There's a lot to do…"
He glanced at the countdown on the simulator—still over two days remaining.
From the rewards he had received so far, the "clue" had already been fulfilled, leaving only the two "reduce one level at level 30" items and the [String Shot] move.
The level-reduction items hadn't been used yet. As for the move, it had been tested on Aron. [String Shot] showed a failure to learn, while [Headlong Rush] triggered a confirmation pop-up. Without hesitation, he chose "Yes."
This clearly confirmed that Pokémon could only learn moves within their natural move pool.
A bit disappointing.
It would've been fun to see an Aron capable of using [String Shot].
Regarding Aron's current condition, Kashiwagi had already learned the details from the Pokémon Center.
[Pokémon: Aron]
[Type: Steel + Rock]
[Gender: Male]
[Height: 47 cm / Weight: 50 kg]
[Ability: Sturdy]
[Level: 28]
[Moves: Tackle / Harden / Mud-Slap / Metal Claw / Iron Defense / Take Down / Iron Head / Dig / Headlong Rush]
Its height was slightly above average, but its weight was noticeably under the norm. The doctor had noted it was malnourished, and the metallic layer on its body had some issues. Upon closer inspection, its surface was riddled with dents and uneven patches, requiring further care.
Just like raising cats and dogs in his previous life, raising Pokémon also came in two styles—dedicated care or rough handling. Proper training methods helped boost their willpower, confidence, and combat abilities.
Additionally, the doctor mentioned that Aron wasn't very old. Its moves, level, and reflexes suggested it had been raised with care.
As for why it was abandoned… unless Aron brought it up itself, Kashiwagi wouldn't delve into it. After all, it likely wasn't a pleasant memory.
"Come up and sleep."
He sat up, lifting Aron onto the bed, and used one of the level-reduction items.
These items became useless past level 30, so now was the best time to maximize their efficiency.
"Gruh?"
Aron blinked in confusion, shifting its body slightly. It felt an odd warmth and itchiness spreading through its body, making it want to roll around or kick out.
It felt similar to how it would after battles in the past.
Kashiwagi gently asked, "Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?"
"Gruh!"
Aron shook its head. It figured this must just be because it was overfed, and it had an urge to spar or something.
However, seeing that Kashiwagi seemed somewhat tired, it gave up on the idea of moving and settled down quietly to prepare for the next day.
Aron had expected to struggle with human interaction after being away from people for so long, but the past few days had been unexpectedly joyful. This realization made it aware of just how easily it could be content, and it began to look forward to the future.
There'd probably be a battle tomorrow, right? It had been so long since it had moved properly—it wondered if it could make Kashiwagi proud…
As it thought this, Aron gradually fell asleep.
Kashiwagi gently stroked its head, listening to its faint breathing. He felt his tension easing, and sleepiness began to creep in.
Tomorrow, after reporting to the Sand Division, he'd need to find a literacy class to quickly address his semi-illiteracy. Then he needed to figure out how to access the internet and communicate with the outside world—opening up more opportunities for the future.
He was determined to leave the Quicksand Team.
This was a small goal he had already set, and once he had grown stronger and gained more power, he would execute it.
The Quicksand Team was riddled with parasitic leeches. Forget the higher-ups—even the squad leaders and regular members constantly exploited those below them, demanding protection fees, tribute money, and holiday gifts.
Even for the iron ore they were supposed to deliver—out of five tons, three would be skimmed off.
The members were arrogant, constantly picking fights with other violent groups, making enemies wherever they went and leaving themselves with almost no allies.
It was hard to understand what kind of development strategy the leadership had in mind.
In a little while, once Kashiwagi became familiar with the process of raising Pokémon, he could start preparing for his second and third Pokémon.
But most importantly, he needed to find a way to make money. Without money, nothing could be accomplished…
Kashiwagi slowly closed his eyes.
The Next Morning.
Kashiwagi and his companions put on their Quicksand Team uniforms and headed toward the Sand Division's base.
Surprisingly, the uniforms were relatively normal, resembling desert camouflage combat gear from his previous life—far more stylish than most of the villainous team outfits in the main series.
"By the way, why do you always let it stay outside?"
Seiichi asked curiously, looking at the Aron at Kashiwagi's feet. "Doesn't it get annoying?"
"Building rapport with your partner is more important."
Kashiwagi glanced at Aron, meeting its eyes. Trust and understanding were built through companionship, developing naturally through shared daily life.
In Pyrite Town, swapping Pokémon partners was a common practice among trainers, but Kashiwagi had no such habit. The simulator also gave him the confidence to stick to his approach.
Hearing this, Seiichi pondered for a moment, then released his coal-like Roggenrola. The others followed suit, and soon the group became much larger, drawing occasional glances from passersby.
As they neared the Sand Division's base, the attention on them grew noticeably, mostly from formal members wearing the same uniforms.
"Look, the one leading them…"
"Is that him? So lucky!"
"Saving someone is no big deal. I could've done it too…"
"Who knows what kind of luck he had. He sure looks smug, huh."
The whispers and strange glances buzzed around Kashiwagi, filling the air with tension.
Seiichi frowned unhappily, ready to rally the others to confront those people, but Kashiwagi raised a hand to stop him.
"Don't bother with them. Reporting in is more important. These guys aren't like that fool Shibata."
He spoke in a low voice. Among the onlookers, there were definitely a few trying to stir up trouble—likely people connected to Shibata's group, bitter because their relatives failed their assessment.
Starting a conflict would only play into their hands and delay their reporting.
Seiichi and the others nodded obediently. They always saw Kashiwagi as the backbone of the team and wouldn't act without his direction.
Thus, under the watchful eyes of the onlookers, the group—with their Pokémon—entered the Sand Division's base: a massive, rust-stained, orange-red egg-shaped building.
At first glance, the base looked like an abandoned sports arena. Inside, it matched Kashiwagi's expectations—iron barrels, chains, tires, and other items were scattered everywhere. The floor was dark, the walls weathered and covered in strange graffiti.
The highlight, though, was the motorcycles.
Single-wheeled hover bikes, dual-wheeled bikes, fully hovering models—they were everywhere, all designed in extreme, over-the-top biker gang styles. Bikes stood in corners, some were dismantled into parts, making the place look like the headquarters of a biker gang.
Seiichi and the others couldn't help but gasp in awe, while Kashiwagi locked eyes with a nearby man.
"You guys are… oh! It's you! You're here pretty early!"
The man, who looked about thirty-five, wore a black tank top and sported a full beard. His hands were covered in engine oil as he turned and yelled into the building, "The newbies are here! Come out and greet them!"
His voice boomed so loudly it was likely heard throughout the entire base.
Soon after, a man with messy wine-red hair, glasses, and narrow, Abra-like eyes emerged.
He scanned the group, then pointed at Seiichi and the others. "You guys, follow this path to the end. There's a small room there—tell them you're here to register."
Separating Kashiwagi from the group, he said, "And you, Kashiwagi, follow me. The boss wants to see you."
"The… boss?"
Kashiwagi was stunned.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I'm new on this side of WebNovel so please give me any advice or suggestions you have in the comments
Make Sure to give a Review!
If you enjoy, add this to your library (Collection)!
Send Power Stones!
I'm also starting a Patreon soon!
-----------------------------------------------------------------