Pokemon: Scientist From One Piece

"Clap, clap, clap～"

The sudden sound of applause made Hirito and Umbreon instinctively turn their heads.

"Well said～"

A man dressed in a black cloak and a white scarf, looking as if he had just stepped off the set of God of Gamblers, walked towards them with a smile, clapping as he approached.

Hirito's expression shifted slightly.

He recognized this man.

After Joy Saori helped him obtain an ID card, Hirito had been able to access public facilities, including libraries.

There, he had studied extensively, learning about the current Gym Leaders across various regions.

And among them was the man standing before him—

Giovanni, the Gym Leader of Viridian City.

Also known as [Giovanni of the Earth] and [The Invincible Gym Leader].

However, what made Hirito frown inwardly was Giovanni's hidden identity—

The leader of Team Rocket.

Before long, Giovanni stopped in front of Hirito, his smile unwavering.

"Kings have the talent of kings, chefs have the talent of chefs, and Pokémon have no distinction between noble and lowly," Giovanni repeated.

"Well said—so well said!"

It was rare for Giovanni to be this enthusiastic.

Back in his youth, when his first Pokémon had been a Beedrill, he had traveled the world and endured mockery from countless League elites.

Yet, he had defeated them all, proving that even so-called 'weak' Pokémon could shine.

And today, for the first time, someone had put his beliefs into words.

"Kings have the talent of kings, chefs have the talent of chefs!"

Yes! That was exactly how he had felt back then!

"So it's Mr. Giovanni, the strongest Gym Leader in the Kanto region."

Despite his young appearance, Hirito had three lifetimes' worth of experience. His momentary surprise quickly faded as he put on a calm expression.

"What brings a Kanto Gym Leader all the way to Johto?"

Giovanni's smile faltered slightly, his mood darkening for a brief moment.

Of course, he was here searching for his missing son.

But after weeks of fruitless searching, he had no leads.

The mere mention of his reason for being here soured his mood.

However, Giovanni was a seasoned fox, and he quickly regained his composure.

"Gym Leaders need rest too. Every now and then, I like to travel to other regions," he answered smoothly.

Hirito smiled, though he didn't believe a single word of it.

A man like Giovanni wouldn't waste his time 'sightseeing.'

He was most likely expanding Team Rocket's influence in Johto.

After all, in the future, Johto would become Team Rocket's second stronghold.

"I saw your battle earlier," Giovanni continued. "And your words… they got this old man's blood boiling.

"How about it? Want to have a battle?"

Hirito blinked.

On the surface, it seemed like a simple friendly match, but he wasn't foolish enough to take it at face value.

Giovanni was a calculating man.

He likely wanted to test Hirito's abilities personally.

"Ah? I don't like souls-like games."

"Huh?"

Giovanni frowned slightly.

"It means I don't like getting my ass handed to me." Hirito shrugged.

He knew his limits—he had no chance of winning against Giovanni.

"Haha! What's wrong with that? It's just a friendly match—winning or losing doesn't matter. If you battle me, I'll even treat you to dinner!"

Giovanni's tone was kind and encouraging, like a benevolent senior.

Hirito thought for a moment.

There was nothing to lose from battling.

But he still had to be cautious.

After all, Giovanni had an unusual presence in Johto, and Hirito still wasn't sure of his true motives.

The downside of transmigrating too early…

Unlike those who arrived after the canon timeline, Hirito couldn't predict what was going to happen next.

"Young man, is that new Eevee evolution your first Pokémon?" Giovanni asked as they faced each other on Cianwood's beach.

"Yes. She's called Umbreon."

Hirito nodded.

"But the League hasn't officially recognized it yet. Most people don't even know about the Dark type."

"Oh? Dark type… I like the sound of that. Did you come up with the name?"

"Uh… let's just say I did," Hirito replied smoothly. "I'm good at naming things."

Giovanni chuckled before pulling out a Poké Ball from his pocket.

"In that case, I'll show you one of my oldest partners."

Hirito's expression shifted slightly.

Could it be…?

Giovanni tossed the Poké Ball behind him.

A burst of white light flashed—

And a towering Nidoking landed heavily on the sand.

"This guy has been with me ever since I started traveling in Kanto," Giovanni said with a smirk.

"He's very strong."

Giovanni then gestured with his hand.

"You make the first move, young man."

Hirito's golden eyes sharpened.

He wasn't expecting to win, but he could at least test the gap between himself and a top-tier trainer.

"Go, Umbreon."

With a burst of speed, Umbreon shot forward, her black figure darting toward Nidoking.

"Oh?"

Giovanni's eyes flickered with interest.

"He's only had this Eevee for ten days, and he's already raised it this well?"

For a newly acquired Pokémon, it had remarkable control over its movements.

Umbreon closed the distance fast.

Is he aiming for a close-combat move?

Giovanni raised an eyebrow and lightly flicked his finger.

"My Nidoking is very good at this."

Despite its massive size, Nidoking was surprisingly agile.

Its fist clenched, crackling with electricity, before swinging forward in a devastating Thunder Punch!

Boom!

The impact sent shockwaves through the sand, creating a deep imprint.

A hit like that would have obliterated most Pokémon.

But—

"Go, Pursuit!"

Just as Nidoking's fist connected, Umbreon's crimson eyes snapped open, and she grinned.

A trap had been set.

Her muscles tensed, her dark fur rippling—

And in the next instant—

She smashed into Nidoking's head like a diamond-hard projectile.

A clean counterattack.

Nidoking staggered, momentarily dazed.

"Hm!?"

A hint of surprise flashed through Giovanni's eyes.

Even though Nidoking had held back a little, it was still a powerful blow.

And yet, Umbreon had not only endured it—she had countered immediately.

"You used a defensive buff, didn't you?" Giovanni narrowed his eyes.

"At the last moment, Umbreon's speed slightly decreased… I see.

"She used Curse, didn't she?"

Curse—a move that, when used by non-Ghost types, increases Attack and Defense at the cost of Speed.

"Normally, Pokémon stand still when using Curse. But yours managed to keep moving while buffing itself.

"You've put in a lot of effort, haven't you?"

Hirito smirked.

"Little Black hasn't been with me for long. I've only been able to teach her this much."

"This is not 'a little'…"

Giovanni's smile deepened.

Damn, I want this kid more and more.

End of Chapter.