Chapter 31
At this moment on the Moby Dick.
A crowd gathered, watching the screen projected by the Den Den Mushi.
"Wow! It's true, there are so many types of Pokémon!"
"That one that looks like a little wolf is really cool."
"Pops seems to really like that snowy white little fox."
"So cute~"
A group of tough guys revealed aunt-like smiles as they watched the little ones with various personalities and appearances.
The Whitebeard Pirates' style was indeed different from typical pirate crews, resembling a group of idle uncles and aunts when not engaging in battle.
Back to the Mystery Hatchery House.
Dak was using a towel to clean areas on Eevee that weren't covered with fur, like its paws and ears, to avoid discomfort from wet fur.
Bon Clay, following Dak's example, tried to clean Smoochum's face, but it seemed to make the little one uncomfortable.
Darkrai floated in mid-air holding Rockruff, who was too aggressive, always trying to struggle free to bite Newgate, Sengoku, and others.
Pokémon can sense life forces from the outside world even while in their eggs, making the guests' presences somewhat foreign to Rockruff.
Cubone was still tugging at Sengoku's cloak for food, but Sengoku couldn't possibly carry a bunch of food with him everywhere.
Pawniard couldn't maintain its calm demeanor, being just a child. It cautiously approached Gion, poked her Konpira sword hanging at her waist, then ran behind Mihawk to touch his Yoru.
In the pirate world, touching their weapons like that could cost someone their life, but for a newly born Pokémon like Pawniard, there was no issue. Both Mihawk and Gion seemed quite interested in the little one.
Dedenne stood on Gion's shoulder, rubbing against her cheek and sparking a bit of electricity, causing Gion to pause in surprise.
Meanwhile, Vulpix had elegantly gone to the lakeside, using the water as a mirror to groom itself, ceaselessly licking its fur.
Newgate and the others kept their attention on these unique little creatures.
However, Dak knew the display wasn't at its best yet.
It would be better if the little ones could show off their special abilities.
"Dak, what's the name of my child?"
"Smoochum, a Psychic and Ice type Pokémon."
Hearing Bon Clay's question, an idea sparked in Dak's mind.
"Oh, Smoochum, suits you well."
Bon Clay didn't react much, just nodding at the Pokémon in his arms.
He had heard about Pokémon types from Dak but hadn't asked for details.
The other listeners, however, were hearing about types for the first time and found it intriguing.
"Dak, what are types?"
Sengoku, more interested in things directly related to Pokémon's combat capabilities, focused on their potential and strength.
"It's the key nature of a Pokémon's internal energy. For example, Smoochum being Psychic and Ice type means she'll show greater talent in learning and using skills of those types."
With a slight smile, Dak stood up and signaled for everyone to follow, "Come, let's demonstrate. Though Pokémon are fragile in their infancy with not much fighting power, some innate skills can still be released."
Dak led everyone to the manufacturing room.
He needed to determine what skills these little ones had mastered to instruct them properly, so a check was in order.
If he called out a skill and the Pokémon didn't know it, that would be quite embarrassing.
Entering the manufacturing room, Newgate and the others were momentarily stunned by the two large machines inside, looking advanced and impressive.
Newgate and Mihawk, the pirates, might not care, but Sengoku and Tsuru couldn't help but speculate about the machines' uses.
"This is a Pokémon detection device, capable of revealing information about Pokémon. I plan to develop a portable version of this machine for customer sales."
Dak was referring to something like a Pokédex.
But that was still an idea. For now, the focus was on making money.
"Bon Clay, put Smoochum inside."
"Okay."
Bon Clay nodded and carefully placed Smoochum inside the glass chamber.
"Chu~"
Smoochum looked scared inside the chamber, gazing pitifully at Bon Clay.
"Don't worry, it'll be quick. I'm right here with you," Bon Clay hurriedly reassured, morphing into Smoochum's shape.
Dak activated the detection device.
Everyone curiously watched the large machine.
Click.
The chamber opened.
Eh? That was less than 3 seconds?
Dak was also startled; he remembered Darkrai's test took nearly a minute.
Bon Clay picked Smoochum from the chamber while Dak approached the electronic screen.
Smoochum
Type: Ice/Psychic
Ability: Oblivious
Height: 0.25m
Weight: 4.5kg
Age: 1 day (infancy)
Skills: Pound, Lick
Dak was dismayed by this skill list; these skills hardly showcased Pokémon's specialties.
"Darkrai, put Vulpix in the checking device."
"Dark."
Without hesitation, Darkrai quickly picked up the vain little one and placed it inside the glass chamber.
Vulpix was a bit upset because Darkrai's handling messed up its fur, lightly biting Darkrai in protest, though Darkrai surely felt nothing.
Again, three seconds.
Vulpix (Alola Form)
Type: Ice
Ability: Snow Cloak
Height: 0.3m
Weight: 5kg
Age: 1 day (infancy)
Skills: Powder Snow, Tail Whip
This was it.
Dak picked up Vulpix, which seemed calm due to Dak's familiar scent, and didn't make a fuss.
"Mr. Mihawk, would you like to witness the marvel of Pokémon?"
Dak glanced at Newgate and then at Sengoku before choosing Mihawk.
"Indeed."
Mihawk grinned, eager to see.
Hearing his response, Jozu, standing next to Newgate, seemed a bit down; he also wanted to get close to the adorable Vulpix.
"Vulpix, use Powder Snow on him."
"Miu~"
Vulpix complied, blowing a stream of snowflakes at Mihawk.
Under normal circumstances, Mihawk could have easily dodged.
But being in the shop and considering the proximity, Mihawk had no intention of dodging.
To truly experience the magic of Pokémon, he had to take it head-on.
Yet, the skill Vulpix used truly surprised everyone, and when they looked back at Mihawk, already coated with a layer of frost resembling an ice cap, they were astounded.
Such power...
Was like having eaten a Devil Fruit.
(End of Chapter)