Chapter 9: Unexpected benefit

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After a careful search, Sato finally found the iron net he needed at a stall tucked away at the edge. Upon seeing the other items at the stall, he felt as if he had discovered a new world, and his eyes lit up.

Compared to other stalls selling a variety of Pokémon items and gear, this one looked rather shabby, featuring various discarded second-hand training tools. These included weights of different sizes for training a Pokémon's limbs, frisbees for improving coordination, and weighted vests for building physical strength.

From the condition of these second-hand training tools, it was clear they had been used for a considerable time, with many scratches on the surface and faded paint. However, overall, they were still in relatively good shape, showing no cracks; with a little care, they could still be used for a few months without issue.

"Excuse me, sir, how much for that iron net and these training tools?" Sato politely inquired as he approached the stall, pleased to find items that suited him well.

The vendor was a burly man with a square face, thick eyebrows, and squinty eyes, giving him a rather honest appearance. Currently at the lowest rank of a soldier, the man sat cross-legged on the ground. When he saw the newcomer approach, a hint of joy spread across his face.

"Well, well, it's rare to see a rookie like you daring to come here alone on your first day. You've got a good eye; these are excellent training tools for Pokémon. Although they look a bit worn, they should last at least a year and a half. I won't charge you much—just one hundred and fifty points for the iron net and that particular set of training tools." The man smiled broadly as he spoke.

However, upon hearing the price of 150 points for the iron net and training tools, Sato's expression shifted slightly to one of extreme displeasure.

He recognized the set of simple training tools from the point exchange system, where they were listed for just 200 points for a new complete set. Given the level of wear and tear on the items, their value should be much lower. The iron net, similarly, had a exchange price of 20 points in the exchange system.

So the vendor's claim of not overcharging was clearly nonsense. In Sato's view, the iron and training tools together were worth 86 points at most in second hand condition, and considering their current condition, there would at least be a further 40% discount, bringing their current price to about 50 points.

"Come on, sir, you must be joking and must have forgotten to give me a discount. How about I make you an offer instead. Considering their current condition, I'll pay 50 points for the iron net and the training tools." Sato replied with a plain face.

At this moment, after hearing Sato's offer, the man's friendly smile vanished instantly. His face turned into a frown and he scrutinized Sato from head to toe, as if trying to memorize every detail about him.

As the man stood up and narrowed his eyes, a terrifying aura emanated from him, immediately pressing down on Sato Kaede, clearly trying to intimidate him.

In that instant, Sato felt as if he were facing not a man but a fierce beast driving him into a corner.

However, even in the face of such ballant intimidation, Sato tried to remain calm and he maintained his usual i-don't-give-a-fuck attitude. He had died once and had no more attachments; death no longer frightened him that much, and the possible threat of it even less so.

'What has this guy been through? He isn't afraid at all? That look in his eyes is truly annoying.' The burly man had initially felt smug, believing that he could easily frighten Sato as he was just a new recruit, but the moment he met Sato's calm and indifferent gaze, his arrogance evaporated and he genuinely began to scrutinize Sato.

In reality, Sato was not the first newcomer to visit the public market. Before him, there had been others. One person, frightened by the terrifying atmosphere, had fled immediately, while the others, like Sato, had recognized the value of the second-hand training tools and inquired about the price. The man had given them the same response he had provided to Sato.

However, the newcomers who dared to come to the public market on their first day were not easy prey. Unsurprisingly, they spoke similarly to Sato, voicing their own opinions about the price.

Thus, the burly man's theatrics began, relying on his intimidating aura to force compliance from these defiant newcomers. Ultimately, the inexperienced newcomers had succumbed to the man's intimidation and purchased sets of second-hand Pokémon training tools at a high price, quickly fleeing the public market after the purchase.

The man, known as Baron, was a burly trainer specializing in Fighting-type Pokémon. He had been with Team Rocket for about a year and had participated in numerous missions and battles—at least ninety, if not a hundred.

In fact, Baron had the strength to be promoted to squad leader or even team leader, but he preferred not to take on leadership roles, often rejecting promotions. His carefree nature and formidable strength made him somewhat arrogant and antisocial, leading to him frequently offending others, which is why he remained just a soldier.

Recently, Baron had fallen into financial trouble due to gambling losses, and remembering that this was the time when new recruits joined, he took the opportunity to make some easy money, using the worn-out training tools at his stall as bait to attract what he perceived as naive newcomers.

His method had proven effective; after deducting the cost of the second-hand training tools, which he had acquired at a bargain price, he had already earned significant points by exploiting the new recruits and selling them at much higher prices.

However, as the saying goes, standing by the river, one cannot avoid getting wet. It was only after encountering someone like Sato, who showed no fear, that his tactics began to falter.

According to Team Rocket's rules, mutual attacks were strictly prohibited unless a member had betrayed the organization. While Baron's intimidation tactics did not technically count as violations, with Sato standing his ground, there was nothing he could do.

Most importantly, Sato's indifferent gaze triggered a sense of caution in Baron. Despite his usual arrogance and carefree lifestyle, he knew how to gauge who he could offend and who he shouldn't.

He held no regard for the weaklings he intimidated into submission but recognized that Sato was different. It was easy to see that he was not someone who would easily be taken down. Given a little time, he would likely become a formidable trainer.

After some self-reflection, Baron concluded that it was unwise to offend Sato over a mere point and decided to make amends.

"Not bad, kid. What's your name? I'm Baron. Let's be friends. Consider this iron net and training set as a welcome gift." Baron immediately softened his demeanor, displaying a friendly expression toward Sato and decided to do him a favour instead.

Once Baron withdrew his menacing aura, Sato exhaled in relief inwardly. He was surprised to see such a drastic change in the man's attitude.

However, being astute, Sato quickly deduced the man's thoughts, and his surprise faded away.

"Thank you so much! These items will be really useful for me. My name is Sato Kaede, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Baron. I hope to learn from you in the future," he responded graciously, aligning himself with Baron's intentions.

In the end, after a pleasant conversation with Baron, Sato acquired the iron and second-hand training tools without spending a single point, and he also obtained some very important information which he needed.