Chapter 3: The First Encounter

When Haru Takashi and his companion, Dark Crow, snapped back to their senses, they were met with the sight of a small lavender creature, standing in front of a wild rabbit.

The creature, baring its teeth and claws, appeared to be declaring its ownership of the rabbit. After all, it had gone to great lengths to chase the rabbit out from the bushes. But just as it thought it had won its prey, Haru and Dark Crow swooped in and claimed the rabbit for themselves, reacting just in time.

**Creature: Red Rattata**

**Gender: Male**

**Level: 10**

**Type: Normal**

**Ability: Run Away**

**Held Item: None**

**Inherited Moves: None**

**Basic Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Quick Attack, Focus Energy, Bite**

**Learned Moves: None**

**TM Moves: None**

The small Pokémon that had appeared before Haru and Dark Crow was none other than this Rattata. The quick move it had just used to steal the rabbit was Quick Attack.

"Squawk!" Dark Crow screeched at the Rattata, not willing to back down after seeing its dinner stolen and being intimidated. Its sharp yellow beak gleamed dangerously, and if it weren't for Haru standing by, it might have launched an attack out of sheer frustration.

Despite being two levels higher than Dark Crow, the Rattata's strength wasn't solely determined by levels.

"Since you've shown yourself, you'll be Dark Crow's first opponent," Haru said coldly. He had already guessed that the rabbit's sudden appearance wasn't a coincidence; otherwise, it wouldn't have foolishly left the safety of the bushes.

"Dark Crow, Tailwind!" Haru commanded. A gentle breeze swirled around Dark Crow, making it feel lighter. Tailwind boosted the speed of the entire team.

Haru's lips curled slightly. Reality was nothing like a game—there was no taking turns in combat. As long as your speed was high enough, the enemy wouldn't have time to strike back. With Dark Crow's base speed of 91 and the added boost from Tailwind, even the quick Rattata couldn't match it.

"Peck attack!" Haru's voice was emotionless. In the law of the jungle, the strong devour the weak. The powerful show no mercy, even to the vulnerable.

A flash of black streaked through the forest, blending into the darkness of the night. Before Rattata could react, Dark Crow's sharp beak slammed into its body.

"Squeak!" Rattata cried out in pain. Only now did it realize that the pitch-black creature before it was not to be trifled with. It quickly turned to flee.

"Dark Crow, Astonish!" Knowing that this Rattata had the Run Away ability, Haru wouldn't let it escape so easily. A piercing sound echoed from Dark Crow, and the already injured Rattata froze in fear at the terrifying noise, its small body trembling as it lost the will to flee.

Astonish, a move that uses a loud noise to scare and potentially cause the target to flinch, had a 30% chance of working. But in reality, with proper timing, the chances were far higher. Rattata was the first to experience this—and certainly wouldn't be the last.

"Press the attack! Use Peck again!" Haru's voice remained cold, devoid of any emotion. In battle, every opponent, no matter how weak, deserved full attention. The second law of the jungle: never underestimate your opponent because of their apparent weakness. You never know what they might be hiding.

After another swift attack, Rattata collapsed, unable to continue. Dark Crow moved to step back.

"Finish it!" Haru's icy voice rang out again, as chilling as swallowing ice. Dark Crow hesitated, glancing at Haru before looking at the downed Rattata. A hint of reluctance flickered in its eyes but quickly vanished as it attacked once more, driving its beak into the fallen creature until all life left it.

A brief softness appeared in Haru's gaze, but it vanished just as quickly. On this deadly trial island, mercy had no place. Even the weakest enemy couldn't be underestimated. Dark Crow hadn't disappointed him, despite the moment of hesitation. For its first battle, Haru understood.

Only by cultivating a thirst for blood could they secure their place within Team Rocket. The crimson of blood was the most feared color of all. It had taken Haru several years in his previous life to fully grasp this lesson. Now, he needed to instill it in his Pokémon.

If you want to survive, kill! Carve your path with blood!

Quietly, Haru picked up the rabbit. Dark Crow flapped its wings twice and settled on Haru's shoulder. They continued deeper into the forest, their bond growing stronger with every step.

The golden fat of the roasted rabbit dripped into the fire, sizzling as it hit the flames. Despite lacking seasoning, the rabbit's naturally tender meat released a mouthwatering aroma.

Dark Crow hopped eagerly on the ground, its eyes fixed on the roasting meat. It had never smelled anything so tempting, and its hunger was barely contained.

"Be patient. It's almost ready," Haru chuckled as he watched his impatient companion.

Soon, the meat was fully cooked. Haru tore off a hind leg and left the rest for Dark Crow. The rabbit, thriving in such a fertile environment, was plumper than expected, and Haru's small frame was satisfied with just one leg.

A warmth spread through his body as he ate, and he felt a slight surge of strength after finally getting some meat.

Watching Dark Crow devour the entire rabbit in just a few bites, Haru let out a long breath. Both he and Dark Crow needed to replenish their strength. If they wanted to speed up recovery, they would need to use special herbs and berries.

"Chip, search for energy cubes that can restore depleted bodies and enhance a Pokémon's potential," Haru ordered silently.

That's right, energy cubes! One of the abilities of a Pokémon Breeder. As the owner of a chip, Haru had no reason not to make full use of it. In his previous life, Haru had been an excellent Pokémon Breeder, though he had never officially been certified by the League. But making energy cubes was his specialty.

The process required precise control down to the milligram and millisecond. While others relied on experience and often produced inconsistent results, Haru's chip ensured that every cube was identical, as if copied from a template.

The recipes stored in his chip were among his greatest assets. As long as he had the materials, he could help his Pokémon grow quickly without wasting an ounce of their potential.

At his command, a detailed list of materials and effects appeared before his eyes.

(End of Chapter)