Chapter 12: First Special Training, Ditto

(Disclaimer the writing of this chapter is about to change for this chapter only so it's going to be in Kain's pov by the looks of its the only chapter like this) 

I walked around the black market, but I didn't find anything useful.

The Drapion or Skorupi from the Sinnoh region typically inhabit deserts or dry lands, living both day and night. After leaving their territory, they live alone, making them incredibly rare to find.

The Scolipede, Whirlipede, or Venipede from the Unova region have various habitats, often found in forests. However, Venipede can also appear in dark and damp places like city sewers, making them easier to capture.

I recall there being a major infestation of Venipede in several cities in the Unova region, which led to a large number being captured and sold in the external market, causing a significant fluctuation in price.

In short, unless something extraordinary happens, I'll continue visiting the black market each night. Maybe I'll stumble upon a highly talented Pokémon.

---

That night, after returning home, I counted my earnings—2,580 poke dollars over the past three days. The expenses were still manageable, so I was finally able to sleep soundly.

To avoid the orphanage workers harassing me again, I woke up early. Today, two important things were on my agenda.

After eating breakfast with Ditto, I headed out.

I tried the bank card password for the second time but failed again on my fourth attempt.

Feeling a bit frustrated, I acknowledged that it was a matter of luck and decided not to dwell on it.

I hopped on my bike and rode toward the Ecruteak Gym again.

---

When I arrived at the Ecruteak Gym, it was already bustling, even though it was early in the morning.

This demonstrated the high status that a gym leader holds. Everyone wants to be affiliated with a powerful figure. If one were lucky enough to become an official disciple of Chiyama, the gym leader, their path to becoming a Pokémon trainer would be significantly smoother.

I glanced at the registration rules and selection criteria posted at the entrance:

- Applicants must already own a Pokémon.

- A written test will be conducted in three days, with only the top eight advancing.

- The second round is a battle, where the winner advances.

- In the third round, participants will be tasked with catching a Ghost-type Pokémon in the Burned Tower.

- In the fourth round, the captured Ghost Pokémon will compete in battles, and the winners will advance.

- Only two individuals will be accepted as apprentices.

Having read the rules, I joined the queue.

More time passed, and the inside was so packed with children, most of whom were accompanied by their parents, that and the place was hard to navigate.

The apprentice on duty was responsible for registering applicants, while Chiyama personally oversaw the supervision. Many parents attempted to offer bribes in the form of gifts in hopes of securing a spot for their children.

Watching the situation unfold, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disdain. These ignorant people have no idea how much a gym trainer can earn. Even if they handed over their entire life savings, Chiyama wouldn't bat an eye.

I scoffed as I watched parent after parent be turned away, grumbling to myself, "They have no idea of their own worth."

---

By noon, it was finally my turn. I registered Ditto as my Pokémon.

After the registration, I checked the time—it was already 1 p.m. I grabbed a quick bite near the gym to satisfy my hunger.

Realizing that there wasn't enough time to visit Thunderbolt Town today, I decided to go tomorrow morning.

So, what to do with the rest of the day?

I decided it was time to give Ditto some discipline. For the past two days, all it had done was eat.

There's a grassy area on the eastern outskirts of Madoju, relatively safe with few wild Pokémon—perfect for training.

---

When I arrived, I was surprised to see that the field was already crowded with others, all directing their Pokémon through special training.

Clearly, they were also preparing for the Ecruteak Gym apprentice selection.

I glanced around briefly and came to a quick conclusion: "These kids are terrible."

Having already reached the rank of a Pokémon Master in my previous life, I couldn't help but shake my head in disappointment at the poor training techniques I witnessed.

Removing my hat, I spoke to Ditto.

"Transform into a dagger."

Ditto immediately transformed into a blade, and I crouched in the grass, starting a rigorous slashing exercise. I slashed furiously, cutting down young grass with precision.

This was a fantastic method for both physical training and honing one's endurance.

After about half an hour, Ditto was exhausted and reverted to its original form.

Without hesitation, I grabbed Ditto and tossed it to the ground, glaring at it.

"Did I tell you to revert to your original form?"

Terrified, Ditto trembled, not even daring to breathe as it stared up at me.

"You're skipping dinner tonight. Transform into a dagger and continue. Next time you change back without my command, things won't be so easy."

My tone and expression terrified Ditto, forcing it to grit its teeth and transform back into a dagger, despite the pain it was in.

I resumed the grass-slashing exercise, this time even more intensely. Ditto had no choice but to endure the torment, knowing that disobeying could be disastrous.

Ditto transforming back without permission could be a fatal flaw. Its primary role would be forgery, and in the future, as I committed more crimes, it would often be injured. If it reverted in the middle of a dangerous situation, it would expose us both, rendering Ditto useless.

What I need from Ditto is absolute obedience, like a warrior who would sacrifice itself rather than reveal its companions. Clearly, Ditto still had a long way to go before reaching that level of dedication.

I continued training for another hour before stopping. I was drenched in sweat, completely out of breath.

Despite halting the training, Ditto didn't dare to revert back to its original form until I explicitly gave the command.

Seeing it still standing strong after the ordeal, my anger subsided slightly.

---

That evening, we headed back to Ecruteak City. Instead of treating Ditto's injuries myself, I decided to take it to the Pokémon Center for proper care.

Upon registration, I was charged for treatment.

The Pokémon Center functions like a hospital, and the only trainers who receive free treatment are those associated with the League, which is extremely rare.

The regular fee for healing and recovery was 100 poke dollars.

As Nurse Joy took Ditto, she glanced at its injuries and then shot me a disapproving look.

"How could you let your Pokémon get so injured? How irresponsible! You need to take better care of your Pokémon if you want to become a good trainer."

Her lecture barely registered with me. I glanced at her with narrowed eyes, causing her to falter. The air between us grew awkward until she finally went silent, leading Ditto into the back for treatment.

---

I have to admit, the Joy family's medical skills are top-notch. In about half an hour, Ditto was back to full health, full of energy.

I retrieved Ditto, thanked Nurse Joy, and left the Pokémon Center without looking back.