Chapter 52: The Special Flying Mantis and… [+5]

"Certainly!"

Zoro immediately grinned and responded without hesitation.

He had been sleepless for the past two weeks, eagerly waiting for this moment!!!

The thought of soon possessing magical creatures from another world sent a thrill through him, and he could hardly contain his excitement.

Zoro knew that 5 million Berries could be exchanged for 100 points.

But he never imagined that a Devil Fruit would be worth 1,600 points!

That's equivalent to 80000000 Berries!

This sudden windfall boosted his confidence in resurrecting Kuina!

"It's a pleasure doing business with you~"

Leo was equally pleased with the positive response.

**Snap!**

With a snap of his fingers, the Devil Fruit and Berries vanished, converting into points that flowed into Leo's system account.

Zoro's status interface updated immediately.

[Roronoa Zoro]

[VIP Level: 1]

[VIP Experience: 1716/2000]

[Current Points: 1701]

"1700 points!"

Seeing the points in his account, Zoro couldn't wait any longer. He turned to Leo, his gaze sharp, and repeated his earlier request:

"Sir Leo, please help me choose a Pokémon that will enhance my swordsmanship!"

"No problem." Leo agreed readily.

But his thoughts quickly turned inward as he began to search through the system.

Long before this moment, he had already considered several Pokémon that would suit Zoro—Pokémon like Scyther, Honedge, and other Pokémon that wielded blades...

However, Leo hadn't anticipated that Zoro would acquire a Devil Fruit within just two weeks.

Initially, he planned to exchange a Pokémon with about level 20 strength but little potential for Zoro, much like what he did for Nami. 

After all, there were still three years before the main story began, and Zoro's strength was currently around that level.

At best, he could fight a pirate with a bounty of 20 million Berries.

A level 20 Pokémon would be comparable to a pirate with a 30 million Berry bounty, which would be sufficient for Zoro for a while!

But now, the unexpected acquisition of a Devil Fruit had completely upended Leo's plans.

He delved deeper into the system, searching for a Pokémon that would suit Zoro, guided by specific keywords.

Suddenly, a Pokémon marked as "special" by the system caught Leo's attention.

Pokémon: Scyther

[Type: Normal]

[Talent: Extraordinary]

[Ability: Technician (The simpler the move, the greater the damage)]

[Level: 15]

[Price: 900 points]

[Special Notes: A Pokémon whose genes have mutated due to unknown experiments.

It is born without the ability to control Bug-type and Flying-type energy, has Normal-type attributes, and can only use Normal-type physical moves.

Additionally, due to a genetic breakthrough, normal evolution is impossible.]

After a quick assessment, Leo grasped the basic situation of this Scyther.

As the notes indicated, this Scyther was genetically modified.

Although its appearance remained unchanged and it didn't exhibit any shiny features, it had lost the Bug-type and Flying-type attributes that a Scyther typically possesses.

The Pokémon's available moves were also very limited.

As a result, the system significantly discounted the price of this Scyther.

But!

But!

The system, being a system, had rigid pricing...

Since this Scyther had lost the typical attributes of a Pokémon, its value had been reduced.

However, in Leo's eyes...

This Scyther was a rare gem!

Although it no longer possessed the unique energies of a Pokémon, the system still rated its talent as extraordinary...

This alone suggested that Scyther had potential far beyond most Pokémon in terms of physical prowess or other attributes!

As for its inability to evolve normally...

Most Pokémon can evolve because of their extraordinary talents.

This Scyther couldn't evolve, yet it still had extraordinary talent. Isn't that a backhanded compliment? How many Normal-type Pokémon with extraordinary talent cost less than 1,000 points?

What's more, this Scyther was already at level 15.

Level 15 was the perfect level for Zoro's current strength, making it a godsend!

Leo's eyes gleamed as he calmed the excitement in his heart.

On the surface, he maintained his usual calm demeanor and smiled:

"Mr. Zoro, after careful consideration, I believe this Scyther is the perfect Pokémon for you!"

Without hesitation, he materialized Scyther's attributes and presented them to Zoro.

"Scyther..."

Zoro's eyes sharpened as he focused intently on the screen.

The dark green body was like a piece of art.

The two massive scythes left no doubt about their sharpness.

But what stood out the most was the pair of dark, determined eyes on Scyther's resolute face!

It was as if Scyther was challenging the entire world!

Suddenly!

Zoro felt a shock in his heart, as if he were looking into a mirror.

A sense of mutual understanding washed over him.

Without a second thought, Zoro skipped over the special notes.

He burst into laughter and declared:

"Indeed, this is the right path!!!"

"Sir Leo, I've made up my mind—I'm buying this Scyther!!!"

"You're absolutely right!"

"I can feel it, this is definitely the perfect Pokémon for me!!!"

Zoro's tone left no doubt that he was completely taken with Scyther.

But in the interest of fair trade, Leo coughed twice and emphasized:

"Mr. Zoro, don't rush your decision."

"You must have noticed that this Scyther has some unique traits. Please think it over carefully before you purchase it."

After all, selling Pokémon wasn't a one-time affair, and Leo certainly couldn't afford to damage his own brand and reputation.

However, for some reason, Zoro seemed resolute. He waved his hand firmly and said,

"No need to say more, Sir Leo!"

"For a swordsman, trusting your instincts is paramount!"

And...

There was another thought Zoro kept to himself.

He believed that with Leo's vision as a Dimensional Merchant, it was impossible for him to recommend a Pokémon with any serious issues.

Even if there were challenges, they could be overcome—and might even turn out to be beneficial!

Therefore, with the dual assurance of his own instincts and Leo's recommendation, Zoro made up his mind!

Leo chuckled and said no more:

"Trust me, you won't regret this decision."

At that moment, Zoro's eyes were sharp, as if a flame were burning within them.

An indescribable sense of heroism radiated from him, as if he were greeting the Scyther on the screen.

Leo handed the Poké Ball containing Scyther to Zoro with a wave of his hand.

Then he looked at Zoro with admiration and encouraged him with a smile:

"I have a feeling that your future may be even brighter than you imagine."

It's clear why Zoro is so well-liked!

No wonder even someone like Mihawk, who doesn't have a god's perspective, would favor such a young, relatively unknown swordsman.

Feeling Zoro's heroism and determination up close...

Even Leo couldn't resist wanting to help him.

Noticing the 800 points remaining in Zoro's balance, Leo suddenly had an idea.

He smiled slyly and then suggested:

"Mr. Zoro, since you already have a Pokémon to aid in your training..."

"Why not... buy another one?"

  (End of this chapter)