Those with money and backing still had a chance at "resurrection."
Those without it?
They suffered.
In the end, it all came back to the same thing.
Strength.
That realization only deepened Leon's hunger for power.
He needed to be stronger.
But strength took time.
If only reality worked like those dramas—go dark, get ten times stronger.
Leon was pretty sure he could darken instantly.
Unfortunately, reality didn't care.
He was already in Team Rocket—about as "dark" as it got—but that didn't mean he was invincible. Crushing rookies was one thing. Facing Champions or veteran elites? He'd get schooled in minutes—maybe even turned into the main dish on the spot.
"…Forget it. I'll rest for a bit. If anything comes up, let me know."
"Got it, boss. Rest easy."
Leon nodded and headed to the private room assigned to him at the base.
After closing the door, he took out a Poké Ball.
He hadn't examined it closely when he got it. He only knew one thing—
It was a Torchic.
The Fire-type starter from Hoenn.
May had raised one in the anime. Good looks, strong growth potential.
"Come out, Torchic."
A flash of red light.
A small chick Pokémon appeared, chest puffed out, fluffy head raised, giving Leon a sideways glance.
Yes—a sideways glance.
Its attitude was unmistakably aloof.
"Chaa—"
Torchic strutted around Leon, inspecting him carefully, as if deciding whether he was worthy to be its Trainer.
Leon crouched down.
"Hello, Torchic."
The system interface appeared before his eyes.
Pokémon: Torchic (Male)Type: FireAbility: Speed BoostPotential: Gym-levelLevel: 7Moves: Scratch, Growl, Focus Energy, Ember, Peck
Everything checked out.
Leon was satisfied.
These starter Pokémon were bred specifically for rookie Trainers—good temperament, solid potential, carefully raised.
They were young. Sheltered. Unaware of how cruel the outside world could be.
They didn't know who was good or evil—only that they would one day meet a Trainer, travel together, and grow stronger.
That was what the kind caretakers at the breeding facility had told them.
"Chaa—"
Torchic let out a sigh, finished inspecting Leon, then stood in front of him and chirped animatedly.
So this is my Trainer?He doesn't look very smart… low energy, no spirit at all.Can this guy even raise me properly?
Leon, with his psychic ability, understood every word.
He said nothing.
He wanted to see what kind of personality this Torchic had.
Besides—his exhaustion was real.
A brutal battle followed by a high-risk pursuit drained him badly.
Torchic shook its head like a grumpy old man.
Me, Torchic—smartest in the breeding house, undefeated among my peers…And this is what I get.Sigh. Whatever.
Its eyes suddenly sharpened.
Fine. Then I'll carry this stupid Trainer to greatness myself.
"Chaa—!"
Leon smiled.
"Hello, Torchic. Are you hungry? Want something to eat?"
You even have to ask?No awareness at all. And you want to be my Trainer?
Torchic chirped disdainfully.
Leon calmly took out a bottle of MooMoo Milk, mixed it with soft Pokémon food, and added a drizzle of leftover honey.
He placed the bowl in front of Torchic.
What's this? Smells kind of good…Fine. I'll try one bite.
Torchic leaned forward and took a sip.
"Chaa!"
Its eyes lit up.
Delicious.
Exactly its taste.
It immediately buried its head in the bowl, eating with astonishing enthusiasm for such a small body.
In no time, everything was gone.
Burp.Not bad. This Trainer looks dumb, but this part's acceptable.Barely qualifies.
Torchic sat down, belly round, letting out several satisfied burps.
So full… but eating well is important.Can't train on an empty stomach.
Sleepiness hit almost instantly.
Leon cleaned up and returned—only to find Torchic already fast asleep on the floor.
"…Heh."
Leon took a soft, warm cloth from his spatial bracelet and fashioned a small nest, gently placing the overly dramatic Torchic inside.
From the moment it appeared, it hadn't stopped talking—clearly assuming Leon couldn't understand it.
Leon sat nearby and began meditating to recover.
Today had been exhausting.
Still, the gains were solid.
A completed mission—and a Fire-type starter.
Worth it.
Torchic had a strong personality.
And that wasn't a bad thing.
Leon supported Pokémon with independence.
He wasn't a tyrant.
He guided—not commanded blindly.
Time passed.
Torchic rolled over in its nest, feet in the air, soft belly exposed.
Slowly, it opened its eyes.
Wow… so comfy.What is this thing?Wait—right. I'm with that dumb Trainer now…I ate, then fell asleep.
It climbed out of the nest and noticed Leon meditating nearby.
"Chaa—"
Leon opened his eyes.
"You're awake, Torchic."
"Chaa!"
Torchic puffed out its chest proudly.
Time to train.This guy won't understand anyway.
It hopped toward the door, chirping insistently.
Let's go train!We're going into the wild, right? Too weak and we'll get eaten!Don't worry—I'll protect you.Now open the door, you foolish Trainer.
"Chaa—!"
Leon chuckled.
"You want to train, right? Don't rush. Eat a bit more first. I'll take you out afterward."
He prepared another small portion and set it down.
For young Pokémon, frequent small meals were best.
Torchic stared at the bowl.
Then at Leon.
Then back at the bowl.
"…Fine."