Jiang Shi recognized the man immediately—the mastermind villain from Bleach, Aizen Sōsuke.
That refined demeanor, that calm, intellectual arrogance—countless fans had been captivated by him.
Judging by his clothes, Jiang Shi guessed that in this world, Aizen was probably a teacher or some other respectable professional—a model citizen on the surface.
Still, anyone who had watched the anime would instinctively feel that this man was always plotting something beneath that gentle smile.
Pushing aside his thoughts, Jiang Shi replied, "That's right. Since you know the term 'Pokémon,' I assume Naruto and the others sent you."
"If you're already familiar with the shop's basics, I won't repeat them."
"Mm. You can only raise the Pokémon randomly assigned to you by the system, correct?" Aizen nodded.
"For your first assigned Pokémon, you can't change it—you either purchase it or forfeit it. For any later purchases, if you're dissatisfied, you're allowed one re-roll."
Jiang Shi explained seriously, "Of course, to buy a second Pokémon here, you'll need to raise your Trainer Rank first. But that's for later. For now, just remember the rule exists."
It sounded surprisingly official.
As Aizen considered this, Victini drifted over like a gust of wind, holding a small plate of macarons and a cup of warm tea in its tiny hands.
"Thank you."
He accepted them calmly, though inside he was anything but calm.
Naruto had described Pokémon as amazing creatures, but it was still hard to believe—especially when a small fox-like being with oversized ears floated over to serve him refreshments.
Just what exactly is this shop selling?
"So, customer, would you like to try raising one?" Jiang Shi smiled as he opened the matching system.
"Of course."
Aizen maintained his composure and pressed the start button.
Silhouettes of all shapes and sizes flickered across the screen. The sheer variety astonished him, and anticipation quietly built in his chest.
Ding!
The screen stopped on a fox-like figure.
"It's Zorua—an excellent Pokémon."
Jiang Shi stood. "I'll bring it out from the back."
Moments later, he returned holding a charcoal-gray creature with pale blue pupils. Black fur framed its neck, and a flame-shaped tuft of dark red hair rose from its head.
Red markings circled its eyes like mischievous brows.
The little Pokémon blinked. Unlike most cuddly creatures its age, its gaze was sharp and cunning—full of clever mischief.
"This is Zorua. Timid but intelligent, its species learned to transform into other creatures," Jiang Shi explained, gently stroking its tail.
"They use this ability to avoid danger or sneak into towns for food."
"Some urban legends even claim that certain Zorua devour children and take their place."
"Transformation…" Aizen murmured. "That suits me perfectly."
After seeing Victini earlier, he found it easier to accept the impossible.
Clearly pleased, he extended his arms. Zorua leapt into them without hesitation and rubbed affectionately against him, utterly charming.
So it's love at first sight, Jiang Shi thought dryly.
Zorua's aesthetics align closely with human preferences. This one was obviously captivated by Aizen's appearance.
With proper training, its transformation ability could create powerful illusions—perhaps even influence others.
If used cleverly… one could manipulate city officials, sway public opinion, expand influence—
Aizen's thoughts began branching rapidly, strategies forming almost unconsciously.
What he didn't know was that Jiang Shi, as a devoted anime fan, had already anticipated exactly this kind of thinking.
Catching the faint flicker of ambition in Aizen's eyes, Jiang Shi decided to issue a warning—through Darkrai.
Pokémon power would inevitably attract greed. Even in a peaceful world, darkness existed. As the pioneer of this new Pokémon era, he had to set boundaries early.
He absolutely did not want Pokémon being used to rob banks or control governments.
"Mr. Aizen, before you pay for Zorua, allow me to remind you."
Jiang Shi's voice was calm, yet carried undeniable weight.
"Pokémon power exists to enrich life. If anyone attempts to use it for evil—"
"—someone will stop them."
Aizen froze.
Behind the seemingly ordinary shopkeeper, an endless shadow seemed to unfold.
In that instant, he felt himself plunging into a bottomless abyss. A suffocating terror wrapped around his mind. He wanted to move, to speak—but his body refused to respond.
It was as if an unseen force had seized his very soul.
Cold sweat drenched his back.
When he blinked again, everything was normal.
The shopkeeper stood there politely, offering a handkerchief.
"Are you all right?"
His tone was gentle—so gentle it was hard to believe the suffocating darkness from moments ago had anything to do with him.
Was that shadow another Pokémon?
Or… was the shopkeeper himself something else entirely? A being disguised as human?
Whatever the truth, Aizen knew one thing for certain.
This was someone he must never provoke.
He never wanted to experience that overwhelming terror again.
"Rii!"
Zorua rubbed against his arm anxiously.
Regaining his composure, Aizen stroked its head.
"Boss, how much for this Zorua?"
"Four hundred twenty thousand."
Seeing the man's ambitions temporarily extinguished, Jiang Shi smiled faintly.
"Zorua is powerful and rare. It has a signature move, and once it evolves, it becomes Zoroark—known as the Illusion Fox Pokémon. Stronger Pokémon naturally cost more."
Looks like I'll be living on instant noodles for a while, Aizen thought.
Still, he paid without hesitation. Unlike Naruto and the others, he had savings—but 420,000 was no small amount.
Yet he knew it would be worth it.
This novel creature would undoubtedly spark a craze.
It might even change the course of the entire era.
As usual, Jiang Shi handed over the Pokédex and energy cubes, explaining the fundamentals of raising Pokémon.
"I hadn't realized there was so much depth to this. Pokémon truly are fascinating," Aizen remarked thoughtfully.
After a pause, he asked, "Boss, do you have any professional books on the subject?"
"Not really. Most of what I know comes from experience. The birthplace of Pokémon has scattered records, but they're disorganized…"
Jiang Shi blinked, improvising on the spot.
"Though I have been considering compiling everything into a beginner's guidebook."
"The problem is promotion. Without exposure, who would read it?"
Aizen's eyes flickered.
This could be an opportunity.
If he helped promote the concept, he could position himself at the forefront of this emerging era.
And perhaps keep a close eye on this mysterious shopkeeper.
His once-monotonous life had suddenly become far more interesting.
After a brief moment of thought—remembering Naruto and Sasuke—Aizen smiled.
"Boss, leave the promotion to me. I can help spread the word."