"Slowking," Aoki shouted.
Slowking immediately understood and used its psychic powers to pull the shiny Bulbasaur hiding among the group forward. The rest of the Bulbasaur watched helplessly as their companion was captured, their eyes filled with despair. The captured shiny Bulbasaur stared at Aoki with wide eyes, a mix of fear and curiosity in its gaze.
Aoki's system quickly scanned the Pokémon's information.
Pokemon: Shiny Bulbasaur (Dark Cyan)
Gender: Female
Level: 10
Attributes: Grass + Poison
Ability: Chlorophyll
Held Items: None
Egg Moves: Charm, Petal Dance, Power Whip, Grassy Terrain
Basic Moves: Tackle, Growl, Vine Whip
Learnt Moves: Leech Seed, Snore, Synthesis, Seed Bomb
TM Moves: None
The odds of a dark cyan aptitude Bulbasaur being born from two cyan aptitude parents were low, but this one was also shiny—an exceptionally rare find. Slowking, too, was a shiny Pokémon, and Aoki suspected that shiny Pokémon might unlock unique abilities upon awakening. Though he didn't have immediate plans for this Bulbasaur, such a rare specimen couldn't be ignored. It might prove useful later.
Aoki pulled out a Poké Ball. The moment the shiny Bulbasaur saw it, its body trembled violently, fear flashing in its eyes. It struggled weakly against Slowking's psychic hold, having witnessed these same devices capture its powerful parents. Aoki paused, realizing pure force wouldn't secure their loyalty. He had experience taming wild Pokémon and adjusted his approach.
Putting the Poké Ball away, Aoki instead withdrew a Pokeblock favored by Grass-types and held it out. The Bulbasaur's nose twitched, its eyes lighting up at the scent. Aoki smiled and placed the treat within reach. A small vine extended from under the Bulbasaur's bulb, cautiously picking up the Pokeblock. It hesitated, glancing at Aoki for confirmation. He nodded.
Crunch.
The Bulbasaur devoured the Pokeblock, its excitement growing with each bite. Sensing progress, Aoki signaled Slowking to release it, then summoned the two Venusaur he'd captured earlier, along with another from his initial encounter. In full view of the gathered Bulbasaur and Ivysaur, he treated their injuries. The tension in the group eased as they watched.
The treated Venusaur soon awoke, their expressions conflicted. They knew they were outmatched, yet pride as territorial leaders made surrender difficult. But wild Pokémon understood survival—submitting to strength was natural. Through Telepathy, Aoki communicated his intentions: safety, growth, and purpose under his care. After deliberation, the Venusaur relented. Wild Pokémon like them rarely rebelled unless mistreated, and Venusaur were particularly loyal.
With their leaders' surrender and the lure of more Pokeblocks, the remaining Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur were swiftly captured. The shiny Bulbasaur remained the most promising. In total, Aoki secured seven Venusaur (two at Champion level, three at pseudo-Champion, and two nearing Elite), twenty Ivysaur, and thirty-two Bulbasaur. Even untrained, they represented immense value.
He kept the shiny Bulbasaur and the two strongest Venusaur out, suspecting their abnormal size hinted at a hidden resource.
"Is there something in your territory that enhances your growth?" Aoki asked via Telepathy.
The male Venusaur blinked, confused, but the female—clearly the strategist—perked up.
"Ven!" she cried, as if remembering.
Aoki smirked. Of course. He levitated onto the male Venusaur's back. "Show me."
The Venusaur lumbered forward, steady despite their pace, toward the mystery ahead.