[Ding! Congratulations to the host for signing in and obtaining the Tailed Beast Ball (Naruto World).]
Jun Shafeng nearly jumped with excitement when he heard the system prompt. He glanced at his phone—it was 8:00 a.m.
"Looks like the sign-in happens around 8," he muttered, rubbing his chin.
Curious, he opened the system interface to check the details of the Tailed Beast Ball.
[Tailed Beast Ball: A signature skill of the tailed beasts from the Naruto world. It can knock out any Pokémon below level 30 in a single hit. The number of times it can be used depends on the Pokémon's energy.]
Jun Shafeng's eyes lit up. "A one-hit KO for anything under level 30? That's perfect for Growlithe right now!"
Just then, the doorbell rang.
"That's odd," Jun Shafeng thought. "The original owner of this body hasn't had visitors in three years. Who could it be?"
He opened the door to find a woman who resembled Officer Jenny, but with cold, piercing eyes and long, straight black hair. She stood there like an unyielding iceberg.
Jun Shafeng froze for a moment before managing an awkward, "Uh, who are you looking for?"
The woman gave him a frosty glance. "I'm your cousin, Lu Xue. I'm in Tianhong City to investigate a special case. My mother told me to check on you while I'm here."
Jun Shafeng blinked, confused. According to his inherited memories, he did have an aunt he hadn't seen in years, but he had no recollection of her marrying or having kids.
Seeing his puzzled expression, Lu Xue pulled out a photo. "This is my mother, my father, and me. My mother said she lost contact with the family after moving to Beihai City. A year ago, she learned your parents vanished while exploring a secret realm for the Pokémon League. Since I'm in Tianhong City, she asked me to look after you. If you want, you can move to Beihai City and live with her."
Jun Shafeng studied the photo. It showed a woman resembling Officer Jenny, a middle-aged man in a police uniform, and a younger Lu Xue in the middle, also in a police uniform—likely a trainee's. The photo looked a couple of years old. He couldn't help but marvel at the strong genetics of the Jenny family.
"You must be my cousin," he said, stepping aside. "Come in."
Lu Xue nodded curtly and entered, her eyes scanning the room like a seasoned investigator. "I'm staying at Tianhong Building, room 875. If you need me, you can find me there."
Jun Shafeng nodded, still processing. Curiosity got the better of him. "Cousin, are you a police officer now?"
Lu Xue's expression remained neutral. "After graduating from the police academy, my performance earned me a spot as an investigator. I'm here in Tianhong City for a special case."
She paused, then added, "Stay out of the suburbs for the next few months."
Jun Shafeng gave an awkward smile. "I'm just an E-rank trainer. I'm not even allowed in the suburbs."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Lu Xue's face. "You're 19, right? Most trainers your age are at least D-rank. How lazy are you to not even reach that level?"
Her blunt criticism stung, and Jun Shafeng's face tightened. Lu Xue continued, her tone sharp. "I'm free the weekend of next month. If you can become a D-rank trainer by then, I'll take some time to help train your Pokémon."
Jun Shafeng bristled at her arrogance but stayed quiet. Lu Xue glanced at him thoughtfully. "I'm 25 and an A-rank trainer. If you're willing to learn, I can get you to B-rank within three years."
Jun Shafeng's eyes widened. "A-rank at 25? You could be one of the youngest S-rank trainers in League history before 30!"
According to League records, trainers who reached S-rank before 30 had a shot at becoming Champion-level, or at the very least, Elite Four-level. Most Elite Four members across the regions hit S-rank in their 20s.
"Cousin, how do I become a D-rank trainer?" he asked eagerly.
Lu Xue looked momentarily speechless, as if stunned he didn't know. Sighing, she recalled her promise to her mother and answered patiently. "There are two ways. First, complete ten E-rank missions for the League. Second, win three beginner-level tournaments at a League-recognized battle club."
Jun Shafeng perked up. "Is the Donghuang Pokémon Battle Club recognized by the League?"
Lu Xue raised her wrist, checked her Pokétch, and nodded.
"Yes, it is."
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--... end of this chapter...