Rare Pokémon weren't something Yozora could simply obtain just because he wanted them—more often than not, luck was required.
Even if he traveled all the way to Kalos or Galar, what would that change?
Even if he encountered Greninja or Scorbunny, the overwhelming majority would still only have Torrent or Blaze!
After all, Protean and Libero were hidden abilities, far too scarce to count on.
Kecleon was another example—its hidden ability was also incredibly rare…
If he planned to pair a Pokémon with Protean or Libero, then naturally the ability Adaptability would also need to be arranged to match.
[Adaptability]: When using moves that share the user's type, same-type attack bonus is raised from 50% to 100%!
The ability Adaptability itself was also extremely uncommon.
In Kanto, only Eevee possessed this ability. And unlike Pikachu, Eevee was a truly rare Pokémon.
One could hardly encounter it in the wild, and its value rivaled that of a starter.
Fortunately, for Eevee, Adaptability was only a standard ability, not a hidden one.
Which meant—at least half of all Eevee in the world were born with Adaptability.
During the Cruise Tournament, Yozora had defeated several Eevee and now had a few in storage.
But still…
Without Protean or Libero, to be honest, Adaptability didn't mean much.
"Even if it's not that meaningful, it's something I'll have to arrange sooner or later. Since that's the case, I may as well do it now… and when the chance comes, I'll add Protean or Libero." Yozora's eyes flashed as he imbued his Machop with a third ability—Adaptability.
[Machop] (No Guard + Huge Power + Adaptability): Advanced tier, Elite Four potential.
After setting up Machop, Yozora glanced over its status panel again.
As expected—without Protean or Libero, Adaptability alone didn't push it much further…
Machop still sat at Elite Four potential, unable to break through to Champion potential.
But Yozora firmly believed: the moment he added Protean or Libero, Machop's potential would skyrocket to Champion level—or perhaps even leap beyond Champion, to something greater still!
With Machop settled, next was Geodude.
Geodude was far simpler. Because of its typing, it carried a quadruple weakness to both Water and Grass.
So Yozora decisively assigned it Water Absorb and Sap Sipper.
[Water Absorb]: Not only does the user take no damage from Water-type moves, but it restores a portion of its HP instead. (Effective against opponents of equal or lower level. The stronger the foe, the weaker the effect.)
[Sap Sipper]: Not only does the user take no damage from Grass-type moves, but its Attack is boosted by 30% instead. (Effective against opponents of equal or lower level. The stronger the foe, the weaker the effect.)
[Geodude] (Rock Head + Water Absorb + Sap Sipper): Advanced tier, Champion potential.
With those abilities assigned, Geodude's potential soared instantly, reaching Champion class!
And it wasn't just a matter of potential—
In actual battle, with its two greatest weaknesses eliminated, Geodude's combat power would improve dramatically!
Around mealtime, Yozora didn't feel like cooking. The Pokémon Center naturally didn't provide such facilities either.
Instead, he laid out a generous spread of Pokémon food and all kinds of flavored Pokéblocks to prepare dinner for his partners.
As for himself, he simply grabbed a stir-fried noodle dish from the restaurant next door and counted that as his own supper.
The Vermilion Gym was notorious—its Gym Leader, Lt. Surge, was said to be extremely strict.
Though he had taken on many disciples, he often accepted challengers personally—and showed no mercy. There were even cases where his opponents' Pokémon were left with severe injuries.
Because of this, Vermilion City's Pokémon Center was always busy during the day, with Nurse Joy working tirelessly to treat grievously wounded Pokémon.
Only at night did things calm down, requiring her merely to keep an eye on the recovering patients.
So, Yozora approached Nurse Joy with a request: a high-paying daily mission, seeking a Fire-type Pokémon with the Flame Body ability to aid in rapid egg hatching.
Of course, Yozora wasn't asking Joy herself—
He was posting the request through her, so that it would be displayed on the Center's mission board for any passing trainers or travelers to accept.
"No problem, I'll make sure your request is listed on the board," Nurse Joy said with a gentle smile.
Yozora thanked her earnestly, then finally went off to rest.
The night passed uneventfully.
The next morning, Yozora was approached by a little girl of seven or eight.
She had long pink hair, delicate and pretty features, her whole figure looking like a porcelain doll. Without doubt, she was a little Joy.
Joy was a family surname. This particular child was named Jun—Joy Jun. She proudly claimed to have a Fire-type Pokémon with the Flame Body ability.
"Really, little sister? Show me, let me take a look," Yozora asked, surprised but delighted.
"Mhm!"
Jun nodded and unclipped the Poké Ball hanging around her neck. With a press of the button, she released the Pokémon inside—a Ponyta.
The little Ponyta was every bit as cute as its trainer, immediately nestling close to her side.
[Ponyta] (Flame Body): Intermediate tier, Gym Leader potential.
Yozora examined it with a glance—it was indeed Flame Body.
[Flame Body]: Contact with the user during battle may cause the opponent to be burned. Also accelerates the hatching of eggs. (The higher the user's level compared to the foe, the easier burns occur. The lower, the harder.)
He reached out, stroking Ponyta gently, feeling the warmth radiating from its body. Nodding with satisfaction, he smiled."Mm, this Ponyta meets my requirements. Jun, I'd like to hire your Ponyta for ten thousand Pokéyen a day, until this egg in my hand hatches. What do you think?"
Jun nodded eagerly. Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at the egg in his hands. "Big brother, I want to take care of the egg together with Ponyta. Is that okay?"
"That…" Yozora blinked.
As expected of a Joy—so young, yet already showing such deep love for caring for Pokémon.
"I don't mind. But I'll be camping out in the wild for the next few days. The question is—are you willing to come along?" Yozora chuckled.
After three days of back-to-back battles aboard the S.S. Anne, Yozora was worn down. He wanted to head out to the countryside, take a proper rest—fishing, training his Pokémon, and hatching eggs.
As for challenging Vermilion Gym, there was no rush.
First, he would hatch his Magikarp.
"I don't mind at all! Camping? I love camping the most!" Jun exclaimed with joy.
Yozora gave a small laugh. "Good. In that case, go pack up. Two hours from now, we set out."
"Mm!" Jun nodded rapidly. With Ponyta, she dashed away like the wind to prepare her camping gear.
But it wasn't even an hour before she returned to the Pokémon Center, her little face flushed with excitement. On her back was a small pink backpack.
The bag was tiny, yet clearly space equipment, easily able to hold many supplies.
(End of Chapter)