The light filtering through the trees gradually became brighter and more open. In the distance, the outline of the forest's edge could be faintly seen, along with the blurry silhouettes of city buildings further beyond.
Veilstone City was almost there.
Shinji and Elekid walked one after the other with steady paces along the final stretch of the forest path.
However, just as they were about to step out of the forest—
"Greeee—!"
A sharp, hurried cry suddenly pierced the tranquility of the woods. Immediately after, several grey shadows, carrying an air of panic, streaked past Shinji and disappeared into the bushes on the other side.
"Bibibi!" Elekid reacted extremely quickly. Almost the instant the sound rang out, electricity flickered on its body, and with a blur, it stood protectively in front of Shinji.
It crouched slightly, arms tensed, assuming a standard combat stance as it warily scanned the direction where the shadows had vanished.
Watching Elekid's subconscious move to protect him, Shinji's cold gaze softened for a fleeting moment, and an imperceptible warmth rose in his heart.
He didn't say much, only lightly patting Elekid's firm back and saying in a deep voice, "Let's follow them and see."
"Bi!" Elekid understood. It relaxed its combat stance but remained alert, taking the lead to silently sneak toward the source of the sound.
Shinji followed closely behind, his movements light and agile.
Pushing aside layers of foliage, Shinji soon reached a thick patch of bushes. He concealed himself and swept his sharp gaze forward.
Before him was a small cliff, and the situation on the open ground at the bottom was clear at a glance.
Three fierce-looking Zangoose had formed a triangular formation, cornering a battered Chimchar against the cliff wall.
Chimchar's body was covered in small claw marks. It was panting heavily, its eyes full of exhaustion yet unyielding spirit. The flame on its rear appeared weak due to physical depletion.
Seeing this incredibly familiar scene, Shinji's heart skipped a beat, and an uncontrollable surge of pleasant surprise welled up.
He had originally thought he might miss out on that exceptionally talented Chimchar from the anime after transmigrating. He hadn't expected fate to deliver this Pokémon to him in such a similar fashion.
Forcibly suppressing his inner excitement, Shinji shifted his intent, and a pale blue translucent panel instantly surfaced in his mind:
[Chimchar♦]
Level: 13 (Advanced)
Type: Fire
ability: Blaze
potential: Good
base stats: 309
Moves: Scratch, Glare, Ember, Flame Wheel
[Zangoose♦*3]
Level: 18 (Advanced)
Type: Normal
ability: Immunity
potential: Poor
base stats: 458
Moves: Scratch, Glare, Quick Attack, Fury Swipes, Slash
With three Zangoose five levels higher than Chimchar, combined with the fact that Chimchar was still in its basic form, it was naturally at a combat disadvantage. Being able to hold out until now was already a significant feat.
Shinji understood the situation, but he didn't intervene immediately. Instead, he held his breath and focused; he wanted to see with his own eyes if this Chimchar truly possessed that amazing, out-of-control yet powerful Blaze ability from the anime.
However, Shinji had already made up his mind. Regardless of whether this Chimchar was the one from the original work, he would catch it. After all, Pokémon with "Good potential" were rare and worth training.
In the clearing, the Zangoose seemed to lose their patience. They let out intimidating low Growls, their claws glinting with a cold light as they closed in step by step.
Just as one of the Zangoose made a move to pounce, a flash of determination crossed the eyes of the cornered Chimchar. It threw its head back and let out a roar filled with defiance!
"BOOM—!"
As if ignited by that roar, the flame on its tail suddenly surged several times over, the scorching heat waves even distorting the surrounding air!
Chimchar's body was enveloped in surging, burning flames at that moment. It suddenly curled up and then began to spin at high speed, transforming into a blazing wheel of fire!
"Flame Wheel!"
Watching Chimchar use the move, a sharp light flashed in Shinji's eyes.
The scorching wheel of fire, carrying an unstoppable momentum, violently crushed toward the three surrounding Zangoose! Its speed and power far exceeded its usual level.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Three consecutive dull thuds rang out. The three Zangoose had no time to react before being struck hard by the spinning wheel of fire. Their bodies flew back like broken kites, crashing heavily against the rocks. After a few struggles, they went still, completely losing their ability to fight back.
As the Flame Wheel attack ended, Chimchar's body slowly stopped spinning. The flames on its body gradually subsided, returning to that small tuft of fire at the tip of its tail.
Having gone through that explosion of power, its stamina was completely exhausted. Its legs gave way, and it slumped onto the ground, gasping for air, lacking even the strength to lift an arm.
Seeing this, Shinji was completely certain: It's him!
This powerful force that erupted in a desperate situation was precisely that unique Blaze ability.
This time, he would never let this highly potential Chimchar slip through his fingers. He would make it shine with the most dazzling light under his training.
Just as Shinji was about to emerge from behind the bushes, another change occurred!
"Swish!" A swifter and more ferocious shadow leaped out from the forest on the side, blocking Chimchar's path.
This was a sturdier Zangoose. It had a hideous scar on its forehead, its gaze was as sharp as a knife, and its entire body radiated a pressure far stronger than the previous three.
Shinji immediately pulled up the panel:
[Zangoose♦]
Level: 25 (Advanced)
Type: Normal
ability: Immunity
potential: Medium
base stats: 458
Moves: Scratch, Glare, Quick Attack, Fury Swipes, Slash, Crush Claw, Swords Dance
"Close to Superior level, and it even knows Swords Dance... Not bad, but what a pity, it only has 'Medium potential'." Far from being nervous, Shinji shook his head after a flash of appreciation in his eyes.
But appreciation aside, looking at the Chimchar opposite that had already exhausted its strength and could barely stand, Shinji hesitated no longer.
He suddenly stood up from behind the bushes, his voice calm and clear: "Elekid, Thunderbolt!"
"Bibibi—!" Having been ready for a long time, Elekid's arms spun rapidly. Dazzling golden electricity instantly erupted, transforming into a thick electric python that let out a crackling roar, striking the scarred Zangoose with lightning speed!
The current accurately hit the scarred Zangoose's body. It instantly stiffened, followed by a shrill scream. Its fur was charred black by the electricity, and its body shook uncontrollably, falling into a state of paralysis.
"Brick Break!" Shinji's command was merciless, crisp and direct.
Elekid's figure blurred as it instantly charged in front of the scarred Zangoose. Its right hand was suddenly enveloped in a dazzling white light. After raising it high, it chopped down fiercely with wind-breaking force!
With a muffled "Boom," the scarred Zangoose let out another scream. Its body flew backward like a broken kite, smashing heavily into a large tree behind it. The trunk shook violently, and leaves rustled down.
With a flick of his wrist, a Poké Ball exchanged from the Mall flew from Shinji's palm, tracing a graceful arc in the air and accurately hitting the fallen Zangoose.
A flash of red light followed, and the Zangoose was sucked into the Poké Ball. The ball landed on the ground and began to shake rapidly from side to side.
Shinji's attention was no longer there.
He turned and walked quickly to the Chimchar that was slumped on the ground, watching him with a gaze filled with a bit of fear and bewilderment.
He crouched down, meeting Chimchar's eyes at eye level. His gaze was calm but carried an unquestionable determination. His expression remained indifferent, but his eyes were exceptionally clear.
"Follow me," Shinji's voice was still cold, but every word was clear and powerful.
"I will make you stronger together, to control that Blaze power from just now. I won't let you be pushed into a corner and bullied by anyone like this again."
After saying that, he reached out his hand to Chimchar.
Chimchar looked up slightly, gazing at the human before it.
His expression was indifferent, showing no joy or anger, but those dark purple eyes were exceptionally clear and sharp. There was no hypocritical sympathy, only straightforward goals and a desire to become stronger.
Recalling the powerful Elekid that had reversed the battle in an instant just now, and feeling the strength in the person's words, the light in Chimchar's eyes, which had dimmed due to exhaustion, gradually brightened again.
Its desire to become stronger overcame its brief hesitation and unease. It reached out a slightly trembling little paw and placed it gently yet firmly onto Shinji's open palm.
Shinji firmly grasped that little paw, which still bore scars and dust. A warm sensation traveled from his palm.
Looking into Chimchar's eyes, Shinji spoke solemnly, word by word: "I will lead you to master Blaze, to become stronger, and to show your strength on an even larger stage. I'll let everyone witness your brilliance!"
This was not only Shinji's promise to Chimchar but also his promise to himself.
From this moment on, his path to becoming the strongest had gained another partner fighting by his side.