Chapter 211: Marshtomp
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Sato did not attempt to stop Mudkip's evolution. Compared to Nidoran and Growlithe, Mudkip was much older and had already built a solid foundation.
Evolving now, after its recent level-up, was undoubtedly a good thing.
As Mudkip's body became enveloped in the white glow of evolution, the light outshone Chinchou's luminescence. For a moment, the surrounding area was as bright as day.
Gradually, Mudkip's form began to transform within the evolution light.
Finally, the previously puppy-sized Mudkip evolved into a Marshtomp, now comparable in size to half a grown man.
Marshtomp's evolution brought a dramatic change to its appearance.
Its once deep-blue skin became light blue, while its head and tail fins turned black. Its posterior limbs grew noticeably thick and powerful, allowing it to stand upright on land. Meanwhile, its now-liberated forelimbs transformed into two strong hands.
After briefly adjusting to its new body, Marshtomp clenched its fists tightly and struck a pose reminiscent of a sumo wrestler, raising its leg and stomping the ground.
In the next instant:
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
With these two sounds, the ground beneath Sato and his group shook violently, as if the entire cave had trembled slightly.
Marshtomp's newfound strength after its evolution was evident, particularly in its muscular legs.
The once-sturdy ground now bore two deep footprints where it had stomped, surrounded by a web of cracks.
"Marsh!"
Marshtomp let out a delighted cry, clearly pleased with its new body and power. Then, its eyes flickered with curiosity and Sato's astonished gaze, it raised its right hand, and a cold energy began to rapidly coalesce around it.
"Bang!"
When the icy-blue energy reached a certain intensity, Marshtomp slammed its fist forcefully into the ground.
The cave floor trembled once more, accompanied by a resounding crash. Around the point of impact, the wet ground became coated in a thin layer of frost.
"That's Ice Punch. What's going on? Marshtomp's previous data didn't include this move," Sato muttered, his mind brimming with confusion.
Using his system's scanning ability, he analyzed the newly evolved Marshtomp.
Pokemon Information:
Pokemon: Marshtomp
Level: 19
Type: Water/Ground
Ability: Damp (Hidden Ability)
Gender: Male
Known Moves: Tackle, Growl, Water Gun, Mud-Slap, Foresight, Endure, Mud Shot, Refresh (Egg Move), Mirror Coat (Egg Move), Ice Punch (Tutor), Hidden Power - Flying-type (TM), Protect (TM)
"Originally, there were no tutor moves, but now, Ice Punch has appeared there. Tutor Moves can only be learned through another Pokémon's teaching or through self-realization. This must mean Marshtomp learned it on its own," Sato thought, his eyes lighting up.
He looked at Marshtomp anew, as though it were a rare treasure. Feeling Sato's intense gaze, Marshtomp grew uneasy and quickly covered its face with its hands.
A Pokémon capable of learning moves on its own was undoubtedly gifted. Marshtomp's situation reminded Sato of Bellossom, who had similarly learned Grassy Terrain upon evolving.
"Forget it. Let the Pokémon Professors figure out these profound mysteries," Sato eventually muttered. Though he felt he was close to uncovering something, his thoughts remained clouded, as though veiled by a thin shroud.
After pondering for some time, he sensibly chose to let the matter go.
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Rewind to 4 a.m.
While Sato was still sound asleep in the Pokémon Center, a small fishing boat docked at Slateport City's pier.
Inside the boat's cabin were two individuals dressed as fishermen—an older man and a younger one—who appeared to be father and son.
However, if Sato had been there, he would have immediately recognized them.
These two seemingly ordinary fishermen were none other than the old captain and Rhodes, whom Sato had not seen since leaving the St. Louis.
The St. Louis did not belong to the old captain personally; it was property of Team Rocket. Its sinking, along with its valuable cargo, caused massive financial losses for Team Rocket.
As a result, the old captain and Rhodes—both key figures aboard the ship—were held accountable.
After delivering the mission's goods to Team Rocket's Slateport City base, their Pokémon were confiscated, and they were demoted to the lowest ranks, forced to work as fishermen at the pier.
Back in the cabin, the two men busied themselves, hauling crates of frozen fish from the boat's cold storage. Outside, several burly, shirtless sailors helped carry the fish ashore.
On the dock, a truck waited with a few young laborers who loaded the fish into its cargo hold.
Fishing and selling to fishmongers was a routine sight in Slateport City, a bustling port town. At this hour, no fewer than a dozen similar transactions were underway.
Soon, the old captain and Rhodes finished unloading their catch. At that moment, a blonde man, who had been sitting in the truck's driver's seat, entered the cabin.
"Greetings, Master Surge," the old captain and Rhodes said simultaneously, their faces paling as they dropped to their knees in deference to the blonde man.
The St. Louis' destruction had caused immense losses for Team Rocket. Despite their demotion, the two had feared repercussions from their former superior, Lt. Surge, who now stood before them.
Lt. Surge, officially the Vermilion City Gym Leader, was in truth a regional Team Rocket executive. Known for his ruthless nature, he was infamous for showing no mercy to those who failed him.
Lt. Surge said nothing. Sitting down on a chair, he crossed his legs and stared coldly at the two kneeling men.
His icy blue eyes radiated an aura of murder and domination, filling the cabin with an oppressive atmosphere.
"I was scolded by the Boss today, and I'm humiliated. I was tempted to kill you both, but since the Boss spared your lives, I'll give you a chance. Use this to track down the rats who sank the St. Louis. Bring me their heads within two days, or I'll personally send you on your way," Lt. Surge said, his voice cold and unforgiving.
He tossed a small box at their feet before turning and leaving.
Moments after his departure, two sailors entered the cabin, leaving behind two belts loaded with Poké Balls. They departed without uttering a word, leaving the old captain and Rhodes stunned.
The two men exchanged glances, picking up the box and belts. In each other's eyes, they saw a mix of despair and faint hope.
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Bonus Chapter Schedule:
100 Power Stones - 1 Bonus Chapter
250 Power Stones - 2 Bonus Chapters
500 Power Stones - 3 Bonus Chapters
750 Power Stones - 4 Bonus Chapters
1000 Power Stones - 5 Bonus Chapters