Chapter 48: Frogadier Evolves into Greninja

Behind the grand Fujiwara Estate, an expansive battlefield stretched out, complete with spectator seating.

The sheer scale of it rivaled official Pokémon League arenas.

This was the privilege of an Elite Trainer—even their private training grounds could match professional facilities.

Ryuu stepped onto the battlefield, his gaze calm.

Across from him, Fujiwara Renji stood with an arrogant smirk, spinning a Poké Ball between his fingers.

His expression alone made Ryuu want to punch him.

"Cousin, let me show you my Trump Card—Typhlosion!" Renji declared confidently.

"Hope you don't cry when you lose!"

With a flick of his wrist, he released his Pokémon.

A burst of fire erupted from the Poké Ball as a Typhlosion landed on the battlefield, flames blazing from its neck.

[Pokémon: Typhlosion]

[Level: 40 (Gym-level)]

[Potential: Gym-level]

Ryuu raised an eyebrow.

That's it?

Renji had been training for over a year, and yet his so-called Trump Card was only at Gym-level?

Even worse, it hadn't even reached quasi-Elite level.

For someone from an Elite family, that was embarrassing.

Most serious trainers could raise at least one quasi-Elite Pokémon within a year.

Even if Renji lacked Elite-tier Pokémon, his Typhlosion should have been stronger.

Unless…

He simply wasn't putting in the effort.

Ryuu exhaled through his nose.

Typical spoiled rich kid.

"Cousin, let's see what you've got!" Renji sneered.

Ryuu smirked.

He had been planning this for a while.

It was time to push Frogadier to the next level.

"Frogadier, you're up!" Ryuu called.

With a graceful leap, Frogadier landed on the battlefield, eyes sharp with focus.

This was it.

After countless battles, it was on the verge of evolution.

Renji scoffed.

"A Frogadier? That's it?" He laughed.

"You're seriously challenging my Typhlosion with that?"

Ryuu remained unfazed.

"Let's see if you're still laughing in a few minutes."

---

"Typhlosion, Flamethrower!"

Renji didn't waste time—he wanted to overwhelm Ryuu from the start.

A scorching torrent of flames roared toward Frogadier, turning the air blisteringly hot.

But Ryuu was ready.

"Frogadier, Quick Attack to dodge!"

In a flash, Frogadier dashed to the side, moving like a blur.

The flames missed, scorching the battlefield instead.

Renji clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"Tch. Slippery little thing."

Ryuu's eyes gleamed.

"Now, Water Pulse!"

Frogadier formed a pulsating sphere of water and hurled it at Typhlosion.

Renji's expression twisted.

"Typhlosion, Flamethrower again! Hold your ground!"

BOOM!

The fire and water collided, sending a shockwave through the arena.

Steam hissed into the air, creating a thick mist.

Through the haze, Frogadier's Water Pulse pushed through, slamming into Typhlosion's chest.

Typhlosion staggered backward, wincing in pain.

Super-effective.

Renji's eyes widened.

His Typhlosion had actually taken damage?

Ryuu smirked.

He wasn't done yet.

"Frogadier! Let's finish this!"

Frogadier locked eyes with its opponent.

It could feel it.

The battle energy surging through its body.

The power that had been building up all this time.

And then—

A brilliant white light engulfed its form.

---

The battlefield fell silent.

Everyone's gaze was locked onto the radiant glow surrounding Frogadier.

Renji's smug expression vanished.

"W-Wait—what?!"

Even Fujiwara Kiyoshi, who had been watching quietly, raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"So, it's happening," the old man murmured.

Frogadier's silhouette shifted, growing taller, more defined.

From a half-prone stance, it now stood upright, its body sleek and muscular.

As the glow faded, a new form emerged.

Ryuu's lips curled into a grin.

"Finally…"

Greninja had arrived.

The battlefield erupted into murmurs.

Even Renji and Haruto were left speechless.

Ryuu activated his system's Data Scan, eager to see the new stats.

[Pokémon: Greninja]

[Level: 40 (Gym-level)]

[Ability: Protean (Changes type to match its attack)]

[Potential: Elite-level]

His Frogadier had reached its final evolution.

And with Protean, Greninja could now change its type to fit any battle.

It wasn't just strong.

It was unpredictable.

Renji's face darkened.

He had walked into his own defeat.

This wasn't the battle he expected.

This wasn't how it was supposed to go.

He clenched his fists, rage bubbling inside.

He had to win.

But deep down—

He already knew it was over.

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