Rockruff

The trade fair was bustling with activity. Trainers, breeders, and merchants from all over the region had gathered, each eager to exchange Pokémon, items, and knowledge. This trade fair was held by The alliance to promote relation between trainers.

Rei walked through the crowded aisles, his sharp eyes scanning the various stalls. His Teddiursa's Pokéball rested at his hip, but he felt no attachment to it. The little bear was talented, but stubborn. It refused to listen to him, and Rei had no patience for a Pokémon he didn't see fitting into his team. When he was travelling, he found the teddiursa with light green aptitute so he caught it. However it never listens to him.

That's why he was here—to find something better.

His name was slowly becoming well-known in breeder circles. Ever since his success with the Pendragon Family's Goomy project, people had begun reaching out to him for Pokéblock commissions. Trainers seeking specialized nutrition. Breeders hoping to enhance their Pokémon's natural potential. Even a few Gym Leaders had contacted him.

But right now, his focus was on trading.

As he moved through the fair, Rei's attention was caught by a young man standing by a small wooden stall. The sign in front of him read: "RARE ROCKRUFF FOR TRADE."

Rei narrowed his eyes. A Rockruff? That wasn't exactly common.

He stepped closer, examining the Pokémon in question.

A small Rockruff sat obediently beside the trader's feet, its dark gray fur giving it a more rugged appearance than most of its kind. Its eyes were sharp and intelligent, and the way it held itself told Rei that it had potential.

"Interested?" the trader asked, noticing Rei's gaze.

"Maybe," Rei said flatly. "Tell me about it."

The man grinned. "This little guy's the offspring of an Incineroar and a Midnight Lycanroc. Most of the litter was graded B-tier, but this one came out at C-tier according to the Alliance scanner." He shrugged. "Not great, but still rare. I'm looking for something better in return."

Rei's eyes flickered with interest.

He didn't trust the Alliance's Qualification Scanner completely. It was known to judge Pokémon based on their genetics and general bloodline—but it didn't always account for hidden potential. It grades pkkemon with letters from S, A, B, C, D, E, finally to F.

Rei focused, using his own ability to analyze aptitude.

'Mid Green. Mid-Level Talent. About Gym Level.'

It was stronger than the scanner suggested.

Meanwhile, he glanced at his own Teddiursa—the machine had marked it as B-tier, yet Rei had judged it to be lower than this Rockruff in true potential.

Clearly, the scanner had been wrong about something.

"You're looking for a B-tier Pokémon?" Rei asked.

The trader nodded. "Yeah, something a little more reliable. Rockruff's cool, but it doesn't fit my team. I'd rather have something solid to train up for a Gym challenge."

Rei smirked slightly.

"I have a Teddiursa. B-tier. Higher value than your Rockruff."

The man raised an eyebrow. "A Teddiursa?"

Rei released Teddiursa from its Pokéball. The small bear Pokémon appeared, grumbling in irritation as it stretched out its claws.

The trader inspected it, checking its fur, muscle structure, and energy.

After a moment, he nodded. "Yeah, this one's pretty strong."

Rei could see hesitation in his eyes, though. Teddiursa was definitely valuable, but the trader still seemed reluctant.

He wants to make sure he's getting the better deal.

Rei acted first. "Teddiursa is solid, but it doesn't listen to me. You might have better luck." He kept his expression calm. "But if you don't want it, I'll find someone else."

The trader immediately stiffened.

He knew Rockruff was technically lower-tier in the Alliance's grading system. A B-tier Pokémon for a C-tier one? It was an obvious win for him—if he trusted the scanner's judgment.

After a moment, he sighed. "Fine. Deal."

The trade was made.

Rei handed over Teddiursa's Pokéball, and in exchange, he received Rockruff's.

The small wolf Pokémon wagged its tail slightly, sniffing at its new trainer.

Rei knelt down, locking eyes with it. "You'll be stronger under me."

Rockruff let out a low, approving bark.

The trader grinned. "Hope that Rockruff works out for you."

Rei didn't reply. He already knew he had made the better trade.