Pokemon: Scientist From One Piece

His words hit her like a thunderbolt, shaking her to her core.

Meanwhile, Giovanni continued speaking, sharing training insights with Hirito.

His words reminded Hirito of how athletes were trained in his past life.

If you wanted a World Cup-level football player, training had to begin as early as possible—even when the child was still learning to walk and talk.

But now, Umbreon's situation was like a student about to take the college entrance exam tomorrow, yet being told she was expected to play in the World Cup.

Was that even realistic?

Okay, maybe that analogy was a bit extreme.

But Giovanni's point was clear—

"That Umbreon, at most, will reach the level of the Elite Four. Its upper limit is too low."

Hirito raised an eyebrow.

Many trainers would be thrilled just to hear they had a Pokémon capable of reaching Elite Four level—something 99.99% of Trainers could only dream of.

But coming from Giovanni, a Champion-level Trainer who was already half a step into the 'Master' realm, the Elite Four was barely worth mentioning.

In his eyes, Hirito shouldn't settle for just Elite Four level Pokémon.

"What ruthless words, Uncle," Hirito smirked.

"Are you saying I should abandon Umbreon? Because I don't care how strong a Pokémon is."

At those words, a flicker of light returned to Umbreon's downcast eyes.

She had been lowering her head in despair as Giovanni spoke, but Hirito's disdainful tone reignited something inside her.

"Ha~ Of course not." Giovanni chuckled.

"I'm just reminding you that there's no need to invest too much effort in a Pokémon with a low upper limit."

He continued, his tone casual—

"Just like how Gym Leaders raise Pokémon with average potential to deal with weaker challengers.

"When you get stronger Pokémon, that Umbreon can be moved to your secondary team."

His words made logical sense.

Gym Leaders adjust their teams based on the strength of challengers.

This wasn't a secret—though it was rarely explicitly mentioned in the anime, it was confirmed in games and other adaptations.

Strong Pokémon were starters.

Weaker Pokémon were substitutes.

That's just how the world worked.

And so—

Umbreon lowered her head again.

"Coincidentally," Giovanni continued, "I have some Pokémon with excellent potential that were just recently hatched.

"You could try raising one.

"For example... Dratini."

Dratini.

Umbreon's entire body tensed.

Even though she was just a Pokémon, she had lived with humans since birth.

She had heard trainers gossip, watched TV, and listened to conversations—

So she knew exactly what kind of Pokémon Dratini was.

A powerful Dragon-type.

A late bloomer that, once fully evolved, overwhelmed most Pokémon.

A pseudo-legendary.

A Pokémon meant for the strongest Trainers.

Umbreon clenched her fangs tightly.

That kind of Pokémon...

... is more suited for a master as perfect as mine, right?

Giovanni's voice seemed distant as he continued—

"How about it? If it's you, I believe you could train Dratini into a Dragonite.

"And it wouldn't be inferior to those raised by the Blackthorn City Dragon Tamers."

His words stabbed like daggers into the softest parts of Umbreon's heart.

She imagined it.

A future where her master held a Dratini in his arms.

Training it.

Caring for it.

Smiling at it.

Even kissing its face.

And she—

She could only watch.

Shrinking in a corner, forgotten.

Because she was no longer needed.

Because she was weak.

Because she wasn't 'worthy' anymore.

And all she would be able to do is whisper to herself...

"I was the first one to come here..."

"Uncle Giovanni," Hirito suddenly spoke, breaking the heavy silence.

His calm tone made Umbreon raise her head slightly.

"You seem to underestimate my Umbreon a bit."

He smirked.

"So how about we make a bet?"

Giovanni looked at him with mild amusement.

"A bet?"

"Next time we fight," Hirito said confidently, "I'll defeat your Pokémon—"

"—using only this 'low-potential Eevee' you just mocked."

Giovanni raised an eyebrow, then chuckled.

"It's good to have ambitions," he said.

"But reality still exists, young man.

"Every Pokémon has its limits."

Hirito tilted his head.

"So… you want to surpass Pokémon?"

Giovanni paused.

For the first time, he had no immediate response.

His mind drifted back—

To ten days ago, when Hirito had casually mentioned something insane.

The idea of Pokémon 'devolving'.

And now, looking at the serious glint in Hirito's eyes, Giovanni couldn't help but think—

"Is this kid actually serious?"

Umbreon's heart pounded violently.

Her eyes burned.

She had never felt this way before.

It was like the moment Chopper was saved by Dr. Hiluluk—

A feeling of belonging.

A feeling of being protected.

Tears welled up in her eyes.

Then, she saw Hirito suddenly stand up.

Panicked, she rushed back inside the house, pretending to be asleep.

"Don't you want Dratini?" Giovanni asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Rather than that," Hirito stretched, "I'd prefer if Uncle Giovanni sponsored me instead.

"I want to study Pokémon properly."

He grinned.

"Just think of it as an investment.

"I'll definitely repay you in the future."

"Hoh~"

For the first time in a long while, Giovanni looked intrigued.

"I hope I won't be disappointed, then."

Hirito smirked.

"Don't worry.

"This will be the best investment you've ever made."

The Next Morning

Hirito groggily opened his eyes—

And immediately froze.

Lying on his pillow, practically on his face, was Umbreon.

At that exact moment, her blood-red eyes fluttered open as well.

For a second, the two just stared at each other.

Then—

"Heh~ Did you get up to go to the bathroom last night and get on the wrong bed?"

Hirito smirked, reaching out to ruffle her fur.

It wasn't as fluffy as a Flareon's, but damn, it was smooth.

Umbreon didn't protest.

She simply watched him carefully.

"I'm going out to buy some equipment." Hirito stood up.

"If all goes well, I'll find a way to turn you back into an Eevee soon.

"Be a good girl and wait at home."

Umbreon's breath hitched.

She wanted to tell him—

I don't care about evolving anymore.

I love the way I am now.

But then—

She suddenly remembered Giovanni's words—

"An Eevee's best growth period is 0 to 3 years old. After 5 years, it's basically over."

A thought crept into her mind—

"If I return to being an Eevee… could I get a second chance?"

No—first, I must reach my current limit.

I need to set a goal.

"First… I'll reach Elite Four level."

End of Chapter