Before crossing into this world, Logan had played the Pokémon games and knew about the concept of trade evolutions. But here, in this real-world Pokémon universe, that idea was nothing short of incredible.
The item Metal Coat was a naturally rare substance. And it wasn't as simple as just letting a Scyther hold it and then trading it to another Trainer. Evolution through this method required far more.
First and foremost, the Pokémon had to be willing. In this reality, Pokémon were deeply loyal to their Trainers. They wouldn't automatically obey someone new just because they were handed over temporarily. If a Pokémon didn't acknowledge the new Trainer, trade evolution simply wouldn't happen.
This meant that for a trade evolution to succeed, the Pokémon had to have a strong bond not only with its original Trainer but also a genuine acceptance of the one receiving it. Respect, trust, and recognition of skill were all essential conditions.
Normally, there was no way Blue's Scyther would ever recognize Yellow. Her strength wasn't at the level where she could control a Pokémon of that caliber, nor did they share any bond.
But this time was different. The trade worked. Scyther evolved.
And it was all because Scyther was worried for Blue's safety. Out of loyalty and desperation, it acknowledged Yellow temporarily as its new Trainer, fulfilling the final condition for evolution.
In that way, it was much like Pikachu—acting out of love for its original Trainer above all else.
Logan, however, found something else even more fascinating. This wasn't a game world where rules were written in code. This was reality. And yet, researchers had managed to study rare samples and somehow deduce that Scyther needed the Metal Coat and a trade infused with emotional resonance to evolve. How much effort, how many failures and hardships did that research cost them?
"These researchers… they really are incredible."
Logan muttered as Yellow recalled her newly evolved Scizor back into its Poké Ball.
Now, Yellow possessed Pikachu—the strongest weapon in Red's arsenal—and one of the most powerful Pokémon in Blue's lineup, Scizor. If she could properly command these two alone, she'd be capable of achieving excellent results in the Indigo League.
"Blue must have realized at the last moment that there was no way to win. Instead of clinging to Scyther as a final defense, he gave it up to those who came looking for him. Not only did that complete Scyther's evolution, but it also served as a way to leave behind information about what happened. That's just like him—calm and decisive, even in desperation."
Logan stroked his chin, his voice tinged with amusement.
"The old woman that boy mentioned… it must have been Agatha of the Kanto Elite Four. If it was her, it wouldn't be strange at all that Blue was captured so easily. Her true strength is something nobody really knows. Poor Blue—looks like this is the second time he's fallen into Agatha's hands."
Logan's words carried a mocking tone, almost like he was laughing at Blue's misfortune. He didn't know the full story of what had once happened between Professor Oak and Agatha, but the moment he heard that Blue was in her clutches, he felt reassured.
Compared to Red, Blue would be far safer. Agatha's personality suggested she wasn't likely to kill him. Probably.
…Unless, of course, she suddenly lost her temper and decided to do something drastic, like castrating him. Logan smirked.
"With Blue's situation figured out, where do we go next?"
They had already found the hardest clue to uncover, and it came surprisingly easy. Cynthia's tone was lighter as she turned to Logan for direction.
After all, she was unfamiliar with the Kanto region and had been relying entirely on his lead.
"Although we've pieced together the general story, I want more than just fragments. I want to see what really happened. To investigate Agatha's strength… and Blue's last battle."
Logan's voice was calm, yet sharp.
Cynthia's heart stirred. She immediately understood.
"…You're saying you want to enter the abandoned Power Plant?"
"Exactly. Not only do I want to search for traces of that battle, but you also brought me that Deino from Caitlin in Unova. With everything happening, I haven't had time to train it. This Power Plant is filled with strong wild Pokémon. It's the perfect place to put it through its paces."
Hearing his words, Cynthia couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
"As expected of the Kanto Champion. Even now, you're thinking about training, about getting stronger. Compared to that, I've been far too complacent…"
For once, Cynthia blushed. Not from shyness, but from shame.
While Logan lived every moment pushing himself and his Pokémon to greater heights, she had been spending her last two years in relative ease. Standing beside him now, she couldn't help but feel the gap.
At that moment, Logan became her target—someone to learn from, to chase after. She finally understood Caitlin's admiration for him.
This man was exceptional. Disciplined, confident, and relentlessly determined.
"Then I'll train my Pokémon as well. Let's do it together."
Cynthia smiled, dimples showing, her expression soft and radiant like the first blossoms of spring.
"Of course. And Yellow, you too. Train with us. Get familiar with Pikachu and Scizor's strengths—and don't forget to work with your Amaura and Doduo as well."
Logan's voice was firm as he looked toward her.
"Yes, big brother!"
Yellow's face lit up in excitement. From the look in her eyes, she had been waiting eagerly for this chance. Until now, things had been too urgent, leaving her no time for training.
"Ah! I just remembered—wait, you… you're the Kanto Champion?!"
The little boy who had been crying earlier suddenly blurted out, eyes shining in awe.
"If it's you, then you'll definitely save Blue! Wow… Blue actually knows someone as powerful as you?!"
Logan chuckled at the boy's words.
If Blue heard this, he definitely wouldn't be happy. It sounded like pure disrespect. But then again, considering he'd been captured by Agatha twice… maybe he didn't have much room to argue.
"But won't it be difficult to uncover what exactly happened? It's not like we have cameras recording battles here." Cynthia frowned in thought.
"True, but there are still witnesses."
Logan's response made her pause, and then she realized what he meant.
"…The wild Pokémon?"
"Exactly. The Power Plant is crawling with them. Some of them must have seen Agatha's battle with Blue. If we capture the right ones, Yellow can use her gift to read their memories. That way, we can reconstruct everything."
"That's… brilliant. But this Power Plant is huge. Finding the right ones won't be easy."
"Which is why I've called upon its former master."
Logan's lips curled into a confident smile as he raised his hand to the heavens.
BOOOOOM—!
The sky darkened as storm clouds rolled in, lightning splitting the air. Thunder boomed, shaking the earth. Then, like a god descending, a giant bird ripped through the clouds, unleashing a piercing cry.
Bolts of lightning gathered around its form, until finally—its massive wings of thunder spread wide, illuminating the sky.
Cynthia's eyes widened, her voice trembling with awe.
"…That's… the legendary bird of Kanto, Zapdos?!"
She had never imagined Logan could summon and command a legendary Pokémon with such ease.
For ordinary Trainers, to even see such a creature was a miracle. To command one often meant sacrificing one's very life.
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