[TL/N: Read my new work - Detective Conan: I'm a Succubus?!]
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Looking at Alexander standing before them, the four Elite Trainers exchanged uneasy glances.
Lorelei leaned toward Lance and asked quietly, "What's going on? Who is he?"
Lance whispered back, his voice low and uncertain, "I don't know the details. I was flying through the sky when he suddenly appeared out of nowhere, claiming he would help us destroy Team Rocket's headquarters. The most shocking part is that he doesn't rely on a Pokémon to fly—he uses his own strength."
"His own strength again?" Lorelei murmured, recalling the woman in a military uniform she had encountered previously. That woman had subdued Articuno with nothing but her physical abilities.
"Wait—again?" Lance raised an eyebrow. "You've met others like him before?"
Lorelei nodded. "Yes, but people like this are incredibly rare. This world may have extraordinary abilities like aura powers or psychic talents, but someone like that woman or this man? I've never seen anything like it."
Lorelei's expression turned serious. "Anyway, just how strong is this guy?"
"Strong enough to defeat my Dragonite in a single blow," Lance admitted grimly.
Before their quiet conversation could continue, Alexander cut in with a dry cough. "You know I can hear you, right? Don't worry, I'm just here to ask for your help."
Alexander's request was not for himself but for his ally, Mewtwo. Although Mewtwo could leave anytime, it was determined to free the Pokémon captured by Team Rocket, which left Alexander in a bind.
He had an idea: to create a modern sanctuary for Pokémon, similar to Professor Oak's lab. This place would serve as a refuge for rescued Pokémon, with Mewtwo overseeing its operations. It would give Mewtwo a sense of purpose while providing a safe haven for the creatures.
However, such an ambitious project required expertise. Alexander needed help with understanding Pokémon care, sourcing food, and securing long-term suppliers. That's why he sought out the Elite Trainers.
"So," Lance said, catching on quickly, "you'll help us fight Team Rocket, and in return, we'll provide you with Pokémon care knowledge and resources?"
"Exactly," Alexander replied. "But let me clarify—I'm not asking for charity. In exchange, I'll provide you with something valuable."
With that, Alexander placed a peculiar fruit on the table.
"This," he explained, "is an Explosive Fruit. Both humans and Pokémon can consume it. Once eaten, it grants the ability to control explosions. Imagine a trainer wielding such a power against wild beasts—or better yet, a Pokémon with this ability. Picture your Ice-type Pokémon releasing attacks with explosive effects."
The Elite Trainers stared at the fruit, their minds racing with the possibilities. Alexander's offer was both incredible and unprecedented.
"Incredible," Lorelei whispered.
"Does it really work?" Lance asked skeptically.
Alexander nodded confidently. "Yes, and there's more: this fruit has no drawbacks, unlike the Devil Fruits from its world of origin. If a standard Devil Fruit is worth 100 million, then this defect-free version is easily worth over a billion. In a world like this, where such items are unheard of, its value is immeasurable."
The Elite Trainers exchanged glances, the wheels of their minds turning as they considered the implications.
"It's not impossible. Ahem... okay, we agree to this deal," Lance said, his eyes lighting up with determination. He wasn't worried about Alexander deceiving him; he had already witnessed Alexander's incredible strength.
If Alexander intended to play tricks, how would cooperation even be possible? Besides, taking down Team Rocket was clearly in their best interest, giving them no reason to refuse.
To Alexander, however, a single Devil Fruit was trivial. He still possessed other rare fruits that were far more valuable. Alexander wasn't ready to part with those, as he preferred to reserve the best for his own trusted allies.
"Well, we'll see how this goes. I'll leave this with you for now," Alexander said, standing up to leave. He had faith in the alliance, and his confident demeanor left a strong impression on those around him.
As soon as Alexander departed, Lance turned to the others and cleared his throat. "Ahem. Alright, everyone, get ready—we'll head out shortly. And hey! Put that explosive fruit down!"
Hearing Lance's order, Bruno clutched the Devil Fruit tightly against his chest, his expression resolute. He had already envisioned his Pokémon gaining explosive effects with every punch after consuming it. Letting it go? Absolutely not!
"Impossible! This thing is mine! I, Bruno, won't give it to anyone! I've said it!"
Lance was momentarily stunned. 'What?! You want it? Why?' He thought to himself. 'I need that fruit to defeat Lorelei and finally claim the title of Kanto Champion!'
Although Lance possessed the strength of a champion, his Dragon-types were at a severe disadvantage against Lorelei's Ice-types, which had always held him back. Now, with this fruit, he finally had a chance to break through his limitations.
But could he really let Bruno take it? Absolutely not.
"I'm the strongest one here," Lance declared firmly. "Naturally, something this valuable should go to me. Any objections?"
"Strongest? You, Lance?" Lorelei interjected with a cold smile, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Don't make baseless claims. If anyone deserves it, wouldn't it be me? After all, I'm stronger than you."
Lance (ಠ_ಠ)
Bruno (O口O)
Lorelei (￣ω￣)
Agatha, the Ghost-type trainer, shook her head at the bickering trio. "Youngsters these days," she muttered under her breath. "So full of energy but completely lacking respect for their elders. No manners at all."
'Huh?!' Lance, Lorelei, and Bruno turned to glare at Agatha. 'Does that mean you want it too, you old hag?!'
In an instant, the tension in the room erupted. The four Elite Trainers' eyes blazed with determination as a fierce argument broke out over the Devil Fruit.
Perhaps not even Alexander could have foreseen this—a group of elite trainers, locked in a heated quarrel, all because of a single Devil Fruit.