Pokémon: Raising Abandoned Pokémon into Legends

Chapter 71: The Generous Silph Co. President

"In just a few words, you got Dairo hopping mad. And he’s the one paying you, no less."

After James’s father stormed off, the Silph Co. President gave Rio a big thumbs-up. He’d thoroughly enjoyed the show.

"Here—this is for you." President Takuma pulled a Poké Ball from his pocket and tossed it to Rio.

Rio caught it and was stunned—it was a Luxury Ball. As expected of the Silph Co. President—he gives away something worth 3,000 League coins just because he likes you.

"Thank you, Grandpa Takuma!" Rio quickly expressed his gratitude.

"Just a little trinket—no need to be so humble." Takuma waved his hand with a smile. "I prefer you the way you were just now—sharp-tongued."

"That was a different situation." Rio shook his head firmly. "I’m actually a very polite person. Respecting my elders has always been my principle. And in my eyes, you’re a very kind old man."

James’s father had been trying to humiliate him. This man had opened with a Luxury Ball—how could they compare? If giving Luxury Balls counted as humiliation, then please—humiliate me more. I’d love that.

"You’re hilarious—way too much fun." Takuma laughed heartily, dug into his pocket again, and tossed over another Luxury Ball. "Here—this one’s also for you. No more flattery after this."

"I’m not flattering—I’m being sincere."

"Fine, I’ll give you the last one too."

Rio now had a third Luxury Ball in his hands. He stared at the Silph Co. President in disbelief—the old man was handing out Luxury Balls like candy.

The old man tugged at his empty pockets. "That’s really all of them. I usually only carry three when I go out."

Rio said, "Please don’t say that—I truly wasn’t flattering. Every word was honest."

But this time, the Silph Co. President just said: "Make sure you perform well later. Don’t talk big about proving yourself with strength, only to crumble at the first test—that would be very disappointing."

Rio felt a little let down, but it was still acceptable. After all, he’d just gotten three free Luxury Balls in exchange for a few words—anyone would be envious. Now Charizard, Munchlax, and the Red Gyarados could all have a cozy home. Today’s trip was already worth it.

After speaking with Rio, Takuma turned to James and tapped him on the head. "And you—always dreaming of breaking free. Don’t look at him with such admiration just yet. If he loses, your father is going to have a word with you later."

James winced in pain and was about to sing Rio’s praises when his father came storming back with a group of people—and his mother was following behind.

"Didn’t you want to prove yourself with strength? Fine—I’ve brought the people I picked. I hope your performance lives up to your mouth, or I’ll have you thrown out of my house."

James’s father marched up to Rio with three trainers behind him—two men and one woman.

"These two are five-badge holders," he said, gesturing to a young man and woman, then pointing at a burly middle-aged man. "And this one is a six-badge holder."

After the introductions, he puffed out his chest. "So—are you backing out now?"

Rio: "Only people who constantly ask ’are you backing out’ are the ones who are truly afraid. They rely on overwhelming others to mask their own weakness. So that means... you’re the one backing out."

"Y-you little—!" James’s father was left sputtering, his face red with anger.

Just then, butler Hopkins whispered in his ear: "Sir, you’re from an upper-class family. Don’t lose your composure."

"Right, right—I’m a noble. I shouldn’t lose my composure because of some crude commoner." Dairo took several deep breaths, repeating "I am a noble" in his mind until his composure returned.

"Hopkins—bring out the Pokémon for the test. Today, I’m going to teach this arrogant brat how to behave properly."

"Right away, sir."

A few minutes later, the servants brought out four Pokémon: Raichu, Vulpix, Poliwhirl, and Seel. Raichu was placed in front of Rio, who was supposed to guide it in training Double Team.

"What is that kid doing? Does he even know how to guide? Don’t tell me he’s all talk and no substance," Dairo muttered, watching Rio.

Unlike the other three—who were crouching down to feel the Pokémon’s bones, assessing their talent, or having them demonstrate moves—Rio simply asked for paper and a pen.

Butler Hopkins frowned. He remembered that during the video call, Rio had accurately predicted the training progress of every Pokémon with just one glance. After the call, the servants had followed his instructions and everything had matched perfectly—especially Staryu learning Reflect. They’d prepared three portions of Drowzee fur and three portions of Flabébé down, placed them in front of it, and after 97 practices, it had indeed mastered Reflect. The butler was still in awe.

That’s why, when James insisted on choosing Rio, Hopkins had vouched for him. But Dairo and his wife were stubborn about badge count, and Hopkins words had little effect—they even accused him of being old and foolish, siding with the young master’s whims.

"Sir," Hopkins said quietly, "he might be writing down the number of practices Raichu needs for its move training."

"Hopkins, what nonsense are you talking about? You think something like that can be written down with just one glance? You really are getting old and senile." Dairo turned and snapped at him.

As he finished, he caught Rio setting down his pen. "Quick—go see what he wrote!"

Hopkins hurried over. When he saw what was on the paper, his old face lit up with a smile—though he quickly suppressed it upon remembering his master was watching.

As he’d suspected, it listed Raichu’s required training count. Not only that—it also included the training counts for the other three Pokémon.

"Kid—are these numbers reliable?" Hopkins whispered. "I’m on your side."

Rio raised an eyebrow. What do you mean, on my side? I’m an eagle of a man—I don’t need anyone to take my side.

"Old man—do you think I’d be unreliable?" Rio replied bluntly.

Hearing Rio’s confident answer, Hopkins felt reassured. He sent servants to record the other three Pokémon’s counts, then brought the paper to his master.

When Dairo saw the contents of the note, he stared at Hopkins in disbelief, then glanced at Rio, who was sitting on the ground fiddling with the Luxury Balls, and back at the note again. He kept looking back and forth, utterly stunned.