Chapter 43: Genetic Fusion Modification
Kenji glanced at his Gyarados, and its status panel immediately appeared.
Gyarados (4-Star)
Gender: Female
Level: 25
Type: Water / Flying
Base Stats: 720 (540 + 60 + 60 + 60)
Abilities: Intimidate, Pressure
Moves: Aqua Tail, Dragon Dance, Waterfall, Ice Fang, Scary Face, Crunch, Iron Tail, Dragon Rage, Twister
Potential: S+
It seemed the saying "still waters run deep" applied here. After evolving from Magikarp, Gyarados's growth had exploded. Its level had shot up even faster than Beedrill's, reaching a terrifying level 25 in a short amount of time. This was likely because Kenji hadn't focused on teaching it new moves, allowing it to concentrate solely on leveling up and mastering its existing techniques.
Kenji also noticed that the order of moves listed in the panel seemed to change, likely reflecting the Pokémon's proficiency with each technique.
While Kenji was engrossed in checking Gyarados's stats, his opponent, seeing him hesitate, finally couldn't take the pressure anymore.
"Turtwig! Use Razor Leaf!"
Kenji just smiled calmly. "Gyarados, use Scary Face."
"Turt..."
The Turtwig let out a small, hesitant cry. It flinched at its trainer's command, staring fearfully at the massive Gyarados before finally, reluctantly, beginning to gather energy for the attack.
But it was too late. While Turtwig hesitated, Gyarados let out a terrifying roar, reared its massive head, and lunged forward, thrusting its horrifying face right in front of the small grass turtle.
Already intimidating, the Scary Face ability twisted Gyarados's features into something truly monstrous. Its eyes, wide and glaring, glowed with a blood-red light, and its gaping maw seemed to stretch impossibly wide, radiating pure malice.
"TURTWIIIG!—"
Already struggling under Gyarados's immense pressure, the Turtwig shrieked in terror at the demonic visage. The green energy gathering around it dissipated, the half-formed Razor Leaf falling harmlessly to the ground as limp leaves.
"What?!" the opposing trainer gasped, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Kenji just smiled, unsurprised. "Finish it, Gyarados. Use Waterfall."
"ROAR!"
With another roar, Gyarados lowered its massive body, coiling like a giant serpent before shooting forward. A shimmering curtain of water enveloped it as it charged, hitting Turtwig with unstoppable force.
Against such an overwhelming power difference, tactics were meaningless. Before the Turtwig could even recover from the Scary Face, Gyarados slammed into it head-on.
"Twig!—"
Turtwig was sent flying backward as Gyarados came to a halt, the water curtain receding. The small turtle tumbled across the field for over ten meters before finally stopping, its limbs splayed, its eyes replaced with swirls.
"Turtwig is unable to battle! Gyarados is the winner!" the referee announced mechanically.
Kenji recalled his Gyarados. His opponent recalled Turtwig with a complicated expression, a hint of resentment in his eyes.
Ignoring the other trainer's feelings, Kenji noted that his match had ended incredibly quickly; the battles on the other fields were still ongoing. He walked off the stage.
As he reached the entrance tunnel, Melody and Leo came running down from the stands.
"Kenji! That Gyarados is insane! So cool!" Leo exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement.
Kenji chuckled. Melody nodded beside him, equally fascinated by his new powerhouse.
With Kenji's match concluded, the three friends chatted happily as they left the battle hall. Since neither Charmeleon nor Gyarados were injured, Kenji and Melody decided to head to the Edgecliff Gym for some training. Leo, whose Pidove had taken some hits in its match, decided to head home.
At the gym, Kenji released Gyarados and Beedrill. Before he could even outline their training plan for the day, a familiar voice spoke from behind him.
"How did the tournament go?"
Kenji paused and turned. Marcus was standing right behind him, having approached without making a sound.
"It went well, Uncle Marcus. What brings you here?" Kenji asked, trying to sound casual, though his heart skipped a beat. Seeing Marcus immediately made him think of the egg.
Marcus just smiled faintly and gestured subtly with his eyes. Kenji understood and followed him to a bench in a quiet corner of the training area.
"How is the egg?" Marcus asked, getting straight to the point.
Kenji's stomach clenched. So it is about the egg. He kept his expression neutral and sighed. "It's been a week, sir. Still no signs of hatching."
Marcus nodded. "That egg... is special." He looked pointedly at Kenji as he said this.
Kenji feigned curiosity. "Special? How so?"
Marcus looked away, his voice calm and even. "After the raid on the Team R base, the League investigators began identifying and interrogating the captured members. One of the researchers turned out to be... interesting." He paused, looking back at Kenji. "His name is Dr. Kenzo. He's the researcher you encountered. You know what kind of organization Team R is, and the kind of work they do."
Kenji nodded solemnly. Team R's horrific reputation was known throughout the country.
"This Dr. Kenzo," Marcus continued, "is one of their top scientists. A madman obsessed with genetic fusion and modification of Pokémon."
"Genetic fusion modification!" Kenji whispered, shocked.