"I want to know—are there any Pokémon groups stronger than yours in this area?"
Chen Shi asked calmly.
This question was crucial.
From the moment he entered, he had already noticed something strange—
There were only a few scattered berry trees here.
And they were just Oran Berries, the most basic kind.
Yet—
This Breloom tribe cared about them way too much.
Even going as far as mobilizing the entire group.
That didn't make sense.
Their leader alone was already Elite Four peak level.
That kind of strength—
Would be considered powerful anywhere.
On top of that—
Their tribe had plenty of Gym-level, pseudo-Elite Four, and even Elite Four-level Breloom.
Why would they fight so desperately over a few Oran Berries?
Unless…
There was something bigger going on.
This was supposed to be a top-tier secret realm.
Resources should be abundant.
Berries should be the least valuable resource.
But if a tribe like this only controlled something so basic—
Then it meant one thing.
There were stronger groups suppressing them.
And if this leader was already Elite Four peak—
Then anything stronger…
…
"Loom… Loom…"
The Breloom pointed toward a direction.
Chen Shi nodded thoughtfully.
"You mean… in the central region, there are even stronger Pokémon?"
The Breloom leader nodded helplessly.
Then it explained further.
This forest—
Was practically the only source of berries in the entire secret realm.
Everywhere else?
Volcanoes.
Barren wastelands.
Or endless ocean.
And—
There were far too many Pokémon in this realm.
Many stronger than them.
The Breloom tribe could only hold onto this small patch—
Because they had enough strength.
Weaker tribes?
They couldn't even claim these few berry trees.
After hearing everything—
Chen Shi finally understood.
This was the domain of Groudon and Kyogre.
Volcanoes and oceans were the dominant environments.
Which meant—
Most resources existed elsewhere.
Ironically—
The most "worthless" resource outside…
Became precious here.
That explained everything.
Why he immediately ran into such a strong tribe.
Why they valued Oran Berries so highly.
…
"Loom… Loom!"
(But even those aren't the strongest.)
The Breloom continued.
(The strongest Pokémon live in the deep sea… or within the land and magma. We rarely see them.)
Chen Shi's heart skipped a beat.
But his face remained calm.
So—
The strength level in this secret realm…
Was even higher than he expected.
It seemed—
The League's intel wasn't entirely accurate.
He briefly wondered about the others.
Cynthia and Steven?
He wasn't worried.
But Phoebe…
That girl might be in trouble.
…
Chen Shi decided not to waste more time.
He looked at the Breloom leader and said casually:
"Alright. I'm done asking questions."
"Now—hand over your valuables."
Breloom Leader: ???
Didn't you say you'd let us go after answering your questions?!
"Hurry up, don't waste time."
"I'm not taking your food—just herbs, resources, things like that."
Chen Shi waved his hand with a grin.
As a Grass-type tribe—
They definitely had plenty of such materials.
And since things had already escalated—
There was no need to be polite.
If there was loot—
Take it.
The Breloom leader hesitated.
But under overwhelming pressure—
It could only comply.
After giving a few commands—
Several Breloom quickly left.
"Loom…"
(I've sent them to retrieve the items.)
Chen Shi nodded in satisfaction.
Then casually found a spot to sit—
And waited.
…
Soon—
The Breloom returned.
Each carrying various items.
Chen Shi glanced over.
Energy gems.
Rare herbs.
Evolution stones of different types.
Not bad.
Very useful.
Even what he didn't need—
Could be sold later.
Without hesitation—
He packed everything into his space backpack.
Then stood up.
"Alright. I'm leaving."
"You can go too."
With that—
He turned and headed deeper into the forest.
…
Only after he left—
Did the Breloom leader finally relax.
It turned to its tribe.
"Loom?"
(You didn't give him everything, right?)
The Breloom quickly responded.
"Loom!"
(Don't worry, boss! We only gave a portion—and mostly things we don't really need.)
"Loom!"
(Yeah boss, we handled it properly!)
The leader nodded, satisfied.
It had no choice.
If they gave away everything—
Their next generation wouldn't develop properly.
That was unacceptable.
So they handed over only part of their resources—
Items valuable to others, but not essential to them.
Thankfully—
That human didn't notice.
…
Meanwhile—
Chen Shi chuckled as he walked.
"These Breloom are pretty clever."
Of course he noticed.
Most of the energy gems they gave were Ground-type or Fire-type.
Clearly—
They hadn't handed over their true reserves.
But he didn't expose them.
After all—
Life in this secret realm was harsh.
If he stripped them completely—
Their offspring would suffer greatly.
Their growth would slow drastically.
That would be a devastating blow.
And honestly—
What he gained was already more than enough.
Thinking about the herbs he just obtained—
Chen Shi couldn't help but smile.
Then—
He hugged Jirachi and gave it a few enthusiastic kisses.
"This was all thanks to you!"
"Ahh~~ that tickles~~"
Jirachi giggled, trying to push him away.
Chen Shi laughed loudly.
Then declared boldly:
"Jirachi! Let's go 'borrow' from other Pokémon tribes too!"
"We'll sell what we get—"
"And we'll make tons of money!"
Jirachi blinked in confusion.
"Chen Shi… what's money?"
Chen Shi grinned.
"Money is a wonderful thing."
"With money—you can buy all kinds of delicious food."
"Ice cream, hot pot, cotton candy…"
"And even Combee honey!"
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