The night was deep.
After an unknown amount of time, a figure ran out from the direction of the wetlands.
Using the shadows of the grass and trees, it slowly approached the campsite next to the small hill.
It remembered that there was very delicious food here, tastier than wild berries and anything else it could find!
It had already come here several times.
The human here was so silly, always forgetting to put the food away.
So foolish!
Sneaking closer to the campsite, it poked its little head out, a pair of small dark eyes bright and spirited.
Just then, the clouds parted, and under the moonlight, the figure’s full appearance was revealed.
It was about 35 to 40 cm tall, possessing slimy blue skin and a small, agile body.
It had a fin-like antenna standing tall on its head, prominent orange gill flaps on both sides of its cheeks, and a massive tail fin!
The fin on its head was a highly sensitive radar, capable of detecting its surroundings through the flow of water or air without relying on its eyes.
This was exactly the starter Pokémon everyone had been searching for—Mudkip!
It usually liked to bury its body in the mud at the bottom of rivers to rest, and would use the gills on its cheeks to breathe when underwater.
If it used its large tail fin to paddle, its speed would increase rapidly.
On land, Mudkip would push off the ground with all four legs, demonstrating the power to lift giant boulders and even shatter rocks larger than its own body.
Mudkip was actually a relatively timid and cowardly Pokémon!
They rarely appeared in front of humans and were a very gentle species!
Yet this little fellow not only dared to approach humans but also dared to sneak close to human settlements to steal food.
This slightly surprised Leo, who was hiding in the distance keeping watch!
But this was even better!
Such a smart Mudkip had high potential and was even more worthy of being caught and trained as a main force.
Hmm, safe.
The human isn’t moving!
Hmm, safe.
It hasn’t noticed me!
Mudkip quickly ran toward the Pokémon food left far away.
*Huh?
Why is the location different?
That human is so silly, accidentally dropping the food here!* However, this human was currently watching Mudkip run toward the food with immense excitement, ready to rush out at any moment, completely unaware that he had already been labeled a fool.
Mmm!
Delicious!
Mudkip happily ate the food, its little eyes narrowing into slits.
Suddenly, “Gotcha!
You little thief, how dare you steal my food!” “Mudkip!?
Mudkip?
Mud Mudkip!?” Mudkip hurriedly swallowed the food in its mouth and pushed off with its hind legs, about to run away!
But it found a human blocking its path.
Why isn’t this human sleeping?
Isn’t he supposed to be silly?
Why is he here?
Is he here looking for food?
I didn’t steal anything, I was just passing by!
Mudkip denied the fact that it had been stealing food, its little eyes darting left and right, looking for an escape route.
Leo looked amusingly at this clever little fellow.
“Alright, stop looking.
I specifically picked this spot for you.” What?
Picked for me?
Mudkip was greatly startled, tilting its head to look at the human.
I don’t think you have good intentions!
“See?
Mountains on two sides, a tent blocking one side, and the only exit is right here where I am.
Mudkip, I’ve been watching you for a long time.
You’ve eaten so much of my Pokémon food and sneaked away so many times.
Don’t you think it’s a bit rude to just slip away again?” I didn’t!
I’m not!
You’re making things up!
“Mudkip!
Mud Mudkip!” Mudkip shook its head, firmly denying it.
“Is that so?
You won’t admit it?” Leo scratched his head.
“Well!
It doesn’t matter.
Let’s have a battle, Mudkip!
If I win, you’ll become my partner!” “Mudkip?
Mudkip!” Mudkip thought about it, then decided to accept the challenge, assuming a battle stance.
“Mudkip!” [Pokémon: Mudkip Lv.9, Mud Fish Pokémon.
The fin on its head is a sensitive antenna that can detect its surroundings.
When it encounters danger, it can muster the power to shatter rocks!
Gender: Male Nature: Jolly Ability: Torrent (Powers up Water-type moves when the Pokémon’s HP is low) Moves: Growl (Beginner), Tackle (Beginner), Water Gun (Beginner), Rock Smash (Proficient) Egg Moves: Double-Edge (Beginner), Counter (Beginner) TM Moves: None] Not bad move talent!
It even inherited Double-Edge and Counter!
Leo smiled in understanding.
“Good.
Do you accept?
Come out, Onix!” “Roar!” In a flash of white light!
Onix’s massive figure slowly materialized!
Looking at the excited Onix, Leo had to softly remind it.
“Go gentle, Onix, this is going to be our partner!” Onix nodded.
“Go, use Small Rock attack!” “Roar???” Onix was a bit confused.
What was a Small Rock?
With no other choice, it could only use its tail to flick a small rock toward Mudkip!
Small though it was, that was relative to the 7.5-meter Onix.
In front of the 40 cm Mudkip, this was a massive boulder!
“Mudkip!” Mudkip was not afraid at all.
It stood upright on its hind legs, Fighting-type energy surging through its arms, burning with a white aura!
It swung its arms and chopped at the flying rock!
Fighting-type move, Rock Smash!
And at a Proficient level!
Bang!
Bang!
Continuous booms rang out!
Under Mudkip’s uninterrupted Rock Smash, the giant rock was finally defended against.
But at only Level 9, Mudkip quickly exhausted its energy and collapsed on the ground, tired out.
Beautiful!
Leo praised inwardly.
It used the move perfectly.
This Mudkip truly had great talent when it came to moves!
One had to know, Onix was currently a full Level 25!
And it actually managed to defend against the attack using Rock Smash!
Heh, really lucky.
Looking at the weakened Mudkip, Leo didn’t hesitate.
He threw the Luxury Ball, which arced through the air and smacked right onto Mudkip’s body.
“Smack!” The small figure was drawn inside by a red light, and the ball dropped to the ground.
Leo watched nervously.
After all, this was his very first time truly catching a wild Pokémon!
The Poké Ball swayed back and forth, until finally, after a “Ding!” sound, it quieted down.
“Awesome!
I caught Mudkip!” Picking up the Poké Ball, Leo shouted happily.
Doing this felt really great, even if it was a bit chuunibyou!
“Come out, Mudkip!” A flash of white light!
The little fellow, still looking a bit bewildered, appeared once more!
Looking at the newly emerged Mudkip, the boy smiled and reached out his hand, introducing himself earnestly.
“Hello!
Mudkip!
I’m Leo, and this is my partner, Onix!
From now on, I’m looking forward to working with you!” “Roar!!” Onix also called out happily.
Mudkip tilted its head and thought about it.
*Following the human in front of me probably wouldn’t be bad, right?* “Mudkip~!” It nodded, placing its little paw into Leo’s hand, and smiled happily as well.
And just like that, the second Pokémon was successfully caught!
“Let’s go, I’ll whip up something tasty for you guys.
Consider it a welcome party for Mudkip joining the team!” “Roar~” “Mudkip!” Sure enough, are all Rock- and Ground-type Pokémon just foodies?
As for Mudkip, its physical attack was quite good, and its dual defenses could be developed too.
Especially since it had inherited the powerful move Double-Edge!
‘Hmm, Waterfall is also a must-learn…
For the early stage, I’ll focus on improving its strength and stamina.’ The Mudkip stage didn’t need too many moves.
Especially since it could naturally learn the god-tier move Protect on its own.
It was just a pity it didn’t inherit Wide Guard; that would have to be taught via move tutor later.
On the way back to camp, Leo formulated a training plan based on Mudkip’s condition, preparing to have it start training alongside Onix to build a solid foundation.
Mudkip, who was happily eating its Pokémon food, had no idea what kind of grueling training was about to come.
Right now, it was just eating with great relish!
Eat up, eat up!
Eat more!
You’ll need the energy for training!
Looking at Mudkip with fatherly love, Leo smiled gently~ “Mudkip~~?” ——————————————————