Pokémon: Above the Top

"Leader Morty, I was lucky enough to catch a decent Ghost-type Pokémon on my journey. However, due to my team composition, I don't have the capacity to train it, but I'd like to find a worthy Trainer to entrust it to."

Sato handed over the Poké Ball, carefully choosing his words—he wasn't offering a gift, but rather subtly implying he was seeking assistance in placing it.

"What Pokémon is it?" As a master specializing in Ghost-types, Morty was familiar with all known Ghost Pokémon. Without much thought, he casually took the ball.

"A Duskull."

Passing the Poké Ball to a nearby disciple, Morty then turned his attention back to Sato, calmly asking if he had any training-related questions he could help with.

So pragmatic!

Sato mentally labeled Morty as a calculating man, but that was exactly what he wanted.

Once Morty realized the potential of this Duskull, if he truly wanted it, he'd have to offer something of equal value!

Ignoring the disciple who had taken the Poké Ball and left, Sato seized the opportunity to ask numerous questions about training and developing Haunter.

Morty, having already received a benefit, was quite forthcoming. He answered Sato's questions thoroughly, explaining various techniques and strategies.

However, whenever the discussion edged toward more advanced, core training methods, he suddenly became vague and evasive.

Fortunately, before Sato's patience wore thin, the disciple who had left returned, this time rushing in with visible excitement. Noticing that Sato was still there, he composed himself, then leaned in to whisper something in Morty's ear.

No shock, no visible reaction—Morty simply took the Duskull's Poké Ball back, his expression more serious now. His gaze lingered on Sato for a moment before he finally spoke.

"Sato, this Duskull of yours has impressive potential."

"Yes, it has Pseudo-Elite Four-level Ghost-type potential. It should be acceptable, right?"

Testing me? Old fox.

"Earlier, you asked how to enhance Haunter's training efficiency, right? Try this method when you go back…"

As expected, the Duskull had an immediate effect. For a Gym Leader, a Pokémon with Pseudo-Elite Four potential was valuable enough to become a core team member.

With his Dark Energy aiding him, Sato had a much easier time finding high-potential Pokémon compared to others. Otherwise, even if this Duskull didn't fit his team's battle style or strategy, he wouldn't have given it away so easily.

But Sato wanted more than just training tips—he released Haunter.

"Leader Morty, what do you think of my Haunter?"

"Hmm?"

Morty focused on Haunter, then closed his eyes. Strangely, Haunter followed suit, floating motionless in the air.

Sato could clearly feel a unique energy connecting Morty and Haunter, even causing a slight disturbance in the Dark Energy within his body.

He didn't interrupt—after all, it was publicly known that Ecruteak Gym Leaders throughout history possessed special abilities.

The ability to communicate with Ghost-type Pokémon, command hundreds of them at once, and even borrow their power to see distant places—this was a formidable gift!

After a long moment, both Haunter and Morty opened their eyes simultaneously. A brief flicker of envy in Morty's gaze did not escape Sato's notice.

"I understand why you came here. I will help your Haunter complete its evolution perfectly—as a return gift for the Duskull you brought me."

"Thank you, Leader Morty!" Sato stood up and expressed his gratitude.

"You deserve it. During this time, you can come here anytime to study. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. When the middle of the month arrives, I will arrange Haunter's evolution."

"Understood."

Without asking why they had to wait half a month, Sato agreed without hesitation.

----------------

For the next two weeks, Sato traveled back and forth between the Pokémon Center and Ecruteak Gym. Aside from the group training sessions for his Pokémon in the mornings, most of his focus was placed on Haunter.

As one of the most prestigious Ghost-type Gyms, every disciple of Ecruteak Gym was required to own at least one Ghost-type Pokémon—even the janitor kept a relatively mild-mannered Shuppet.

And Gastly and Haunter were practically standard for all disciples. In a short period, Sato rapidly expanded his knowledge and understanding of the Gastly line.

The various unique abilities of the Gastly and Haunter he encountered left Sato deeply impressed. By observing and adapting their techniques, Haunter's progress skyrocketed!

As time passed, the two Poké Balls Sato had entrusted to Nurse Joy were successfully sold—at a price even higher than what Wester had offered on the market.

At the same time, the Johto branch head of the Joy family—the elderly Joy whom Sato had met in Goldenrod City—took the time to personally write him a letter.

In a grandmotherly tone, she reassured Sato to grow without worry and expressed her appreciation for his honesty.

Stability secured!

Sato replied with a letter of gratitude and then threw himself back into training. Seeing Haunter's rapid progress was almost addictive—he didn't want to stop.

Finally, the mid-month date arrived, and Morty informed Sato that the optimal time for Haunter's evolution would be at midnight.

However, as soon as the sun had set, Sato was already waiting at Ecruteak Gym. Haunter, usually carefree and mischievous, was now restlessly floating around him.

"You've done everything you needed to—stay calm."

Haunter nodded seriously, having seen many Gengar at Ecruteak Gym. It wasn't unfamiliar with the form it was about to take. There was little fear—only anticipation.

"Let's go."

"Outside?"

"Yes, to a place suitable for a Ghost-type Pokémon's evolution. You'll understand when we get there."

Morty strode out of the Gym, followed closely by one of his strongest disciples. Sato recalled that this disciple also had a Misdreavus that needed to evolve.

Avoiding the bustling market near the Gym, the three of them headed northwest toward the outskirts of the city.

As the crowd thinned, Sato thought about Ecruteak City's layout and quickly deduced their destination.

The Burned Tower!

Once used to summon the legendary Ho-Oh, the tower was completely destroyed after angering the Legendary Pokémon. Only the first floor and parts of the second floor remained standing, while the rest had collapsed into ruins.

As they approached, various curious Ghost-type Pokémon began appearing—Gastly, Haunter, Misdreavus, Shuppet, and more.

Perhaps due to Morty's presence, the Ghost Pokémon behaved relatively calmly.

"Watch your step. We need to reach the second floor of the Burned Tower. Follow my footsteps exactly."

"You go first. I'll cover the rear," Morty's disciple offered. Sato nodded in thanks and followed Morty without hesitation.

Though he refrained from using Dark Energy in a place swarming with Ghost-types, his night vision was unparalleled—few could rival his sight in the dark.

Soon, Morty led them to a relatively open space on the second floor.

At its center, the soft glow of the moon filtered through the ruined ceiling, illuminating a small stone platform no more than thirty centimeters wide.

Then, Morty sat cross-legged on the ground, closed his eyes, and entered a meditative state, silently waiting for midnight to arrive.

"Creaaak... creaaak..."

The sound of footsteps echoed through the ruins. Sato turned sharply, his guard raised.

He saw a familiar face—the monk he had briefly encountered before. Hands pressed together in a prayerful gesture, the monk slowly approached.