Trader In The World Of Pirates!!!

On the other side, Zoro and the others turned their attention to James, who began to explain the situation that Leo had just told him.

As Koushiro mentioned, Zoro had indeed been influenced by the energy of Pokémon and had unconsciously used a Pokémon move.

However, according to James, the phenomenon wasn't as mysterious as Koushiro had thought.

In reality, it was a simple occurrence.

First, the bond between a trainer and their Pokémon allows them to communicate mentally, and as a result, the trainer possesses some of the Pokémon's energy within their own body.

Secondly, Zoro, being a skilled swordsman, had already mastered the use of a sword as if it were an extension of his own body—even when wielding it in his mouth.

In addition, the move Ultimate Invincible Crash is a general-type Z-Move. Activated by the power of a Z-Crystal, Zoro's body had unintentionally responded and utilized the move.

All these factors combined naturally led Zoro to achieve what Koushiro referred to as the "realm of sword and man becoming one," and that's why he could execute a Z-Move in combination with his Scyther.

When James had first consulted Leo about this matter, Leo was momentarily startled, thinking that someone had transcended the limitations of their race to use Pokémon moves themselves.

However, when Leo looked at Zoro, his excitement quickly turned to disappointment.

The phenomenon Zoro experienced was due to an extraordinary combination of circumstances.

Zoro could only perform Ultimate Invincible Crash with the assistance of Scyther; any other move wouldn't work the same way.

Although this was a big surprise for Zoro, giving him another powerful move in his arsenal, it didn't hold much value for Leo.

Still, as Leo withdrew his attention, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly:

"It's typical of Zoro to stir up so much chaos, yet rise so quickly."

Leo acknowledged that he had a soft spot for Zoro and had provided him with certain advantages.

But to grow this rapidly in such a short span of time—Zoro's talent and luck were beyond ordinary.

Compared to Zoro's use of Pokémon moves, however, Luffy's situation was what truly astonished Leo.

By this time, Leo, who had amassed significant experience and resources, had already used his methods to probe the unusual energy inside Luffy.

And the result?

For nearly 20 years, Leo had regarded the Rubber-Rubber Fruit as a common ability. But suddenly, Luffy's fruit had transformed into the legendary "Nika."

Fortunately, Leo discovered this revelation too late to be disturbed by it. By now, he had grown used to the power shifts in the world and had become more relaxed about such matters.

If he had learned this back when he first arrived in this world, he might have attempted to reverse Luffy's "Nika" form back to the familiar "Gomu Gomu."

But now?

He was content to let nature take its course.

...

"Thank you for the explanation, Sir James," Zoro said with a nod, his face showing slight tension.

After listening to James, Zoro finally understood that what had happened earlier was merely an accident. With more practice, he would be able to control Ultimate Invincible Crash as if it were a standard Pokémon move.

Still, Zoro wasn't eager to attempt a second Z-Move just yet.

Though his strength had drastically improved thanks to numerous encounters, the thought of how he had nearly destroyed Shimotsuki Village earlier sent a shiver down his spine.

Of course, Zoro wasn't afraid of using Z-Moves because of this accident.

On the contrary.

He was already itching to find an uninhabited island to test out the combination of his swordsmanship and Z-Moves.

With enough training, if he could fully integrate Z-Moves into his swordsmanship, the explosive power of the Z-Move would allow him to compete with even Yonko-level pirates!

Zoro had become so powerful so suddenly that even he wasn't sure where he stood in the hierarchy of top fighters.

So, despite his confidence, he was careful not to speak too boldly.

Suppressing his mixed feelings of fear and excitement, Zoro calmed his mind.

Looking at the remaining 4,000 points in his balance, Zoro hesitated briefly before lifting his head and saying:

"Sir James, let's proceed with the next transaction."

"Very well," James replied with a smile.

Zoro glanced behind him and exchanged a look with Johnny and Yosaku before turning back to James and smiling.

"Sir James, I would like to equip each of them with a Pokémon and basic bond evolution."

"I'll leave everything to you, Sir James."

"No need to be so formal, Mr. Zoro," James responded with a light smile, his gaze briefly sweeping over Johnny and Yosaku. "This is what I'm here for."

"Thank you so much!"

Zoro expressed his gratitude once more, then called out suddenly:

"Johnny, Yosaku!"

"Here, Brother Zoro!" the two shouted in unison, standing up straight with excitement clear on their faces.

They knew this was their moment.

Following Zoro's cue, both stepped forward and bowed respectfully to James.

"Lord James!"

"Haha, no need for such formality. Just call me sir." James chuckled, though inwardly, he was quite pleased.

He had worked tirelessly for Team Rocket, longing for this kind of respect.

And now, even though the Pokémon world had been shattered and Team Rocket had disappeared, he had finally achieved that long-held dream.

Of course, knowing Leo's temperament, he didn't dare get too carried away and gently lifted the two of them using his aura.

Zoro then said:

"Sir James, please help them select suitable Pokémon and provide the bond evolution."

"As for the budget..." Zoro hesitated for a moment, glancing at Johnny and Yosaku before continuing:

"10,000 points per person! I want them to have strong Pokémon, suitable for their abilities."

"What?!"

As soon as Zoro finished, Johnny and Yosaku, who had been brimming with excitement just a moment ago, widened their eyes in shock and quickly turned to Zoro.

"Brother Zoro, that's way too much!"

"Yeah, we don't need that many points, Brother Zoro!"

The two waved their hands frantically, trying to refuse.

They knew that 1 point was equivalent to roughly 500,000 Berries.

10,000 points would be about 5 billion Berries!

Just a year ago, the idea of even tens of millions of Berries would have been enough to make them overjoyed.

Zoro's sudden generosity left them completely stunned.

But Zoro simply shook his head, cutting them off with the decisiveness of a true leader:

"Just trust me on this!"

He then turned to James once more.

"Sir James, I'll leave the rest in your hands."

As mentioned before, Zoro deeply values loyalty and friendship.

He believes that a small favor should be repaid with great generosity.

Johnny and Yosaku had been his loyal companions for over a year, working tirelessly without expecting anything in return.

That alone was enough reason for Zoro to be generous.

Of course, Zoro also had other considerations.

After his experience at the Pokémon League Conference, Zoro had come to realize:

A Pokémon's talent determines its lower limit, but the trainer's ability determines its upper limit.

Looking at Nami and Usopp, despite not being particularly strong, their Pokémon—Pikachu and Decidueye—had shown strength far beyond their normal capabilities under their command.

On the other hand, even though King Laurent's Pokémon had decent strength, they had fallen short when it mattered most.

Although Zoro felt a bit sorry thinking this way about Johnny and Yosaku, he couldn't help but conclude that his two younger brothers lacked true ability. Even if they were to receive a Pokémon with high potential, like Scyther, it would take them a year or two to fully develop and harness its strength. By then, who knows what the world would look like?

Thus, Zoro decided to skip a step by purchasing powerful Pokémon for both of them right away. Yes, it was a bit expensive, but in the long run, Johnny and Yosaku would be able to stay by his side and continue helping him. Zoro would gain two loyal, capable allies, while Johnny and Yosaku would obtain strength beyond that of most people.

It was a win-win situation.

…

In the end, under Zoro's firm stance, Johnny and Yosaku had no choice but to accept. Yet, as they stood there, tears welled up in their eyes, and they were overwhelmed with admiration for Zoro.

They couldn't help it.

Their big brother, Zoro, was just too kind to them.

"Haha..." 

James, sensing the emotions of Johnny and Yosaku, gave a knowing nod to Zoro. His smile grew even wider. He then summoned the Rotom tablet in front of him and began scrolling through the information rapidly.

Before long, he pulled up the details of two Pokémon.

"Mr. Zoro, what do you think of these two Pokémon?" James asked with a smile, turning the Rotom tablet toward them.

On the screen were the detailed profiles of two Pokémon:

[Pokémon: Heracross] 

[Type: Bug, Fighting] 

[Ability: Moxie (each time it defeats an opponent, its Attack increases slightly)] 

[Level: 75] 

[Price: 8,500 Points]

...

[Pokémon: Pinsir] 

[Type: Bug] 

[Ability: Hyper Cutter (its powerful horns exert immense strength)] 

[Level: 75] 

[Price: 8,500 Points]

Heracross and Pinsir. Both were incredibly strong Bug-type Pokémon, known for their high potential.

In the original anime, Heracross was a key member of the protagonist Ash's team, helping him overcome numerous obstacles and opponents before Pikachu's rise to prominence.

And the two Pokémon James selected were not just ordinary members of their species; they were the leaders of their respective colonies, chosen for their exemplary strength.

Though their potential had reached its peak, their current level of 75 would be more than enough for Johnny and Yosaku to handle most challenges. Combined with the regenerative power of Bug-type energy once bonded, these Pokémon would ensure that Johnny and Yosaku could hold their own in future battles.

Clearly, James had chosen these Pokémon based on Johnny and Yosaku's specific circumstances.

"Heracross and Pinsir, huh? They seem like a perfect match."

Zoro's eyes lit up at the sight of the two impressive Pokémon on the screen. He quickly called Johnny and Yosaku over. "What do you think? Are you satisfied with these two Pokémon?"

"Satisfied! Very satisfied!!!"

Johnny and Yosaku, who didn't have high expectations to begin with, nodded enthusiastically, their eyes darting back and forth between the two Pokémon profiles, faces glowing with excitement yet tinged with restraint.

"Hahaha..." 

Zoro laughed at their reactions and turned to James without hesitation.

"In that case, Sir James, please help them acquire these two Pokémon."

"It would be my pleasure!" James replied with a grin.

With a flick of his wrist, he produced two Poké Balls and turned to Johnny and Yosaku.

"So, which one of you wants Heracross, and who will take Pinsir?"

"This..."

Johnny and Yosaku exchanged glances, their years of camaraderie allowing them to decide in an instant.

Johnny: "I'll take Heracross!"

Yosaku: "I'll take Pinsir!"

And with that, the ownership of the two powerful Pokémon was settled.

James waved his hand again, and two streams of mysterious light shot into Johnny and Yosaku's bodies, granting them the ability to bond and evolve alongside their respective Pokémon.

At this point, Zoro was left with just 20,000 points from the loot he'd taken from the Germa family.

Germa's accumulated wealth of over ten years was spent in a matter of moments.

However, looking at the results—Zoro now possessed close to Yonko-level combat power and two subordinates at a Shichibukai level—all in exchange for a fraction of Germa's savings, it seemed like a fair deal.

In contrast, Germa had invested decades of resources only to produce a few Ichiji-like commanders and a group of cyborg soldiers, who didn't even belong in high-level battles...

From any perspective, Zoro's dimensional trade was much more efficient.

Pushing aside the elated Johnny and Yosaku, who were still reeling from their new Pokémon, Zoro gestured to Koby and Alvida, who had been waiting patiently. He then smiled apologetically at James.

"It's their turn next," he said. "I'd appreciate it if you could pick out some Pokémon for them as well."

"For the budget, let's set it at 5,000 points per person."

Zoro wasn't playing favorites or being stingy.

Though Alvida had a checkered past, she had worked hard over the past year to earn her place and gather her own points. After journeying and adventuring together, Zoro had come to consider both Alvida and Koby as part of his crew.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been willing to spend 5,000 points on Alvida.

His thinking was simple.

To become a truly great trainer, Zoro believed, it wasn't necessary to choose a Pokémon that was already strong and experienced. The bond power everyone had might be the same in name, but its effectiveness varied greatly between trainers.

In his mind, this difference came from the spiritual connection between trainer and Pokémon.

So, unless there was an urgent need for strength...

The best approach was to select a newly born or even unborn Pokémon egg. Only this way could a trainer and Pokémon truly grow and develop together, ensuring a brighter future for both.

And both Koby and Alvida had potential to become powerful trainers. Their spiritual strength was clear.

Koby's talent was gradually unfolding as he grew and trained, while Alvida's unwavering belief in her beauty—despite the criticism from others—impressed Zoro deeply.

To Zoro, her narcissism was on par with his own legendary sense of direction.

So, for both Koby and Alvida, Zoro decided to choose newborn Pokémon with strong potential and have them raise and train them on their own.

Adapting the selection process to fit each person's needs...

For Zoro, this was the first time he'd truly thought about the long-term future of his team.