[Name: Zeraora]
[Ability: Volt Absorb (When a Pokémon is hit by a damaging Electric-type move, its HP is restored by one quarter of its maximum HP, and the move will have no effect on that Pokémon)]
[Type: Electric]
[Description: A Mythical Electric-type Pokémon. It can release powerful currents from the pads on its hands and feet, generating intense magnetic fields! These fields allow it to defy gravity, float mid-air, and move at high speed]
[Level: 28 (21–30: Advanced)]
[Moves: Thunder Punch, Quick Attack, Charge…]
Looking at Zeraora's data, Nathan nodded with satisfaction.
Judging by the combat ability Zeraora had shown earlier, it didn't seem like an advanced-level Pokémon at all!
That gravity-defying Quick Attack alone was so fast, even Volcarona might struggle to keep up!
Although, to be fair, even if Zeraora landed a hit, it might not even break through Volcarona's defense.
"Wait a minute… I remember Zeraora is an Electric-type that doesn't have any internal organs to generate electricity!"
"In that case, isn't there a move that's just perfect for it?"
Thinking back to the Third Raikage from Naruto — a ninja who excelled in offense, defense, and speed — Nathan's eyes lit up.
If Zeraora could train itself into a state similar to Lightning Release Chakra Mode, and even master Hell Stab…
"Yeah, that's it! First, let's focus on developing Zeraora's Lightning Release mode!"
"At the very least, we need to create a move like Chidori to lay the groundwork!"
In almost an instant, Nathan made up his mind.
Compared to other Electric-types, there was no one more suited to this kind of technique than Zeraora!
After recalling Volcarona, Metagross, and the others into their Poké Balls, Nathan kept only Zeraora by his side and said:
"I'm taking you somewhere to train now. It might be tough, even dangerous, but if you—"
"Zorr!"
Before Nathan could finish, Zeraora let out a low growl.
Its message was clear:
[No need for this kind of useless speech in the future!]
Clearly, Zeraora's thirst for power was far greater than Nathan had initially expected!
Nathan just shrugged and didn't say anything more. Instead, he led Zeraora out of the forest…
…to the Beedrill swarm's territory!
"I mean no harm. I just hope you'll agree to battle against my Pokémon."
"If anyone gets injured, I'll take care of the healing."
"And win or lose, this food will be your reward either way!"
Facing the much more wary Beedrill swarm than before, Nathan took out some Pokéblocks and activated the Viridian Power.
Sensing the power of the Viridian Power in Nathan, combined with the alluring scent of the Pokéblocks, the hostility in the Beedrills' eyes visibly faded.
One Beedrill, noticeably larger than the rest, stepped forward and nodded at Nathan.
[Human, we accept your terms. Just don't go back on your word.]
Understanding its message through the Viridian Power, Nathan nodded without hesitation.
"Don't worry. I can pay your reward in advance!"
Hearing that, the Beedrills began to buzz with anticipation.
As Bug-types, Beedrill aren't weak in combat and grow stronger at a very fast pace.
But because of that, they also have much shorter lifespans than other Pokémon. Their focus on protecting the next generation is unparalleled.
They could tell that the Pokéblocks Nathan brought were special—something that would greatly benefit their offspring.
And so…
Without needing Nathan to say more, a Beedrill with a level close to Zeraora's stepped forward to battle.
Nothing builds familiarity with a new Pokémon better than fighting together!
"Zeraora, let's go! Use your electricity to coat and reinforce your body!"
Nathan grinned as he shouted the command.
"Zorr!"
Zeraora let out a roar, and blue electricity surged across its body!
But unfortunately…
When the Beedrill charged in, this state barely enhanced Zeraora at all.
Nathan wasn't surprised.
If something like the Six Powers from One Piece had clear methods and principles behind them,
then moves like Chidori, Lightning Release Chakra Mode, or Hell Stab were completely fictional concepts.
As long as there was even a sliver of progress in three days, Nathan would consider it a success.
"Disengage the current—use Quick Attack to dodge!"
Seeing that the electricity didn't help, Nathan quickly adjusted the strategy.
"Now, compress the current and concentrate it into one paw. Then move at high speed!"
"Zorr!"
Since being captured and witnessing Nathan's strength as a Trainer, Zeraora had been fully cooperative.
Even so…
Chidori: failed.
Lightning Release Chakra Mode: failed.
Hell Stab: failed.
…
By the end of the afternoon, the only progress Zeraora had made was leveling up from 28 to 29.
Still, Nathan wasn't discouraged. After healing the Beedrill, he started preparing dinner.
He also released Volcarona and the others for some light training and to relax while keeping watch.
At first, the Beedrill swarm remained highly alert — even fearful — of Volcarona.
After all, a Bug-type with Fire attributes was practically an abomination!
But once Nathan shared the Pokéblocks with them, the Beedrill instantly became loyal allies, as if they'd known each other their whole lives.
Wild Pokémon really are terrifyingly simple.
If you treat them with genuine kindness, they'll never feel disappointment.
Watching a few Weedle look up to Volcarona with admiration, Nathan found himself thinking about Zeraora again.
Was it really possible to create a move that didn't exist in this world, just through sheer will, without considering compatibility or circumstances?
Thinking back on that afternoon's training, Nathan shook his head.
Rather than aiming straight for Chidori or Hell Stab…
Maybe Zeraora should start by developing a Chidori Claw first.
A flurry of thoughts filled his mind.
Nathan's gaze toward Zeraora grew more determined.
Zeraora wasn't some average, balanced-type Pokémon.
Its gift lay in speed—to an almost unreasonable extent.
Chasing perfection wasn't wrong, but you can't become an expert overnight!
"Zeraora, Thunder Claw!"
Armed with yesterday afternoon's experience, Nathan didn't waste any more time chasing pipe dreams.
Instead, he used Thunder Punch as a foundation!
And as it turned out, that was a very wise choice.
By mid-morning, Zeraora had fully mastered its newly refined Thunder Claw, derived from Thunder Punch!
In terms of raw power, it was terrifying!
A Beedrill, freshly advanced to level 31 and just entering the Commander stage, didn't even have time to react before it was taken down in one blow!
"Well done, Zeraora!"
Seeing the visible progress from training, Nathan praised it without holding back.
"Zorr!"
Zeraora gave Nathan a thumbs-up, clearly very pleased with Thunder Claw's destructive power.
"As long as Zeraora can further extend the claw's length and increase the electric current, we can start training for Chidori next!"
Watching another Beedrill step forward, Nathan's eyes lit up.
Thunder Claw wasn't just Thunder Punch turned into a slashing move.
It involved continually focusing and compressing electricity to sharpen and lengthen the claws even further!
But this kind of attack only worked well against glass-cannon enemies.
Against those with high defense, it would struggle—Zeraora's claws weren't made of adamantium like Wolverine's.
About a week later…
Nathan had already parted ways with the Beedrill swarm and found a group of Scyther as the next training targets.
He didn't care about their typing or strength—only speed mattered when honing Zeraora's true advantage.
Thanks to the intensive training with the Scyther, Zeraora didn't disappoint.
"Now! Use Chidori—ten o'clock direction!"
Catching a brief opening in the enemy's stance, Nathan shouted with quick precision.
The golden blur of Zeraora lunged forward.
Cobalt-blue electricity crackled, gathering smoothly in its clenched right paw!
Chiiiirp!
As the current condensed further, it formed a short, pointed blade of lightning—and the sound of a thousand birds chirping filled the air!
"Zorr!"
With a growl, Zeraora surged forward, trailing afterimages behind it as it charged the Scyther.
"Scyt!"
The Scyther stared in disbelief at the wound on its abdomen—it hadn't even had time to react before collapsing to the ground!
Even though Scyther was famous for its blindingly fast slashes, it still couldn't keep up with Zeraora…
…despite being five levels higher!
Worth noting—Zeraora was now level 33, firmly in the Commander tier.
And every Scyther it fought was a seasoned warrior, hardened by countless battles.