Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 194: Red Trait [Base Stat Adjuster]

However...

That one-slice waterfall-cutting technique—

Was pretty cool—

It perfectly suited Greninja's flashy style.

Next time in a tournament, it might steal the show.

"Ku-ga?!" (Who's there?)

The moment Mew spoke,

Greninja's pupils shrank—

Its sharp gaze piercing like a sword toward Hikaru's direction.

But upon seeing Hikaru emerge—

The once piercing gaze immediately softened.

Its eyes squinted into lines—

Wings flapping as it flew over, looking sheepish.

It scratched its head awkwardly.

It knew—

Hikaru must have come looking for it since it was late.

"Ku-ga..." (I lost track of time...)

"No worries."

Hikaru gave Greninja a look of admiration.

From his observation,

Greninja had condensed its Water Shuriken's energy into an ultra-fast slashing technique.

It was almost like Iaido—

A one-strike quick-draw technique.

By storing all its power within the Water Shuriken—

Then releasing it in an instant—

The attack was explosive and wide-ranged.

That one-slice waterfall-cutting strike—

Even some master-level Pokémon specializing in swordplay might not be able to replicate it.

But the downside—

Was that the technique required exceptional speed.

If the user was too slow—

It would fail catastrophically—

Or worse, even harm itself.

That's why Hikaru hadn't interrupted Greninja earlier.

"Ku-ga!" (Hikaru, I just mastered a new Water Shuriken technique!)

Greninja was eager to share its discovery.

"Yeah, I saw it. Very impressive."

Hikaru smiled in approval.

Mew seized the moment—

"Meew~" (Greninja is so cool!)

That one sentence instantly sent Greninja soaring with pride.

Though—

It kept a humble expression on the outside.

Acting like it was no big deal.

Hikaru patted its shoulder.

Knowing Greninja so well—

He could tell it was ecstatic inside.

"Meew~" (Hehehe~)

Mew giggled secretly.

No one knew what it found so amusing.

---

September 4th.

A new month.

Early in the morning—

Hikaru emerged from his tent and immediately opened his system panel.

Today's Trait Refresh—

Had him full of anticipation.

After all—

Bulbasaur desperately needed a trait that could either enhance its talent or increase its base stats.

The ideal outcome—

Would be a trait that nullifies Everstone's effect while also boosting Bulbasaur's base stats.

Once again—

Hikaru mentally sacrificed to Arceus.

Then—

He tapped open the Monthly Trait Draw.

A red light flashed across the screen.

Hikaru froze for a moment—

Then became even more nervous.

A red trait—

Meant it was likely something great.

[Red Trait: Base Stat Adjuster]

[Effect: Allows the user to adjust base stats by redistributing up to 20% within the highest genetic potential of their evolutionary line.

Note: One-time use. After application, the trait converts into Trait Coins.

Warning: If the stat adjustment is too extreme, it will require a massive energy intake!]

"Huh?"

After reading the description,

Hikaru was stunned.

The wording was a bit complex—

He had to think for a while to fully understand it.

Basically—

Equipping this trait to a Pokémon—

Would allow its base stats to be redistributed based on its highest genetic potential.

This "highest genetic potential"—

Meant its fully evolved form's base stats.

And this "redistribution"—

Allowed stats to be freely transferred within a 20% limit.

For example—

If HP was increased by 20 points,

Then another stat had to decrease by 20 points.

It was essentially a free stat reallocation.

But the cap was 20%.

This trait…

Hikaru's eyes lit up.

Wasn't this exactly what Bulbasaur needed?

It perfectly matched his wish—

Allowing Bulbasaur to retain its form while gaining Venusaur's base stats.

However—

Which stats should be adjusted?

Hikaru pondered carefully.

Venusaur's base stats were fairly balanced.

Its Special Attack and Special Defense were at 100—

While everything else hovered around 80.

With a 20% adjustment cap—

He could push a stat as high as 120.

So—

What should he enhance?

Hikaru quickly decided.

Bulbasaur's battle style was control-based.

And the most crucial factor in a control playstyle?

Speed.

So, he'd boost Speed.

As for what to sacrifice—

Hikaru chose Special Defense.

Since Bulbasaur would remain small and agile—

It wouldn't rely as much on bulk.

With his plan finalized—

Hikaru summoned Bulbasaur.

"Bulba?"

Bulbasaur appeared—

Looking a bit confused.

Normally—

Hikaru released all his Pokémon together at this time for breakfast.

But today—

It was just Bulbasaur.

"Come here, Bulbasaur."

Hikaru beckoned.

Thinking it was just another training session—

Bulbasaur eagerly ran over.

Hikaru patted its back and used Appraisal Eye.

[Pokémon: Bulbasaur]

[Ability: Chlorophyll]

[Gender: Male]

[Talent: Leader]

[Level: 23]

[Moves: Tackle, Growl, Leech Seed, Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Take Down, Razor Leaf, Vine Whip, Sweet Scent.]

[Trait: Battle Drain]

Compared to last time—

Bulbasaur had learned Sweet Scent—

And leveled up to 23.

In just over a month—

It had gone from Level 15 to 23.

For a Pokémon without evolution,

This progress was insane.

Without Hikaru's energy cubes and the Stone Plate's effects—

It would've been impossible.

And now—

Bulbasaur was about to undergo a true transformation.

A red glow enveloped its tiny body.

Bulbasaur froze in place.

It felt something deep within its genes awakening.

Then—

Its entire energy surged,

Followed by an intense hunger.

Hikaru was prepared.

He had already taken out energy cubes.

"Bulba…"

Bulbasaur hesitated—

Looking at the food uncertainly.

It was unsure if it should eat them.

"Go ahead. These are for you."

Hikaru smiled.

But soon—

His smile disappeared.

Bulbasaur's appetite skyrocketed—

Even surpassing Pupitar's past insane hunger.

The stockpile of food he had prepared for a month—

Was devoured in an instant.

Helpless—

Hikaru had no choice but to spend Trait Coins to buy more...

---

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