32 Chapter 32

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"Completely different abilities from what Darkrai displayed earlier."

Jozu and Vista exchanged glances, both detecting the surprise in each other's eyes.

While Sengoku, Tsuru, and Gion remained composed, their wide eyes clearly showed the extent of their shock, perhaps even more so than the Whitebeard Pirates' crew members.

After all, unlike Newgate and Mihawk, Sengoku and his group had never seen Darkrai in action, so they were utterly unprepared for the special abilities possessed by Pokémon.

"Dak, what is this?"

Tsuru couldn't help but inquire.

Their view of Pokémon had changed now, showing a level of seriousness previously absent.

"These are skills. Each Pokémon can master many skills; some are naturally acquired, some are inherited, and some are learned actively. Learning skills of their own type is faster, and they can master the most moves in that type. Like Vulpix here is an Ice type, so it used an Ice type move—Powder Snow."

Dak gently petted Vulpix's head before putting it back on the ground. "Of course, Pokémon can also learn many other types of moves, though it's a bit more difficult."

The little one lifted its head and elegantly stepped aside, sticking out its tongue to groom itself under everyone's gaze.

"This little one is Electric type, right?"

Gion, hearing Dak's explanation, poked the Dedenne on her shoulder.

When Dedenne had rubbed against her cheek earlier, she clearly felt an electric tingle, not strong but noticeable.

"Yes."

Dak nodded.

"So, does that mean my Smoochum, being dual-typed, has better talent and can learn more skills?"

Bon Clay's eyes lit up, looking forward to Dak's answer.

The others shared this curiosity; if Bon Clay's guess was correct, dual-typed Pokémon would evidently be more sought after.

"Uh..."

Indeed, Smoochum had better potential due to its purple grade and seemed not to be the lazy type unwilling to grow stronger, but...

"What's wrong?"

Bon Clay sensed something amiss from Dak's expression.

"While it's true that dual-typed Pokémon may find it easier to master more of their inherent skills, it doesn't necessarily mean they're stronger."

Types have counter relationships. Dual-typed Pokémon may have a wider range of offensive capabilities, but they also have more vulnerabilities unless they possess rare and advantageous type combinations like Dragon/Steel or Fairy/Steel.

Dak pondered how detailed to explain to the guests, considering setting up a Pokémon Academy for systematic education in the future. For now, he briefly explained, "It's about type matchups, a deep subject. For instance, as you may know, Fire beats Grass and Ice, so Fire moves would do more damage to Grass/Ice dual-typed Pokémon."

This explanation was straightforward, so Sengoku and others nodded, altering their view of dual-typed Pokémon.

Newgate's group and Mihawk, perhaps less concerned about this, didn't expect their Pokémon to battle.

But Sengoku and Tsuru had more to consider, thinking about organizing a special forces division based on different types.

Realizing the complexity Dak mentioned, they grew contemplative.

Grass beats Water, Electric beats Water, etc.

Even without Dak's explanation, combining real-world logic made it clear; what's so complicated about that?

"Dak, why do you say types are a deep subject?"

Sengoku couldn't suppress his curiosity and asked.

"Because there are eighteen types."

Dak's gaze lingered on Sengoku, revealing a cryptic smile.

Sengoku was initially puzzled by the answer. Eighteen types were more than he expected, but so what?

Soon, Dak clarified, "These eighteen types form 171 combinations. Understand?"

Dak grinned, not yet finished, "And dual-typed Pokémon have a primary and secondary type. Though this order doesn't affect combat matchups, it influences their physical form. If we consider different orders as distinct combinations, theoretically, there are 324 combinations, Mr. Sengoku."

As Dak finished, even those like Gion, not keen on such complexities, felt overwhelmed.

It felt as if their brains were about to grow.

Even Sengoku, upon hearing this, felt dazed, struggling to grasp it fully.

"If you're interested, I'll offer courses for guided instruction in the future. For now, don't worry about it; you've hardly seen a few types of Pokémon."

Dak interrupted Sengoku and the others' thoughts.

They realized he had a point.

Why overthink Pokémon interactions?

He intended to use Pokémon to combat pirates; surely, pirates didn't have types?

Sengoku didn't know that while pirates indeed lacked types, in the era to come, many would rely on Pokémon for significant endeavors, and those unaware of type dynamics would be at a disadvantage.

"Dak, are you selling this little one?"

Gion suddenly asked, pointing to the Bidoof on her shoulder.

Hearing this, Dedenne panicked, jumping straight from Gion to Dak's head, clearly unwilling to leave with Gion.

"Sorry, but Pokémon and Pokémon eggs differ. Once born, Pokémon begin to develop their own will, so whether they choose to go with a customer is up to them; we don't force them."

Dak picked Dedenne from his head, placing it on the ground, "You're welcome to visit more often, play with Dedenne, and maybe it'll choose to go with you. If so, I won't stop it."

Dak's approach earned Newgate's approval.

To him, it was like raising a child.

If another pirate crew fancied his son and wanted to take him on a quest for the One Piece, he'd first consider his son's wishes.

If his son wanted to go, he, as a father, wouldn't stand in the way.

(End of Chapter)