"I need a premium Leaf Stone. Do you have one?"
Gary wasn't the type to cut corners when it came to his Pokémon. If evolution stones were involved, he intended to use the very best the market could offer.
The salesclerk blinked, clearly taken aback. Premium Leaf Stones were extraordinarily expensive. Most Trainers couldn't afford them—let alone a ten-year-old who had just started his journey.
"Young man," she said carefully, "premium Leaf Stones cost three million each. Are you certain you need one?"
"If I didn't need it, why would I ask?" Gary replied without hesitation, his tone utterly casual—as though three million were pocket change. "Just tell me whether you have one or not."
The clerk hesitated. The evolution stones on display in the main cabinet were all standard grade. Premium stones were kept in the secure vault, brought out only for verified buyers.
"Of course we have them," she said slowly. "Our store carries a complete selection. However, young man—you'll need to prove you have the means to purchase one first."
Gary sighed and reached into his pocket.
He produced a black card.
The clerk's eyes went wide.
This card had no spending limit. Across the entire world, only a handful of people possessed one.
"P-please wait a moment," she stammered, composure cracking. "I'll retrieve the Leaf Stone immediately."
"Go ahead."
Gary watched her hurry toward the back room, mildly surprised. He hadn't expected Viridian City's department store to actually stock top-quality evolution stones. Most branches only carried mid-tier inventory at best. Premium stones like these were usually reserved for auctions, where they regularly sold for well above market price.
A few minutes later, the clerk returned carrying a velvet-lined box. She set it on the counter and opened the lid with almost reverent care.
Inside lay a Leaf Stone the size of two adult palms pressed together.
Compared to flashier evolution stones, the Leaf Stone looked deceptively simple—brownish-green, rough-textured, resembling a fossilized leaf. But the energy radiating from its surface was unmistakable.
This was genuine premium quality.
"In addition to the Leaf Stone," Gary said, "do you have a Fire Stone as well?"
He had only planned to inquire about the Leaf Stone, but since the store actually carried top-tier stock, he might as well ask about both.
"Of course!"
The clerk disappeared again, returning moments later with another identical box.
She opened it to reveal a crystal-clear stone that glowed faintly from within, as though flames flickered inside its core. The Fire Stone was more than twice the size of a standard one, its surface smooth and radiant.
"Your store actually carries top-quality evolution stones," Gary remarked. "That's impressive."
The clerk smiled proudly. "We have a dedicated supply channel, of course. But the Pokémon Department Store here in Viridian City is also backed by Mr. Giovanni's investment."
Gary's expression didn't change, but internally he noted the information immediately.
No wonder.
Giovanni was a well-known figure in the Kanto Region—owner of the Viridian Gym, respected businessman, generous philanthropist. Nobody outside the inner circle knew he was also the leader of Team Rocket.
But Gary knew. And knowing that Team Rocket controlled the supply chain here explained everything: the premium inventory, the secure vaults, the reason Viridian City had developed so rapidly compared to neighboring towns.
"I'll take both stones," Gary said. "Swipe the card."
"Absolutely! Just one moment."
The clerk's eyes practically sparkled with joy. A sale like this meant a very generous commission.
After completing the purchase, Gary restocked on supplies—potions, antidotes, and energy blocks suited for Water and Grass-type Pokémon. Then he left the department store.
Viridian City — Public Garden — Late Morning
Gary found a quiet bench in a small garden tucked behind one of the city's main streets. The morning crowd had thinned, leaving the area peaceful.
He sat down, turned a Poké Ball over in his hand, and pressed the release button.
Light burst outward.
"Exeggcute!"
Six pale pink eggs materialized in a tight cluster, each wearing a different expression. One smiled. Four scowled. The last—its shell cracked deeply, yolk partially visible—looked sad.
"Exeggcute?" The cluster looked around, confused.
It had only been yesterday evening when Gary captured them. But Exeggcute already recognized Gary as its Trainer. In the wild, Pokémon understood hierarchy—defeat meant submission. Since Gary had bested them in battle, Exeggcute accepted him as leader.
"Exeggcute," Gary said calmly, "I'm going to let you evolve. Are you ready?"
"Exeggcute!!"
The six eggs erupted in shock.
As members of the Exeggcute species, they knew evolution required a Leaf Stone. But in the wild, obtaining one was nearly impossible. Pokémon that needed evolution stones could sense their presence once they grew strong enough—but Exeggcute wouldn't have dared search for a Leaf Stone until at least Level 30. The competition among wild Pokémon for such resources was far too fierce.
They had never imagined they could evolve within a single day of being captured.
"Exeggcute~!"
Gratitude radiated from them. They had truly found a good Trainer.
Gary smiled faintly and opened the system panel. Exeggcute's intimacy had already risen by 10 points—131 now, up from 121.
If it evolves, intimacy might jump close to 200.
In theory, intimacy only measured the bond between Trainer and Pokémon. But in practice, higher intimacy correlated with something far more valuable: the potential for extraordinary performance in battle.
Pokémon that truly trusted their Trainers could unlock strength beyond their normal limits.
"This is the Leaf Stone," Gary said, opening the velvet box. "Let's begin."
He lifted the premium Leaf Stone and pressed it gently against Exeggcute's shell.
The moment contact was made, something shifted.
The genes within Exeggcute's body surged to life. A warm, golden light enveloped both the stone and the Pokémon simultaneously, as though the two shared a deep, primal connection.
Exeggcute began to change.
Its body stretched upward—taller and taller. The six individual eggs merged and reshaped, flattening and broadening. Two thick legs sprouted from beneath the mass.
The light of evolution intensified, then slowly faded.
An Exeggutor stood before Gary.
"Exeggutor~!"
The newly evolved Pokémon stretched experimentally, testing its unfamiliar limbs.
Gary studied it carefully. Because Exeggcute had evolved early—well before reaching its full potential size—this Exeggutor was somewhat shorter than a fully matured specimen. In the wild, Exeggutor typically stood close to seven feet tall. This one was closer to Gary's own height.
But that wasn't a disadvantage.
Early evolution meant earlier adaptation.
Charmander couldn't fly—but Charizard could. If a Charmander delayed evolution too long and then suddenly transformed, transitioning to aerial combat would require significant adjustment time.
The same principle applied here.
Exeggutor had months—possibly years—of growth ahead of it. It would reach full size eventually. But now, it had the advantage of time to develop its own fighting style without the sudden shock of a dramatic physical transformation.
Some Trainers preferred to delay evolution, allowing their Pokémon to awaken powerful species-specific moves at lower levels. But that strategy only mattered for Trainers who couldn't afford move tutors.
Gary was Professor Oak's grandson. Money wasn't an issue.
Even after evolution, Pokémon could still learn their innate species moves by reaching higher levels. For someone with Gary's resources, early evolution had no real drawbacks—only benefits.