In his past life, after evolving into Zoroark, it had reached Pseudo-Elite Four level, but because Sato had lacked proper training methods early on, he had taken many unnecessary detours.
Similarly, when dealing with Ghost-type and Psychic-type Pokémon, Dark Energy's feedback had always given off a feeling of contempt, whereas against Fighting, Bug, and Fairy-types, the reaction was one of disgust.
These emotions could also be categorized into five distinct levels, aligning perfectly with the ranking system for Pokémon strength.
Sato couldn't determine Gastly's Poison-type potential, but in terms of Ghost-type potential, it had also reached Pseudo-Elite Four level. 'A one-in-ten-thousand rarity.'
Through his experiments in his past life, Sato had discovered that most Pokémon's potential fell into the Ordinary and Elite categories. Only a small handful ever reached Pseudo-Elite Four, let alone Elite Four or even Champion level.
But potential was just that: potential.
Without proper training methods, the will to grow stronger, financial backing, and a little bit of luck, it was nearly impossible to fully develop a Pokémon's true potential.
"Time to start training."
Sato pushed aside his thoughts and called Zorua and Gastly over.
Gastly, still rattled by Sato's mysterious ability to grab it, obediently floated beside Zorua, giving off an expression that said, 'I'll behave, I swear.'
Since there was no need to reassert dominance, Sato simply returned both Pokémon to their Poké Balls and activated his gray identification badge, quickly reserving a beginner-level training room for himself.
The badge wasn't just a means of identification. It was like a smart device developed by the organization, while it couldn't make calls, it had every other function imaginable.
On his way to the training room, he received a message from Rika on his badge, asking if he wanted his lunch delivered there.
Sato already knew that all of his actions were being blatantly monitored, so he responded calmly, confirming the request and sending over the food preferences for Zorua and Gastly.
Beginner-level training rooms were available for free to anyone ranked White-rank or above, but reservations had to be made through the badge system.
While the other recruits cowered in their rooms, resting, Sato had already stepped into his training room and released his two Pokémon.
"Zorua, Gastly, show me all the moves you can use."
After a brief commotion, Sato carefully recorded their current move sets.
Zorua's moves were exactly as expected: Scratch, Leer, Pursuit, and Fake Tears. Every move was barely usable, indicating it had only just learned them.
But Gastly gave Sato an unexpected surprise. It knew Hypnosis, Lick, Spite, Mean Look, and... Shadow Ball!
Although it took nearly thirty seconds for Gastly to charge up a Shadow Ball, it was still a pleasant surprise.
This meant that either Gastly had strong natural talent for moves, or its level was already quite high. Judging by the circumstances, it was likely a combination of both factors.
Sato quickly scribbled down a training regimen for both Pokémon.
For Zorua, training would focus on three main areas: physical endurance, speed, and move mastery.
Zorua's poor physical condition was holding it back from fully utilizing its speed and attack power. Strength and speed training would be non-negotiable.
However, considering its unhealed injuries, the initial focus would be on recovery, ensuring its body was fully restored before actual training began. This included continuous exposure to Dark Energy to reinforce its physique.
As for its moves, the only one that stood out to Sato was Fake Tears, which sharply lowered the opponent's Special Defense. Since Zorua's Special Attack was naturally stronger, maximizing this synergy was essential.
To complement Fake Tears, Zorua needed to learn one more move: Dark Pulse!
Rather than simply teaching it, Sato planned to stimulate Zorua's hidden potential through Dark Energy, forcing it to awaken its latent ability to use Dark Pulse.
After all, Dark Pulse was a move Zorua could naturally inherit!
As for Gastly, Sato decided to focus on its strengths: boosting its Special Attack and Speed while having it master Hypnosis and Shadow Ball.
Being a Ghost-type, Gastly's HP was pitifully low.
Fortunately, Ghost-types weren't meant to engage in direct confrontations. They specialized in Hypnosis, Paralysis, Stealth, and Ambush tactics.
Just as Sato finalized the training plan, the doorbell to the training room rang.
Rika stood at the door, carrying a food tray, her expression slightly nervous.
She was part of the previous batch of captured recruits, but unfortunately, she hadn't even made it past the first trial.
She had been unable to bring herself to kill a Caterpie, and as a result, she had been demoted to the lowest-ranking White-rank attendant.
After a month of basic training, she had been randomly assigned to serve Sato.
Sato took the food tray without a word, hesitating only slightly before speaking.
"From now on, except during classes, I'll be in the training room. Also, keep an eye out for something-Toxic Gas."
Rika blinked, confused. She clearly had no idea how she was supposed to acquire such a thing.
"Toxic Gas occasionally appears in the resource exchange database. Keep an eye on it, and buy a batch for me the moment it becomes available."
Upon hearing this, Rika immediately understood. The resource exchange database was a trading platform set up by the organization.
Regardless of rank, anyone in the organization could use it for anonymous transactions. A perfect place to offload stolen goods.
Toxic Gas was a gaseous substance produced by Poison-type Pokémon, commonly used for poisoning or explosions.
For low-level assassins, it was considered a useful tool.
However, Sato wasn't planning to use it for combat.
He wanted Toxic Gas to train Gastly.
Despite being a Ghost/Poison-type Pokémon, Gastly struggled to naturally learn Poison-type moves.
So, from the very start, Sato intended to condition Gastly to adapt to Poison-type energy and Toxic Gas was the perfect catalyst.
Rika nodded seriously, as if she had just been entrusted with a critical mission.
Sato watched her leave with an unreadable expression. Her childish reactions were oddly nostalgic to him.
In his past life, as his rank rose within the organization, so did Rika's status as his personal attendant.
But this time, once Sato achieved his two main objectives, he would leave the organization immediately.
What would happen to Rika afterward was beyond his control.
For now, he would follow the original timeline, acquiring the same two Pokémon he had in his previous life.
Zorua was already with him.
Gastly had been an unexpected bonus. In his past life, he hadn't been bold enough to pick it.
His second Pokémon would be acquired three months from now, during the next trial.
Whether he could obtain it again... that would require careful planning.
His memories of the event were fuzzy, but no matter what, he would do everything possible to find it.