John met the legendary figure half an hour after arriving at Riverstone. But not in the principal's office. No, he met the man in his own modest dorm room. After all, it would be impossible for John to carry the massive tree all the way to the principal's office.
A middle-aged man with slicked-back hair and a grin, took the tea John had just brewed, sipping it slowly. He looked at the Enigma Berry tree with a keen eye, inspecting it as though he was an expert.
"This is an impressive specimen, John," Saul Badman said, breaking the silence. "This tree is the largest I've ever seen. The soil is rich with nutrients that come from the Enigma Berries themselves, probably from years of decay. Looks like the tree has been left to its own devices, growing wild for many years without anyone noticing. As the fruit fell and rotted, it fed the roots, ensuring the tree could thrive without interference."
John couldn't help but be amazed by Saul's insight. The way Saul spoke made it clear that he was a master in his field, a breeder of the highest caliber.
"Impressive, indeed," Saul continued, nodding to himself, then looking John in the eye. "So, you want to sell it to me?"
John's response was immediate and straightforward. "I'm not really the right person to nurture this tree. Rather than letting it go to waste in my hands, it's better to sell it to someone who can give it the attention it deserves. That way, it can reach its full potential, and I'll benefit from the deal as well."
He wasn't lying. John didn't really have an interest in the tree beyond its monetary value. He had more pressing matters on his mind, like training and working towards his goals.
Saul raised an eyebrow. "You know, if you are a Breeder yourself, this tree would be worth a fortune. It could set you up for a long time, even get you into a Gym Trainer position or higher. You're sure you don't want to keep it for yourself?"
John chuckled lightly. "I've looked into it. The fruiting cycle for this tree is extremely long—one year to flower, one year to bear fruit, and another year to mature. That's three years before I could see any return. And honestly, I'm more interested in things other things than waiting around for a slow-growing tree to bear fruit."
"Fair enough," Saul said with a knowing smile. "But think of the possibilities! You could become one of the great Breeders. Your career could take off."
John shook his head. "True, however, I don't have the patience to wait around for something . It's a great opportunity for someone else, but not for me."
Saul studied John for a moment before a thoughtful expression crossed his face. "I see. Well, if you're serious about selling, I can make you an offer. But first, how about this: What if the school helps you raise the tree? The Enigma Berry tree could stay with us, and when it bears fruit, you'd get half of the harvest. You'd still get something from it, and we'd handle all the work."
John had considered Saul's offer carefully, but in the end, he still wasn't interested. He could already see the complications ahead. "I appreciate the offer, Mr Badman. But if the school handles the tree, I'll have to share it with too many people. The focus will be on the school, not on me. I'd be a target for anyone who didn't get their share. It's better if I make a private deal."
Saul nodded slowly, realizing John was right. "I understand. So, what is it you're looking for in exchange for this rare tree?"
This was the moment John had been waiting for. He'd already thought it through on the way here.
"I want a chance to go to the Dragon's Nest and capture a Pokemon there." John said, a determined glint in his eyes. He had wanted that Shiny Axex for a long time. This was his chance to get it, and it would save him time compared to competing in school tournaments.
Saul raised an eyebrow. "Don't you already have a Gabite? That's a pretty impressive Pokemon."
"Yeah, but there's always room for more," John replied. "A Pseudo-legendary Pokemon is always worth it."
Saul smiled knowingly, but he gave a warning. "Don't get too carried away with the idea of Pseudo-legendaries. Sometimes, it's not about strength. Some regular Pokemon, when taken to their limits, can be just as powerful."
John nodded, understanding Saul's words of wisdom. But he wasn't going to back down from his goal. "So, is there anything else you can offer?"
Saul thought for a moment, then waved his hand dismissively. "You know, I've got a few items that might interest you."
With a swift motion, Saul summoned a Gengar to his side. The ghostly Pokemon opened its mouth wide, and Saul reached into its stomach as though pulling from some hidden dimension, retrieving three strange items.
"Take your pick," Saul said with a smile, holding up the items.
John blinked, staring at the items laid before him. They were treasures, but the significance of each item was immediately apparent.
The first item was a Miracle Seed, which would enhance the power of grass-type Pokemon. John didn't have a grass-type at the moment, so it wasn't of much use to him.
The second was a Metal Coat, which enhanced the power of steel-type Pokemon. John's Onix could benefit from this, especially considering Onix would evolve into Steelix once he used it. This was a solid choice.
The third item was a Sun Stone, which could evolve certain Pokemon, but John didn't currently have any Pokémon that required it.
After a brief moment of consideration, John knew exactly which item he needed.
"I'll take the Metal Coat," John said with confidence.
Saul snapped his fingers again, as if closing a case. "Done and done. You, my friend, drive a hard bargain. But remember this—whether it's Pokemon, trees, or life itself, 'Better Call Saul' when you want the best deal in town!"
John felt a sense of satisfaction. He had struck a fair deal and got exactly what he wanted.