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After so many setbacks, Sato finally realized how challenging it was to create specialized Pokémon food himself.
Clearly, Deep Sea Scales, a top-tier Water-type ingredient, were always in stock in every trade association store.
The unfortunate part was that Sato wasn't considered a "customer" by these stores. Because of this, he had no chance of purchasing Deep Sea Scales from them.
This highlighted the terrifying level of control the upper echelons of the Pokémon world had over such resources. Without the right connections, influence, or strength, Sato would likely have to venture into the deep sea to find the scales himself.
After inquiring at the 82nd trade association store without success, Sato couldn't help but feel somewhat discouraged.
However, he was well aware that Deep Sea Scales were the key ingredient in the specialized Pokémon food for both Swampert and his shiny Pelipper.
Without this ingredient, the chemical synergy created by the mix of other ingredients would be greatly diminished, preventing them from reaching their full potential.
Fortunately, just as he was about to leave the Pokémon specialty zone and try his luck in the free trading area, Sato's eyes were drawn to the emblem on the signboard of a large store ahead.
He felt a jolt of excitement, as if he'd stumbled upon a light at the end of the tunnel.
The emblem depicted two intertwined fish—a symbol of the illustrious Ryurei Clan, a super-family renowned in the Hoenn region for their mastery of Water-type Pokémon.
"Looks like it all comes back to connections in the end. I owe you another favor, Wallace," Sato thought as he observed the grand and elegantly decorated store with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
The Ryurei Clan, famous for their expertise with Water-types, boasted countless powerful trainers. Naturally, they would stockpile top-tier Water-type ingredients like Deep Sea Scales and even dispatch specialists to collect them from the ocean floor.
If any store in this underground Saffron City black market had Deep Sea Scales, this one was the most likely.
Of course, given the clan's heavy reliance on Water Pokémon, their daily consumption of Water-type food would be astronomical. Their demand for Deep Sea Scales must also be immense.
This store's true purpose likely wasn't to sell to outsiders but to serve as a base for the Ryurei Clan to acquire critical resources from the underground black market.
While they might have Deep Sea Scales, they probably wouldn't sell them to outsiders.
However, while stores controlled by other factions wouldn't sell to him, Sato had some confidence that he could persuade the Ryurei Clan's store to part with what he needed.
To avoid exposing his secret identity as a Rocket member, Sato left the store and quickly headed to a nearby public restroom.
When Sato emerged, he had changed into a polished elite trainer uniform. He also wore a white mask created by Ditto.
Thus prepared, Sato entered the Ryurei Clan's store.
Instead of immediately stating his intention to purchase Deep Sea Scales, he pulled out a particular item and showed it to the middle-aged shopkeeper at the counter.
The initially haughty shopkeeper's expression changed drastically upon seeing what Sato held. His demeanor shifted instantly, and he adopted a sycophantic attitude, resembling a servile lackey.
"Sir, what do you require of me? I will do everything in my power to assist you," the shopkeeper said with utmost respect, quickly approaching Sato with a deep bow.
"As expected, this silver badge Wallace casually gave me is extraordinary. Solving the issue of Deep Sea Scales turned out to be effortless," Sato mused, watching the shopkeeper's transformation.
The badge, featuring the Ryurei Clan's double-fish emblem, marked the bearer as a clan member.
While it probably wasn't Wallace's personal badge, its high rank was evident. It was enough to intimidate the shopkeeper, who was clearly a subordinate serving the Ryurei Clan.
"Fetch me ten Deep Sea Scales. Here's 10 million PokeDollars—use it to replenish the stock," Sato commanded with a faint tone of authority, subtly projecting the presence of a powerful trainer to assert his dominance.
Though puzzled about why Sato would pay for the scales, the shopkeeper dared not question someone wielding a second-tier clan member badge.
He immediately complied, hurrying to the store's warehouse.
Minutes later, the shopkeeper returned with a finely crafted box and handed it to Sato with both hands, bowing deeply.
Upon opening the box and confirming the presence of exactly ten Deep Sea Scales, Sato gave a slight nod, said nothing, and quickly left the store with the box in hand.
Once Sato was gone, the shopkeeper and several young, attractive female staff members sighed in relief.
Curious, one of the staff asked who Sato was, only to be met with a scolding from the shopkeeper. Sternly, he ordered everyone not to breathe a word about the encounter.
Having obtained the Deep Sea Scales, Sato was in high spirits. Yet, rather than leaving the underground market to immediately prepare the Pokémon food, he visited a store specializing in Pokémon food production.
As a novice in the craft, Sato lacked the skills of professionally trained Pokémon breeders. Handcrafting the food was out of the question.
To compensate, Sato decided to purchase advanced equipment tailored for beginner Pokémon breeders. This would enable even an amateur like him to produce Pokémon food.
Ultimately, Sato spent 3 million PokeDollars on a set of food-making equipment ideal for beginners.
Once everything was prepared, Sato switched back to his Rocket uniform and left the underground market via the Rocket base's teleport station.