However, what Ryuuske found himself calculating most was just how long it would take for Mewtwo to dismantle this 220,000-ton luxury cruise ship. His final conclusion? If Mewtwo was willing, it wouldn't take more than a few strikes to reduce this massive steel behemoth to scrap.
Once aboard, Ryuuske ignored the crowd and headed straight for his suite. As one of the fewer than ten first-class cabins on the entire ship, it was staggeringly spacious—over 300 square meters of living space, complete with a 100-square-meter observation balcony. Every furnishing and decoration was the epitome of luxury.
The ticket price for this cabin alone was over four million yen, and money alone couldn't secure it—one needed at least the status of a Gym Leader like Misty to even qualify.
Ryuuske was thoroughly satisfied. The four million yen hadn't been wasted. With no luggage to unpack, he stood on the balcony, waiting quietly until the ship's horn blared, signaling departure. Only then did he make his way to the highest deck of the ship—the battleground for trainers.
Investigating the missing Pokémon could wait until nightfall. Now that he was on the S.S. Anne, it'd be a shame not to enjoy what it had to offer. Ash had probably accepted the mission with the same thought in mind. Unlike the dim-witted Ash from the anime, the real Ash(Red) was sharp—passionate, but never reckless.
Even before reaching the arena, Ryuuske could hear the clamor of excitement. In this world, Pokémon were the mainstream. Whether socialites or trainers, everyone followed their allure.
Upon entering the grand hall, Ryuuske was surprised to find that aside from the trainer battle area, it also housed a massive casino. The opulent space resembled a high-society ball more than a gambling den, with glamorous dealers dealing cards while well-dressed elites and obvious trainers played for leisure.
Trainers held the world's most fundamental and formidable power—Pokémon. Wealthy corporate moguls might lure weaker trainers with money, but the truly strong couldn't be bought. For them, bonds mattered more than currency.
This scene was also the perfect place for socialites to network with rising stars. Befriending someone before they rose to prominence yielded the greatest returns.
Human social dynamics were the same in every world—only the hierarchy differed. Unless one was a recluse bent on human annihilation, participation in these circles was inevitable.
The moment Ryuuske entered with Dratini coiled around him, eyes lit up. Numerous high-status individuals approached with wine glasses in hand, eager to strike up a conversation. Some middle-aged men even had well-mannered young heiresses trailing behind them.
Among them were unfamiliar League executives, high-ranking managers from Silph Co. in Kanto, representatives of Devon Corporation from Hoenn, and even members of ancient noble families—like the Dragon Clan of Blackthorn City. Both Lance and Ryuuske considered them a decaying lineage, but their influence in human society remained undeniable.
After exchanging a few pleasantries and politely declining private invitations, Ryuuske reminded himself where his true standing came from. Strength—supreme strength—would naturally elevate his status. There was no need to waste time on hollow socializing.
As he wandered through the casino, he spotted Ash signing up for a battle. After greeting him, Ryuuske decided to place a bet—on Ash's victory.
Had this been the Ash from the anime, he might've bet against him. But this was the real Ash. Betting on him was a sure win.
Bored, Ryuuske exchanged a few hundred thousand yen in chips, figuring he might as well play. After all, he couldn't lose.
——
"White 9…"
Ryuuske lounged in his chair, legs crossed, idly stroking Dratini as it lay coiled on the table. The little dragon let out delighted "Mii~" sounds, nuzzling his hand with crescent-eyed bliss. Watching the roulette ball skitter across the wheel, Ryuuske used his cane to push a 100,000-yen chip onto White 9.
The dealer's face was tense, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. When the ball finally settled, he sighed in defeat.
"...White 9. You win again."
"Whoa—!"
A crowd had long since gathered around the table. After a collective gasp, enthusiastic applause erupted, as if they were witnessing a gambling prodigy.
Ryuuske wasn't well-versed in most casino games, but simple bets like this were his favorite.
With Mewtwo's psychic powers as his cheat code, losing was impossible. The casino had taken precautions against Psychic-type interference—after all, Pokémon had to be outside their Poké Balls to use their abilities.
But who could've anticipated a Pokémon whose psychic prowess was so overwhelming it could manipulate outcomes from inside its ball? Moreover, most Pokémon lacked the precision to follow such fleeting, high-stakes commands. To onlookers, this was simply Ryuuske's own skill.
Since he'd started playing, Ryuuske had called every bet correctly. Yet he only ever wagered 100,000 yen at a time. Seeing his streak, desperate gamblers began tailing his bets—only for Ryuuske to deliberately sabotage their winnings if they got too greedy. In just this short span, several reckless players had already been driven to ruin.
He had no patience for those who gambled their livelihoods away. A little fun was fine, but betting one's entire fortune? That deserved no mercy.
Everyone could tell Ryuuske was merely amusing himself. In no time, he'd raked in over ten million yen. It was obvious that if he really wanted to, he could've won billions effortlessly.
To him, money was meaningless. If he desired it, countless avenues were open.
Just then, another wave of cheers erupted nearby. Ryuuske glanced over to see Ash raising his arms in triumph.
After a quick mental tally—over twenty million yen in under an hour—he lost interest. There was no need to push his luck. Unless someone truly asked for it, Ryuuske preferred to leave room for courtesy. Even if only for the casino's sake.
——
"He's using psychic powers to cheat at gambling!"
On the other side of the casino, a young noblewoman—who effortlessly drew attention wherever she went—trembled with excitement. She hurried toward Ryuuske's table, her steps quick and eager.
"Milady, please wait!"
The butler trailing behind her shook his head helplessly before following.
This butler was also a trainer—one whose skill and status wouldn't normally relegate him to such a role. But when the employer was a trainer herself, the arrangement made perfect sense.
To be continued…
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