Chapter 25: Sinnoh, Cynthia
Chapter 25: Sinnoh, Cynthia
"Well done, your speed has improved, and your stamina is above average."
In the training hall, Jing He looked at the data displayed on the wall monitor after Gengar's training session and nodded in satisfaction.
"It seems there's a reason why Pokemon need to be paired with energy blocks. With a steady supply, Gengar's growth rate has indeed sped up."
In Jing He's observations, Gengar's condition had initially been "Good," but he couldn't pinpoint the issue. However, with consistent training and a steady supply of energy blocks, Gengar's condition, though not reaching "Excellent," had improved to "Very Good."
This indicated that Gengar was fundamentally fine; it was likely just the long period of inactivity that had caused its condition to not fully recover immediately.
Relieved by this conclusion, Jing He let out a silent sigh.
"Gengar?"
After finishing a round of basic training, Gengar floated over to Jing He, asking curiously.
How was it?
"Very good."
Jing He didn't hold back; the training results were indeed better than expected. Moreover, the food seemed to have stimulated Gengar, making it train more seriously than before.
"Gengar!"
Satisfied with the feedback, Gengar let out a couple of eerie chuckles.
"Next, we'll focus on move training. Let's continue with the 'Hypnosis' skill."
Jing He took off his jacket and walked with Gengar to the center of the training area.
As a Pokemon psychologist, he was confident in his expertise with "Hypnosis." They had already been working on this for a few days, and the results were promising.
During the street battle last night, the people Daigo saw foaming at the mouth and trembling unconscious were the result of Gengar's "Hypnosis."
Typically, the "Hypnosis" move puts the opponent to sleep, giving the user more time to act—whether to launch a powerful attack, stack debuffs, or apply buffs and switch Pokemon.
However, Jing He believed that "Hypnosis" was too "monotonous" in its current form.
Why should "Hypnosis" only be a restraining move and not cause damage?
Psychological harm is a form of damage.
While other Pokemon use "Hypnosis" to make their opponents fall asleep quickly, Gengar's "Hypnosis" aims to prolong the duration of the hypnotic state. This extended period can be much longer in terms of mental impact, causing more significant psychological trauma.
This can also induce psychological fear and stress responses.
Moreover, this aligns perfectly with Gengar's love for scaring others.
So, Gengar was very dedicated to learning.
Even though it didn't fully understand some of the technical terms Jing He used, it didn't matter.
In teaching "Hypnosis," Jing He could guide Gengar step by step.
"Come on, use 'Hypnosis' on me." Jing He relaxed his body and looked at Gengar.
"Gengar~~"
Without hesitation, Gengar began its "Hypnosis." After many attempts, it had confirmed that its "Hypnosis" couldn't harm Jing He, who could always wake up from the dream state immediately.
In fact, the real risk in hypnotizing Jing He was for Gengar itself.
A few seconds later, Jing He opened his eyes, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"You've improved, but it's not enough. Try again. Remember, the fear of the unknown is the true fear. Once fear becomes reality, there is always something that can adapt to it."
Competing with his own Pokemon in "Hypnosis" was probably unique in the entire Pokemon world.
Sinnoh Region, Sandgem Town.
Professor Rowan's Laboratory.
An elderly man with a neatly trimmed mustache, a serious expression, and gray hair slicked back with gel stood in the yard, observing a group of Combee. He seemed to be studying their evolution into Vespiquen.
At that moment, a graceful figure rushed past him.
Her long, golden hair shimmered like a cascade of sunlight, and she wore a black trench coat that accentuated her curves. Her bright eyes and perfect smile adorned her delicate face.
By her side, a Pokemon that resembled a bipedal shark followed closely, step by step.
"Cynthia?" The old man seemed surprised by her sudden appearance.
He rarely saw urgency in Cynthia's demeanor. Usually, she was calm and collected, taking her time even when choosing an ice cream flavor.
"Professor Rowan."
The girl stopped in her tracks and quickly bowed. "I'm sorry, Professor. I didn't notice you were here."
Professor Rowan waved her off, not minding the interruption. Curiously, he asked, "I remember you had a match today, right?"
"It's over already," Cynthia explained.
"Hmm?"
Professor Rowan glanced at his watch.
11:33 AM.
The match had started at 11:00 AM. With the half-hour travel time and the usual formalities like entering and exiting the arena, the entire match couldn't have lasted more than two minutes, or maybe even one?
A 3V3 match?
Professor Rowan glanced at the Garchomp standing beside Cynthia and shook his head.
No, it was probably a 1V3.
"What's this?"
Only then did Professor Rowan notice that Garchomp was carrying a basket.
Inside were several translucent and sparkling "Zeru Fruits."
"Like this," Cynthia began, and then she briefly explained how she had consulted an online Pokemon psychologist named "Jing Zhongzhihe" earlier that morning to help treat her Gulpin's self-esteem issues.
"Oh?"
Professor Rowan looked surprised.
He was the Pokemon Professor of the Sinnoh region and had never heard of a way to treat a Gulpin's low self-esteem. A Gulpin that wasn't insecure—was it even a Gulpin then?
Out of curiosity, Professor Rowan followed Cynthia to a small pond in the backyard.
The clear water was teeming with active Pokemon: Bidoof, Skuntank, Shellos, Stunky, Mareep, and more. However, in a corner of the pond, a Gulpin was sitting alone, looking rather listless.
Seemingly noticing Cynthia's arrival, the Gulpin's eyes finally lit up with a glimmer of hope.
But when it saw Professor Rowan following her, it quickly lowered its head again.
Cynthia had caught this Gulpin during her first journey outside as a child, and it had become one of her Pokemon. Back then, Garchomp was still a Gible.
Many people had advised Cynthia to give up on training the Gulpin, but she was determined to keep it.
She had tried multiple times to find a way to "treat" the Gulpin's low self-esteem, but to no avail. No one could help her.
That's why she was eager to try the method she had learned from "Jing Zhongzhihe."
Her opponent in the match today had suffered as a result.
"Don't be afraid."
Cynthia's eyes softened as she crouched down and took out a "Zeru Fruit."
"Try this."
"Pop—pop—"
Under Cynthia's gentle coaxing, the Gulpin finally emerged from the water, spitting out a couple of bubbles and taking a small bite of the "Zeru Fruit."
A bitter taste instantly filled its mouth, and its body shuddered.
"It might be a bit bitter, but keep trying," Cynthia encouraged, her voice soft. But then her eyes lit up.
The Gulpin's expression changed, showing a sense of satisfaction. It even took another bite of the bitter "Zeru Fruit," despite its usual timidity.
It's working?
Cynthia turned to Professor Rowan, her eyes questioning.
Professor Rowan was deep in thought.
Noticing her gaze, he said, "We can't yet determine if the 'Zeru Fruit' can 'treat' the Gulpin's low self-esteem. However, it's clear that the Gulpin isn't rejecting the fruit and even seems to like it. It also appears to be more active."
As an authority on Pokemon evolution, Professor Rowan's words were measured, but his surprise was evident.
Could the "Zeru Fruit" actually have the power to treat Pokemon's low self-esteem?
He wasn't entirely sure.
But when the Gulpin finished the entire "Zeru Fruit," its increased activity was clearly visible.
This change was more than enough for Cynthia.
It also dispelled the last of her doubts and concerns.
"By the way," Professor Rowan suddenly asked, "What was the name of the person you mentioned?"
"'Jing Zhongzhihe.' He published a paper a few days ago that even Professor Oak commented on," Cynthia replied.
Note: Some timelines might not align perfectly, but let's give it a bit of flexibility.
(End of Chapter)
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