https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-349-The-Grand-Shrine-Maiden-Nimo/12537511/
Chapter 348: Young Miss Nemo Has Come to Challenge!
Chapter 348: Young Miss Nemo Has Come to Challenge!
"Hello," Naoki said, greeting the three people before him with a polite and humble tone.
Wan Long, holding a book in his arms and wearing black-rimmed glasses, offered a soft smile in return, acknowledging the greeting.
Coming from a wealthy and influential family, Gardenia was inherently proud and had no intention of making friends. However, upon hearing that Naoki was Adeck's friend, she couldn't help but glance at him again.
Standing beside her, Hilda nodded politely, a gentle smile on her face that contradicted her otherwise aloof and cool demeanor. "Hello."
Witnessing this, Naoki thought to himself: Hilda doesn't seem as aloof as she appears! But then again, he recalled that in the anime, Hilda's character was indeed like this.
Despite her dignified and elegant exterior, which gave her the air of an unapproachable beauty, she was actually a gentle and unpretentious person who didn't carry the arrogance often associated with strong individuals.
"Alright, we won't disturb you further!" Adeck grinned. "See you later!"
The three of them nodded and turned to leave. Wan Long pulled Gardenia along, intending to find a quiet place to discuss novel details with Hilda.
Before they departed, Hilda spared a glance at the unfamiliar red Pokemon indulging in the delicious food, a curious expression on her face.
Only after the three had left did Adeck speak up. "That Wan Long, he's not only a Unova League Elite Four member but also an excellent novelist. In the past, he often visited Miss Bamby with Gardenia to discuss the intricacies of her novels."
Naoki's curiosity was piqued. "Don't the Elite Four members earn a decent wage from the League? I've noticed that many Champion and Elite Four members take on side jobs while holding their positions."
Like that mega-celebrity from the Kalos region...
"Not really," Adeck shook his head. "I think it's more about pursuing their interests. Life is long, and one can't be a trainer forever. It's natural to seek out other endeavors."
"I see," Naoki replied, understanding.
As dusk fell, guests began to arrive for the banquet, a mix of wealthy entrepreneurs from various regions and talented trainers from across the world.
The entrepreneurs gathered in one area, chatting and discussing industry-related matters, while the trainers mingled in another, eager to exchange insights and experiences.
The host of the banquet had thoughtfully prepared a large plastic battlefield in the spacious courtyard to encourage friendly exchanges among the trainers.
Even before the banquet officially started, the trainers were already engaging in friendly battles in the courtyard.
Naoki and Adeck, accompanied by Gourmet and Volcaraptor, joined the spectators, munching on the banquet's delicacies while watching the exciting battles from a distance.
Initially, Naoki felt a bit self-conscious, wondering if it was appropriate for him to be indulging in the food so freely at such an event, as if he had come solely for the meal.
But soon, he realized his worries were unfounded.
Several trainers were doing the same, feasting with their Pokemon, and even Adeck had joined in, devouring a steak with no regard for appearances.
Naoki relaxed, knowing that he and Gourmet weren't the only ones enjoying the spread.
Since they hadn't eaten dinner yet, they took this opportunity to fill their stomachs.
Just as they finished eating, the chatting entrepreneurs moved from the courtyard into the banquet hall within the mansion.
Inside, the host of the banquet, the Boss, stood on a small stage, a smile on his face as he addressed the guests.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Boss's banquet. We have prepared a sumptuous feast of food and drink for you and your Pokemon. The time has come, so please, enjoy this evening to the fullest!"
Naoki and Adeck stayed in their inconspicuous corner, observing the proceedings.
The Boss's appearance in real life wasn't too different from his in-game depiction, making him easily recognizable. Naoki remembered his features, so he instantly identified the man.
However, what surprised Naoki was the girl standing next to the Boss.
She had pink hair and wore a pink sweater, a striking and memorable image.
"Is that the Boss's daughter?" Naoki asked.
"Yup," Adeck confirmed with a nod. "Her name is Violet."
"Violet..." Naoki repeated the name softly.
He then scanned the crowd, searching for other familiar faces.
Soon, he spotted several.
A red-haired young man with a cloak, a righteous aura, and a handsome face stood not too far away, his arms crossed as he gazed forward.
"Dragon," Naoki murmured, recognizing the man.
There was Professor Rowan, dressed in a white lab coat, smiling as he conversed with those around him.
Caroline, exquisite in her white evening gown, shone like a star on a stage, attracting attention wherever she went.
And lastly, there was Blue, his hair neatly combed, his eyes sharp and cold like a hawk's, a hint of a smile playing at his lips as he accepted a toast from someone nearby.
At that moment, Giovanni, who had been chatting with a wealthy businessman across the room, seemed to sense something. He slowly turned his head.
The next second, their gazes met in mid-air.
Giovanni's face still wore that faint smile, as if he had glanced over unintentionally.
Naoki could feel his gaze resting on him for a moment before turning away.
"What's wrong? Did you see someone you know?" the businessman across from Giovanni teased.
"It's nothing," Giovanni replied nonchalantly. "Just someone insignificant. Come, let's continue."
The two men resumed their conversation about their collaboration.
Naoki's mind replayed the scene that had just transpired, and he couldn't help but exclaim in his mind, "So sharp! As expected of Team Rocket's boss, Giovanni!"
At the same time, Adeck spotted the owner of Lotom Technologies among the group of wealthy individuals. He signaled to Naoki, "The person you're looking for is that man. Didn't you ask me to pass on a project proposal to him before?"
Naoki nodded, "Yes."
Just then, a crisp voice rang out from the front.
"Mr. Big Boss, I challenge you to a battle!"
Naoki looked up and saw Nemo standing defiantly in front of the Big Boss, wearing a skirt and holding a Poke Ball.
She was clearly challenging the Big Boss to a Pokemon battle.
Upon hearing this, the Big Boss burst into laughter. "As expected of Miss Nemo! Good, you have spirit. Since that's the case, I'll battle you seriously!"
After saying that, the Big Boss turned to the others and said, "You all continue. Don't mind us!"
The other wealthy individuals smiled and teased Nemo gently.
Nemo's father, a bespectacled middle-aged man in a suit, looked helpless, as if his daughter's behavior was a constant source of headache for him.
He had two daughters. The eldest was born earlier and had been taught various etiquettes from a young age. As expected, she grew up to become a capable young lady from a wealthy family.
As a result, he and his wife adopted a more laissez-faire approach to their second daughter, Nemo.
This upbringing resulted in Nemo's carefree personality—her independent and fiery demeanor was far from the elegance typically associated with young ladies from wealthy families.
But what else could they do?
She was their beloved daughter, and as long as she was happy, they were content.
With these thoughts in mind, the man followed his daughter and the Big Boss to the battlefield in the courtyard.
Nemo was the first to send out her Pokemon.
It was a baby dragon-like creature with four limbs on the ground. Its body was covered in scales of varying sizes, but the most striking feature was the heart-shaped scale on its head.
"An Alolan pseudo-legendary Pokemon, Kommo-o," Naoki silently identified the Pokemon in his mind.
Kommo-o, whose final evolution was the powerful Aegislash.
Indeed, the daughter of a big boss... Nemo hadn't even turned ten and embarked on her journey, yet she already had a pseudo-legendary Pokemon with exceptional talent.
This kind of starting point was something those bug-catching boys on the streets could never compare to!
Facing Nemo's Kommo-o, the Big Boss sent out a Gabite to battle.
Kommo-o versus Gabite.
One was a novice Pokemon just starting its journey, while the other was a professionally trained and seasoned Gabite that had undergone rigorous training under a Gym Leader.
The outcome of this battle was decided even before it began.
However, the Big Boss seemed to have his own ideas.
With a subtle glance, the Gabite understood its Trainer's intention. It played along, deliberately getting hit by Kommo-o's moves and then dramatically collapsing on the ground, feigning unconsciousness.
The Gabite remained unmoving.
The waiter acting as the referee inspected it and announced, "Gabite is unable to battle. Miss Nemo wins this match!"
The Big Boss retrieved the "unconscious" Gabite into its Poke Ball and feigned distress. "Oh dear! We lost! This young lady is getting more and more formidable!"
Although Nemo was carefree, she wasn't foolish. She immediately realized that the Big Boss was letting her win.
"You did that on purpose!"
The Big Boss spread his hands innocently, "Not at all. It's because you've improved!"
"Aaargh!" Nemo was furious, but she had no way to argue, and finally, she could only stomp her feet and shout, "I'm not talking to you anymore!"
"Hahaha!"
The wealthy individuals present were amused by Nemo's antics.
Nemo turned to look around, intending to walk away and find other strong Trainers to battle. However, as she scanned the crowd, she suddenly spotted a familiar figure.
Naoki: "..."
Don't come over here, little Nemo!
But Nemo paid no heed and ran over, "Ah! Gourmet's here too!"
Gourmet: "Agas!"
Seeing that Gourmet recognized her, Nemo grew even more excited, "Mr. Naoki, I challenge you to a Pokemon battle!"
At that moment, Boss and the owner of Lotom Technologies also walked over.
The two men immediately spotted Adeck and, looking at the young man standing beside him, asked in surprise, "And who might this be?"
Adeck: "He's my friend, Champion Naoki from the Paritia region. It's been a while! Boss, Nichol."
Boss immediately connected the dots, realizing that this young man named Naoki was the one Adeck had mentioned earlier, the one who saved his Volcaraptor.
But how did he do it? Injuries of that severity were impossible to fully heal, even with modern medical technology...
Boss looked on with curiosity.
Nichol, too, regarded the young Champion from the Paritia region with a hint of surprise.
How did Nemo come to know such a prestigious individual?
While he was a big boss in his own right, a Champion Trainer deserved even more respect.
However, Nemo was oblivious to all this. She beamed at Naoki, "Mr. Naoki, let's have a Pokemon battle!"
Naoki wore a helpless expression.
Adeck burst out laughing, "In that case, Naoki, why don't you go and entertain Nemo for a bit? I'll catch up with these two old friends!"
"Sure."
Seeing this, Naoki could only nod in agreement.
He was pulled by Nemo to the battlefield, and in front of the gathered Trainers, Naoki said to Nemo, "Gourmet can't participate."
"Ah?" Nemo looked disappointed, but she quickly perked up, "Then, Mr. Naoki, which Pokemon did you bring with you today?"
Upon hearing this, Naoki immediately thought of the perfect Pokemon to battle with Nemo.
It was Alcremie.
In terms of strength, Alcremie was the weakest among the Pokemon he carried with him.
Moreover, Alcremie had never undergone any specialized training. It spent its days playing and goofing off, so its strength hadn't really improved.
It should be able to hold its own against Nemo's Pokemon.
"I've already decided which Pokemon to use," Naoki said.
"Then let's begin!" Nemo eagerly ran to the other end of the battlefield.
Naoki sighed inwardly but took out Alcremie's Poke Ball.
Some Trainers lingered to watch, curious about the Champion Trainer.
They had overheard Adeck's earlier comment and knew that the young man battling the little girl was a Champion from another region.
Champion Trainers were a rare sight, so these Trainers wanted to witness a Champion's battle and see the Pokemon he had raised.
Naoki didn't hold back, and amidst the onlookers' eager gazes, he threw the Poke Ball in his hand.
With a flash of white light, a small, adorable Alcremie appeared on the battlefield, exuding a sweet fragrance.
The watching Trainers' faces lit up with surprise.
"That Pokemon is... Alcremie?"
"Alcremie looks so soft! I feel like I could swallow it whole..."
"Is he really going to battle with that Alcremie?"
"I guess it's fine since his opponent is a little girl who's not even ten years old."
"True."
At that moment, Nemo also laid eyes on the Alcremie across the battlefield.
Her eyes sparkled, "Is that an Alcremie? I've never battled an Alcremie before! Then let's begin, Mr. Naoki!"
With that, Nemo threw a red and white Poke Ball.
A flash of white light revealed a soft and squishy Goomy, a pseudo-legendary Pokemon from the Kalos region.
Goomy versus Alcremie.
Naoki gave the first command, "Go ahead and attack, Alcremie."
"No holding back, Mr. Naoki!" Nemo objected, "Let's battle together!"
Naoki was taken aback for a moment before he chuckled, "Alright."
"Let's go, Goomy!" Nemo shifted her tone, signaling the start of the battle.
Both Trainers issued commands simultaneously.
"Goomy, use Bubble!"
"Alcremie, use Arm-Wave!"
(End of Chapter)
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