https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-374-Long-Life-Strikethrough-Immortality-/12936656/
Chapter 375: A New Year, A New Outlook!
Chapter 375: A New Year, A New Outlook!
January 1st, a clear and sunny day.
The first day of the new year had arrived.
Early in the morning, Jing He received a flood of New Year's greetings.
Some were from his students, including Dawu, some from the Academy's teachers, and many from Kanto and Sinnoh regions, including the Rocket Team, Dr. Oak, and others. There were also greetings from other regions like Sinnoh, Kalos, and Galar.
Looking at the screen filled with well-wishes, Jing He realized, "I've already made so many connections."
Among the senders were not only celebrities but also ordinary people, including trainers who sought his advice on Pokemon psychology.
"Happy New Year," came Sharon's voice, laced with a distinct air of laziness.
From her tone, it seemed she hadn't even gotten out of bed yet.
"Happy New Year," Jing He chuckled. "You're still in bed? The sun's already warming your butt."
"Hmm..."
There was a rustling sound on the other end.
But instead of getting up, she seemed to have just turned over.
"I'm facing the window now," Sharon explained.
Jing He wiped his forehead.
When did you become so 'clever'?
"Maybe... you didn't even open the curtains?" Jing He asked, embarrassed.
"Oh, right."
Jing He: ". . ."
Where's the smart and sassy Sharon I know?
Speak up! Did you lock her up?
After ending the call with Sharon, his phone immediately rang again.
"Master Jing He, Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year to you too!"
Surprisingly, the call was from Lila of the International Police Department.
Through the phone, Jing He could even faintly hear the sounds of a scuffle.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"It's nothing, just capturing a few Pokemon hunters," Lila replied with a smile.
Wow.
Even during the New Year, Pokemon hunters were busy.
But then again, like thieves, they probably found it easier to operate when everyone else was off their guard during the holidays.
"You're working hard," Jing He said.
Both the International Police and the League Police worked tirelessly, even on New Year's Day, with duties ranging from patrols to mission assignments.
After a brief exchange, Lila revealed the real reason for her call.
"Congratulations, Master Jing He! In recognition of your outstanding performance in the Snowpeak and Watervein Operations, the International Police Department is promoting you to the rank of Chief Inspector!" Lila announced.
Chief Inspector was a rank above Inspector.
If an Inspector was equivalent to a Chief of the Criminal Investigation Department, then a Chief Inspector was akin to the Chief of the Criminal Affairs Department.
While it might seem like only a minor promotion, the significance was entirely different.
Inspectors were senior action personnel, primarily responsible for mission execution.
Chief Inspectors, on the other hand, were officers who had taken the first steps towards the commander's threshold, qualified to plan and organize operations.
In other words,
This promotion meant that Jing He had officially entered the "management" ranks.
Lila, for instance, had diligently climbed the ranks within the International Police Department for a decade, and her current rank was only that of a Senior Inspector.
Just one rank above Chief Inspector.
Senior Inspectors already had the authority to oversee secret operations in a region.
The ranks above, Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General, were responsible for overseeing an entire region as the chief and deputy chiefs!
Of course, Jing He's position as a specially appointed professional differed from Lila's, who had earned her rank through years of service and achievements.
"The first bad news of the New Year, cough, I mean, good news," Jing He forced a smile.
For others, a rank promotion was the ultimate recognition of their abilities, but for Jing He, a bonus might have been more fitting.
Regarding promotions, Jing He's attitude was similar to that of the handsome guy.
However, the rank increase would aid him in his future efforts to combat Pokemon hunters, especially with the addition of a new "victim" in his household, Cream Frost.
After Lila, more calls poured in.
For instance, Dr. Oak.
"Jing He, I'm interested in Regigigas. Have you recorded its information? Great, great, great! We'll research it together, and it can be the topic for this year's researcher conference."
You're the one who set its height to under four meters!
"By the way, did you send a message to Yuki? I messaged her, but she hasn't replied." Dr. Oak's voice carried a hint of confusion.
So, the New Year's greetings were a pretense, and the real purpose was to inquire about the Yuki King, huh?
When will I be relieved of this messenger duty?
Even on New Year's Day, Dawu was still busy combating crime.
The Rocket Team was on holiday, but he remained at the Investigation Department, making his work there almost feel like a part-time job.
When Jing He heard that the Rocket Team had promoted Dawu, he nearly spat out his drink.
Other calls included:
Naz, preparing for the New Year's feast: "You haven't updated your menu in a while. Hurry up and add new dishes; Hoopa can't wait!"
Kona, half a year away from graduation: "I've noticed that Ice Nine-Tails seem to be effective against Dragon and Flying types?"
The Rocket Team trio, still filming: "Happy New Year! Master Jing He (Mew)! Meow~ Meow!"
Daye and Denji: "For some reason, the big sis beat us up last night."
Wusong, starting overtime: "Yuki King assigned me a task!"
Marshtomp: "Little Jing He, Happy New Year~ We're doing well, no need to visit us on Armor Island!"
Dr. Bratano: "Jing He, I'm about to publish my research. Want to see it first?"
Jinghe received a message from Mr. Fuji: "Happy New Year, thank you for your gift. I understand your intention, and this year, we will step towards a new level."
Indeed, Mr. Fuji's words were profound, speaking of a new level.
Jinghe, however, was a bit puzzled. What exactly had Mr. Fuji understood?
Soon after, a stream of blessings began to pour in.
It was clear that this morning was destined to be anything but peaceful.
The reason for this was the group message Jinghe had sent out after midnight last night.
Chatting with these friends sometimes felt quite nice, even if they could only send their blessings and invitations via phone and messages.
"Happy New Year, Teacher!" Dawu, Yasha, and Du Juan arrived together.
Each of them presented a gift they had prepared.
Dawu gave a metal membrane, Yasha a piece of charcoal, and Du Juan a hard stone.
These were all expensive items.
It was evident that these students of Jinghe understood him well and knew what he needed.
As for returning the favor, Jinghe had already prepared gifts in Sinnoh.
Plushies.
Everyone received a plushie, and all were equal.
Dawu received a Steel-type Pokemon, Megabat, Yasha a Fire-type Pokemon, Charcoal Little Servant, and Du Juan a Rock-type Pokemon, Bear Pupil.
"But Teacher, why are their Pokemon plushies so cute, and I got Charcoal Little Servant? It's not that I don't like turtles, but..."
Yasha rubbed the turtle shell of the Charcoal Little Servant plushie, kneading and pinching it, her pouty expression filled with confusion.
Of course, Charcoal Little Servant was the most suitable for picnics, Jinghe thought to himself.
But he couldn't say that aloud.
Instead, he said with his eyes wide open, "Well, you don't understand. Charcoal Little Servant, as one of the few Pokemon with the 'Drought' ability, is perfect for your Fire-type team."
Upon hearing this, Yasha immediately showed a look of realization, understanding Jinghe's "good intentions."
"Then what about my Bear Pupil?" Du Juan couldn't help but ask.
"Umm..."
Jinghe paused slightly, "Du Juan, you're strong in defense but lack offense. Bear Pupil, when evolved into Rockruff, can greatly make up for your shortcomings, including your speed."
"Oh, I see." Du Juan realized.
Although Bear Pupil was an Alola region Pokemon, she was willing to go there if it meant improving her own weaknesses.
The three of them instantly understood.
These gifts were not just plushies but also Jinghe's suggestions and guidance for them.
"So, Teacher, what about my Megabat?" Dawu asked curiously.
"To make up for your weakness. Although Steel-type Pokemon are powerful, you struggle to deliver fatal blows against Dragon-type Pokemon."
When it was Dawu's turn, Jinghe was calm and collected, replying without hesitation.
Most of Dawu's Pokemon were Steel and Rock types, and Megabat, a Fairy-type, could also address his weakness against Fighting-type Pokemon.
There was one more thing.
Dawu's Pokemon were all too "tough," and adding a cute and sassy little sister would be interesting.
"I understand," Dawu nodded seriously.
Jinghe subtly wiped his forehead.
To be honest, the most suitable Pokemon for Dawu might be Mamoswine, Thundurus, or even Keldeo.
Especially Thundurus, which would surely delight Dawu.
However, these three Pokemon were too rare and not easily found.
Suddenly, Jinghe realized something.
He had given Mr. Fuji a Mewtwo plushie, and he might have also "interpreted" something from it that even Jinghe hadn't considered.
Oh well.
"Let's go, I'll treat you to our cafe's new dessert!" Jinghe waved his hand generously, putting aside his thoughts.
"New dessert?" Du Juan and Yasha immediately became interested.
Jinghe's cafe had gained some fame in Hoenn, not only as the "eighth battle facility" but also for its delicious coffee and desserts.
"Nurse Joy, Creamy Frost, we have customers!"
"Nurse Joy~~"
"Joy Frost~~"
"Creamy Frost? So cute!"
Even Yasha couldn't help but show a girlish expression upon seeing Creamy Frost.
It was undeniable that Creamy Frost was a heart-melting sight for girls.
Jinghe could already imagine Sharon's expression when she visited next time, seeing Creamy Frost and tasting its creamy milk.
The cafe reopened! A new year, a new atmosphere!
(End of Chapter)
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