Chapter 476: The Sea God Statue
Chapter 476: The Sea God Statue
The Oceanic Aura?
It was only natural.
After all, the item originally emerged from the sea.
However, the challenge was to retrieve it from the hands of the Masked Ninjas and Shed Ninjas.
It depended on how much value the Masked Ninjas and Shed Ninjas placed on the item.
Jinghe pondered for a moment.
He raised his hands, and a faint blue glow appeared in his eyes.
Wave Guide, the power within the heart.
Regardless, he decided to first extend a friendly gesture and then take action. He attempted to "connect" with the Masked Ninjas, hoping to trade something like an Energy Cube for the item.
However, both the Masked Ninjas and Shed Ninjas seemed to ignore his friendly Wave Guide power.
Jinghe sighed inwardly.
Without the protagonist's halo, the Wave Guide power wasn't all-powerful, and only Rainbow Feather seemed to have some presence with her "Wee-Wee."
Rainbow Feather: Meow?
"Guchaa!"
Seeing this, Flame Blade Ghost stepped forward, his pale blue blade waving, and a faint flame flickered. It called out into the forest.
Friends, may I ask for a favor?
Hum—
As the words left his mouth, Flame Blade Ghost's eyes ignited with fiery determination. He brandished his blade again, and with a loud 'Bang,' a swift figure was slashed and flew out from the tip of his sword.
Masked Ninja!
Jinghe couldn't help but glance at Flame Blade Ghost.
His Wave Guide power had no effect, but Flame Blade Ghost's request for a favor seemed to provoke the Masked Ninja's aggression.
Then, he realized.
Oh~ Gramps's Lawless Squad usually operates like this, right? They always take the initiative to make the first move.
With that loud bang, the previously peaceful forest became agitated. The buzzing sound seemed to come from all directions, accompanied by shadowy figures swiftly dashing through. The Masked Ninjas in the forest seemed to be 'activated.'
There was no other choice.
"Nine-Tails." Jinghe spoke softly.
While thinking earlier, he had also prepared for this situation.
"Aoow~"
Ice Nine-Tails, upon receiving the command, let out a long howl. Its nine snow-white tails slowly fanned out, scattering crystalline, snowy dust around it. The air became hazy and dreamlike, as if an icy incarnation had emerged from an arctic world.
Snowflakes began to fall from the sky, some fast, some slow, swirling and dancing in the northern wind, blanketing the surroundings.
The temperature dropped instantly.
Amidst the falling snow and swirling shadows, the Masked Ninjas seemed to be affected by the temperature or perhaps the resistance to the snow and wind, gradually revealing their forms.
Within a few breaths, this tropical-like forest transformed into a wintry scene, gradually cloaking itself in a silver-white mantle.
"Yo-kee."
Tyrogue's eyes were hazy, observing this scene and recalling his own sandstorm. He instantly felt the difference in weather control between himself and Ice Nine-Tails.
"Aoow~"
Ice Nine-Tails, with its azure eyes, looked at Tyrogue, a gentle smile on its face. It taught Tyrogue about its understanding and perception of weather control.
Tyrogue bit his fingers at times, and at other times, he seemed to understand something.
"Yo-kee."
It's all ice cream!
Ice Nine-Tails' appearance in the snowy weather signaled the official start of the battle.
Martial Bear Master took the lead, enveloped in Water Pulse, and punched a Masked Ninja who ambushed him, creating an opening in the surrounding group.
Rapid Dragon soared into the sky, its body dancing with agility. As it ascended, its aura intensified, and it plummeted vertically while clad in a dragon cloak.
Dragon Dive!!
Its wings left a trail of white clouds in the sky, creating a massive impact as it smashed down, widening the opening created by Martial Bear Master.
Flame Blade Ghost crossed his blades at his chest, shrouded in black mist. He suddenly dashed forward, blades swinging.
Bang! Bang!
Two Masked Ninjas, caught off guard by the unexpected attack, collided with tree trunks. As they tried to get up and counterattack, a pale blue flame engulfed them.
Within the burning flames, invisible souls seemed to escape and return to Flame Blade Ghost's blade, infusing his body with the aura of the life-giving fire.
The evolved Flame Blade Ghost's flames remained hidden until they struck opponents, igniting and burning. Combined with the snowy cover, he seamlessly blended into the tactical system, becoming a Snow Concealed Swordsman.
"Chua~~!"
Hammer Sister swung her massive hammer, coated in layers of frost. Ice crystals formed, and white frost swirled around her, leaving no Masked Ninja able to approach. She exuded an aura of touch and die.
"Unga~"
Gramps let out a mischievous laugh, gently waved his hand, and created a small opening to slip through. Taking advantage of the intense battle, he sneaked into the forest.
When the gap reappeared, he had already reached the depths of the forest, facing the sculpture that Bear Cub mentioned and that Jinghe sensed through his Wave Guide—an ancient-looking sculpture with a yellowish-brown hue.
"Unga?"
Gramps tilted his head, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
Why did this ancient sculpture seem to conceal Ghost-type attributes within?
Hum—
Just as Gramps was puzzled by the ancient sculpture, a buzzing sound emanated from his side.
He looked up.
It was Shed Ninjas, their eyes blank, with light rings above their heads like haloed cicada shells. Ghost-type energy emanated from their bodies.
Gramps's sudden approach had awakened the dormant Shed Ninjas.
Witnessing this scene and receiving feedback from Gramps, Jinghe suddenly understood.
No wonder the Masked Ninjas wanted to bring this unknown sculpture that emerged from the sea; it was probably for the Shed Ninjas, right?
The Shed Ninjas and Masked Ninjas were once one, and even after evolving and separating, they could still be considered the same clan.
"Hngga~"
And facing this group of Shed Ninjas, Gramps wasn't the least bit afraid.
The tricky part about dealing with Shed Ninjas was that few people fully understood the intricacies of their "Mystic Guard" ability.
Not everyone and every Pokemon happened to have the means to counter them.
But as a Ghost-type Pokemon, Gramps was one of the types that could counter them.
As long as one understood how to break through their "Mystic Guard," the seemingly mysterious and eerie Shed Ninjas were actually easier to deal with than the Masked Ninjas.
A pitch-black orb appeared in Gramps's hand, and with a sinister smile, he surveyed the area.
Smaller black orbs shot out, and each one that enveloped a Shed Ninja put them to sleep, restoring them to their original state of molted shells.
Dark Hole! In group battles, Darkrai's Dark Hole was incredibly useful.
Especially when clearing out "mooks," it was like a "mook disposal device."
Of course, Gramps's "Dark Hole" couldn't compare to Darkrai's, and strictly speaking, it wasn't even a true Dark Hole. Instead, it was a combination of his own evil aura, the way he formed Shadow Balls, and the "Old Jing Family's Hypnosis."
However, against these "one-hit-shatter" Shed Ninjas, it was obviously the most effective method.
He fished out the sculpture.
"Hngga?"
Hmm?
Gramps blinked.
The seasoned "goose-hunter" quickly noticed that the spot where the Masked Ninjas and Shed Ninjas had placed the sculpture seemed to have more than just this one valuable item.
For example, there was a silver powder that glowed with fluorescence, a shell without a soul residing within.
Not every Earth Ninja could evolve into a Masked Ninja and split into a Shed Ninja; in fact, the majority of the molted shells would slowly decay and disappear.
A small portion would become Shed Ninjas, and an even smaller portion would turn into the item "Beautiful Empty Shell."
His cunning eyes spun around, revealing a mischievous smile.
But soon, he noticed Jinghe's "warning" gaze.
Gramps gave a sheepish smile, scratching his behind.
He rolled his tongue and took out several boxes of Energy Cubes, placing them down as a "trade" for the sculpture.
Just as he put down the Energy Cubes, a sudden thought crossed his mind, as if he had sensed something. The seemingly plump Gramps moved with exceptional agility, lunging to the side.
Suddenly, a pitch-black fist appeared, and a vicious Shadow Punch slammed into the spot where Gramps had just been hovering.
It was a Night Shadow Spirit with red eyes!
Hmm?
Seeing this Night Shadow Spirit that seemed to have appeared out of thin air, both Jinghe and Gramps's shoulders.
Then, they realized.
This was a Night Shadow Spirit hiding among the Masked Ninjas and Shed Ninjas, feeding on the Ghostly Aura of the Shed Ninjas. Gramps's appearance had startled it.
Gramps, who had almost been punched, was furious.
Usually, it was him doing the "ambushing," but when had he ever been ambushed by another Pokemon?
He immediately clenched his fist, gathering Ghost-type energy, and without hesitation, punched the Night Shadow Spirit back.
Boom!!
The Night Shadow Spirit didn't expect Gramps's reaction to be so swift. It missed its punch and was sent flying, its head feeling a bit dazed.
How could Gramps use physical attacks? And his fist seemed stronger than its own.
"Hngga!"
Gramps called out to Jinghe twice.
This time, you saw it; it was definitely him ambushing me, so I won't hold back.
Jinghe was still somewhat restrained towards the Masked Ninjas and Shed Ninjas, after all, he needed to retrieve the sculpture to complete the mission.
But facing the Night Shadow Spirit that had clearly ambushed Gramps with ill intentions, there was no need to be polite.
"Shadow Ball," Jinghe's voice reached Gramps's ears.
"Hngga!!"
Gramps sneered, his body floating in mid-air, and a pitch-black orb appeared in his hand. Ghost-type energy swiftly gathered around him, including that of the Shed Ninjas.
This was the Shadow Ball technique of the Gramps belonging to the Kikuko Grandmaster.
The Night Shadow Spirit, having recovered from Gramps's punch, was about to counterattack when it suddenly shuddered, seeing Gramps holding a massive Shadow Ball, its eyes slightly dazed.
It swallowed.
No, brother, your Shadow Ball... it's unreasonable.
Boom!!
The Shadow Ball slammed down, and the Night Shadow Spirit had nowhere to escape. It was hit directly and lost its fighting ability instantly.
Hmph!
Gramps sneered, patting his hands.
My reputation as the "King of Fear" was almost ruined by you.
Gramps's eyes shifted, and he covered his mouth, letting out a mischievous laugh. He floated to the unconscious Night Shadow Spirit, grabbed one of its hands, and flipped it over, shaking it.
Large and small black crystal particles fell from the Night Shadow Spirit's body.
Gramps grabbed them.
They were Dark Stone Fragments!
And among them, there was even a complete one!
Gramps was overjoyed.
If this guy didn't ambush, who would've known he had so many good things on him.
Indeed, from now on, I'll have to target those with stronger power; I won't even look at the weak ones.
Half an hour later.
The Night Shadow Spirit slowly regained consciousness.
Seeing the Masked Ninjas and Shed Ninjas surrounding him, he showed a hint of panic.
He prepared to take out something to calm their anger.
He patted his body.
Where... where is it?
"Mmm!!!"
The shrill voice echoed through the forest.
"What is this?"
At Bonnie Tyrant's office, Jinghe returned, placing a sculpture on the desk.
She was surprised by Jinghe's efficiency.
The task given in the morning was completed before evening? She was unaware of the allure of "Mystic Candy" to Gramps and the others.
If the reward for the task was some item or material, it might not have been this quick, but the reward was another "Mystic Candy," and they had just tasted the food Jinghe had cooked with it. When it came to eating, the Jing family took it very seriously.
Jinghe, feeling satisfied, put away the "Mystic Candy" and wasn't entirely sure, guessing, "It seems to be an ancient sculpture, possibly from some undersea ruin."
The sculpture had an oceanic aura, and within it was a hint of ghostly energy, fitting the conditions of an ancient ruin.
However, after being weathered by time, the sculpture had become somewhat blurry, making it difficult to discern what it depicted. But from its general appearance, it seemed to be a Pokemon.
"An undersea ruin?" Bonnie Tyrant nodded.
For this, they would need to consult an expert.
Seeming to read her thoughts, Jinghe smiled and said, "I can help you ask around."
She took out her phone, snapped a photo, and sent it directly to Herona.
In terms of knowledge about ruins, myths, and historical events, there were probably few people in the Pokemon world who could match Herona and her grandmother, Dr. Mustard.
Herona's response speed was surprisingly fast.
【Eevee Eats Cabbage】: Where did you find it?
Jinghe briefly recounted the incident.
【Eevee Eats Cabbage】: I have a vague memory of it, but I can't quite recall it right now. I'll need to look it up.
A vague memory?
Then the search shouldn't be too difficult.
Herona is reliable.
Turning around, she noticed Bonnie Tyrant's gossipy expression and her frequent glances.
No.
You're a Grand Master.
Bonnie Tyrant didn't expect Jinghe to snap out of it so quickly and coughed lightly.
"Well, since you have a way, Jinghe, I'll leave this sculpture in your care."
"Me?"
Bonnie Tyrant nodded as if it were only natural.
You're almost like a proxy Grand Master, and this item doesn't seem particularly important. What's the problem with entrusting it to you?
Sinnoh Region, God Harmony Town.
Herona, dressed in pajamas and lounging on the sofa, stretched lazily, ready to get up and work.
Jadira mewed softly, crinkling her nose and showing a hint of resentment.
She had been enjoying her time alone with Herona, but someone had to come and disturb them.
And it was about Herona's most cherished "ruins," something Jadira couldn't stop.
Her "resentment" grew.
"Okay, if we find out what ruin this is, I'll take you with me," Herona said, patting Jadira's head as if soothing a child.
This made Jadira's eyes light up with newfound energy.
"I'll help you."
The two of them headed into Herona's study to search for information.
After a while, a mixture of realization and confusion could be heard from the study.
"Sea God..."
Sinnoh Region, Curtain City.
Crimson Sun, with a detached expression, crossed his arms in front of his nose, and two figures appeared on the communicator on the table.
One of them was the Pokemon hunter J, who had been sought after by the "Special Encirclement Squad." He had been silent for quite some time.
The other figure was a man dressed as a pirate captain, seemingly familiar with Hunter J, but their relationship seemed ambiguous.
"Hmph, J, you're in a bad spot," the pirate captain said, not hiding his mockery.
"Phantom, are you living comfortably? The Search Team has been after you for a long time, haven't they?" Hunter J said calmly, unbothered by Phantom's taunts.
Everyone on the Wanted List was in the same boat, so no one could look down on the other.
"Hmph! There are only two kinds of men in this world, one..."
"Enough."
Crimson Sun interrupted their argument, "I've found the information you wanted."
Upon hearing this, Captain Phantom couldn't contain his excitement, "Really?!"
Crimson Sun didn't answer his question but spoke calmly, "Don't forget what you promised me."
"Don't worry," Phantom waved his hand, "A man's word is worth more than gold!"
But Crimson Sun didn't believe his words, "I'll find someone to help you."
"Hmm?"
Phantom's eyes narrowed.
Was this help or surveillance? Crimson Sun's face remained expressionless.
"You can't expect to find what you're looking for with just a few words, can you?"
Hmph, as long as I find that thing, whether it's surveillance or not doesn't matter.
"Fine, I could use a few capable hands," Phantom said with a sneer.
Hunter J, seeing this, smirked.
As old rivals, she knew exactly what Phantom was thinking.
But it didn't matter; they were working together for their own interests.
This was true for Phantom, Crimson Sun, and Hunter J.
"Then meet at the usual spot," Hunter J said.
"I bet you won't dare to show up," Phantom sneered and hung up the communication.
Hunter J and Crimson Sun exchanged glances before ending their communication as well.
Crimson Sun closed the communicator, straightened up slightly, and said to the two behind him, "This time, you two will go, Star Governor and Year Star."
"Yes!"
(End of Chapter)
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