Chapter 52: Keep It Low
Chapter 52: Keep It Low
"We lost."
Koga calmly accepted the outcome.
He returned his unconscious Fossil Wing Pokemon and replayed the battle in his mind.
Each time he did, his skin would crawl.
No, he needed to replay the battle with Daimu.
The battle with Jing He always left him with a tingling sensation.
And he made a decision.
After this, every one of his Pokemon would learn "Taunt"!
Otherwise, it just wouldn't work.
'No wonder the Champion is so impressed with this person. Using someone else's Pokemon and still being able to employ such tactics—this level of strategic acumen might already surpass most ordinary Gym Leaders.'
After all, commanding another trainer's Pokemon was different.
Not knowing the Pokemon's characteristics, moves, or skill levels made it much more challenging than commanding his own.
Moreover, Daimu's Armaldo wasn't weak, yet it willingly followed Jing He's commands, which was a testament to his abilities.
In Koga's view, what limited Jing He's strength was actually Gastly.
'However, Jing He's Gastly is also quite well-trained. With the "Fear Mind" item from Champion Kusoe, its strength will surely improve rapidly.'
He had been blessed by the Evergreen Forest and possessed the "Evergreen Power," though he wasn't very proficient with it, he could still sense its effects.
Jing He's future strength...
It was hard to predict.
'At the very least, he could reach the level of the Four Elite.'
"Truly," Daimu's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Absolutely brilliant!"
When Jing He had given him suggestions before, he had valued them, but his personal habits had prevented him from trying or learning them.
But today's battle was a real eye-opener.
It was as if Jing He was saying—see, Daimu, this is how Armaldo should fight.
This made him realize something.
The strong opponent he had been seeking was right beside him.
Why did Daimu want to take over Devon Corporation so quickly?
Was it just because he was worried about his father's health?
Did he dislike Pokemon?
No.
He certainly loved Pokemon, including Pokemon battles.
But when someone only needed to put in a little effort to become the best among their peers, and couldn't find anyone to catch up to, they might eventually lose interest.
He loved Pokemon, but did he have to battle?
In comparison, taking over a company he wasn't very familiar with was a greater challenge.
But today...
He met Koga.
And he saw Jing He's tactical prowess.
He realized that there were indeed strong people his age.
And that Jing He was so powerful!
Jing He wasn't just academically excellent, having published papers that even Professor Oak praised, and being an expert in Pokemon psychology. He could also train a top-notch Gastly and possess such strategic acumen.
If Jing He could develop so comprehensively, why couldn't he?
Jing He probably didn't realize that his "three birds with one stone" plan had indeed succeeded, but Daimu's goal had shifted.
"Keke~~"
Gastly's eyes were filled with stars.
So this is "Toxic Substitute"?
It now knew "Toxic" and "Substitute," it just needed to learn "Protect."
It felt that once it mastered "Protect" and followed Jing He's commands, it would be—
Super strong!
Gastly was now incredibly confident!
Kicking the Champion and taking down an Elite Four member might not be impossible in the future.
Kekeke~~
"Good job, Armaldo."
Jing He smiled and extended his hand to Armaldo.
"Kah~~"
Armaldo shyly turned its head, its cheeks slightly red, and lightly tapped Jing He's hand with its wing before flying back to Daimu.
You commanded well.
"Ouch—"
Jing He, caught off guard, clutched his reddened hand and gasped.
Seeing Armaldo's shy demeanor, he finally understood.
It's a girl?
"Jing He, that was a fantastic command. You've shown me your true strength."
Koga walked over, his sharp gaze softened, and he extended his hand with a smile. "I look forward to the day when we can have a real battle."
"That might take a while."
Jing He had no choice but to use his reddened hand to lightly shake Koga's.
"But I think it won't take as long as you think."
Koga glanced at the Gastly beside him, feeling the ghost Pokemon's eager and excited energy.
"It's looking forward to the moment when you'll astonish the entire world," Koga said.
Jing He pursed her lips.
The key is that I need to have a Mane that can truly dazzle everyone.
"By the way, about the Fossil Wing—"
Only now did Koga remember the Fossil Wing's issue, having been preoccupied with the battle earlier.
"It shouldn't be a problem anymore. After the Armaldo's rough treatment—ahem, stimulation, it has a very clear goal. The fact that it didn't lose control during the fight is the best proof," Jing He explained.
Koga nodded.
That makes sense.
"However, just to be safe, I'll record a 'Calm Mind' audio for you. Play it for the Fossil Wing whenever you can, to reinforce its mental state."
"Thank you."
"It's the least I can do."
There was no need to elaborate. Since she had taken the case, she would do her best to treat it. Fortunately, the Fossil Wing's condition wasn't too severe, and a combination of physical intervention and psychological support would be enough.
"Also—"
Koga suddenly seemed to remember something, fumbling through his pockets before pulling out a pendant shaped like a dragon claw.
"I didn't have much to offer, but this 'Sharp Fang' can serve as a token of gratitude."
[Sharp Fang: When a Pokemon carrying this item uses any attack that doesn't normally cause the 'Flinch' status, there is a chance it will cause the target to flinch.]
This item is perfect for Gastly!
"That's too much, you already prepared the 'Fear Memory'—"
Jing He skillfully accepted the 'Sharp Fang.'
"The previous one was for the treatment fee, this one is a gift. They're different."
Seeing that Jing He had accepted the gift, Koga didn't press the matter further.
Daimao and Gastly also approached.
"Speaking of which, Teacher, I also need to thank you for your lessons. Here's an extra 'Protect' TM I bought last time."
"Chu!"
Before Jing He could respond, Gastly snatched the TM from Daimao's hand.
Protect!
"Actually, you didn't need to do this."
Taking the TM from Gastly.
"We're all friends, and the thought is enough."
They chatted for a while longer, sharing their experiences in training and battling, before parting ways.
Above the waters outside the Hoenn region, Charizard's wings flapped, carrying Koga toward the Kanto region.
"Champion Koga, yes, he's much better. Jing He is very skilled, incredibly skilled!"
Just as Koga hung up, another call came in. Seeing the caller ID, he smiled.
"Shizuka."
"Yes, everything's fine. A Pokemon psychologist, and a very skilled Trainer with exceptional tactical abilities. Too bad you didn't see it."
"Oh? I almost forgot about that. Even though it wasn't a mission, the 'body camera' was on. Hmm, it's not a mission or a secret, so it's fine to show you."
He removed a small camera from the clasp on his shoulder and cloak.
"I'll send it to you."
"Florina Champion is calling, I'll hang up now."
At the suburban estate of the Zinnia family.
"Armaldo, let's reinforce our tactics."
Daimao took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and looked excited and enthusiastic.
He didn't notice that Zinnia Mallow was watching from a distance, her Floatzel circling around her with a smile.
"How long has it been since I've seen Daimao this happy?"
Jing He's visit had reignited Daimao's passion for Pokemon, and Zinnia Mallow felt very gratified about her decision a few days ago.
"Woo~~"
Floatzel circled around her happily.
"Right? You think we should give Teacher Jing He a raise?"
"Woo woo~~"
"Oh, right, and we should also sign Daimao up for the competition."
"Chu~~"
The "Brave" Gastly followed Jing He into the neighborhood.
"Be a bit more low-key."
Jing He couldn't help but say, "Whether you're a person or a ghost, you need to learn to be low-key and not be distracted by superficial things."
Ding—ding—
Her phone rang. She took it out and saw a message.
[Ibuprofen]: It's time for your Calm Mind session.
[Jing He]: I'm coming right away!
"Chu?"
Gastly blinked.
Superficial things?
——
PS: It's the end of the month, please vote for me!
(End of Chapter)
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