Chapter 588: The Future is Yours
Chapter 588: The Future is Yours
It was Ao Ryoku's turn.
Ao Ryoku, with his temperament, had already sensed the gap in strength between himself and Akai and Teacher Jinghe. There was no need to continue the battle, as they were not on the same level.
Just like in the special episode when Akai and Ao Ryoku first met, Ao Ryoku had wisely backed down upon encountering Mew.
However, the opportunity to challenge Teacher Jinghe was rare, and his life path had already diverged significantly from the special episode. So, he decided to give it a shot.
"Go, Pidgeot!"
Replacing Akai, Ao Ryoku confidently threw his Poke Ball, summoning the Pokemon he had prepared for the battle.
"Pidgeot!"
The Kanto region's "Home Bird," the evolved form of Pidgey, a Normal and Flying-type Pokemon, Pidgeot.
Ao Ryoku's Pokemon could be divided into two periods.
The first period began when he started his journey, conquered the Cinnabar Island, and then challenged the Elite Four to become the Champion.
The second period started after he became the Champion but was soon defeated by Akai, leading him to return to the Tokiwa City Gym as its leader.
At the Tokiwa Gym, Ao Ryoku obtained the "Earth's Secret Art" left by Boss Banzu, which he used to train a new team of Pokemon.
In just over a year, he had cultivated this team to a level where they could challenge Akai.
This was the so-called "Breeder."
However, Ao Ryoku was still in the first stage of his journey.
Even Teacher Jinghe wasn't sure if he could reach the second stage.
"A Flying-type Pidgeot to counter Yuki's Ground-type moves?" Ado nodded slightly, having some authority when it came to Flying-type Pokemon.
"But Yuki is also a Rock-type Pokemon. Isn't he worried about Yuki's Rock-type moves?" Wu Song showed great interest.
"Battle, start!" Dr. Daimu didn't show much inclination to favor his grandson.
Ao Ryoku was a proud and highly self-respecting person, often looking down on trainers he deemed weaker or less intelligent.
Dr. Daimu had pointed this out to him, but his temperament remained unchanged.
Therefore, in Dr. Daimu's view, letting Ao Ryoku taste defeat might not be a bad thing.
"Pidgeot, Sand-Attack!" Ao Ryoku's expression remained calm, his eyes half-lidded, as he aimed to seize the initiative like Akai.
Facing Teacher Jinghe, not taking the initiative might mean losing the chance to make a move.
"Pidgeot!"
Pidgeot let out a loud cry, flapping its wings and swirling sand and dust towards Yuki's face.
Yuki was indeed a Rock-type Pokemon, but Rock-type moves often had accuracy issues.
Moves like Rock Slide, Rock Tomb, and Sharp Rock Assault had their fair share of accuracy problems.
Ao Ryoku's strategy was to lower Yuki's accuracy with Sand-Attack, then use the speed and aerial advantage of his Flying-type Pokemon to outmaneuver Yuki.
"A clever little one," Wu Song said, crossing his legs and adjusting his glasses.
Compared to Da Ye's admiration for Akai's passion, Wu Song appreciated Ao Ryoku's calmness and strategic thinking.
However, formulating a tactic was one thing; executing it was another.
Puff—
Yuki was covered in sand, rubbing its face in surprise.
"Yuki?"
Yuki wiped its face and looked up at the flying Pidgeot, then opened its mouth.
Using Sand-Attack on the Desert Tyrant, or rather, on the young Desert Tyrant?
How mischievous!
"Sandstorm," Teacher Jinghe's voice echoed.
"Yuki!"
If that's the case, let's show you what real sand is!
Yuki let out a squeaky cry, and strands of sand coiled like little snakes around its feet.
The next second—
Boom!!!
Countless sand particles exploded, and the entire battlefield was instantly engulfed in a sandstorm. Pidgeot was also enveloped in the sandstorm, looking around anxiously at the surrounding sand.
Wait, I only threw a little sand, and you're creating such a massive sandstorm?
"Calm down, Pidgeot, Agility!"
"Pidgeot!"
Ao Ryoku's voice steadied Pidgeot, and it quickly regained its composure. With a powerful flap of its wings, it was enveloped in white light and darted to the side.
Whoosh—
As soon as Pidgeot flew away, a rock shot up from below like a cannonball, missing its target.
Teacher Jinghe's eyebrows rose slightly, revealing a hint of surprise.
"Impressive reaction speed," Wu Song nodded.
"But it's useless," Da Ye added.
Sure enough.
Another massive rock was hurled upwards from below.
"Pidgeot, dodge quickly!" Ao Ryoku shouted.
Boom!!
Despite Pidgeot's best efforts to dodge, the rock grazed its wings as it flew by.
"Yowch!"
Below, Youjilasa stomped its mouth in frustration.
"I still have a long way to go to match Hammer Sister's precision. I should seek guidance from her in the future."
But it didn't matter.
If accuracy was lacking, quantity would make up for it!
In the midst of the sandstorm, one could vaguely see the ground around Youjilasa littered with rocks of various sizes.
The two rocks it had just thrown were merely a test; the real move was yet to come.
"Youjilasa, take them down!"
"Yowch!!!"
Youjilasa stomped the ground, causing the surrounding rocks to rise, and then it swiftly—
Hurled countless rock projectiles into the air.
"Cree!"
As Pidgey struggled to stabilize its flight and avoid falling, it opened its eyes to see an overwhelming number of rocks filling the sky.
How could it possibly dodge this?
Boom!!
Boom, boom, boom—
The sandstorm abruptly dispersed, and Pidgey plummeted to the ground.
"Pidgey is unable to battle!" Dr. Daimu declared the outcome.
"It was a good idea, though," Jinghe nodded in evaluation.
Ao Ryoku recalled Pidgey and fell silent, staring at the Poke Ball in his hand.
The gap between them was just too wide.
Jinghe, accompanied by Youjilasa, approached Akai and Ao Ryoku. He patted Ao Ryoku's shoulder and said to them, "Don't be discouraged. Keep going; the future is yours."
The future is ours?
Akai's eyes lit up, and Ao Ryoku's earlier dejection faded as a glimmer appeared in his eyes.
In the future, when they became stronger, they would definitely challenge Teacher Jinghe again!
"I've heard those words before," Dagu remarked thoughtfully.
"Indeed, I think I've heard them somewhere too," Da Ye nodded in agreement.
After Akai and Ao Ryoku's challenge, they departed with Dr. Daimu on a night flight.
Their journey was not yet over, or perhaps it had just begun. Now, they would continue their travels.
However, after witnessing the tournament and facing Jinghe, their perspectives had expanded significantly.
It was believed that in the future, they would likely avoid some of the detours others had to endure.
"I heard you battled those two youngsters."
On the balcony of Xihuona's residence, bathed in moonlight, they sat at a table.
"Meloetta, Meloetta~"
Meloetta danced gracefully in the moonlight, humming an ancient tune, seemingly in high spirits.
Braviary perched on the rooftop, basking in the moonlight, but its gaze remained fixed on Jinghe.
"Genggui~"
Genggui draped itself over Braviary's shoulder.
Relax, let's enjoy the moonlight together.
Such was the 'sisterly' bond between them; fierce rivals during battles, yet close companions afterward.
"Roar!"
Braviary grunted and turned away.
"They are quite impressive," Jinghe smiled and nodded.
He couldn't predict how far they would go in the future.
He couldn't help but feel a bit of anticipation.
What fascinating encounters would Akai and Ao Ryoku have when they grew stronger and met the traveling Satoshi? It would surely be an adventure.
"Your smile..."
Xihuona, resting her chin on her hand, gently stroked Ice Nine-Tails as she observed Jinghe's "Genggui-signature" grin.
"Roar~"
"Ahem," Jinghe coughed twice, straightening his expression.
The influence of Genggui's grin was becoming more pronounced.
"What are your plans now?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Hmm, what's next?" Xihuona pondered.
The Young Master World Championship had concluded, and trainers from various Pokemon regions were gradually departing.
For instance, Dr. Daimu and his team had already left. Ado, Cona, Dante, and others would also be leaving on the earliest flights or ferries after receiving their competition rewards the next day.
Wu Song, Da Ye, and Aoliu, having received messages from the Sinnoh League, were also preparing to return to Sinnoh.
Xihuona, being from Sinnoh, had also received a message.
The Sinnoh League's stance was clear; they were the first to advocate for a younger generation in the League's leadership. Wu Song, Da Ye, and Xihuona had already been pre-selected as candidates for the League's Elite Four or even the Champion.
To be more precise, they had earned the right to challenge for these positions.
Upon their return, they would face the challenge under the watchful eyes of the Sinnoh League's elders. If they succeeded, they would become the new Elite Four of the Sinnoh League!
Of course, they might need some time to process and absorb the lessons from this tournament.
And this challenge would not be publicized.
Jinghe suspected that the elders of the Sinnoh League would likely 'go easy' on them.
Unbeknownst to Da Ye, he was about to become one of the Elite Four? And when would Xihuona become the Champion?
"What about you? Do you have any plans?" Xihuona asked in return.
"Me?"
Jinghe chuckled.
In fact, when Yuanzhi, the Elite Four, came to watch the match, he had already discussed it with him and Dagu. They would go to the Hoenn League headquarters after the competition, but he didn't reveal the purpose.
Given Jinghe's understanding of Yuanzhi, it was obvious what they were going to do at the Hoenn League headquarters.
It was probably to have him or Dagu take up the position of the Elite Four.
If this news had come before he had met the Elite Four, Jinghe would have been unable to contain his excitement.
The Elite Four!
In the entire Pokemon world, only the Galar region lacked an Elite Four, while every other region had just four members!
They were almost symbolic of the highest authority and status in a region, representing an incredibly high caliber.
However, after meeting the Elite Four from Sinnoh and Hoenn, Jinghe understood.
The Elite Four?
Just high-ranking officials.
Hoenn's Bonnie, Sinnoh's Kikuno, and Unova's Yukishihou were all living examples.
In each region, at least two of the Elite Four had to be hardworking officials to complete the tasks of all four members.
Of course, there were exceptions like Wu Song, who was a top-tier official, capable of handling the work of two.
But in Hoenn, there was only Bonnie.
She was busy day and night, her life in a constant state of chaos.
Going there now would only be asking for trouble. At the very least, Jinghe thought, the Hoenn League needed to recruit another hardworking official first.
So, when Yuanzhi suggested this, Jinghe decided to wait and see, sending Dagu back while he found an excuse to stay a few more days.
Dagu and Mikoli would be enough for the Hoenn League to handle, for now. He'd wait until they were done.
"I plan to stay in Unova for a few more days. The Blueberry Academy has invited me to visit and provide some guidance," Jinghe explained.
Hearing this, a hint of brightness flashed in Xihuona's eyes, "I also plan to take some time to reflect."
The Elite Four wasn't her goal.
"Then us..." Jinghe's heart stirred, and he turned to look at Xihuona.
"I heard there's a festival in Einroudak, Unova," Xihuona said, gently pushing her hair aside.
Einroudak Festival.
Jinghe was almost immune to these two words.
Especially the word 'festival.'
After all he had been through, Jinghe now understood.
Timelines and narratives were all fake.
If he went, there was a high chance he might trigger certain events.
But upon further thought, Einroudak was just home to a mythical Pokemon, Victini, and a white dragon, Reshiram.
After encountering so many legendary Pokemon, Jinghe no longer felt as intimidated by them.
At the very least, he and his Pokemon should have some ability to protect themselves against legendary Pokemon, right? Especially with Xihuona by his side.
"Shall we go?" Xihuona asked softly, her voice filled with anticipation.
"Yes," Jinghe nodded.
At worst, he could call N early and have Zekrom's approval, ensuring Reshiram wouldn't be a problem.
"Okay."
Xihuona's eyes curved into a crescent moon shape.
After chatting for a while longer, the moon had almost reached the zenith.
"Ugh, I'm going to sleep," Xihuona yawned, stretching lazily, her curves accentuated.
She got up and headed towards the room.
Jinghe also nodded and stood up.
Bang!!!
Just as he reached the door, Braviary dropped from the rooftop, landing at the entrance and staring at him alertly.
"Huff?"
What are you up to, kid? Jinghe opened his mouth.
No, this is the second-floor balcony. I have to go inside, right?
At most, I'll just check if Xihuona's bed is warm enough.
"See you tomorrow~"
Xihuona's voice echoed from inside the room, her cheeks flushed.
Forget it.
Jinghe sighed inwardly.
After all, he had climbed up from downstairs anyway.
"Genggui, let's go home and sleep."
"Hengga~~"
They climbed down from the balcony to the first-floor garden.
In his two lifetimes, this was Jinghe's first time doing this.
Were they officially a couple now?
Probably.
With this question in mind, Jinghe climbed from Xihuona's backyard to his own.
Genggui floated beside him, covering his mouth, looking like he wanted to laugh but dared not.
Xihuona sat by the window, gazing at the silhouette in the moonlight, a sweet smile on her face.
(End of Chapter)
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