Chapter 609: Who Isn't a Top-Notch Trainer?
Chapter 609: Who Isn't a Top-Notch Trainer?
June 2nd, the sky was clear and the sun shone brightly.
"Hey, Jinghe!"
Bonnie's voice came through the phone.
"Hmm?" Jinghe, who had just returned to the office and was about to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee, responded with a questioning tone.
In the past, he couldn't quite understand why his neighbor, Professor Rowan, would disappear for a month or even longer, claiming to be busy with his "side projects."
But now, Jinghe had come to realize that sometimes, things were simply beyond one's control.
As these thoughts flashed through his mind, he refocused his attention on the phone call with Bonnie.
The Hoenn League, known for its humanistic approach, had only contacted him the day before, and Bonnie, the representative of the Hoenn League, was now calling him. This was indeed a display of their humanistic side.
"When do you have some free time, come by the League headquarters," Bonnie suggested.
"For what?" Jinghe asked, his guard up.
Munchlax, perched on his shoulder, paused from nibbling on a macaron, its ears perking up at the sudden tension.
Gengar, sitting nearby, rolled its eyes curiously and slowly inched closer.
"Well, the appointment notification from the International Police has arrived," Bonnie coughed, breaking the news.
"I don't have time recently," Jinghe replied, gently pushing Gengar's head away.
"But you're already back, what are you busy with? School matters?" Bonnie fired off a series of questions.
"Not entirely," Jinghe said after a moment's thought. "To be honest, I'm busy accompanying the little guy."
"Accompanying the little guy?" Bonnie was taken aback.
"Mew," Jinghe explained, exchanging a glance with Gengar, both of them wearing mischievous smiles.
Although Mew had already returned to its home, it was still unknown to others, and occasionally using it as a "shield" was quite a handy trick.
Next time, we'll treat Mew to a feast!
Gengar's eyes lit up, and it placed its hand on its throat, emitting a soft call.
"Mew~"
It was like being pricked by a needle, but Jinghe couldn't help but smile wryly at Gengar's antics.
Gengar, feeling proud of its successful distraction, covered its mouth to hide its grin.
"Oh, oh, okay, then you take care," Bonnie said, a bit flustered by the unexpected turn of the conversation.
Meanwhile, in the office of the Hoenn League headquarters, a group of high-ranking League officials, including Bonnie, Flora, and Drake, along with the Gym Leader, Nagi, and the newly appointed Dagu, were gathered.
Dagu, though officially a reserve member, had already begun assuming some of the Four Elite's duties, occupying the position previously held by Yuanzhi.
Both the Champion and the Four Elite were crucial roles within a region's League, and while some individuals might possess the necessary strength and skills, there was always a gradual process of preparation.
Take Dagu, for instance, who had returned from the Young Master World Championship and was now serving as a reserve member, or the likes of Wan Long, Lian Wu, and Wu Song, who were also in similar positions.
Some reserves were genuinely in a preparatory phase, while others, like Wu Song, held nearly the same authority and responsibilities as the Four Elite, including work assignments.
Dagu, upon returning from the championship, became a reserve member, but in essence, he was already functioning as one of the Four Elite.
It wasn't that Dagu was unqualified for a full-time position or that Yuanzhi hadn't retired; rather, it was a strategic decision.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that since Dagu's return, Yuanzhi had been calling Bonnie daily, requesting retirement, only to be refused each time by Bonnie and the Hoenn League.
They believed that with Dagu's talent, a period of six months to a year as a reserve member would be sufficient preparation for him to challenge the Champion's path.
Jinghe's presence was also a factor in this decision.
At that moment, seeing Bonnie's expression, Flora couldn't help but ask, "What did Jinghe say?"
Bonnie put down her phone and glanced around the office, eventually sighing, "He said he's accompanying Mew, and doesn't have time."
The officials in the room exchanged glances, not quite sure how to react to this unexpected reason for Jinghe's unavailability.
Accompanying Mew?
This was a new-century excuse!
If it had been anyone else, Bonnie might have scolded them for using such a flimsy excuse.
But coming from Jinghe, they couldn't help but believe him, as he might very well have such a relationship with the legendary Mew!
"Mew, indeed," Dagu laughed heartily. "Jinghe is dedicated to teaching and mentoring, and he genuinely lacks interest in these League duties."
Dagu was quite familiar with Jinghe's personality.
"Indeed, work," Bonnie muttered, casting a somewhat resentful glance at Flora and Drake.
If it weren't for these work assignments, her life as one of the Four Elite would have been much more leisurely.
Noticing Bonnie's gaze, Flora whistled, while Drake played with the Cursed Doll hidden in the shadows.
Jinghe couldn't help but sneeze as he stood in the brand-new training facility of the Kanazu Pokemon Academy.
"Are you catching a cold?" asked Minjiang, the director who was introducing the new facilities to Jinghe.
"No, it's probably someone thinking about me," Jinghe replied, rubbing his nose.
"Oh, I see. Well, if you find any shortcomings, let me know," Minjiang said, nodding.
Jinghe felt a bit embarrassed by Minjiang's words.
The training facility they were in was specifically built for Jinghe and his team, an extravagant gesture from Minjiang.
"Hahaha, don't be shy!" Minjiang laughed heartily, waving his hand in a grand gesture.
"Hmm?"
The more Minjiang spoke, the more Jinghe's doubts grew.
Minjiang wasn't one to be easily swayed, especially when it came to the construction of this training facility, which had consumed a significant amount of resources.
Minjiang coughed lightly and lowered his voice, "It's all sponsored."
"Sponsored?"
"The students' families for next year's enrollment."
Jinghe couldn't help but sigh at the thought of the generous sponsorship.
The training facility was indeed impressive, and Jinghe, as the star (or rather, the face) of Kanazu Pokemon Academy, had attracted many students, including Motoko, the daughter of the Galar Champion, Peony.
Many students came to Kanazu Pokemon Academy, some from affluent families.
"Anyway, if there's anything wrong, let me know," Jinghe said.
Just as he finished his sentence, a loud boom reverberated through the training facility, and Yuki was seen stomping on the new training ground, causing it to crack and split open, revealing a significant fissure and scattering debris.
"Yikes!"
Yuki happily picked up a larger piece of debris and put it in his mouth, chewing with satisfaction.
The training ground was truly impressive!
Jinghe gently nudged Minjiang with his elbow, "Director Minjiang, if this ground gets eaten, can it be repaired in time?"
Yuki seemed ready to devour the entire training ground.
Minjiang: "..."
After Minjiang left, Jinghe also joined the training with the little ones.
Jinghe has always believed in a balanced approach to training, never overdoing it.
He now has a clearer understanding of his strength; he knows that most of the Elite Four, whether new or old, are not likely to be his match.
However, when facing veteran Elite Four members like Yuanzhi and Kiku, he feels uncertain, and the odds of winning are not in his favor.
As for the Champion, taking Adek as an example, his team would likely fall short in a full-on battle.
Indeed, the strength of veteran Elite Four members like Kiku and Yuanzhi is on par with Champions.
Jinghe's team is slightly stronger than the average Elite Four member and a bit weaker than a Champion. If he were to become a new Champion in a region, he could give it a try, as long as he doesn't have to challenge the "Champion's Path."
Attempting the "Champion's Path" is definitely out of the question.
Jinghe feels that his team is already very strong, and in some aspects, they might even surpass Champions.
For instance, Gengue's mastery over Ghost-type energy and its ability to open dimensional spaces, or Frost Nine-Tails' pure freezing power, Giant Forger's heavy hammer, and Rapid Dragon's ability to maintain rationality after activating Reverse Scale.
With the right conditions and a bit of luck, they might even defeat a Champion in battle.
After all, Pokemon battles aren't just about numbers; tactics, type advantages, and other factors come into play.
That's why Jinghe has always advocated for balanced training.
However, with the addition of Victini and its "Infinite Energy," the little ones have become even more enthusiastic and dedicated to their training.
But Victini's "Infinite Energy" has its limits.
On one hand, there's Victini's own energy recovery limit.
On the other hand, while Victini's energy can aid in their recovery, it can't enhance their mental fortitude.
Fortunately, Jinghe is skilled at helping the little ones alleviate mental fatigue.
He doesn't encourage them to train incessantly, as it can take a toll on their bodies and minds.
During training, Jinghe noticed that the little ones were pushing themselves too hard.
It wasn't exactly abnormal, but they were overdoing it.
Upon reflection, the reason became clear.
After witnessing the power of Legendary and Mythical Pokemon and solving problems with their help, the little ones felt a sense of inadequacy.
Whether it was Gengue, Frost Nine-Tails, Giant Forger, Rapid Dragon, Martial Bear, Crimson Blade Phantom, or Yuki, they all had a burning desire to prove themselves as equals to the Legendary and Mythical Pokemon.
While aiming for the level of Legendary and Mythical Pokemon might seem far-fetched, Jinghe understood their aspirations.
It's good that the little ones have such ambitions. Without them, they might just want to laze around like Jinghe.
Moreover, their Martial Bear is already a "Legendary Pokemon," even without the so-called "authority."
And their Gengue, when not facing a true Legendary Pokemon like Regigigas head-on, can already hold its own to some extent.
This is their progress.
"Honestly, I'm surprised that a 'lazy' person like me has managed to lead such a team."
He had initially wanted to take it easy.
But at some point, his Pokemon had pushed him forward.
It seemed to have started with Gengue.
"I think I need to change my attitude a little. While keeping training in check, I should use reasonable methods to enhance their strength."
Jinghe felt his determination growing.
Why not aim to be a top-tier Trainer?
"Yuki, Nine-Tails, let's test something. Can Sandstorm and Snowstorm merge?"
"Nya~"
Victini, sitting nearby, happily squinted, its V-shaped mark on its forehead glowing faintly, radiating a desire for victory.
Jinghe's determination grew even stronger.
"Let's eat! Let's eat!"
Training requires a well-balanced diet to ensure steady progress.
Jinghe clenched his teeth as he looked at his bank balance of 50 million Union Coins.
He'd just have to earn more if he spent it all.
After all, he earned it to spoil his Pokemon.
Money comes and goes; it's not something to be stingy about.
As a Trainer, Jinghe unknowingly became an excellent Breeder and Coordinator.
(End of Chapter)
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