Chapter 683: The Book, "Our Story"

Chapter 683: The Book, "Our Story" (Combined, Vote for Monthly Ticket!)

The Champion's Path?

In the Pokémon world, almost every league has its own Champion's Path.

For example, in Kanto, the Champion's Path is located in Silver Mountain, leading from the base all the way to its depths.

The dangers of Silver Mountain are well-known. After Red became the champion, he has been "training" deep within the mountain, where many powerful and high-level wild Pokémon reside, making it a no-go zone for many ordinary trainers.

Johto, being connected to Kanto and separated by the Silver Mountain range, shares the same Champion's Path.

Each region's League Champion has the opportunity to challenge the Champion's Path.

Challenging the Champion's Path and entering it are two different concepts.

Challengers, like future Green and Red, simply need to win the League Championship and then conquer the Champion's Path, defeating the Elite Four to claim the true champion title!

They are among the few who become true champions right after winning the League Championship.

In most regions, only trainers who have successfully navigated the Champion's Path and defeated the Elite Four are considered true champions.

If the old champion is still in place, the challenge becomes even harder.

Just like future Red.

Unlike challenging the Champion's Path, entering it is usually for trainers who have some confidence in their abilities.

They are not all Master Trainers, but definitely not beginners.

Challengers must face powerful wild Pokémon, dangerous environments, and the challenges posed by other trainers who are training on the Champion's Path.

Ultimately, they must reach the end of the Champion's Path and face the Elite Four and the champion!

Cynthia had been preparing for a long time to challenge the Sinnoh region's Champion's Path.

The Champion's Path in Johto is located on the southeastern island of the region, directly south of the League Headquarters in Hoenn.

From the moment of landing on the island until reaching the League Headquarters.

Recently, Jinghe, following Bony's instructions, investigated a bay, which is a small part of Johto's Champion's Path.

When Genji heard Jinghe's words, he was stunned, even forgetting his previous question.

"You want to challenge the Champion's Path?"

He asked again for confirmation.

Heaven knows how long they in the Hoenn League had been waiting for Jinghe's answer, asking him openly and secretly numerous times.

They were even prepared to "let him pass" during the final challenge against the Elite Four.

Oh, this "letting him pass" is a common practice across all regions.

After all, humans are social beings who value relationships and mutual respect. There's no need to make things too difficult for someone who has been recognized as a worthy challenger.

This brings up why Aya couldn't navigate the Champion's Path in Kanto.

Koga, the Elite Four member, is known for his reclusive and unpredictable nature, and alone, he would be enough to give Aya a hard time. It would be strange if he could pass.

"Yep."

Faced with Genji's reconfirmation, Jinghe nodded solemnly, his expression serious.

"Experiencing some things made me rethink my decision." Jinghe looked as if he had gained some insight.

However, Genji is not a fool. After a brief moment of shock, he gradually understood the key point.

With a look of realization, he said:

"For that island, huh?"

Jinghe: "."

Not really, why do you all think that way?

Can't you think better of me?

Why do you all assume the worst?

He took a deep breath and said, somewhat irritably:

"Genji, I—"

But before he could finish, Genji raised a hand, wearing an "I understand" expression.

Isn't it just like Master Steven in the Galar region?

No big deal, it's all small stuff.

Jinghe: "."

But, to be honest.

To say he doesn't have any interest in the island at all would be a lie.

But to say he's doing it solely for the island is also not entirely true.

Jinghe has always had a "small dream."

To live a comfortable, peaceful, and stable life with his Pokémon. If it could be on a self-sufficient, beautiful, and tranquil island, that would be perfect.

Teaching, interacting with different Pokémon, and solving small problems within his capabilities would be great.

Then, finding a beautiful and caring wife would make it perfect.

At most, taking on a few disciples or students.

Like Master Steven, that would be ideal.

This is Jinghe's "early retirement plan."

But as the saying goes, the greater the ability, the greater the responsibility.

He is not the type to shirk his duties when faced with challenges.

After a series of events in Hoenn and Kalos, he realized that some things can't be avoided or evaded.

So, he might as well face them head-on and gain a "legitimate" title in the process.

Whether he is a champion or not, he will deal with the responsibilities. Why not take the title of "champion"?

After a year or so, when Diantha is fully "mature", he can pass the torch to her and live a peaceful, carefree life.

And while he's at it, he can lay the groundwork for his "early retirement plan."

At the very least, the champion's annual salary is quite high.

In the past, he didn't want to, because the champion in Johto was too "dangerous." He might encounter conflicts like those between Team Magma and Team Aqua, or the battle between the Ancient Duo, which lasted for 22 days.

Now, he has already experienced and overcome these challenges.

Moreover, a region's champion's strength, reputation, and popularity can influence trainers, making them strive to emulate and learn from the champion.

A trainer who doesn’t aspire to be a champion is not a good caretaker.

If he were to lead the resistance against Pokémon hunting and the illegal trade of wild Pokémon, it would have a much better effect.

There’s one last point.

As genji asked in the beginning, if a regular trainer were to have deep ties with Team Rocket’s leader, Giovanni, even if Team Rocket were to truly reform, it would be hard to say whether the trainer wasn't being manipulated, deceived, or used as a pawn.

But if a regional champion were to have dealings with Team Rocket, leading to their reform, it would be seen as the champion persuading Team Rocket to turn over a new leaf, the champion "recruiting" Team Rocket to the side of good.

A change in status would completely alter the perception.

This is one of the reasons why Jinghe didn’t answer genji’s question but instead dropped this “bomb.”

While Jinghe’s thoughts were swirling, genji was also doing his own calculations.

Jinghe’s challenge to the Champion’s Path didn’t worry him at all.

He was more afraid that Jinghe wouldn’t challenge it at all. As long as he did, there wouldn’t be much of a problem!

After Jinghe took over as the Hoenn champion, Da Wu could smoothly take over his position as an Elite Four member, and then he could retire!

Retire in comfort!

Retire with peace of mind!

Perfect!

"So, when do you plan to challenge?" genji couldn’t help but ask.

Not that I’m challenging, but why do you look so eager? Jinghe grumbled inwardly.

"Uh, I’m preparing... preparing for a while."

Jinghe said.

Regardless of whether the Hoenn League was prepared to “go easy” on him, he didn’t plan to treat this as a favor, and it would be best if there were no such instances.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t be fair to others, nor to the efforts of his own Pokémon.

Currently, the strongest in Jinghe’s team was undoubtedly Gengar.

After absorbing part of the energy from the Ultra Wormhole’s “Shadow” and a small piece of the “Rainbow Meteorite,” Gengar was almost on par with a typical champion’s ace Pokémon.

There might be a slight gap, but it was likely minimal, probably around 80-90%.

While he might not reach the peak of hiruna’s Hydreigon or Da Wu’s Shiny Golem, there was definitely a chance in the future, and at this stage, he was already stronger than hiruna’s Hydreigon and Da Wu’s Shiny Golem.

If he were to use Mega Evolution, Terastallization, or Z-Moves, he could probably match up against Tier 3 legendary Pokémon like Zapdos.

If all these enhancements were used together, he might even have a chance to contend with a Tier 1 legendary Pokémon, assuming they didn’t use their full power.

However, Jinghe wasn’t eager to try that again, even if Arceus said that having the “Fairy Tablet” would reduce the pressure.

After Gengar, the next in line would be Froslass, Dragonite, and Machamp.

Froslass was slightly stronger than Dragonite and Machamp, but Jinghe wasn’t sure by how much, as he hadn’t even seen Froslass go all out.

What he knew was that, besides himself, only Froslass could keep Gengar in check, and the Pokémon he had caught afterward also respected Froslass.

After receiving Zygarde’s “blessing,” the Fairy-type’s “weakness” was largely compensated for.

She was almost at the level of a typical champion’s main Pokémon, though not quite at the ace level.

As for Dragonite and Machamp, they were at the level of a typical champion’s main Pokémon.

Dragonite, having received the care of Rayquaza and the “Finishing Touch” scroll, as well as some benefits from the “Rainbow Meteorite” from Gengar, had been in a noticeable growth phase recently.

Being a Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon, it had great potential and was gradually catching up to Froslass.

Jinghe estimated that this growth phase would continue until Dragonite reached the level of a typical champion’s ace Pokémon, after which it would stabilize.

Machamp, similarly blessed by Zygarde, now had the strength of a typical champion’s main Pokémon, with a clear advantage in physical attacks over special attacks.

If he faced a “bird” Pokémon, his strength could potentially increase further.

According to Arceus, it seemed that the “Fairy Tablet” would be lent to him for a while.

With the “Fairy Tablet” as an aid, Froslass and Machamp’s strength would likely see a short-term surge, at least reaching the level of a typical champion’s ace Pokémon.

Even if they were especially compatible, they might even surpass Gengar in the future.

Cough.

Next were Bearish and Blaziken.

Both could “transform,” so their combat strength varied.

On paper, they might just barely reach the champion level, a tier below Machamp and Dragonite.

But considering their versatility, if they faced a compatible opponent, the outcome would be uncertain.

Moreover, both Bearish and Blaziken possessed Aura and were easily influenced by emotions.

Truly explosive.

To dare raise a fist against a legendary Pokémon.

Not to mention, Thicklipuku is considered a "Mythical Beast."

And Blastoise.

Its current strength is hard to pinpoint.

Recently, since its evolution, Blastoise has been the one with the fastest and most significant growth in power.

Under the influence of Groudon, the Earth Tablet fragment, and the Scarlet Orb fragment, combined with being the only Mega user besides Gengar and the only weather user besides Froslass, its tactical role is almost clear.

In the short term, reaching the champion level shouldn’t be a problem.

So, for this Champion’s Path, Jinghe plans to have Thicklipuku, Blaziken, and Blastoise take on more responsibility and gain more experience.

He hopes to further enhance Thicklipuku and Blaziken’s strength and stabilize Blastoise’s power at the champion level.

After all, with Gengar included, everyone has been working extra hard since Jinghe “died” once.

The main issue, and the biggest obstacle to their progress, is nutrition. This is the major challenge Jinghe needs to address.

As for the last one, the tsundere little snake, Snivy, who has been with him the shortest time.

Its talent, especially in intelligence, is so remarkable that even Jinghe, who has seen Gengar and Froslass, can’t help but be amazed.

The only problem might be that it hasn’t evolved.

Jinghe still hasn’t fully figured out why Snivy hasn’t evolved.

However, in the absence of any major events, Jinghe plans to think deeply about it and have a heart-to-heart talk with Snivy to understand the situation.

Snivy has talent, effort, and nutrition; it’s all there.

If it evolves, its strength might surge even faster than Blastoise’s current rapid growth.

Of course, if Snivy doesn’t want to evolve, Jinghe won’t force it.

It’s nice that it hasn’t evolved; the little tsundere can still be cuddled and rubbed occasionally. Who knows what kind of tsundere it would become as a Serperior.

Jinghe always respects the wishes of his Pokémon.

Besides, not evolving doesn’t mean it can’t progress or grow.

Red Pikachu, Ash’s Pikachu, didn’t evolve into Raichu, but its strength didn’t suffer, did it?

It might just require more, perhaps double, the effort.

Jinghe isn’t afraid of that, and if it’s Snivy’s choice, Snivy won’t be afraid either.

While making these mental calculations, he also joked around with Genji.

The old Elite Four member said earnestly:

“It’s up to you. Let us know when you’re ready. But the sooner, the better.”

Genji almost had “I’m retiring” written on his face.

He thought he’d have to wait for Da Wu, maybe a year or two, but unexpectedly, things turned out well.

As for what happens when Jinghe becomes champion and Da Wu steps down.

Hmm.

Does Genji not understand Jinghe’s thoughts?

If this guy can “persist” for two years, even if he aims for it,

In the end, Da Wu will still take over.

A student succeeding a teacher is a beautiful story.

The Galar region has a similar tradition.

At that time, Wally can also be “promoted” to take over for Da Wu.

Perfect!

As an old-generation Elite Four member, Genji has never felt as optimistic about Johto’s future as he does now.

“By the way.”

After being happy for a while, Genji suddenly remembered the real reason he came to see Jinghe.

“You and Kanto’s Giovanni—”

Jinghe’s expression turned serious. He pursed his lips and, after a moment’s thought, prepared to give a brief account of his acquaintance with Giovanni.

He skillfully omitted the fact that he recognized Giovanni as the leader of Team Rocket.

After all, he and Giovanni had maintained a tacit understanding for so long, all in preparation for this moment.

After hearing Jinghe’s account, Genji finally understood.

They had known each other since then.

Just in a “doctor-patient” relationship.

He thought Jinghe still didn’t know Giovanni’s identity.

After realizing that Jinghe wasn’t deceived or manipulated, he thought for a moment and decided not to tell Jinghe for now.

After all, once Jinghe completes the Champion’s Path and attends two meetings at the Champion League as the Sinnoh champion, he’ll find out.

Jinghe doesn’t have the authority to know yet.

Thinking about it, with Jinghe’s “little fox” mind, being duped and used is highly unlikely.

More likely, the tables will be turned.

Fortunately, the worst-case scenario didn’t happen, and he received a tremendous piece of good news, so Genji’s mood improved.

“Don’t get too involved with this person.”

Genji still gave a warning.

After a moment’s thought, he added:

“However, Giovanni’s strength and abilities are considerable. If you can learn more about Pokémon from him, it could be beneficial.”

Surprisingly,

Although Genji is wary of Giovanni’s identity,

Giovanni, however, seemed to have a high regard for Jinghe's strength and abilities.

After a brief warning, he moved on to the second matter.

"Head of the League asked me to check if there's anything you urgently need", Genji inquired.

Given the significant events in the desert city of the Castelia region, while there was nothing to reward, not offering some form of compensation wouldn't be right.

Jinghe picked up his coffee and glanced at Genji.

"Others might not know what I lack, but you, old man, should be well aware."

"Ha ha—kid." Genji was taken aback for a moment before bursting into laughter, pointing at Jinghe.

Indeed, as the legendary "Reimbursement King", could Genji really be unaware of what the "Reimbursement Man" needed?

The old fox looking at the young fox was like looking in a mirror.

However, converting everything into cash was impossible.

After all, with cash, there was no fixed amount; how much would be enough as a reward?

But after their conversation, Genji had a better idea.

"Your island must be lacking quite a bit, right?"

Jinghe's eyes lit up slightly at the mention of his island.

Starting anything is always the hardest part.

Building the island was currently the most challenging phase, requiring a significant initial investment. Once the island was fully constructed, it would provide long-term benefits for Jinghe.

If the League could take on a significant portion of the costs, that would be ideal.

After all, with the current strength of his Pokémon, the League could hardly provide much in terms of materials or items that would greatly benefit them.

At most, they could let his Pokémon treat "evolution stones" like candy, but that would be costly and yield minimal returns.

However, if the resources were used for the island, such as establishing a "Simulated Ecosystem Area", which Jinghe couldn't manage alone, the League might be able to help.

If he had to pay for it himself, it would be a massive expense.

There were also things like the hot springs Gengar wanted or the rock mountains Blastoise needed.

"Still, the old man knows me well."

Jinghe smiled and refilled Genji's teacup. The coffee shop didn't serve tea, but this tea was made by our Ghost, using precious ginseng ground into powder.

Genji shook his head with a smile.

"By the way, how's the reconstruction in Hoenn coming along?"

They then briefly discussed some issues regarding Johto's development and construction, but not in great detail.

After all, Genji wasn't responsible for these matters, and even if he knew a lot, it was primarily the responsibility of Elite Four member Bony.

As for Jinghe, he was even less knowledgeable about construction and development.

It was evident that having figures like Bony, Wushou, Ayame, and Doracena in each region was essential.

Genji stayed in the coffee shop for about an hour, chatting with Jinghe, before leaving.

Although the majority of the upper echelons of Team Magma and Team Aqua had been taken down by the Ancient Duo, these organizations still caused minor issues.

Genji didn't want to sit in the Hoenn League headquarters like Bony, so he preferred to travel around to handle various matters.

Fortunately, he enjoyed traveling.

Before leaving, he said to Jinghe,

"If you can contact Groudon and Kyogre, try to soothe them and determine their locations."

The Ancient Duo of Hoenn was a potential threat. If their resting places or active areas could be identified, the League could send people to isolate them, reducing the risk of conflict.

Shortly after Genji left, Mewtwo, wearing a large black robe and carrying a basket and several bags, entered with a stern expression.

"Back already?"

Jinghe smiled when he noticed Mewtwo.

Mewtwo paused, nodded slightly, and said nothing.

"Rotom and the others are preparing in the kitchen."

Seeing Mewtwo's "I've suffered, I need to calm down" demeanor, Jinghe couldn't help but laugh.

Mewtwo glanced at him, still silent, and walked toward the kitchen.

As soon as Mewtwo entered, three heads poked out from the door.

The top one was Darkrai, the middle one was the chubby Gengar, and the bottom one was the sneaky Machamp.

Considering Mewtwo might encounter unexpected situations while buying groceries, Jinghe had assigned these three to "watch over" him.

However, it seemed they had done little of their assigned task and had instead suggested numerous ingredients they liked.

Jinghe saw lamb chops, beef, and curry in Mewtwo's basket—favorites of Gengar, Darkrai, and Machamp, respectively.

"Misstep, misstep", Jinghe shook his head.

But there was nothing he could do.

Who could blame them for being so good at "hiding"?

Fortunately, everything went smoothly.

This was part of the human plan to integrate Mewtwo.

At least

Mewtwo buying groceries was much more reliable than Gengar, who would likely bring back a live, electric sheep if given the task.

"Hey, Teacher Jinghe, what's for dinner tonight?"

Not long after Mewtwo returned, a sweaty Daiya also came back.

It looks like Daiya spent quite some time at the Battle Park in Canalave City, or perhaps he went to the free training grounds at the Pokémon Center.

Jinghe gave Daiya a disapproving glare.

He didn't often freeload, but Daiya had truly given him a lesson.

He had seen people who freeload, but never someone who did it so boldly.

"Are you not going back to Sinnoh?" Jinghe asked.

Daiya tilted his head and scratched the back of his neck.

"Hey, there's nothing to do back in Sinnoh. The people here are great, they speak nicely, and they love battling. I don't plan on going back for now. I'll stay a few more days."

He chuckled, showing no hint of embarrassment.

Daiya had made a name for himself by single-handedly holding off Palkia. Some of the more skilled trainers in Canalave City, upon learning it was him, lined up to challenge him.

Daiya was enjoying the "battle high" immensely.

Seeing his enthusiasm, Jinghe was speechless.

Look at this, how could Wuson not be exhausted?

It would be a miracle if he wasn't.

Suddenly, Jinghe's eyes twinkled, and he flashed a mischievous grin, much like Gengar's.

"Alright."

He finished the last of his coffee in one gulp. "I have something to do tomorrow and need your help."

Daiya became unusually cautious, his eyes narrowing as he asked, "What is it?"

"It's not a big deal", Jinghe waved it off, his smile growing more peculiar.

It would be a shame not to put such boundless energy to good use.

The island development was about to begin.

Sending Daiya to the island would be like having four or five people in one. Plus, he could call it "training", which would be perfect.

Freeloading?

Sure, why not?

He'd be working anyway.

You might gain something, but we definitely won't lose.

Ideally, we should aim to wrap everything up before the end of summer, and everything will be perfect.

Gradually, Jinghe's life returned to a peaceful routine. He threw himself into daily training and island development.

He would wake up at eight in the morning, go for a morning run, prepare breakfast, play with his Pokémon, and do some basic training. Before he knew it, it was noon.

After lunch, they would take a one-hour nap, then head to the island for further development and some "advanced" training.

The island, at this point, was mostly just dirt and grass.

The island's foundation, thanks to Jinghe's request, had been made incredibly solid by Groudon. As long as they didn't go overboard, there wouldn't be much destruction.

This so-called "advanced" training was straightforward.

Jinghe and Rotom would set daily, weekly, and monthly training plans, and Ghastly would lead the team. The little Pokémon were quite self-motivated, almost to the point of internal competition.

As for Jinghe himself:

He would read to expand his knowledge, ensure the energy supply, and provide guidance during specific training sessions. Other than that, there wasn't much to do.

This was a true recovery period after the Desert City incident.

In the evening, he would bring everyone back and start preparing dinner, buying groceries, running the shop, and serving customers. Mewtwo was gradually getting involved and learning these tasks.

After dinner, he would call Hiruna, then play and fool around with his Pokémon.

For example:

They would play Pokémon poker.

But often, these games would lead to all sorts of hilarious mishaps.

Like Gengar "accidentally" sitting on the cards, Blastoise "accidentally" eating the cards, Froslass "accidentally" freezing the cards into powder, and Blaziken "accidentally" burning the cards.

Such incidents were endless.

However, no matter what happened, in the end, everyone would burst into laughter.

Another example was playing games Jinghe had come up with, like "Rayquaza Flight Chess", "Pokémon Mahjong", and "Rich Man Gengar." These games always ended in a similar way.

In short:

It didn't matter what they played, as long as everyone had fun.

After the games, they would either watch a movie together, take a bath, go for a walk, or do some other leisurely activities.

The last activity before bed was always the same—Jinghe's storytelling session.

This was more engaging than watching TV or movies.

Every night, everyone, including Mewtwo, would gather around Jinghe's bed, listening to his stories.

Some stories Jinghe remembered, but others he had to make up on the spot.

Sometimes, he would forget parts of the story, and the little Pokémon would point it out.

In the end:

Most of the stories, thanks to the Pokémon's constant interruptions, would become a mess.

But it felt like they were all collaborating, creating one story after another.

These were stories that only Jinghe and his Pokémon understood.

Jinghe and the Pokémon didn't mind this. Instead, he had Rotom record everything.

When he had some free time or enough material, Jinghe planned to compile these stories into a book.

He didn't need a grand title—just "Our Story."

A typical day like this:

Wouldn't end until Gengar turned off the lights.

---

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end