Chapter 697: Agreed to Take It Slow, But Directly Challenging?

Chapter 697: Agreed to Take It Slow, But Directly Challenging?

On the playground of the Alola Pokémon School.

Lillie, Kahili, Mamane, Wai’anae, and Ma’o, the five new students, stood in a row.

"Let's start with a simple self-introduction", Professor Kukui said.

Among the five, Wai’anae and Ma’o were acquainted with Jinghe, Male. They had met and added him as a contact during a fishing competition in the Sinnoh region’s Waterfall City.

Energetic Ma’o was just about to introduce herself first when the dark-skinned Kahili rushed to the front, clenching his fists with a fiery determination.

"Teacher Jinghe, Male! I’m Kahili from Akala Island, and I hope to battle you, Teacher!"

Kahili’s gaze was intense, showing no fear.

Behind him, Mamane and Ma’o both facepalmed.

"Here he goes again..."

Jinghe, Male watched Kahili with interest.

First, he saw the Alolan form of Professor Oak, and now the Alolan form of Leaf?

Alola truly is a wondrous place.

"Alright", Jinghe, Male nodded.

"Huh?" × 4

The other four students exclaimed in surprise.

Even Professor Kukui looked at Jinghe, Male with some surprise.

Jinghe, Male smiled. "Well, as a teacher, it’s been a long time since a student has challenged me."

He beckoned to Kahili.

"Come on."

With his current strength, teaching a regular Trainer would be no issue. Even a Gym Leader could be taught. A spontaneous battle wouldn’t hurt.

Kahili didn’t notice Professor Kukui’s odd expression and immediately took out a Poké Ball, throwing it with great momentum.

"Go, Blastoise!"

Blastoise, the Blast Turtle Pokémon, is a Fire and Dragon-type Pokémon. Its appearance resembles a turtle, but its shell and the plate on its head are hexagonal, with a red and yellow pattern that looks like it’s on fire.

A Fire and Dragon-type Pokémon...

Jinghe, Male's fingers brushed across the Poké Balls at his waist, finally settling on Snivy’s.

This one, then. The others might be a bit too overpowered.

"Go, Snivy!"

"Hiss~!"

Compared to the large and imposing Blastoise, which looked like it was burning intensely, Snivy’s entrance seemed rather “weak.”

"Grass-type Snivy!" Ma’o’s eyes lit up.

"It’s one of the Unova region’s starter Pokémon, Serperior’s initial form", Professor Kukui helpfully explained to Kahili and the others, though his expression became even more peculiar.

There was a rumor online that Teacher Jinghe, Male deliberately kept a starter Pokémon to handle the Junior Cup.

Now it seemed...

Snivy? Grass?

Kahili looked at Jinghe, Male with some surprise.

He didn’t understand why Teacher Jinghe, Male would summon such a “weak” Pokémon, and it was even a Grass-type. Was he planning to go easy on them?

This made Kahili feel instantly slighted, as if he was being looked down upon.

"Hiss!"

Snivy crossed its arms, giving Kahili and Blastoise a disdainful look, as if it found them unworthy. This made Kahili even angrier.

Damn!

Disrespected right from the start?

"Blastoise, Flamethrower!" Kahili’s anger was almost palpable.

Just as the Flamethrower was about to hit, a whirlwind of leaves swept in, instantly engulfing the Flamethrower.

Jinghe, Male’s calm voice then echoed.

"Leaf Storm."

Boom!!

Leaves obscured the sky, and the whirlwind raged on. Kahili and Blastoise seemed to be in a green sea.

Those seemingly delicate leaves left a mark on Blastoise’s shell with just a single swipe.

Kahili: "."

The leaves dispersed.

Kahili’s Blastoise was lying on the ground, its eyes spinning.

"One-hit KO? Grass against Fire?" Mamane exclaimed.

"Kahili’s Blastoise is quadruple-resistant to Grass moves, right?" Ma’o whispered, pulling back a bit.

"Hiss~"

Snivy pouted, flicking its tail lightly, its eyes looking down.

Is that all?

You were shouting so loud, but you’re not that impressive.

Kahili: "."

"Don’t be discouraged", Jinghe, Male patted Kahili’s shoulder, smiling. "After all, I’m your teacher."

He was about to say that he was at least a Champion-level Trainer, but considering he hadn’t yet achieved that status, his role as a teacher seemed more reliable.

Smack!

Wai’anae’s fist hit her palm, realizing something.

"Kahili, Teacher Jinghe, Male is treating you like a kid."

Kahili: "."

"Cough." Jinghe, Male cleared his throat. "It’s alright. I did this to show you that Pokémon battles aren’t just about attacking. Sometimes, defense is more important than offense."

It was just that Blastoise had too many openings. Otherwise, even if Snivy combined Leaf Storm with the whirlwind, it wouldn’t have been so easy to KO Blastoise.

"Defense?" Kahili repeated, dazed.

A gentle fist tapped his chest.

"Cheer up, Kahili."

Kahili looked up, meeting Jinghe, Male’s encouraging gaze. He froze, then his eyes lit up again.

Teacher Jinghe, Male was guiding him! Helping him find his weaknesses! This was the path to becoming stronger.

"Sure thing, Teacher Jinghe!" Kahi clenched his fists and exclaimed with enthusiasm.

Jinghe let out a sigh of relief in his heart.

Just now, he had treated Kahi as if he were Alolan Leaf, and his moves had been a bit too heavy-handed. Fortunately, Kahi had a bit of Leaf's never-give-up spirit.

So it was all Leaf's fault!

That was right, he could add another mark against Leaf.

The chubby little Mamane shrank back a bit.

No wonder he had managed to beat his cousin Maruin in a match; his strength was indeed terrifying. With just a single unevolved starter Pokémon, and despite the four times resistance, he had managed to take out Kahi's Blastoise in one hit.

Noticing Professor Kukui's gaze fall on him, Mamane stepped forward and said, "I'm Mamane. I like computers and electrical devices. This is my partner, Togedemaru. He's a great friend!"

As he spoke, Mamane held up his Pikachu, Togedemaru, and regained some of his composure.

Jinghe nodded and said gently, "I know you. Your cousin Maruin and I are good friends."

Mamane breathed a silent sigh of relief and subtly patted his chest.

Thank goodness, it was another "acquaintance." No problem then.

"Teacher Jinghe, I'm Ma’o", Ma’o said with her usual energetic smile. "My dream is to take over my family's restaurant and make delicious food that brings happiness to everyone!"

"Then we should definitely find a chance to discuss it together", Jinghe said with a smile.

Another extraordinary individual. If things went as expected, Ma’o would eventually adopt a Shaymin that was deeply attached to Giratina.

"My turn."

When it was Wai’anae's turn, although she was the closest to Jinghe among the group, she still couldn't help but feel a bit shy and timid.

"My dream is to catch Groudon!"

Wai’anae mustered her courage and shouted out her dream for the first time in front of so many people.

Everyone was taken aback.

That was Groudon!

A Mythical Beast from the ancient era, the embodiment of the ocean.

But while everyone thought Wai’anae was joking, Jinghe took her seriously and affirmed, "You can do it. If it's you, you definitely can."

Wai’anae's cheeks immediately turned red.

Jinghe's affirmation not only eased her nervousness but also boosted her confidence.

Meanwhile, Jinghe thought that Groudon always lost arguments to Groudon because Groudon couldn't fly, which was always pointed out and attacked by Groudon.

Groudon would probably be happy to have a blemish, like being caught by a little girl with a fishing rod, to even things out.

Jinghe nodded to himself.

Indeed, ever since meeting Gigalith, he had come to understand the "Way of Balance" more and more.

As for Lillie, there was no need for much introduction, as she had already been introduced earlier.

Actually, there was no need for Wai’anae and Ma’o either, but Ma’o was more outgoing, while Wai’anae wanted to use this opportunity to express her dream.

"Alright."

After the introductions, Professor Kukui clapped his hands to draw everyone's attention and said, "Get to know Teacher Jinghe a bit more. Remember to attend the festival in Lillipup Town tonight."

"Sure!" ×5

"Festival?" Jinghe was taken aback and looked at Professor Kukui in confusion.

Kukui scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly, "I forgot to tell you. Today is also the 'Full Moon Festival' on Melemele Island, to thank the 'Moon Deity' for its blessings on Alola."

The "Full Moon Festival" was actually an ancient Alolan ritual to summon the "Moon Deity", Lunala. The title "Lunar Beast" for Lunala also comes from this.

However, with the passage of time and the changes in history, Lunala hasn't been seen again, but the ritual has been preserved and is now known as the "Full Moon Festival."

After listening to Professor Kukui's brief explanation, Jinghe looked thoughtful.

"During the festival, battles will naturally take place, as that guy loves the excitement", Kukui added.

"Battles?"

The five young trainers looked puzzled.

Kukui didn't explain further, just said, "I'll go make some arrangements."

Then he quickly walked away.

Melemele Island.

The azure sea lapped at the shore, and the palm trees rustled in the breeze.

"Are you sure this is the right way?"

Jesse stopped at the edge of the forest, looking at the dense and ominous-looking trees, and swallowed hard before asking.

"We finally managed to finish our quick shoot and get here. We have to make a good profit at the 'Full Moon Festival' this time!"

Misty was full of enthusiasm.

"Actually, what I meant was—"

Jesse pointed to a sign at the edge of the forest that read: "Caution: Bears!"

Meowth held a mysterious navigation device. "This is the shortest route to Lillipup Town. If we don't take it, we won't make it in time for the festival, meow~"

"Sure, sure! ∠(°ゝ°)"

"Why are you afraid of a little thing like a bear? We're the evil Team Rocket!"

Misty led the way, striding confidently down the forest path.

Jesse shrank back, but despite his worries, he couldn't resist Misty's "authority" and had to follow quickly.

"Our boss wants us to expand our business. If we can earn enough funds, we can open a shop in Alola."

"Promotion! Raise!"

"Such a great feeling~!"

"Sure, sure! ∠(°ゝ°)"

Melemele Island, Lillipup Town.

A town with a long history, located in the heart of Melemele Island.

Although Hau'oli City was the most developed and bustling city on the island, Lillipup Town was always the first choice for celebrations, pilgrimages, and other ancient traditions.

Crack—

Amid the orange campfire, sparks danced, their warm, yellowish glow dispelling the darkness and complementing the bright moon in the night sky.

Thump! Thump-thump—

Two Alolan Darumaka, wielding bone clubs with eerie blue flames, beat the drums with a rhythmic cadence that made everyone want to dance.

A bounty of ripe fruits piled up on the central stage of the town, where the residents of Melemele Island held hands, singing and dancing to celebrate the “Full Moon,” worshipping the great “Moon Deity.”

Of course, this was a modern celebration. Apart from the stage, the town square was filled with various stalls, offering goldfish scooping, ice cream, cotton candy, and more.

This was exactly what his Pokémon loved the most, wasn’t it?

"Behave", Jinghe reminded his Pokémon, not restricting them too much.

He expanded his Aura, enveloping the entire celebration stage.

Tapu Koko was interested in the celebration; perhaps he could find it now.

However, Jinghe was clearly overthinking it. His Aura didn’t detect Tapu Koko’s presence.

"Awooo~"

Nine-Tails curled its tail and handed over an ice cream.

"Thank you." Jinghe smiled and petted it a couple of times.

"Awooo~"

Another tail of Nine-Tails extended toward Lillie, who was standing behind, looking very nervous.

The festival was filled with Pokémon, and for someone like Lillie, who was afraid of Pokémon, just being here was a huge act of courage.

Suddenly seeing Nine-Tails offer her an ice cream and extend its tail, Lillie froze in place again.

Jinghe patted Nine-Tails, took the ice cream, and handed it to Lillie himself.

Nine-Tails looked at Lillie with a puzzled expression, seemingly realizing that she was afraid of it, and obediently walked away.

Only when Nine-Tails had moved a good distance away did Lillie gradually relax and take the ice cream from Jinghe, whispering, "T-Thank you."

"You're welcome." Jinghe smiled warmly.

Lillie quietly licked the ice cream and suddenly said, "Mr. Jinghe, am I useless?"

"What do you mean?" Jinghe took a bite of his ice cream, finding it quite different from the ones made by the Team Rocket trio.

"I... I’m afraid of Pokémon." Lillie’s head drooped.

Actually, Jinghe had a straightforward and simple way to help Lillie "heal."

That was through Hypnosis, forcing her to forget the traumatic experience.

But this method felt a bit manipulative, crossing Jinghe’s moral boundaries.

Growth comes from overcoming difficulties, not erasing them. Otherwise, even if she got through this one, there would be more challenges ahead, and Jinghe couldn’t be by her side all the time.

"Many people like Pokémon, and many don’t. If you’re afraid of Pokémon, then it’s best to avoid them", Jinghe said gently.

Lillie was taken aback, staring at Jinghe in surprise.

"What’s wrong?" Jinghe smiled.

Lillie shook her head.

"Nothing, it’s just... Mr. Jinghe, you’re the first person to say that to me. Others... think I can try to get closer and overcome my fear."

"What do you think?" Jinghe asked.

"I..."

Before Lillie could say much, Jinghe continued, "I think, deep down, you actually like Pokémon. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have become Professor Kukui’s assistant and scored full marks in the Pokémon basics test."

Lillie was silent.

To be honest, she was also confused.

As Jinghe said, if she didn’t like Pokémon, she could have avoided anything related to them, let alone become Professor Kukui’s assistant and strive to learn about Pokémon.

But... she just couldn’t overcome the instinctive fear that came with being near Pokémon.

Lillie’s condition was actually a post-traumatic stress response.

If she had received timely support and comfort from her family, it might not have become so severe.

But Zao Bo’s secrecy and her mother Lusamine’s indifference only amplified the trauma, making it increasingly uncontrollable.

Jinghe spoke again.

"I can help you, but first, you need to be clear: do you like Pokémon but instinctively fear them, or do you genuinely dislike Pokémon from the inside out?"

Lillie stopped walking.

She stood there, struggling with her thoughts.

Her gaze swept across the festival, looking at the cute Togedemaru, the gentle Nine-Tails, the joyful Gallop, and the stern Fearow.

Suddenly, she looked up, her face flushed, and stared directly into Jinghe’s eyes, saying very seriously, "Mr. Jinghe, I like Pokémon! I really, really like them!"

She didn’t hesitate for long, and the answer was clear and firm.

She wanted to ride on Pokémon, to cuddle with cute Pokémon, and to share her joys and sorrows with them.

She envied others, truly envied them.

So she knew what she wanted.

Jinghe smiled.

"Let’s go, the battle at the festival is starting."

On the festival stage, trainers had already begun their battles.

Every festival included battles, not just in Alola, but throughout the entire Pokémon world.

They arrived at the stage for the festival.

Two young trainers were currently battling on the stage.

"Not bad", Jinghe, Male commented after watching for a few seconds, nodding in approval.

"That’s Hau, the grandson of Island Kahili", Professor Kukui said with a smile.

Hau?

Jinghe, Male was suddenly enlightened.

Hau was the champion who succeeded Professor Kukui in the game Pokémon Ultra Sun/Moon, becoming the second champion of the Alola League.

Though it was in Alola, the fact that he could become champion undoubtedly marked him as a highly talented individual.

Before long, Hau had already secured victory in the battle.

Professor Kukui turned to Jinghe, Male.

"Professor Jinghe, are you ready?"

Jinghe, Male looked up and met the gaze of the Island Kahili, the King of Akala Island, and smiled slightly.

"Of course."

Professor Kukui chuckled and strode onto the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen!"

His voice immediately captured everyone's attention.

"Next, let’s welcome the King of Melemele Island, Island Kahili!"

A loud cheer erupted from the audience.

The Island King was the representative of the island, a powerful being who protected the entire island, and it was no surprise that he was immensely popular.

"Island Kahili is actually going to appear on stage during this festival?"

"Wow! It’s worth it to attend this festival and see Island Kahili in action! I wonder who will be his opponent."

"Could it be Ilima? I heard he just returned to Alola recently."

"Ilima? That’s not impossible, but I wonder how long Ilima can hold up against Island Kahili."

Ilima was a renowned genius on Melemele Island, the first graduate of the Pokémon School, who had gained considerable fame and strength from his travels and challenges.

Professor Kukui soon revealed the "answer."

"Next, let’s welcome Professor Jinghe from Johto!"

The townspeople were momentarily stunned, then began to whisper among themselves, while Jinghe, Male’s five students cheered loudly.

"Professor Jinghe?!" Hau, the grandson of Island Kahili, gaped and nudged the boy beside him, who was holding a book.

"Ilima, is this the Professor Jinghe you mentioned, the one who defeated Mythical Pokémon?"

Ilima, who had just returned to Melemele Island, nodded solemnly.

"Exactly!"

He had once battled Professor Jinghe, and he wondered how much the gap between them had grown over time.

Hau smacked his lips. "Oh no, Grandpa is in trouble."

Ilima glanced at his good friend.

Was it right to say that about your own grandfather?

While Island Kahili and Ilima were familiar with Jinghe, Male, most of the townspeople didn’t know much about him.

News in Alola was still quite slow to spread.

Jinghe, Male and Island Kahili stood on opposite sides of the stage, smiling and nodding to each other in greeting.

"Ha ha ha, Professor Jinghe, I didn’t expect to face a Fighting Master like you. I’m really looking forward to this!" Island Kahili laughed heartily, his eyes crinkling.

"Island Kahili, it’s an honor to battle the King of the Island."

Jinghe, Male bowed slightly, showing respect to the elder trainer.

"I heard you want to meet Tapu Koko?"

"Yes."

Island Kahili’s smile widened. "That guy is indeed easily drawn to intense battles."

Jinghe, Male chuckled. "Even without a battle happening."

"Really?" Island Kahili was taken aback.

Through the Aura Jinghe, Male had spread, he could vaguely sense a mysterious force, moving at incredible speed, almost too fast for even the Aura to detect.

Who else could it be but Tapu Koko?

"Since that’s the case, let’s celebrate the 'Full Moon'!"

Island Kahili shouted and threw a Poké Ball.

"Show your strength, Crabominable!"

Jinghe, Male also threw his Premier Ball at the same time.

"Your turn, Thicklipuku!"

Two red beams of light flashed, and a Pokémon appeared before Island Kahili: a snow-white, crab-like Pokémon with huge pincers, Crabominable!

Crabominable is the evolved form of Crabrawler. It is said that Crabrawler, aiming to reach the summit, accidentally climbed a snowy mountain and, to withstand the cold, grew thick white fur.

Bang bang—

The two powerful, massive pincers clashed, producing a heavy thud.

"Snorezzz"

Thicklipuku’s eyes were closed, its snot bubbles expanding and contracting, but its movements were not slow at all as it assumed a battle stance.

Only those proficient in martial arts could see that, despite appearing to be asleep, Thicklipuku’s movements were flawless!

The townspeople were once again stunned.

What kind of Pokémon is this?

It looks like it’s still sleeping?

Professor Kukui, still on the stage, briefly introduced Thicklipuku to the townspeople.

"Mythical Pokémon?!"

The crowd was in an uproar.

It was actually a Mythical Pokémon, and it came from the distant Galar region.

This made many of the residents, who didn’t know much about Professor Jinghe, subconsciously label him as "powerful" and made them even more excited about the festival battle.

If the goal was to attract Tapu Koko with a battle and curiosity, then the rarer the Pokémon, the better the effect.

Moreover, Island Kahili was a renowned expert in Fighting-type Pokémon, and there was no better choice than Thicklipuku.

"Crabominable, be careful, the opponent is strong!" Elder Hala grinned, his fighting spirit high, but he didn't forget to remind his Pokémon.

Bang bang!!

Crabominable swung its fists, displaying the determination and courage it had shown while climbing Mount Lanakila.

The battle officially began with mutual understanding!

"Crabominable, close combat!" Hala shouted, his palms pushing forward with the force of a tidal wave, initiating the first attack.

Crabominable's fists glowed with a sudden bright white light as it charged straight at Thicklipuku, its fists seeming to shatter mountains and rocks!

"Thicklipuku, see through it!" Jinghe, Male calmly commanded.

"Rrzzz"

Thicklipuku didn't retreat at all in the face of the charging Crabominable. Though it appeared to be sleeping, its Aura had already spread, making Crabominable's attack completely visible.

Bang!

Raising its hand to deflect, lifting its knee to block, sidestepping to dodge, and advancing to press the attack, a series of dazzling movements and reactions actually managed to block and dodge Crabominable's fierce close combat.

The townspeople's eyes couldn't keep up, only hearing the "bang bang" sounds, unsure if any hits had landed.

"Exquisite martial arts!" Hala couldn't help but praise, but his commands didn't falter.

"Stomp!"

With its close combat attacks fully blocked, the power of the Stomp move would be doubled!

Although it seemed like Crabominable was at a disadvantage, the Stomp move would further put Thicklipuku on the defensive.

There was no way to avoid it.

So there was no need to avoid it!

"Close combat!" Jinghe, Male said in a deep voice.

Counterattack!!

"Haha! That's great!" Hala was delighted; he rarely encountered an opponent that made him feel so exhilarated.

Boom!!

In an instant.

The festival stage exploded, the ground shaking violently as large rocks shattered.

This time, it wasn't us who damaged the venue. The thought flashed through Jinghe, Male's mind as Thicklipuku took the Stomp, and its fist landed on Crabominable.

Bang!!

Just one punch made Crabominable feel an intense pain and a powerful impact.

But this was just the first punch of the close combat!

Crabominable couldn't withstand this entire close combat!

Both Jinghe, Male and Hala were well aware of this.

But since he chose to counter, he must have been prepared.

"Crabominable, show our full strength!"

Hala's laughter grew more boisterous. He planted his feet firmly, squinted eyes suddenly opening, and his fists clenched and released in one fluid motion.

The Z-Ring he wore instantly emitted a golden light, enveloping him.

Whoosh!!

The crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

It was the Island Chief's Z-Move!

They hadn't seen the Island Chief fight at full strength in so long.

The golden aura enveloping Hala surged into Crabominable's body, further enhancing its power.

Its fists glowed with a fierce light!

Hala roared, "Dynamic Punch!!"

In an instant.

Thicklipuku's descending fist was blocked by the surging aura, and Crabominable's claws deflected its punch.

The difference between having a Z-Ring and not, between performing a Z-Move and not, was indeed significant.

Jinghe, Male's eyes narrowed, and he shouted, "Thicklipuku!"

Pop!

The bubble burst, and Thicklipuku's closed eyes suddenly opened, a similarly unstoppable momentum surging forth.

"Rrzz!!"

The deflected punch immediately flowed like a continuous stream of water, unbreakable!

But beyond the continuous flow, it also added a penetrating force.

"The combination of the Combo and One-Hit Mastery!" Hala's eyes lit up with admiration. Only a martial artist like him understood the difficulty of combining two such techniques.

No, besides Hala, there was one other person who saw clearly: Professor Kukui.

"Combo One-Hit Mastery?"

He marveled, "Jinghe, Male is almost ready to establish his own school!"

"Crabominable, show your spirit!" Hala clenched his fists.

"Take it down, Thicklipuku!" Jinghe, Male's emotions were also stirred.

Boom!!

Their fists collided, and the ground beneath the Pokémon's feet exploded, the aura surging wildly, forming two opposing currents.

They were evenly matched?!

However.

This move was Crabominable's all, but Thicklipuku's punch was just the beginning.

In the next second.

Bullets of fists rained down like a storm, Thicklipuku's aura continuously swelling.

Bang!!

The final punch landed.

Crabominable was sent flying, crashing into the ground and creating a large crater, losing its ability to battle!

This scene was so shocking that everyone stood with their mouths open, unable to speak.

"Hala, Chief Hala lost?"

"That terrifying punch..."

But Hala, after a moment of surprise, burst into laughter again:

"Hahaha—impressive, truly impressive. The combination of Combo and One-Hit Mastery is astounding; I have lost!"

He accepted his defeat very calmly.

"Rrzz!!" Thicklipuku spread its arms and roared, stunning the entire audience.

Such a battle should be...

Hmm?

Jinghe, Male's expression changed slightly.

Through his Aura, he sensed an abnormal spatial fluctuation and looked in that direction immediately.

He saw a distorted black hole slowly appearing.

Jinghe, Male: "..."

Tapu Koko didn't show up, but an Ultra Wormhole did?

Wasn't the disaster always a step behind me?

It's right in my face?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end