Chapter 698: How Much Does It Cost to Keep a Mosquito?

Chapter 698: How Much Does It Cost to Keep a Mosquito? (Two-in-One, Requesting Monthly Votes!)

“What is that?”

The residents of Lillipup Town, still buzzing from the intense battle, were taken aback by the sudden appearance of a black hole in the sky.

“What is it?”

“A black hole?”

For most of Alola’s residents, the concept of Ultra Wormholes and Ultra Beasts was unknown.

But Jinghe, Dr. Kukui, and Hala were among the few who knew about them.

“How often is this happening now?” Dr. Kukui frowned.

His good friend, Dr. Burnet, the renowned expert on the Dream Seam, was currently researching Ultra Wormholes.

An Ultra Wormhole had appeared just yesterday at the Hau'oli City tourist beach. It shouldn’t be this frequent.

“Hau, take everyone to safety first,” Hala said, waving his hand with a stern voice.

As the Island Kahuna, protecting the residents of Melemele Island was his duty.

“Huh? Oh,” Hau, Hala’s grandson, was initially taken aback but quickly followed Hala’s instructions, working with Ilima to guide the residents around the festival grounds to safety.

“Lillie? Lillie, we need to back up! Lillie?” Kiawe and the others were preparing to retreat when they noticed Lillie standing frozen in fear.

Zzzt—

Suddenly, a faint arc of light flashed under the moonlight.

Just as Jinghe was about to speak, his Waveguide detected the peculiar electrical disturbance.

The three of them looked up at the night sky, where a black and yellow striped Pokémon with armored arms and a mohawk-like hairstyle, resembling a rooster, hovered beneath the moon, illuminated by the stars.

“Island Guardian?!” Hala exclaimed.

Dr. Kukui also showed a look of surprise.

Jinghe narrowed his eyes slightly.

Finally, they had seen it—the Island Guardian of Melemele Island, Tapu Fini!

Tapu Fini glanced at Jinghe, Dr. Kukui, and Hala, then shifted its gaze to the black hole in the sky.

There was no time for Jinghe to be stunned. The black hole, which had been dark, suddenly burst into a brilliant light, as if something was about to emerge.

The next moment, a massive, muscular red arm burst out of the Ultra Wormhole with a loud crash, as if shattering glass.

“It’s here!” Dr. Kukui shouted.

Then, a humanoid, giant red mosquito-like creature squeezed out of the Ultra Wormhole. Its body was covered in exaggerated, blood-red muscles, and a menacing, translucent stinger extended from its mouth. Its small, translucent wings fluttered as it landed heavily in the town.

Bang—

Seeing the creature, Jinghe couldn’t help but frown.

He had hoped it would be a relatively easier Ultra Beast like Nihilego, but it turned out to be one of the more powerful Ultra Beasts—Buzzwole!

While Ultra Beasts were ordinary creatures in their own world, not unlike Pokémon, and were not rare, it was certain that those capable of traversing Ultra Wormholes and resisting the spatial compression to reach the Pokémon world were incredibly powerful even in their own world.

From what was shown in the anime, Ultra Beasts like Guzzlord, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, and Xurkitree likely possessed strength comparable to that of Champion-level Pokémon.

“Buzz!” (‵‵)

Buzzwole slowly stood up from the ruins, striking a pose to show off its muscles, as if boasting or announcing its arrival.

If you didn’t know better, you might think it was a muscle-enhanced version of a Machamp.

As everyone watched this unknown creature with caution, Buzzwole scanned the area.

When it saw Thicklipuku standing beside Jinghe, its eyes lit up with a terrifying gleam, and it became particularly excited.

“Buzz!”

Without hesitation, it bent its four seemingly small legs and launched itself like a missile.

“Watch out!” Hala shouted first.

“Ruru!”

Thicklipuku immediately grabbed Jinghe and jumped back.

Boom!!

Buzzwole’s fist slammed into the ground, causing a violent tremor and sending rocks flying, creating a deep crater.

Incredibly powerful!

“Such strength.” Even Hala, the Island Kahuna specializing in Fighting-type Pokémon, couldn’t help but marvel at Buzzwole’s speed and power.

Buzzwole, missing its target, tried to find Thicklipuku again. Scanning the area, it spotted two Machamps responsible for setting up the festival, and its eyes lit up once more at the sight of their muscle lines.

Its orange, translucent wings flapped, and it sped towards the Machamps, then—

The two Machamps were lifted up like toys.

“Buzz~(д。)”

Buzzwole, finding it boring, dropped the two frightened Machamps on the ground.

It was hard to imagine that even Machamps, known for their strength, could be played with so easily, even if they weren’t battle-savvy.

“Dr. Kukui, Teacher Jinghe!” Mallow’s voice suddenly called out.

The five of them were trying to lead Lillie away, but she was trembling, her expression dark and frightened, unable to move on her own.

“What’s wrong, Lillie?” Dr. Kukui, who was helping to evacuate the crowd, ran over first.

“Put me down, Thicklipuku,” Jinghe said as he landed, looking at the terrified Lillie. “Dr. Kukui, please take care of them and lead them to safety.”

"But..."

Dr. Kukui glanced at the Buzzwole flexing its muscles in dissatisfaction. He thought about his current identity as a Pokémon professor rather than a royal mask-wearer, and then considered Teacher Jinghe's strength.

After a deep look at Jinghe, he said, "Alright!"

He immediately picked up Lillie and led the other four young Pokémon away from the town.

"Thicklipuku", Jinghe said, half-closing his eyes and calling out softly.

"Roo!"

Thicklipuku's eyes flashed with determination as it took a stance for a decisive strike, staring at the Buzzwole, which had also turned its gaze back.

As a Fighting-type Pokémon, Thicklipuku could sense the exaggerated strength of the Buzzwole, as well as a greater threat than the competitive Crabominable from Harahara Island.

But it showed no sign of retreating or fear. A gust of air surged beneath its feet, and its fur stood up naturally.

Hala, who was protecting the evacuation of the people, couldn't help but look over again.

As the king of the island, he had to ensure the safety of the island's residents first.

"Buzzwole! (˙o˙)"

The Buzzwole grew excited upon seeing Thicklipuku's stance, flexing its muscles and displaying its strength, as if showing off.

Buzzwole, the Bodybuilder Pokémon, has Bug and Fighting types, with an extremely exaggerated strength. It can absorb energy and combine it with its bodily fluids to make its muscles even more swollen, thereby increasing its own strength.

Although dangerous, it is not a "disaster" like Gyarados, provided its need to find strong Pokémon to battle is satisfied.

"Rotom, record this."

"Got it, Rotom!"

The Pokédex, which had already floated out, activated its recording and analysis functions, collecting information on this previously unseen creature and adding it to the database.

This was a task entrusted by Professor Oak.

"Build Up!" Jinghe glanced at Tapu Fini floating above and calmly gave the command.

"Roo!"

Thicklipuku growled, its muscle lines becoming more pronounced, and its aura rose.

"Buzzwole!"

Feeling the increased threat from Thicklipuku's rising aura, the Buzzwole immediately exerted its four legs, charging straight at Thicklipuku. Dark red Fighting-type energy gathered on its clenched fists.

"Block it!"

Bang!!

Thicklipuku crossed its arms, blocking the Buzzwole's punch.

As the punch landed, the Buzzwole's aura and fighting spirit rose even higher.

Bulk Up!

But Thicklipuku also gained a boost from the Build Up after blocking the attack.

"Thicklipuku, Dark Pulse!" Jinghe waved his hand.

"Roo!"

Thicklipuku's eyes flashed, and as the Buzzwole approached, it pulled back its fist like a taut bow, then unleashed it with irresistible force.

Black Dark energy intertwined with Fighting-type power, smashing into the Buzzwole's face.

But the next second.

Bang!!

The Buzzwole, mimicking Thicklipuku, crossed its arms in front of it, blocking the powerful punch.

The three arms transmitted terrifying force throughout its body, causing the ground beneath their feet to crack.

"Buzzwole!" Sensing Thicklipuku's strength, the Buzzwole's excitement could no longer be contained, and it broke into a happy, pleased smile.

Then its expression suddenly changed.

It flipped its hands and firmly grabbed Thicklipuku's arms.

A terrifying force erupted from the Buzzwole, and powerful Fighting-type energy surged.

Holding Thicklipuku's arms, its body suddenly spun, pressing against Thicklipuku as its powerful muscles tightened and it exerted force.

Power Whip!

Thicklipuku's feet left the ground, and its body flew into the air, tracing a beautiful arc.

Jinghe yelled, "Double Edge!"

Bang—!!

Thicklipuku was slammed into the ground, its back hitting the already shattered earth, causing a painful impact. The ground, which had already collapsed, cracked even more.

But before the Buzzwole could celebrate and release its grip on Thicklipuku, it felt a pair of steel-like arms counter its hold.

"Buzzwole?"

The Buzzwole was startled.

But the next moment, its body also soared into the air, tracing a parabolic arc, and landed heavily on the ground.

Boom!!

The entire town's ground shook violently.

The residents of Lillie Town, still evacuating, watched this scene in shock.

In the forest.

Boom, boom, boom—

"Wow, this is the celebration on Melemele Island? Such a commotion, there must be so many customers!" Butch, feeling the vibrations under his feet, imagined a crowd of people.

Those are people?

Those are clearly moving League Coins, moving funds!

"Hurry up, hurry up, Meowth!" Meowth rolled up its sleeves, "If we're late, all the customers will be gone!"

"Faithwarden! (∠°ゝ°)"

"Wait, wait! Is this really just the noise from a crowd?" Jessie, the more rational one, raised her doubt.

But with the trio against one, she had no chance to express her concerns. Butch, Meowth, and Faithwarden had already rushed out, leaving her no choice but to follow.

However.

When they finally pushed through the foliage, they saw

the Buzzwole suddenly perform a shoulder throw on Thicklipuku, and Thicklipuku retaliated with an even more powerful shoulder throw.

Boom!!

The entire town's ground shook again.

The trio’s faces immediately turned pale.

They gulped loudly.

"I-I think we should come back another time, another time to earn our funds?" Jessie stammered.

Is this the celebration of the Alola “Ancient Tribe”?

It’s way too intense!

"Agreed, agreed, meow!"

However.

As the trio turned around, they collided with a fluffy, dark object that wasn’t painful but rather very elastic.

"What the heck?!" Butch immediately shouted, irritated.

Then, the trio slowly raised their heads.

They saw a pink, fluffy, doll-like bear head.

It was none other than the Dedenne Jinghe had been longing for, dressed as a bear!

The Dedenne looked around the town, especially at the two Thicklipuku and Buzzwole that were colliding, then looked at the trio in front of it and nodded expressionlessly.

"Ruu~"

Then, it picked up Butch with one hand and Jessie and Meowth with the other.

"What, what’s going on?" Jessie looked bewildered.

"It, it seems to say there’s danger, meow!" Meowth translated.

"Soo~ nan si~!"

In the next moment, the Dedenne ignored the trio's resistance, turned around, and with a swift movement, its entire body seemed to fly away, disappearing at the edge of Lillipup Town.

The trio, who had been resisting and cursing a moment ago, suddenly felt like puppets, losing their ability to resist, as if their bodies were running ahead while their souls were chasing behind.

"Help! Help!" ×3

"Soo~~~ nan si~!!"

Hmm?

Jinghe subtly glanced in the direction of the forest, frowning slightly.

He thought he had heard a very familiar voice just now?

But since the Thicklipuku and Buzzwole had already stood up, he couldn’t afford to think too much and refocused his attention.

"Ruru!!"

Thicklipuku wiped its cheek, staring intently at Buzzwole.

"Buzz!!"

Buzzwole, seemingly feeling no pain, jumped up from the ground and looked at Thicklipuku with even more intense eyes.

The bear and the mosquito seemed to share a mutual respect.

Their gazes met.

Thicklipuku and Buzzwole, almost simultaneously, darted forward, colliding with each other once again.

Fist against fist, knee against knee, strength against strength.

Close combat vs. close combat!

Throughout the entire time, Tapu Fini remained suspended in the air, unmoving.

As the Island Guardian, Tapu Fini was actually quite like a curious child, full of curiosity about people and other Pokémon.

However, after seeing the Ultra Wormhole, it appeared for the first time.

When it noticed that Buzzwole had no significant destructive intent, purely seeking a strong opponent, and after finding Thicklipuku, it watched with interest.

It enjoyed watching decisive battles and felt that these two were having so much fun that it didn’t seem right to interfere.

But it was still concerned that Buzzwole might cause destruction while continuing to seek strong opponents, so it didn’t leave.

Boom!!

In the center of the town, Thicklipuku and Buzzwole stood facing each other.

Their arms, like hooks, collided solidly, exerting force against each other, with no clear winner.

"Ruru!"

"Buzz!"

Both were breathing heavily but felt no enmity toward each other.

Bang!!

They collided again.

Both were flung backward, sliding on the ground before coming to a stop.

"Ruru!"

"Buzz!"

"Thicklipuku!" Jinghe called out, his voice heavy, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding area, which was now in ruins.

If this continued, while the residents of Lillipup Town might be safe, the town itself would likely be destroyed.

Would he have to pay for the damages?

With that thought in mind, it was time to decide the winner!

"Ruru~"

Thicklipuku understood Jinghe’s intention, took a deep breath, and gradually changed its stance, its fur fluttering, combining the one-hit and continuous attack styles.

Seeing this, Buzzwole became excited.

"Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!"

With each low growl, its stance changed.

It thought Thicklipuku was “talking” to it.

This was a unique way of communication for Ultra Beasts like Buzzwole.

Rumble—

However.

Just as Jinghe and Thicklipuku were about to make their move, a rumbling sound, like a distant thunder, came from Buzzwole’s muscular belly.

"Buzz..."

Buzzwole patted its stomach.

It was hungry.

Its eyes darted around, searching for food.

"Ruru?"

Thicklipuku paused, looking at Jinghe.

Should they continue fighting?

Jinghe was also taken aback, watching Buzzwole’s aimless movements, and lightly rubbed his forehead.

To say that muscle-bound creatures are simple-minded is exactly what Buzzwole is like.

However, Buzzwole’s feeding method is quite different from other Pokémon.

As a “mosquito,” Buzzwole feeds using its long, sharp proboscis, extracting energy from other Pokémon, not blood but energy.

In the anime.

A Snorlax almost got drained dry by Buzzwole.

This is one of the few destructive methods Buzzwole can cause.

Quickly.

Buzzwole’s gaze fell on the Pokémon accompanying the evacuating town residents, particularly the robust Tauros.

Zap—

At this moment, the previously inactive Tapu Fini sensed the destructive intent from Buzzwole and began to move, with electric arcs dancing around its body.

"Tapu Fini, wait!"

Jinghe called out urgently, then shouted, "Ninetales!"

"Roar!"

Ninetales exhaled a puff of white vapor.

Thud!!

A solid ice wall immediately appeared in front of Buzzwole.

Tapu Fini looked puzzled at the sight.

It won't stop it.

Its voice echoed in Jinghe's mind, sounding a bit childish.

Although the ice wall looked sturdy, given Buzzwole's strength, it could easily shatter it with a single punch.

But soon, Tapu Fini was stunned.

The ice wall, blocking Buzzwole's view of the town, also reflected its image on its smooth surface.

"Buzz!" (How can a body be so perfect!)

Buzzwole struck a pose in front of the mirror-like ice wall, showcasing its physique.

As it displayed itself, it began to admire its own reflection.

It even started to chuckle to itself.

"Hmm~ Buzz! Buzz! Buzz~ (´´)"

It completely forgot about its hunger and Meloetta, focusing entirely on admiring itself in the ice wall, much like a guy after a shower in front of a mirror.

Tapu Fini: ??

Meloetta: ??

"The best way to stop Buzzwole is to give it a mirror", Jinghe said with a smile, watching Tapu Fini finally move.

Tapu Fini turned its head stiffly, seeing Buzzwole still striking poses and cooing in front of the ice wall, its confusion growing.

Why didn't you use this method from the beginning?

"Ahem." Jinghe turned his head slightly, a bit embarrassed. "Do you believe me when I say I just remembered?"

Tapu Fini: ...

Actually, the main reason was to fulfill Professor Oak's request to gather information and data on Ultra Beasts.

Of course, if Buzzwole didn't get its fight on, it would only pose in front of the ice wall for a while before being distracted by Meloetta.

But if it fought Meloetta first, it would be controlled by the ice wall for a much longer time.

"Tapu Fini", seeing that Tapu Fini could communicate, Jinghe explained his main purpose for coming to Alola.

"I'm here to retrieve the Fairy Tablet."

Hearing this, Tapu Fini narrowed its eyes.

What makes you qualified? Tapu Fini asked bluntly.

Jinghe pulled out a collection of items from his inner pocket: the Rainbow Feather, the Silver Feather, the Gene Wedge, the Heritage Scroll, and the Altean Bracelet.

Tapu Fini: ...

Looking at the items in Jinghe's hand, Tapu Fini was speechless, realizing how powerful this human's backing was!

"Oh, here it is."

Jinghe raised the Altean Bracelet.

"I represent Arceus, and I'm here to retrieve the Fairy Tablet."

Tapu Fini stared at the Altean Bracelet for a while, confirming it was indeed Arceus's symbol. The person in front of it was Arceus's messenger.

The Fairy Tablet originally belonged to Arceus but had been borrowed by Zygarde and then passed to them.

Tapu Fini fell silent for a moment.

After staring at Jinghe for a while, it spoke again.

The tablet is not in my possession.

Jinghe wasn't surprised by this.

After all, there were four Island Guardians in Alola.

"Who has it? Can you introduce me to them?" Jinghe asked.

Tapu Fini glanced at Jinghe, about to say, "Why should I?" but then saw the items in his hand, each representing a powerful backing, and hesitated.

Deal with this one first.

Tapu Fini said somewhat irritably.

By the way, the Ultra Wormhole is very unstable. This guy only managed to squeeze through because of its strength, but sending it back through this wormhole is probably impossible.

The Ultra Wormholes in Alola were very unstable, as they were still in their initial stages.

In the future, with more research and the help of Nebula, a more stable passage could be opened.

But now, the reason humans and the Island Guardians found Ultra Beasts so troublesome was that they were not only hard to defeat but also difficult to send back.

Jinghe looked up at the Ultra Wormhole in the sky.

As Tapu Fini said, it was very unstable, fluctuating in size, and seemed like it could disappear at any moment.

This made Jinghe frown.

That's a problem.

He couldn't let Buzzwole keep posing in front of the ice wall forever.

Narcissism might have no limit, but its hunger did.

When Buzzwole couldn't stand the hunger anymore, it would eventually break free from the ice wall's control.

Rumble—

Sure enough, Buzzwole's stomach rumbled even more loudly than before, and it clutched its stomach, looking like it was about to starve.

Jinghe sighed lightly and walked over.

"Buzzwole!"

He caught Buzzwole's attention.

"Buzz?"

Buzzwole instinctively turned its head, looking around, scratching its head.

Who's calling me?

A vein appeared on Jinghe's forehead as he said, somewhat irritably, "Over here!"

Buzzwole lowered its head, only to see Jinghe standing right in front of him.

However, seeing Jinghe’s "slim" figure, a look of disdain appeared on its face.

Weakling.

Jinghe: “.”

“Buzz!”

Buzzwole extended a hand toward Jinghe, curling its fingers as if to flick him away like a fly.

Jinghe irritably swatted Buzzwole’s hand away.

“Cut it out, I’ll get you something to eat.”

“Buzz?”

Buzzwole seemed to not understand Jinghe’s words, staring blankly at its hand that had been swatted away, its eyes gradually brightening.

This weakling, no, this human didn’t seem as frail as imagined?

“Buzz!”

Buzzwole called out again, swinging a fist at Jinghe.

Of course, Jinghe’s senses picked up on the movement.

However, he didn’t sense any hostility or malice from Buzzwole, just a curious interest.

So Jinghe raised his hand and firmly blocked Buzzwole’s punch.

Whoosh—

The ground beneath them trembled slightly, and a gust of wind swept behind him, stirring up some dust.

In both Jinghe’s and Buzzwole’s minds, the same thought arose.

Jinghe: Indeed, Buzzwole is pretty friendly as long as I don’t show any hostility.

Buzzwole: Indeed, this human isn’t weak. Even though I only used less than thirty percent of my strength, he blocked it effortlessly.

This scene, however, painted a different picture for Hala and Dr. Kukui, who had just calmed the townspeople.

Buzzwole’s punch, the one that had caused the ground to shake, was easily blocked by Teacher Jinghe?

Both were seasoned fighters and understood the force behind that punch.

They exchanged a glance and said in unison:

“Monsters.”

Jinghe didn’t notice their reaction and pulled out some energy bars.

“Try this, see if you like it. If not, I’ll get you something else.”

“Buzz!”

Buzzwole seemed to acknowledge Jinghe’s “strength” and tentatively took the energy bar, placing it in front of its mouthparts.

Slurp—

A small lump of the bar was quickly sucked into Buzzwole’s seemingly hard mouthparts.

“Buzz!”

As soon as it ate, Buzzwole immediately jumped up, excitedly posing and flexing.

“Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!”

After a while, noticing that Jinghe wasn’t responding, it stopped reluctantly.

This time, it took the box of energy bars and slurped them up.

In the blink of an eye, the entire box was finished.

But that amount wasn’t enough for Buzzwole.

After all, it was capable of draining even the notorious glutton, Snorlax.

“Buzz.”

It looked at Jinghe with pleading eyes.

Seeing this, Jinghe smiled.

However, he didn’t immediately take out more energy bars. Instead, he spoke in a negotiating tone:

“Buzzwole, you’ve seen that the Ultra Wormhole is unstable and is about to close.”

“Buzz?!”

Buzzwole abruptly turned its head, realizing that its way home was gone!

No home?!

Just as it was about to react, Jinghe continued:

“Don’t get upset. I can send you back, but we need to wait for a while.”

“Buzz?”

“During this time, you’ll have to listen to me. As a reward, I’ll provide you with food and even opponents.”

He patted the Pokémon next to him, Meloetta.

“Huloo!”

Buzzwole was delighted.

“Buzz!”

A match! A match!

“Of course, not just Meloetta.”

Jinghe’s Poké Balls at his waist glowed.

“Bark!”

“Whine!”

“Regi!”

“Regi!”

Blastoise, Dragonite, Regieleki, and Regidrago flexed their muscles simultaneously.

“Buzz!!”

Buzzwole was overjoyed, completely losing its sense of direction.

Great, all great, all strong opponents!

“Do you like it?” Jinghe asked, placing his hands on Blastoise and Dragonite, smiling.

“Buzz! Buzz!”

Buzzwole stood obediently, nodding repeatedly.

Clearly, another “Blastoise-style” simpleton.

What a great target, no, a great training and sparring partner.

The only issue might be Buzzwole’s appetite.

But that’s not a problem.

Lila had taken up a position as the head of the UB Countermeasures Department in Alola, right?

This expense can be reimbursed by the International Police.

He would call Lila later to ask how much funding she had for feeding a mosquito.

“Now, stand at attention!” Jinghe took out another box of energy bars and said to Buzzwole.

“Buzz! (``)”

Buzzwole raised its arms, flexing its muscles, standing still.

Jinghe looked at the somewhat stunned Tapu Fini and said with a smile:

“Now, are you ready?”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end