Chapter 704: What Did You Do to Tapu Bulu?

Chapter 704: What Did You Do to Tapu Bulu? (Merged Chapter, Requesting Monthly Votes!)

"Uh..."

Lila was stunned for three seconds before she understood what Teacher Jinghe meant by "cops."

As the head of the Battle Frontier in Hoenn, she was familiar with some of the "customs" of the Hoenn League. Moreover, she had been acquainted with Teacher Jinghe for quite some time and had heard some "rumors."

After a brief moment of hesitation, she immediately responded:

"I'll write it, and I'll approve it."

The strength displayed by Klefki was not something a mere Master Trainer could easily handle. Lila herself had no confidence in dealing with it, even if she used all her Pokémon.

Besides, although Teacher Jinghe wasn't the Champion yet, Lila could see that he possessed the strength of a Champion.

To "hire" such a powerful individual to solve a problem with just some precious materials, metals, or funds was a tremendous opportunity.

If any other league found out about this, they would surely flood Teacher Jinghe's phone with dozens of calls.

"Alright, you two get to work and try to develop a Poké Ball that can capture Ubs as soon as possible." Jinghe said with a gentle smile before ending the "live broadcast."

Most of the data on Klefki had already been sent to Lila and Dr. Barnett via the Rotom Dex.

Dr. Barnett immediately returned to his work.

Meanwhile,

Jinghe put away the Rotom Dex, fed Sableye some energy bars to restore his strength, and handed him over to Forger, who looked somewhat pained. Then, he walked over to Klefki.

"Swoosh"

Klefki had already regained consciousness, but it still looked quite weak and sat dejectedly on the ground.

Noticing Jinghe's approach, it let out a low sound, indicating that once it recovered its strength and stamina, it would leave.

It had come to Alola to find a worthy opponent to challenge. Now that it had found one, it was content.

However, while it could easily split space, it couldn't easily break through the barrier between the Pokémon world and Ultra Space. It needed to find the weak points between the two dimensions.

"No rush."

Jinghe squatted down and took out some energy bars to help Klefki recover. "If you're willing, you could stay a bit longer and practice your sword skills with Sableye."

Jinghe already had a Machamp, and he didn't mind having another Klefki.

Besides, the "UB Task Force" would take care of it.

From the clash between Klefki and Sableye, Jinghe saw potential for Sableye to improve further.

More sparring partners were always welcome, especially when someone else was paying for them.

Sableye could also learn some moves from Klefki, such as Cross Chop.

"Swoosh?"

Klefki looked at Sableye.

"Gucha!" Sableye raised his blade in a gesture of respect.

Although the two Pokémon had just fought, they hadn't developed any animosity. Instead, they seemed to have a mutual admiration for each other.

Seeing Sableye's gesture, Klefki thought for a moment and nodded.

As it had indicated earlier, it needed to recover its condition first.

Breaking through the space barrier also required timing. It wasn't something it could do with a single strike. It needed to find the spatial threads first.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be Klefki but a god of space, and even a god of space couldn't do that.

Seeing Klefki's agreement, Jinghe was pleased.

Now, he had an extra sparring partner.

After that, Jinghe turned his attention to Tapu Bulu.

He found it sitting lazily with Gengar, munching on popcorn.

Jinghe: "..."

"Moo"

Noticing Jinghe's gaze, Tapu Bulu gave a friendly smile.

It had witnessed the entire battle between Sableye and Klefki and was impressed by both Pokémon's strength.

Jinghe had helped it with its biggest "problem", so it wouldn't go back on its word.

"Ninetales", Jinghe said softly.

"Awooo~"

Ninetales half-closed his eyes, and the aura of Ula'ula Island, under his control, slowly transformed into pink threads that began to wrap around.

At the same time,

Tapu Bulu's agreement also meant that Jinghe could reclaim the "Fairy Tablet."

As long as he could "convince" one more guardian deity, he could complete his main goal in Alola.

Crunch—Crunch—

Tapu Bulu's popcorn munching suddenly paused, and it looked at Ninetales with a mix of curiosity and confusion.

It was confused because, like Tapu Fini, why did Zygarde teach this technique?

It was curious to see what benefits Ninetales would gain if it could indeed harness the power of the four islands' auras.

While others might not know the origin of Alola's island auras, Tapu Bulu, as a guardian deity, was very much aware of it.

At that moment, Tapu Bulu felt someone beside him and turned to see Jinghe, who was grinning.

Tapu Bulu's heart skipped a beat.

What are you up to with that mischievous smile?

"Ahem." Jinghe cleared his throat. "Tapu Bulu, I need to discuss something with you."

"Moo?"

Tapu Bulu instinctively put a little distance between himself and Jinghe.

He sensed that the smile and the words to come were anything but simple.

Jinghe, looking relaxed, said, "It's not a big deal. I just need your help to plant some seeds, get them to sprout and grow a bit."

Really?

Tapu Bulu's voice echoed in Jinghe's mind.

Just that?

He had thought Jinghe might ask him to help take care of Snivy.

As a Mythical Grass-type Pokémon, Tapu Bulu could naturally sense Snivy's uniqueness.

But to be honest, Tapu Bulu avoided trouble and was usually reluctant to teach Pokémon. However, helping seeds sprout and grow was much simpler and something he excelled at.

"Yes, just that." Jinghe's smile grew warmer.

After staring at Jinghe for a long time and confirming he wasn't lying, Tapu Bulu sighed with relief and waved his thick arm.

Simple enough.

"Jinghe!" Jinghe, rarely showing excitement, called out.

"Gengar!"

Gengar, who was already prepared, immediately took out a box. However, it wasn't an energy bar but seeds Jinghe had prepared.

He had originally planned to plant them on his island.

Now, it seemed he could have Tapu Bulu help the seeds sprout and grow to saplings before transplanting them to his island.

Even better, if Tapu Bulu was willing, he could directly nurture the seeds to maturity, saving Jinghe a lot of time.

Hmm, a bit too many, it seems.

Looking at the entire box of seeds, Tapu Bulu said with a hint of exasperation.

But it's fine, for your sake.

"Gengar!"

Before he could finish speaking, Gengar took out another box of seeds.

Uh...

Then,

"Gengar~ Gengar~"

With Gengar's cheerful humming, one box after another of seeds was brought out.

Tapu Bulu: "..."

"Gengar!"

Gengar, as if remembering something, extended a finger and carefully retrieved a more special box from the shadows.

It was a box of Revival Herbs seeds!

Revival Herbs are a type of medicinal herb that can bring Pokémon back from near death, similar to energy bars, or rather, one of the materials used to make energy bars.

However, cultivating Revival Herbs is extremely difficult, requiring very specific environmental and nutrient conditions. The Unova region is famous for producing Revival Herbs because of the abundant land, and Jinghe had tried to cultivate them but failed.

Of course, back then, he didn't have his own island.

Gengar had long wanted to taste Revival Herbs.

Tapu Bulu's eyes widened.

Are you treating me like an old ox?

As soon as he said that, Gengar pointed at the wooden horns on his head, the meaning clear.

Tapu Bulu: "..."

"Thank you, Tapu Bulu. I really appreciate it."

Jinghe, understandingly, brought out several more boxes of energy bars.

"These will help you replenish and recover your energy."

You really are thoughtful.

Tapu Bulu couldn't help but think sarcastically.

But he had given his word, and it wouldn't do for an island guardian to renege on a promise.

So,

Tapu Bulu took some seeds and began planting and nurturing them. One by one, the plump seeds took root and sprouted, quickly turning into lush green saplings.

"Hiss?"

Snivy, watching Tapu Bulu's actions, couldn't help but move closer to observe every move he made.

He thought about the Wishing Tree in the center of the island. If he could learn something from Tapu Bulu, he might be able to help the tree better.

"Hiss."

Grassy Terrain plus Grass Knot?

And... Reverse Giga Drain?

Giga Drain can be reversed?

Snivy pondered and mimicked Tapu Bulu's movements, planting a seed and channeling Grass energy, causing grass to spread from his feet.

Grassy Terrain!

Next, he used Grass Knot.

The seed slowly moved, roots and sprouts growing, pushing through the soil and extending slowly.

These weren't Grassy Seeds or simple moves, so the growth was much slower than expected.

Seeing that Tapu Bulu had already nurtured five seeds while his own had only grown a few centimeters, Snivy pursed his lips.

"Hiss."

Reverse Giga Drain.

How do you reverse a move?

He looked at Tapu Bulu again, watching him rapidly nurture energy while thinking and imitating.

In terms of learning, Snivy was quite exceptional.

He didn't know Giga Drain before, but now he did.

Suddenly,

After learning Giga Drain, Snivy had an epiphany.

"Hiss."

Reverse Giga Drain, reverse, turn... Isn't that Contrary?

A light bulb seemed to go off in Snivy's head. He grasped the key, his hand glowing with a green light, and through Contrary, he slowly infused the small sapling in front of him with Grass energy.

Time.

The grass at Snivy's feet began to grow rapidly, the blades that were only a few centimeters tall quickly reaching over ten centimeters.

The sapling in front of him also grew at an astonishing rate, soon surpassing Snivy's height and reaching over a meter tall!

While the growth speed couldn't compare to Tapu Bulu's, the commotion still caught the attention of Jinghe and Tapu Bulu.

Jinghe, after a brief moment of surprise, smiled with relief.

"This little guy."

Ula'ula Island.

At the peak of Mount Lanakila.

The snow and wind swirled, as if the entire world was wrapped in silver. Amidst the blizzard, a figure and a nimble, graceful snow Pokémon walked together.

"The temperature here is almost as cold as the Crown Tundra, isn't it?"

Jinghe pressed his hat down to keep it from being blown away, gazing at the white expanse before him and speaking softly.

The howling wind carried large snowflakes, making it nearly impossible for ordinary humans to walk, let alone survive, in such conditions.

This was the paradise of Ice-type Pokémon.

"Awooo."

Ninetales' azure eyes flickered, his gaze scanning the surroundings as if searching or recalling something.

A faintly sorrowful emotion spread over him.

Jinghe remained silent.

He gently placed his hand on Ninetales' neck, slowly and tenderly stroking it.

"Awooo~"

Ninetales came back to his senses, lightly nudging Jinghe with his head and curling his tail around Jinghe's arm.

A breath escaped his lips, forming a few ice crystals in the air.

No matter what his past was, no matter what he had experienced, all he wanted now was to stay with Jinghe, protect him, and grow together.

If needed, he would do everything in his power to help Jinghe achieve his goals and fulfill his dreams!

This was what he wanted most right now!

As if hearing Ninetales' call or sensing the strong Ice-type energy, the snow on the ground shifted slightly, and an ice-crystal-like head poked out.

Its innocent eyes blinked, filled with curiosity.

It was an Alolan Diglett.

Like the Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales, the Alolan Diglett was originally a regular Diglett that had been forced to migrate to the snowy mountains due to environmental changes and survival pressures.

To adapt to the snowy mountains and the extreme cold, the Alolan Diglett gained the Ice-type attribute.

Its rock and soil-adapted brown shell turned into an ice-crystal-covered form, slowing its movement, but making it much faster on ice or in snow.

In addition to the Ice-type, the Alolan Diglett also gained the Steel-type to help it dig through solid ice layers.

However, the overly hard armor made it lose the ability to curl into a ball for protection, leaving its belly as its greatest weakness.

"Awooo~"

Ninetales smiled, his eyes curved, and greeted it.

Rustle—

A larger Alolan Diglett suddenly emerged from the ice hole, showing little reaction to Ninetales but quickly pressing the curious Diglett back when it saw Jinghe.

The ice hole was buried again as the snow swirled.

The mother was protecting her child well.

Jinghe smiled, not minding.

He looked at Ninetales and asked, "Do you want to look for your family?"

Although Ninetales had only been with Jinghe for a year, he had wandered for many years before that.

Despite the apparent unchanged peak of Mount Lanakila, many changes had occurred over the years.

"Awooo~"

Ninetales shook his head seriously.

He had always been a wanderer until he met Jinghe and Gengar.

Taking Jinghe's hand, Ninetaales led him down the mountain.

His family was always by his side!

"Hmm?"

Jinghe was momentarily stunned, then understood Ninetales' thoughts, and smiled warmly.

"However, do you want to see the 'Glacial Rock'?"

At the enthusiastic farewell of Maimane's parents, Jinghe stood at the doorstep of Maimane's house to say goodbye.

"Maimane has caused you a lot of trouble, and I am grateful for your care, Jinghe."

"This child is usually quite lazy, and I hope you will keep a close eye on him. If he causes any trouble, please don't hesitate to discipline him."

The chubby Maimane, standing between his parents, felt a bit indignant but didn't know what to say, only managing to maintain a smile.

"Maimane is a very talented child", Jinghe smiled. "He has a great aptitude for electronics and will surely become a remarkable inventor in the future."

While Maimane might not have the same talent as trainers like Bishou, Asa, or Kuken, let alone Da Wu, in the field of electronics, his talent was on par with Denki.

"Is that so? Thank you so much, Jinghe."

Hearing Jinghe's praise for their child, although Maimane's parents still hoped for strict guidance, they couldn't help but smile genuinely.

No parent doesn't wish for their child to succeed.

While they didn't resort to intense or oppressive education, their desire for their child's well-being remained unchanged.

However, before the grand goal of hoping the children would become better, there was now an added premise: hoping the children could be happy and joyful.

After politely declining the repeated invitations from Mamanne's parents, Jinghe walked through the fields on the outskirts of Malie City, feeling quite content.

Actually.

The purpose of his home visits was twofold: one, to visit the various islands and the artificial island where the Aether Foundation was located; and two, to encourage the parents of people like Mamanne, Kahi, and Ma'o to respect their children's choices more.

Being a Trainer is great, but their hobbies are also very important.

From what he could see now,

Their parents were far more open-minded than he had imagined.

"Dratini."

After walking for a while, Jinghe tossed a Poké Ball.

"Roar~"

"Let's go, let's see how Tapu Bulu is doing with the work."

Dratini flapped its wings happily and carried Jinghe back to the Harvest Ruins.

From a distance,

They could hear the loud snoring, like thunder, and a lush green landscape.

Jinghe's expression was peculiar.

Tapu Bulu was lying on the ground, sound asleep, with a few scattered energy bars and seeds around it, as if it had suddenly fallen asleep while working.

"Cough, cough."

Landing beside Tapu Bulu, Jinghe coughed lightly, a bit awkwardly.

But Tapu Bulu showed no signs of waking up.

"Crimson Blade Phantom", Jinghe called, "How long has it been sleeping?"

"Kurk?"

Not far away, Crimson Blade Phantom, who was practicing swordsmanship with Klefki and had been left by Jinghe to supervise, shrugged.

"I don't know."

"Swoosh!"

Klefki also had no idea.

Well then,

It seems Tapu Bulu really was exhausted.

Although there were still a lot of seeds he hadn't planted, the saplings of tree fruits that Tapu Bulu had managed to plant in just one day were quite abundant.

More than those transplanted in the Crown Tundra's Ball Ball Lake plains.

"Really hard work."

Jinghe sighed softly, feeling a bit guilty as he put away the remaining seeds and then placed a few more boxes of energy bars.

Together with his Pokémon, they dug up the various tree fruit saplings one by one.

Just the digging alone was a massive task.

"Phew—"

As the moon rose, Jinghe straightened his back, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and took a deep breath.

All the saplings were now tucked away in Gengar's shadow, ready to be planted once they returned to Hoenn.

Then, they would truly harvest a large orchard of tree fruits!

"Getting closer to becoming a tree fruit tycoon."

Jinghe's mood was quite good.

"Let's go, it's time to head back."

Looking at the full moon hanging high in the night sky, Jinghe decided after some thought to return to Melemele Island.

Machamp was still at the Pokémon School on Melemele Island. Although Dr. Kukui was watching over it, it was better to return.

He placed the sleeping Tapu Bulu on a soft patch of grass, deciding not to wake it.

He left a few boxes of energy bars as a thank you.

"Thank you, Tapu Bulu", Jinghe said sincerely.

"Moo~ moo~ zzz"

"We'll come back next time."

In its sleep, Tapu Bulu seemed to hear this, as its snoring suddenly stopped for a moment before resuming after a while.

In the forest of Melemele Island, where "bears roam."

"Although this life is comfortable, it's really boring~"

Misty lay on a pile of tree fruits, her belly looking much larger.

"And every day it's either tree fruits or sweet honey, I'm starting to get tired of it."

Butch took a bite of the crispy Yenfruit, smacking his lips as he spoke.

"Ruru?"

At that moment, the "Shiny Ursaring" that was gathering firewood in the forest—no, the one in the bear costume—looked in a certain direction, its eyes showing a hint of confusion before it suddenly understood.

Then, it dropped the firewood and dashed toward the tree hollow at incredible speed.

In the trio's shocked gazes, it picked them up.

"Wait, wait! What are you doing?!" Misty exclaimed.

"Flying! Flying up—" Butch had a strange sense of familiarity and unfamiliarity.

"Where are we going, meow?" Meowth clung tightly to the thick arm.

"Swoosh~ murmur—↓"

Down they went!

"We're falling into the sea—"

Bang!!

The sea erupted with a large splash of water.

But the trio did not feel the expected sensation of being submerged in water. As they slowly opened their eyes in confusion, they saw—

"Water walking!" they exclaimed in unison.

The bear-like Pokémon was indeed carrying them and running on the water's surface at an incredible speed.

Back on Melemele Island,

At the Pokémon School, in Teacher Jinghe's dormitory.

"Roar! (‵‵)"

Machamp was standing in front of a mirror, admiring its body, which exuded a sense of violent beauty.

Perfect! Absolutely perfect!

Dr. Kukui, holding the mirror, yawned widely, tears forming at the corners of his eyes.

Then he saw a bear-like Pokémon jump into the middle of the full moon, seemingly holding something in its arms.

Huh?

Dr. Kukui rubbed his eyes.

"I must be too tired, I'm seeing a bear flying in the sky? And it seems to be holding some people?"

Muttering to himself, he looked back at the moon.

Sure enough,

There was nothing but the full moon.

"Teacher Jinghe hasn't returned from the home visit yet? He's such a dedicated and responsible teacher."

Dr. Kukui sighed.

Why couldn't a teacher as excellent as Jinghe be part of the Alola Pokémon School?

If Jinghe were from Alola, Dr. Kukui couldn't even imagine how wonderful that would be.

He wouldn't have to worry so much about the Alola League.

Bang—

The door slammed open.

Back already?!

Dr. Kukui perked up and looked toward the door.

Beside him, Machamp, who had been his company for the past three hours, also turned to look.

However, it wasn't Jinghe who appeared at the door, but Dr. Barnett.

"Jii!" (｀｀)

Dr. Barnett panted heavily, instinctively striking a pose and responding to Machamp, "Jii!"

Then he turned to Dr. Kukui.

"Has Jinghe returned yet?"

"No", Dr. Kukui was taken aback, sensing Dr. Barnett's urgency. He couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"

Dr. Barnett pressed his lips together and said gravely,

"I'm afraid something serious is about to happen!"

High above Ula'ula Island,

"Easy, Dratini, we're not in a hurry."

Jinghe lay on Dratini's back, gripping the harness tightly and spoke softly.

"Uu~"

Dratini obediently called out and slowed down a bit.

At that moment, Jinghe's phone rang.

The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number.

Considering he didn't give his number out casually, he hesitated for a moment before answering.

Soon, the voice he had heard that morning came through the phone.

"Tell me you're not still on Mount Lanakila! I've been trying to reach you all day!"

It was Moltres, the Island Guardian of Ula'ula Island!

"Huh? Mr. Moltres has my contact information?"

A brief silence.

Jinghe then added,

"The communication network in Alola isn't great, especially in dangerous and complex areas. I know a good construction team, but—"

The entire Alola region had never been heavily developed, making it an ideal place for Team Rocket to thrive.

"I know the people you know!" Moltres said irritably.

Indeed.

Jinghe realized this.

As the International Police, Moltres had a complicated relationship with Team Rocket's leader, Giovanni, even after stepping down from the front lines.

Moltres quickly realized he had said too much and changed the subject, asking sternly,

"What have you done with Tapu Bulu?"

"Eh—"

Why was Tapu Bulu brought up again?

"He's fine", Jinghe chuckled.

He's sleeping like a log.

I can't wake him up no matter what.

"What's wrong? How did Mr. Moltres know that Tapu Bulu—uh, was sleeping?"

"Sleeping?" Moltres seemed surprised.

At that moment, the Rotom Dex floated out of Jinghe's pocket.

"There's a video call coming in, Rotom!" it said.

Hmm?

Was it a no-signal zone just now?

Why are calls and video chats coming in now?

Static.

After a brief moment of fuzziness, the image on the Rotom Dex cleared, showing Lila. Beside her stood a tall woman with long golden hair, exuding a mature aura.

Lusamine, the president of the Aether Foundation and Lillie's mother!

"Teacher Jinghe, your phone was busy, so I had to call you via video."

Lila spoke quickly, as if something important had happened, not even introducing the Aether Foundation president beside her.

With one hand on his phone and the Rotom Dex floating in front of him, Jinghe finally realized that something significant might have happened without his knowledge.

Could it be—

Is Necrozma awakening?

So soon?

However, Lila didn't give Jinghe much time to speculate. She switched the screen to show—

Under the clear night sky, bathed in the moonlight, a towering rock mountain stood, with a prominent, massive altar at its peak.

The cross-shaped altar had a circular wheel at its center, glowing faintly in the moon's light.

Below it was a bottomless pond, encircling the altar, and on the platform beneath the altar were intricate carvings and structures.

The Solstice Shrine!

At first glance, Jinghe recognized it as the ancient Solstice Shrine located in the Poipole Canyon on Alola's Poni Island!

This was the entrance to the Ultra Space, the Ultra Metropolis, and the place where Solgaleo and Lunala first arrived in Alola.

However,

Three different Pokémon were flying around the seemingly peaceful altar.

They were the guardian deities of Alola!

Tapu Fini, Tapu Lele, and Tapu Bulu!

Only Tapu Bulu, the guardian of Ula'ula Island, was missing.

A moment of awkwardness flashed across Jinghe's face.

No wonder Moltres thought he had done something to Tapu Bulu. This must be why—

The sudden gathering of three out of the four island guardians at the Solstice Shrine, with Tapu Bulu's absence, was indeed strange.

However—

The gathering of the island guardians.

This must mean something significant is about to happen?

"At least it's not Necrozma awakening", Jinghe breathed a sigh of relief.

Speaking of which, the "Lazy Aura" Debuff from Necrozma's awakening would be a clear sign.

"Cough."

Jinghe said, "I'll bring Tapu Bulu with me."

—

PS: I had a headache all day, so the update is late. Sorry.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end