Pokémon: Did you play Pokémon today?

Chapter 279 The Strange Trees and Strange Tales Channel retracted a message.

Watching Dr. Kongmu's departing figure, Bai Zhou finally revealed a smile of satisfaction at having planned everything.

Professor Elm was originally one of the essential characters in the Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver games.

Even if he doesn't come to him on his own initiative, Bai Zhou will eventually have to visit him in Ruoye Town to discuss the image licensing.

But now—

See, he even has to thank us!

Not only did I save on licensing fees, but I also got two cases of Moo Moo fresh milk for free!

This is a win-win situation!

Just as Bai Zhou was secretly gloating over this "get-rich-quick" scheme, his phone, which he had just put back in his pocket, started ringing again.

He took it out and saw that it was a message from Qishu.

"Strange Trees and Strange Tales Channel: Salty Fish Sauce! Chief Ye Ci asked me to ask you, could you consider using our Padilla region as the game map for the third generation of Pokémon?"

"Strange Trees and Strange Tales Channel: She wants to represent the Padiya Alliance to engage in in-depth cooperation with you! Hehe~ To be honest, I'm super, super excited!"

Padiya? Third-generation map?

Bai Zhou frowned slightly and began to ponder carefully.

According to the normal timeline, the Padilla region is the setting for the ninth generation of Pokémon games, "Scarlet & Violet" —

Are we going to release the regions for future generations now?

He thought about it carefully for a moment, but ultimately shook his head.

Releasing Padia now is not the right time, and it could easily disrupt his subsequent game release plans.

"Dream is to retire Salty Fish: Qishu-chan, could you please reply to Champion Yeci for me? Currently, Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver hasn't been officially released yet, and the team's focus is on those games. There are no specific plans for the third generation yet~"

"My dream is to retire as a salted fish: We can discuss the collaboration in more detail later when we have the opportunity."

"Strange Trees and Strange Tales Channel: Okay~"

"Strange Trees and Strange Tales Channel: Electric Frog Patting Its Belly.jpg"

Just when Bai Zhou thought the conversation was over, the chat box displayed "The other party is typing—" at the top.

Soon, a new message popped up.

"Strange Trees and Strange Tales Channel: Salty Fish Sauce~ Do you have time to play games today? I'm so bored, I want to play games with you~"

The message was sent out less than two seconds ago, but was suddenly and quickly retracted.

Immediately afterwards, a new message with much more "normal" wording appeared.

"Strange Trees and Strange Tales Channel: Salty Fish Sauce ~ Do you have time to play games today?"

Seeing this blatant attempt to cover up the truth, Bai Zhou couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head before typing a reply.

"Dream of Retirement (Salty): Sorry, Qishu-chan, I need to participate in a competition during this period, so I probably won't have much time to play games online —"

He thought about it and felt that it would be a bit cruel to refuse directly, after all, Qishu was also an important partner and friend of his, so he added another point.

"My dream is to retire as a salted fish: However, as compensation, I can send you a copy of the internal test cartridge for Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver that hasn't been officially released yet~"

"My dream is to retire as a salted fish: Of course, that's on the condition that you help me complete a small task first~"

"Strange Trees and Strange Tales Channel: !!!"

"Strange Tree's Strange Tales Channel: Commander Salty Fish, please give your instructions! Corporal Strange Tree guarantees to complete the mission!"

Bai Zhou does indeed have something he needs to ask Qi Shu for help with.

The development of the main game "Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver" is nearing completion, with the core gameplay, storyline, and map all polished.

Now, only the final step remains.

Once the licensing agreements for the key figures are finalized, The Pokémon Company can immediately launch a massive pre-launch campaign.

They also invited influential streamers to do preview live streams, pushing players' expectations to their peak.

He originally planned to do the preview live stream himself, but he is currently tied up with the competition and obviously does not have stable conditions for live streaming.

As for Kiju, the highly popular Electric-type gym leader and top video streamer in the Padilla region, he is undoubtedly a perfect candidate.

"Dream of Retirement Salty Fish: Then I'll formally ask Qishu-chan to represent Pokémon Studios and conduct a fantastic preview livestream for Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver! Show your fans and players worldwide the charm of the Johto region first!"

"My dream is to retire as a salted fish: If you agree, I will have our company's PR manager contact you shortly to finalize the specific live stream time, content arrangements, and authorization details."

the other side.

Padiya region, Niangguang city.

Inside a uniquely styled apartment.

Upon seeing this message on his phone screen, Qi Shu's first reaction was to rub his eyes in disbelief.

After repeatedly confirming that she was not hallucinating, she suddenly sprang up from the soft bed!

"yeah-!!!!"

She couldn't contain her joy and excitement, and she rolled around on the bed several times with her phone in her arms.

She was completely unaware that her loose pajamas with a pufferfish pattern had slipped off her shoulders due to her large movements, revealing a patch of fair and smooth skin.

"Strange Trees and Strange Tales Channel: Salted Fish Sauce! I love you to death!!! You're the best!!!"

As soon as the excited message was sent, Qishu immediately realized something was wrong.

Her face flushed bright red instantly, and she slammed the screen shut with lightning speed to recall it.

"The Strange Trees and Strange Tales channel has retracted a message."

Immediately afterwards, a message appeared that tried to maintain a "dignified" demeanor, but whose joyful mood was still evident.

"Strange Trees and Strange Tales Channel: I completely agree! Please feel free to entrust the task of the preview live stream to me! I will definitely do my best!"

The perspective shifts back to the seaside stadium.

Just as Bai Zhou smiled and put his phone back in his pocket, a sweet voice from the radio filled the entire noisy coastline.

"Good afternoon, everyone, both in the stadium and watching on screen! Welcome to the exciting Pokémon All-Round Championship!"

"I'm your special guest commentator for this competition—Little Walnut! The upcoming Pokémon Ocean Showdown will be broadcast live by our Goldenrod Radio!"

Little Walnut's energetic voice rang out clearly through the loudspeakers scattered throughout the stadium.

At the same time, it was also transmitted via radio waves to countless viewers around the world who were watching the live broadcast.

"First, let me briefly introduce the rules of the Pokémon Marine Grand Prix! This competition is divided into three stages: sea fishing, sea obstacle course, and the final sea race!"

"In the first stage of sea fishing, the participants will be divided into four independent competition zones: A, B, C, and D, based on the number of competitors. The competitors in the four zones will not interfere with each other and will compete in their respective designated sea areas."

"And all of you competitors, you'll need to work together with your trusted Pokémon partners to stand firm on the turbulent waves and fish!"

"Each time a Water-type Pokémon is successfully caught, the competitor's initial score will increase! When the initial score reaches ten, the competitor will qualify for the exclusive course to enter the second stage of the Sea Obstacle Race!"

Little Walnut's voice paused slightly, taking on a playful tone.

"It's worth mentioning that different Water-type Pokémon have different starting points depending on their rarity in that sea area! For example, the most numerous and common Magikarp only has one starting point."

"In other words, if a competitor gets incredibly lucky or has exceptional skills and catches a very rare Water-type Pokémon, they could potentially accumulate ten points in one go, instantly qualifying for the second stage and giving them a significant lead over others!"

"As for the third stage of the sea race, it can actually be seen as a continuation of the second stage. After the competitors successfully traverse the waterway filled with various natural and man-made obstacles in the second stage, what remains is a full-force sprint! The competitor who crosses the finish line first will be the champion of this race!"

"Finally, please note one important rule! Throughout the entire competition, a competitor can only summon a maximum of three Pokémon partners to assist them at the same time!"

"While you can rotate Pokémon at any time, if more than three Pokémon are on the field at the same time, that competitor will be immediately eliminated! Please pay special attention!"

Little Walnut finished explaining the competition rules in a very fast and clear voice, then took a deep breath and announced loudly in a passionate voice: "So now I announce—"

'

"The Pokémon Marine Grand Tournament has officially begun!"

The moment the announcement echoed across the arena, dozens of professional photographers, already prepared on their Dragonite motorcycles, immediately leaped into the air from the beach!

Carrying heavy camera equipment, they quickly dispersed like a well-trained aerial formation.

Constantly moving between the four competition zones, ensuring that we can capture the most exciting real-time match footage of every competitor!

And not far from the white boat.

Several small, somewhat rudimentary wooden boats, provided uniformly by the event organizers, were also deployed the moment the starting signal was given.

Like arrows released from a bow, they are driven by their charioteers in various ways, breaking through the waves and rushing towards the vast sea!

These uniformly styled small wooden boats were specially provided by the event organizers to balance the participation conditions.

Every competitor must use it, and only by driving it to the finish line together will the result be recognized.

This rule, to some extent, accommodates competitors who do not have a suitable Water-type Pokémon to ride on water.

This also suppresses the natural advantage of those Pokémon masters with powerful Water-type Pokémon, making the competition fairer.

It also puts a greater test to the trainer's comprehensive teamwork skills with Pokémon of different types.

"Tsk tsk, they're all young people—they're so energetic and vibrant."

Bai Zhou stretched leisurely, gazing at the wooden boats that had already sailed far away and become tiny dots on the sea.

He showed no sign of being in a hurry, scanning the various competition areas to identify some familiar figures.

"Xiaogang, Xiaoxia, Xiaoqian, Xiaochun, Asi, Yishu, Lihua — Hmm? Is Xiaohuang also in Division D?"

He muttered something with a hint of surprise.

He had witnessed Xiao Huang's fishing skills firsthand; his talent was renowned throughout the surrounding area.

This first stage of the competition must have been easy and enjoyable for her, while the other competitors in the same region must have been under immense pressure.

Judging from the current situation, Bai Zhou is probably the slowest among all the contestants; he hasn't even left the coast yet.

However, he was not in a hurry at all and had a very calm mindset.

For him, this was more of an entertainment match with a performance element; winning or losing was irrelevant, enjoying the process was the key.

He simply treated it as a vacation at the beach with his "little guys" and didn't have any strong competitive spirit at all.

You work yourself to the bone and win — but you don't get paid (emphasis added)!

Why not just enjoy the sunshine, the beach, and the sea breeze, and leisurely fish?

I really don't understand, what's the point of fighting for such empty fame?

Just as the idea of ​​opening a shop on Baizhou Island had just arisen, and he was about to go to the beverage stall next door to buy a cup of juice,

"Little Assistant reminds you: Ding—The Contractor has officially participated in the 'Pokémon All-Round Competition,' and the relevant conditions have been met! Challenge mission generated!"

"Little A's Assistant reminds you: Challenge Mission - The Road to the All-Around Champion (Part 1) has been released!"

"Mission Name: Pokémon All-Around Competition! Showcase the bond between humans and Pokémon! Become the all-around champion with your partners!"

Mission Objective (Phase 1): Win the Pokémon Marine Grand Prix!

"Mission Reward: Exp. Share (While this device is active, defeating opponents in battle will grant experience points to all Pokémon in your party, making it a valuable item for quickly boosting your team's strength!)"

Bai Zhou's previously lazy demeanor changed abruptly the moment he saw the mission reward!

The nonchalance in his eyes was instantly replaced by sharpness and focus, and his entire aura became solemn!

But then again—

He coughed lightly, quickly regaining his composure.

It's not about making steamed buns, it's about saving face! In life, you have to fight when the time comes! Especially when it comes to a battle for honor that proves your bond with your partners, it's not something to be taken lightly!

"Gengar! Larvitar! Stop playing around!"

Bai Zhou turned around and called out to the two little ones who were still building sandcastles on the beach, his tone urgent.

"Time is tight, and the task is heavy! Our goal is the championship!"

Upon hearing his battle-ready shout, Gengar immediately sprang to attention, its chubby body instantly straightening as it dropped its small shovel.

What did it just hear? The Emperor is actually taking it on a personal expedition this time?!

As the Crown Prince! The future heir to the empire! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to demonstrate my strength and prove myself before my father!

The fighting spirit in his heart burned fiercely like a blazing fire!

"Gengga! (Your subject obeys the decree!)"

Gengar reacted extremely quickly, scooping up Larvitar, who was still somewhat bewildered and unaware of what had happened, and then executed a standard diving move.

With a "plop," it disappeared into the shadow beneath Bai Zhou's feet.

Almost immediately, it emerged from the shadows in front of the white boat, carrying the young Gilas.

"Gengka! Gengka! (Reporting to Father! Your Majesty, your son and third brother are ready! We are ready to set out at any time!)"

Gengar peeked halfway out of the shadows, its chubby face filled with seriousness and a sense of mission.

Even the baby Gilas, which was being held in its arms with only its head showing, seemed to be affected by the atmosphere.

"Yo, yo-ji! (Me too!)"

Young Kiras tried hard to keep a straight face and make a fierce expression, but the effect was more like he was trying to be cute.