Pokémon: Did you play Pokémon today?

Chapter 284 So this is Dr. Shiraishu!

The heavy rain subsided, and a rainbow appeared in the sky.

On the undulating sea, there was a circular area several meters in diameter that presented an eerie calm that was completely out of place with its surroundings.

It was as if an invisible membrane was keeping the waves out.

In the center of this absolutely calm water, floats an ugly fish, its body a pale purple color and its size far exceeding that of its kind.

Its pair of light gray fins, with their broken edges, slowly slapped the surface of the water with a peculiar rhythm.

Each rise and fall exudes a powerful aura of dominance, forcefully suppressing the restlessness in the surrounding sea.

The pitted and uneven surface did not diminish its imposing presence; on the contrary, it added a touch of composure that had endured countless battles.

An undisguised arrogance permeated the air, almost tangible.

Feebas's unusually deep eyes indifferently swept over the trembling Water-type Pokémon around it, driven away by its aura, like a monarch surveying his territory.

But in the end, that seemingly indifferent gaze locked onto a certain direction, onto a small boat bobbing on the waves not far away.

It just stared blankly at the figure standing on the bow of the boat, lost in thought.

"Yao~"

As the undisputed perfect overlord of this sea area, it has an extremely high opinion of itself.

Having physically "convinced" all Pokémon that dared to challenge its authority, it hasn't surfaced on its own for a long time.

The twisted corals, glowing minerals, and quiet darkness beneath the deep sea are what truly match its aloof and beautiful character.

Until—this sudden, massive tsunami.

Like most Pokémon in the deep sea, even a regional powerhouse like it appears insignificant in the face of natural disasters.

Its carefully constructed coral reef nest, meant to showcase its refined taste, was easily overturned and crushed by the raging currents.

Even it, which was enjoying a midday nap inside, was swept up in the chaotic eddy and towering waves—

However, Ugly Fish wasn't too disappointed.

On the contrary, it felt a slight sense of surprise.

Because it was in that chaos and destruction that it met the most perfect creature it had ever seen in its life, apart from itself!

It caught a glimpse of him through a gap in the chaotic water as it struggled to break free from the tsunami's suction and try to regain control of its body.

Unlike himself, who struggled to cross the river using brute force, that figure—

He was able to speed across the raging waves!

The figure was agile and steady, skillfully using the rise and fall of the waves, and even with an indescribable composure, it finally escaped the tsunami perfectly!

The courage to proactively confront devastating natural disasters!

The power of oneself to resist the mighty forces of nature!

And the wisdom to ultimately escape safely!

These three qualities that it most admired were vividly displayed by that figure in that brief moment!

With just one glance, the ugly fish's mind, which had never truly regarded any living creature, was firmly captured!

This is an instinctive worship and yearning for a "higher level of perfection"! It is unrelated to emotions, and even transcends species; it is the purest spiritual attraction!

From fragmented conversations with other Pokémon, it learned that this creature was called—human.

Ugly Fish desperately wanted to get close to him, to understand him, and even—

Pursue that perfection!

But it has never had contact with humans and has no idea how to initiate such communication.

Would approaching abruptly be seen as provocative? Or as lacking in decorum? Would it damage its perfect image?

After much deliberation, it decided to keep its distance and observe from the shadows.

So it chose this area of ​​sea, which was close to the small boat and where it could use its aura to isolate itself from interference, and floated there quietly.

Based on its "meticulous" observation, after the human surfaced, two other humans quickly approached and began to talk.

In Ugly Fish's discerning perception, the two humans behind him were distinguished by their hearts, temperament, outward appearance, and the energy they possessed.

In every aspect and in every sense, it is completely incomparable to the "perfect human" it has set its sights on—this makes it even more convinced of its judgment!

It seems that the person I met by chance is just like me, one in a million, the most perfect individual in the human race!

Then, it saw something that puzzled it.

The two "imperfect humans" began throwing small hooks with thin lines attached, and food was hanging from the hooks, into the sea.

Ugly Fish had absolutely no idea what they were trying to do.

Storing food?

Why not hide it in a secluded crevice among the rocks? Leaving it so openly in the sea is practically inviting other Pokémon to steal it.

As expected, it did exactly as it predicted.

Soon, some Pokémon with low intelligence and weak willpower were attracted by the food on the hook and swam over to try to eat it.

But each time, just as they put the food in their mouths, the two humans on the boat would suddenly pull them out of the water with a strange device, leaving them to struggle futilely in the air.

Ugly Fish tilted its head and suddenly realized.

Oh, so it's punishing those Pokémon that "steal" food!

But what's the point of pulling the food-stealing creatures out of the water?

The food has already been eaten, but it won't be vomited up—what an inefficient and inexplicable way to retaliate.

Ugly Fish was somewhat dismissive.

However, this is none of its business.

It had no interest in interfering with the other Pokémon's gluttonous behavior, nor did it care about the childish punishment game played by those two "imperfect humans".

Until that "perfect human" also picked up a similar device and elegantly swung his arm.

A small hook traced an arc and fell into the sea not far away.

And hanging on the hook—

It turned out to be a yellow tree fruit that is extremely rare in the deep sea and has an enticing color!

Uglyfish remembers this tree fruit! It had obtained and tasted it by chance a long time ago, and it was not only extremely delicious, but also far superior to the seaweed it usually ate!

After eating, a warm and comfortable feeling will surge through your whole body, and even the old wounds left from the battle seem to be relieved a bit!

Even it can't forget it, let alone other Pokémon?

It clearly sensed that the "stirring" activity in the surrounding sea area suddenly surged!

At least a dozen greedy eyes were locked onto the slowly sinking yellow bait!

No!

Those are his things!

"youngest-!!!"

A strange, intense protective instinct mixed with an inviolable sense of ownership of "perfect" property instantly seized Ugly Fish!

It happened almost the instant the thought arose!

Its huge and seemingly clumsy body burst forth with astonishing speed in the seawater, instantly appearing next to the pomelo hook!

boom!

The aura of a hegemon is fully unleashed!

The cold, powerful, and warning-filled pressure spread outwards from its center like a shockwave from an explosion!

The Pokémon that were about to swarm and snatch the berries were struck as if by an invisible hammer, their bodies stiffening and their eyes instantly filled with fear!

When they saw who was guarding the food, they were terrified and scattered like birds, disappearing without a trace in the blink of an eye.

Beneath the surface of the sea, tranquility has returned.

Ugly Fish then slowly withdrew its outward aura and looked around at the empty surroundings with satisfaction.

It felt it had done something very necessary.

He was too careless.

How can such precious food be left lying around?

Even someone as powerful as myself can still attract the attention of some audacious individuals if I hide my food out of sight.

He clearly lacks a certain level of "perfect" defensive awareness.

Forget it.

Let's just consider it my way of acknowledging and reciprocating his "perfection".

Let's protect him a little!

As for how to formally make contact next, it needs to observe further and come up with a sufficiently "perfect" plan.

"No! Where's my fish!?"

On the small boat, Bai Zhou stared at his fishing float, which remained motionless on the sea, and fell into deep self-doubt and numbness.

He clearly took advantage of the fact that Yishu and Lihua's attention was elsewhere to secretly use his super-power to sense the underwater area!

He could clearly "see" a large group of all kinds of Water-type Pokémon attracted by the aroma of the berry, excitedly swarming towards his fishing hook!

It looks like a food-grabbing frenzy is about to break out!

How come he just withdrew his Super-Strike power, ready to enjoy the fun of those willing Pokémon taking the bait, and then those Pokémon...

They all ran away?!

Not even a splash was left?!

Is it in the river? No, it's not in the river!

Bai Zhou took a deep breath of the salty sea breeze, trying to calm the restless flames churning in his heart, a feeling of "the dignity of a fisherman being thwarted."

Undeterred, he glanced again at the glittering skill on his personal panel, which only he could see.

"Fishing Lv.3 (A true angler never goes home empty-handed!)"

It would have been better if I hadn't looked at it; once I did, it completely shattered my defenses!

Lv.3! And the comment says "blessing"! Could it be—this is a fake skill?!

He recalled the entire process he had just gone through.

Adjusting the reel tension, the baiting technique, the swing technique, and that light, feather-like "thump" when the hook enters the water—

Every single step was flawless, a textbook example!

Why is it that no fish are paying any attention?!

Bai Zhou even began to suspect that the "feng shui" of this sea area was incompatible with his birth chart, and that they were inherently incompatible!

"They've taken the bait! Haha!"

A joyful exclamation exploded in his ears, interrupting his resentment.

He cast his line with a deft flick of his wrist, and a carp, its tail thrashing wildly, traced a silvery arc in the sunlight before being precisely cast into the fish basket on the boat.

Almost immediately following behind.

The sound of a taut fishing line came from the side, and Rika instantly got into the zone, leaning back slightly and starting to reel in the line steadily and powerfully.

"They're here too!"

She successfully cast her line, and another carp burst out of the water.

"With this Magikarp, if I catch four more, I'll have enough initial points to advance directly to the next stage!"

Yishu excitedly calculated, his voice full of eagerness.

The pear blossoms also wore smiles, clearly indicating a bountiful harvest.

Bai Zhou silently withdrew his gaze, feeling the sea breeze stinging his face.

Indeed, human joys and sorrows are not shared.

He now only found them noisy, and the two lively Magikarp were particularly irritating.

Forget it.

He took a deep breath, made a decision, and began packing his fishing gear.

In any case, the two of them have already agreed to the licensing of the game's character images.

Staying here is pointless except for experiencing the vicissitudes of the world and the "bullying" from Water-type Pokémon.

It's better to leave cleanly and decisively, preserving the last shred of dignity.

"Doctor? What is this—"

The observant Pear Blossom noticed that Shirazu was starting to pack up his fishing gear. She put the newly caught carp king into the fish basket and spoke hesitantly.

"Why did you suddenly pack up? Is there something wrong with your fishing rod or rig? Do you need help taking a look?"

"Uh—you misunderstood, it's not a problem with the equipment."

Bai Zhou raised his head, his face instantly switching to a slightly apologetic and sunny smile, and he naturally scratched the back of his head.

It's as if the person who was sulking at the fishing float just now wasn't him.

"I suddenly remembered that before the competition started, that girl Xiao Huang specifically asked me to do something."

"I'll go find her when things are a little quieter here; she said she wants to learn some of my exclusive fishing techniques."

He deftly reeled the fishing line back into the reel, his tone natural and fluent.

"After all, I promised her, and as an elder, I can't go back on my word. I see that things are going well here, so I might as well go and see her now."

"Then I'll take my leave now. Wishing you all a fruitful journey ahead!"

After saying that, he didn't give Yishu and Lihua a chance to respond or try to stop him. He gave Gardevoir a look, who was standing quietly to the side.

Gardevoir understood immediately, a glint of light flashing in its bright orange eyes.

Buzz————

An invisible superpower instantly enveloped the entire small boat, smoothly "lifting" it slightly from the sea surface, and then, as if a silent propulsion system had been installed.

They nimbly and swiftly changed direction, heading in the opposite direction from Yishu and the others, and soon disappeared behind the undulating waves.

Only a trail that gradually faded away remained.

Yishu and Lihua gazed at Baizhou's somewhat "lonely" figure in the sunlight, then looked at their fishing spot where they had been catching fish one after another, and remained silent for a moment.

"—As expected of a PhD."

Yishu was the first to express his feelings, his tone complex.

"Ugh."

Pear Blossom also sighed softly, her eyes filled with admiration.

"The doctor—in order not to interfere with our competition or affect our points, actually chose to refrain from fishing himself and even found such a considerate reason to leave—"

"yes."

Yi Shu nodded in agreement, gazing in the direction where the white boat had disappeared, as if he could see through the "deeper meaning" behind that seemingly indifferent departure.

.

"Just like how he caused such a massive tsunami, but deliberately pretended to have just narrowly escaped."

"Although he did hide it very well, and his acting was impeccable—how could we not see through it?"

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing in each other the profound respect for the "unassuming and considerate" doctor.

Their evaluation of this young PhD has been elevated to a whole new level.

Powerful, yet gentle.

Wise, yet humble.

This is Dr. Shirafuru!

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