Pokémon: Did you play Pokémon today?

Chapter 375 Yes, I am the 'Handsome Researcher'

"Doctor! Look here, Doctor!"

A battle-worn local reporter, covered in dust and with a bandage on his forehead, waved his arms vigorously, his voice trembling with tears.

"I'm a local reporter from Wind City! I... I want to represent all the citizens of Wind City to sincerely thank you for saving this city! Thank you for saving us all! But... but—"

He was so excited that he became incoherent, and his eyes even reddened as he spoke.

"But during the disaster, all communication equipment was severely disrupted, and we were unable to capture your heroic battle with that black dragon! We are truly, truly sorry! This is a dereliction of duty on the part of all our journalists! We are so sorry!"

Bai Zhou stared blankly at the war-damaged reporter in the audience, who was crying her eyes out.

Not...brother?

I don't care about any of this, why are you crying? — You're getting way too emotional.

However, the reporter's heartfelt tears acted as a fuse, instantly igniting the emotions of many more local reporters!

"Doctor! What exactly is that black dragon?! We've never seen anything like it before! Why is it by your side, obeying your commands?!"

"Yes! That dragon was so cool! Did you command it to successfully save Lugia, the sea god who was corrupted by darkness?!"

Could you please describe in detail what exactly happened at that time?!

"Luggia is completely back to normal now! Thank you so much, Dr. Shirafuru! You are a great benefactor to our entire city!"

With them taking the lead, the local residents of Fenglai City who had gathered around to watch the spectacle all became teary-eyed, as if they were recalling the scene from that time.

The entire venue erupted in cheers!

Everywhere there were shouts of gratitude, admiring glances, and waving arms!

"One at a time, don't rush, don't rush—"

Bai Zhou couldn't take it anymore, so he quickly gestured for everyone to be quiet, and then lowered his voice mysteriously.

"About that black dragon—"

He paused, deliberately whetting everyone's appetite.

"The answer to this question will remain a secret for now. I'll tell you quietly after I've answered the other questions."

A collective sigh of disappointment rose from the audience.

But Bai Zhou then added, "However, I can reveal something first: in the near future, you will have the opportunity to see it in person, learn its story, and even fight alongside it."

"What?!"

"Doctor, what do you mean?!"

"Pokémon! Is the professor talking about the next Pokémon game!?"

"Could it be! Could it be that the black dragon will appear in the next Pokémon game!? And fight alongside us again!?"

"Doctor! You are my god!!!"

The reporters instantly became excited.

Bai Zhou simply smiled mysteriously and said nothing more.

This hesitant attitude actually heightened the suspense.

"So—are you really a 'handsome researcher'?!"

A young reporter, his face flushed, asked the question that had troubled countless netizens for a long time.

All the other reporters present also focused their attention on Bai Zhou. The entire room fell silent for a second as everyone waited for the answer.

"I...I saw you summon Mew back then! And your outfit—it looked exactly like the handsome researcher's!"

Bai Zhou raised an eyebrow, his smile becoming playful.

"A handsome researcher?"

He repeated the word, then turned around to look at Zhu Lan standing behind him and blinked.

"Bamboo Orchid Champion, do you think I'm handsome?"

Zhu Lan was taken aback, then rolled her eyes at him, but couldn't help but laugh.

The allure of that moment left many speechless.

Stop being so cheeky.

"Haha, just kidding."

Bai Zhou turned around, faced the camera, and readily admitted it.

"That's right, I'm the handsome researcher."

"To be precise, the design prototype for the character 'Handsome Researcher' is me, roughly based on the relationship between Little Red in the game and our Crimson Legends."

"The production team thought, since it's called 'Handsome Researcher,' there needs to be a reference point, right? So they found me, being handsome."

"However, games are games, and there are definitely artistic embellishments involved. Just take a look and don't fall in love with me, okay?~"

"I don't want to be mobbed by fans at the door."

A burst of laughter erupted from the audience, bringing the atmosphere to a climax.

"I knew it!"

"Handsome researchers really exist! Dr. Shirafuru, I love you!!!"

"I've been playing Pokémon for so long, and it turns out I'm actually interacting with real people?!"

"Dr. Shirafune! I've been increasing my affection level with that handsome researcher in the game every day! Do you think you might actually like me too!?"

"Who can understand the feeling of your favorite anime character coming to life?! My fantasy has truly become reality!"

"Handsome researcher — hehe — Dr. Shirafusa — hehe —"

"Doctor! Can I have your autograph?"

Chaos erupted in the audience; some screamed, some laughed hysterically, and others began to push forward, bringing the scene to the brink of collapse.

Fortunately, President Dama Lanqi managed to get the staff to maintain order in time.

As the laughter subsided, Bai Zhou's expression became more serious.

"Okay, jokes aside, I'd like to take this opportunity to make a formal announcement to everyone."

Everyone pricked up their ears and held their breath.

Bai Zhou took out a beautifully designed poster from his pocket and slowly unfolded it.

The poster features two legendary Pokémon that have never been seen before.

A crimson creature, covered in thick armor, its form resembling an ancient monster crawling out from the depths of the earth, majestic and mysterious.

A creature entirely blue, with an elegant and graceful figure and lateral fins resembling both a fish and a bird, like a creature from fantasy, elegant and sacred.

They stand facing each other, inspiring contemplation.

In the background, a coiled dragon silhouette looms in and out, overlooking everything as if controlling some higher balance.

"This is the next Pokémon game our company is currently developing."

Bai Zhou's voice clearly reached everyone's ears.

"Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire".

"Unlike previous titles like Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen and Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver, the new game's story isn't a rehash of the past, but a complete extension into the future!"

"The story will revolve around the Hoenn region, centered around a brand-new legend. The black dragon and the 'Power Pokémon' system it represents will be explored and presented in greater depth in the new game."

A brief silence fell over the scene.

Immediately, an even more enthusiastic and frenzied cheer erupted!

"New work!!!"

"Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire!!!"

"Holy crap! This is impossible to guard against! Absolutely impossible, Doctor!"

"So you admit the Pokémon Company is your company?! And is 'Salted Fish Old Thief' also just an alias?! How can you be so selfish! Hey!"

"So all of that was just a teaser for the new game?! Two more legendary Pokémon I've never seen before! I'm going to play this to the max!!!"

"Damn it! I actually got moved! But now I'm even more excited, what should I do?!"

"Buy it! I'll buy it, okay?!"

Reporters frantically pressed their shutters, flashes going off one after another, illuminating the entire press conference venue as if it were daytime.

Bai Zhou put away the poster, smiled, and waved to the camera.

"Alright, that concludes today's press conference. I need to go back and rest; I'm exhausted after just coming out of the Reverse World."

He paused, his gaze sweeping gently across the room.

Thank you for your concern.

""

"at last----"

Bai Zhou pointed his little hand towards the live stream camera, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Don't catch a cold."

Amidst laughter and cheers, Bai Zhou handed the microphone back to Chairman Dama Lanqi.

He turned around and looked at Zhu Lan, who had been standing quietly beside him.

Her eyes were a little red, as if she had been holding back tears for a long time.

But a smile played on his lips.

Welcome back.

She said softly.

Bai Zhou nodded.

"Yes, I'm back."

The sun is shining brightly.

The wind was gentle.

The sky, now completely clear of cracks, was a vibrant blue, as if it had been washed clean.

In the ruined square, the crowd was still cheering and laughing.

As soon as the two walked backstage at the press conference, a figure suddenly rushed over.

Bilan hugged Baizhou tightly, so tightly that he almost couldn't breathe.

"Idiot! You idiot!"

She cursed, but tears still streamed down her face uncontrollably.

Bai Zhou patted her back helplessly.

"Okay, okay, I'm an idiot, I'm an idiot."

"If you do this again—I'll—I'll—"

Azure was speechless.

She just hugged him even tighter.

Beside him, Crimson put away the Pokédex she was playing in Pokémon and looked at Green beside her.

"He's back."

"Nonsense, I'm not blind."

Qinglu was sharp-tongued, but a slight smile played on her lips.

"But this time they've gone a bit too far—"

"He's always been like this."

Chi Hong smiled and looked at the figure surrounded by a crowd in the distance.

"But isn't it precisely these kinds of people who deserve our trust?"

Qinglu didn't answer, but just clicked her tongue softly.

Xiao Huang held Chris's hand tightly, a bright smile on his face.

Ah Jin yawned and said casually, "See? I told you he wouldn't die, but you wouldn't believe me. I'm a prophet, and I'm always right."

Xiao Yin remained expressionless, her clenched fists quietly relaxing.

Ash smiled as he looked at Pikachu on his shoulder, his eyes sparkling.

"I knew it—Master would definitely come back."

Pikachu nodded vigorously.

"Pikachu!"

Zeraora stood in the shadows of the ruins, watching the figure in the center of the crowd from afar.

It remained silent for a long time.

Then, it gently flicked its tail.

"----Meow."

Forget it.

Following him—it doesn't seem so bad.

And in the shadow beneath Zeraora's feet.

Giratina's phantom image quietly appeared, its scarlet eyes gazing at the white boat from afar.

"snort."

It gave a soft hum and turned to disappear into the void.