Pokémon: I have no choice but to do this old thing?

Chapter 116 The Coming Storm

The door to the VIP box closed gently behind us, separating us from the tranquility of the outside passageway.

The lighting inside the private room was softer and warmer than in the corridor, and the air was filled with a subtle, elegant scent, different from the fragrance used in the show. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows was the night view of Binhai City during a rainstorm, but Zhang Jianying's attention was drawn to the figure in the center of the private room.

On the sofa, a beautiful woman with long chestnut hair styled in an elegant updo sat gracefully. She wore a well-tailored suit, frameless glasses, a hardcover book open on her lap, and a cup of steaming black tea beside her.

Hearing the door open, she looked up, revealing a face that had appeared on countless movie posters and news headlines.

A face that combines intellectual gentleness with the aura of a superstar.

Karen, the champion of the Carlos region and an international movie star.

Although Zhang Jianying had some guesses in his heart, there were not many people who could be called "very important friends" by Cynthia and who would appear in Binhai City at this time, he still couldn't help but be stunned for a moment when he actually saw the person in person.

Karuni's self-shine first fell on Cynthia, who was half a step ahead, with a gentle smile, and then naturally turned to Zhang Jianying behind her.

Her gaze was one of discreet scrutiny, not offensive, but rather giving the impression of being taken seriously. Besides curiosity, her eyes held a hint of knowing mischief, lingering especially long on Cynthia and Zhang Jianying.

"Karuni, this is Zhang Jianying, whom I mentioned to you before."

Cynthia removed her hood, letting her dazzling golden hair fall down. She walked to Karune's side and introduced her in a natural tone, but a faint blush crept up her ears.

"Ah Jian, this is Karuni, the champion of the Carlos region, and also a very good friend of mine."

Zhang Jianying composed himself, stepped forward, and nodded politely: "Hello, Champion Karuni. I've heard so much about you."

His attitude was neither humble nor arrogant, showing the respect due to the senior champion, but without being overly nervous or excited, which made him appear quite proper.

Karune closed her book, stood up, and gracefully extended her hand, her face displaying an impeccable, gentle smile: "Hello. Cynthia often talks about you to me, saying you're a trainer with great potential and ideas. It's nice to meet you."

Her handshake was firm but short, a perfect touch, and her manners were impeccable.

But the phrase "often mentioned" and the smiling look in her eyes still made Zhang Jianying's heart skip a beat, and he subconsciously glanced at Cynthia. Cynthia pretended not to see him and turned to hang up her coat, but her reddened ears became even more noticeable.

Karuni took in their subtle interactions, her smile deepening, but her expression remained composed. She gestured for them to sit down and personally poured Zhang Jianying a cup of black tea.

"Don't be so reserved. Since you're Cynthia's friend, you're my friend too." Karune's voice was gentle and pleasant, with a relaxing charm. "Cynthia told me you're challenging the Sinnoh League? Are you just one badge away from winning?"

"Yes, the lighthouse emblem of Binhai City." Zhang Jianying nodded, took the teacup, and thanked him.

"Denji—"

Karune seemed to remember something and smiled slightly. "He's a very talented and interesting gym leader. His gym challenge style is quite unique, and I believe it will leave a deep impression on you."

The three chatted for a while about dojos and their travel experiences.

Karuni was adept at guiding the conversation, her attitude both friendly and tactful, quickly dispelling most of Zhang Jianying's initial nervousness. He could sense that Karuni's scrutiny, though meticulous, was not malicious; it was more like an elder observing a younger person? Or perhaps a close friend "vetting" her friend?

This thought left Zhang Jianying with a slightly uneasy feeling. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and muttered to himself.

Well, what's wrong with having a relationship? Don't you also have an unknown husband? Five years later, your daughter will be running around everywhere, even going to another dimension to buy soy sauce—

Of course, he would never dare to say that out loud.

Perhaps it was Zhang Jianying's overly "righteous" inner thoughts that made his expression seem somewhat absent-minded, and Karuni and Cynthia exchanged a glance.

Cynthia gently touched Karni's arm with a hint of reproach, to which Karni responded with a "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing" smile.

The following dinner was arranged in a private room at a top-tier restaurant in the coastal city that requires advance reservations.

The environment is private and elegant, and the dishes are exquisite.

During the meal, Cynthia and Karune seemed to have endless whispers to each other. They often leaned closer to talk in hushed tones and let out soft laughter. Cynthia would also occasionally and naturally put some of the dishes she thought were delicious on Zhang Jianying's plate, accompanied by a tender look.

Zhang Jianying was a little uncomfortable at first, but with delicious food in front of him and the two champion sisters who, despite their strong presence, were friendly, he gradually relaxed. He would occasionally join in on topics about Pokémon training and battle tactics, which made Karune show a little surprise and appreciation.

The meal was fairly pleasant.

Zhang Jianying could sense that Karuni's initial impression of him was quite good; at least she hadn't shown any opposition or dissatisfaction. Cynthia was clearly in a good mood as well, a relaxed smile constantly playing on her lips.

Meanwhile, in a hotel room in Binhai City.

Ash lay sprawled on the bed, fast asleep. Pikachu curled up beside his pillow, its little belly rising and falling gently with its breath.

Outside the window, the torrential rain showed no signs of abating; on the contrary, it seemed to be gathering even greater power. The dark clouds pressed lower, almost touching the tip of the city's tallest lighthouse. Muffled thunder rolled deep within the clouds, like the howl of a giant beast.

In his sleep, Xiao Zhi's brows suddenly furrowed.

He heard a sound.

It wasn't thunder, it wasn't rain.

It was—the sound of crying.

Very subtle, very sad, intermittent, as if coming from an extremely distant place, yet as if echoing directly in my heart—

end.

The cries were filled with helplessness, fear, and deep longing, like those of a child who couldn't find their home.

Immediately following, an even fainter but extremely anxious cry, or rather, a thought, came through: "————Help———— Help————"

"----Danger----"

That voice... it sounds familiar? It's like I've heard it somewhere before—not long ago?

Ash writhed restlessly in his dream.

Then, he "saw" it.

Endless deep blue, icy seawater. In the dim light of the deep sea, in the distance, a faint light flickers frantically, fleeing, as if something terrifying is chasing it.

In the deepest part of the ocean, where even the faintest light could not illuminate, a pair of enormous, orange-yellow eyes, burning with raging fury, suddenly lit up!

The anger in his eyes was so intense, it seemed to engulf the sea and tear the sky apart.

Accompanied by indescribable, terrifying pressure, the owner of those eyes was rushing upwards at an alarming speed from the unimaginable depths of the sea! The target seemed to be right in the direction he was facing!

"!"

Xiao Zhi suddenly sat up in bed, panting heavily, his forehead covered in cold sweat.

His heart pounded, and he subconsciously looked around. It was a familiar hotel room. Outside, the rain was pounding against the window. Pikachu on the pillow was startled awake by his movements and was rubbing its eyes in a daze.

"Pikachu?"

Was it a dream?

Xiao Zhi breathed a sigh of relief and wiped his sweat.

But then, the feeling of palpitation, the cries for help heard in the dream, and the terrifying eyes seen resurfaced clearly in my mind.

No, this wasn't an ordinary nightmare.

Ash's inner potential, the potential of the "Aura Warrior," which he himself was unaware of, was subtly stirring, conveying a strong sense of unease. The sky outside the window was as black as spilled ink, and the air pressure was so low that it was hard to breathe.

That cry for help—

He must have heard it somewhere before! Just recently! Who could it be?

Xiao Zhi jumped off the bed barefoot, ran to the window, and stared intently at the city and the sea outside, where the wind and rain were raging. An unprecedented sense of urgency gripped his heart.

He turned around and woke Xiaogang up. After getting dressed, he pulled the bewildered Xiaogang and knocked on Xiaoguang's door.

Hirona's white sedan was quietly parked in the temporary parking lane along the coastal road outside the restaurant.

Dinner was over. Karuni was sitting in the passenger seat, and Shirona was about to start the car to take Karuni back to her hotel first, and then take Zhang Jianying back to his inn.

Zhang Jianying was sitting in the back seat, listening to the two champions chatting about their plans for the next few days, but his gaze was involuntarily drawn to the worsening weather outside the car window.

The dark clouds rolled almost close to the sea surface, the lightning flashed more and more frequently, and the thunder grew closer and closer.

The rain was no longer just falling, but pouring down like a dam bursting. Even more strangely, the previously rhythmic sound of the waves on the sea seemed to have become frenzied and chaotic, and a salty, oppressive smell filled the air.

The aura within his body seemed to be stirred by some unseen force, sending waves of faint yet persistent palpitations through him. This was not fear, but an instinctive warning of an impending supernatural event.

"What's wrong, Ah Jian?"

Cynthia noticed his suddenly pale expression through the rearview mirror and asked with concern, "You look unwell, aren't you feeling well?"

Karuni also turned her head and looked at him.

Zhang Jianying shook his head, his brow furrowed: "It's not that I feel unwell, it's just that something feels off. The weather outside, and the sounds from the sea."

Almost the instant he finished speaking, "Whoosh!"

Two red lights illuminated almost simultaneously in the back seat and the front passenger seat!

Zhang Jianying's Gardevoir and Karen's Gardevoir simultaneously appeared out of their Poké Balls without any command.

Zhang Jianying's Gardevoir appeared beside him and sat down quietly, but its crimson eyes had lost their usual gentle calmness, replaced by an unusual seriousness and solemnity, with a faint blue psychic glow flashing rapidly in them.

Karune's Gardevoir landed lightly in its owner's arms, its expression equally tense, looking up towards the sea.

Immediately afterwards, a clear telepathic image, like a cold tide, surged directly into the minds of the three people in the car.

A raging sea!

A towering black wave, tens of meters high, crashed down on Binhai City like a wall of water connecting heaven and earth, with the intent to destroy everything!

Modern buildings crumbled like toys before the giant waves; glass curtain walls shattered, steel twisted. Lightning danced on the crests, winds howled, and the entire city was instantly submerged! Countless panicked figures struggled in the floodwaters, the mournful cries of Pokémon mingling with the screams of humans—

The scene flashed by in an instant, but the destructive impact it contained made the three of them gasp for breath!

"Shanai!" (Danger! Coming soon!)

Both Gardevoirs simultaneously issued urgent warnings, their telepathic communication filled with anxiety.

Cynthia's expression instantly turned incredibly serious, revealing the decisiveness of a champion. She didn't even question the accuracy of the prophecy; two Gardevoirs issuing warnings simultaneously, one of which was a champion's main unit, made it impossible for it to be an illusion or misjudgment!

"When?!"

Cynthia's voice was calm and swift, her sharp gaze fixed on the two Gardevoirs.

Zhang Jianying's Gardevoir closed its eyes, focusing all its senses on sensing, its psychic energy pulsating violently.

A few seconds later, it opened its eyes, shook its head in distress, and transmitted a vague message through telepathy: "Unable to predict precisely, but soon, the 'rage' in the sea is rapidly approaching."

Gardevoir of Karune nodded in confirmation.

Zhang Jianying's heart skipped a beat. The rage in the sea? That sounded so familiar—

But now is not the time to delve into it!

Cynthia decisively pulled out her specially made Champion Communicator, her fingers flying across the screen, her tone resolute: "This is Cynthia! Immediately activate the highest-level natural disaster emergency plan for Binhai City and the surrounding coastline!"

Repeat, highest level!

"Contact the Seaside Dojo Master, activate all city defense systems and energy barriers, at maximum power!"

"Notify Officer Jenny and the Joey System: all forces are on standby, ready to evacuate residents from low-lying coastal areas, and open all public buildings as temporary shelters!"

"Contact Sinnoh League Headquarters and request immediate support from all nearby Elite Four and Gym Leader-level fighters! Notify Interpol Coastal Division that an illegal organization may be taking advantage of the situation to create chaos and request their assistance in maintaining vigilance!"

"Attention! Execute this as quickly as possible without causing widespread panic! The preliminary reason is an abnormal tsunami warning! I am solely responsible for all instructions!"

A series of clear, rapid, and unquestionable commands were transmitted through the encrypted channel. The champion's authority and execution were on full display at this moment.

After hanging up the communication, Cynthia took a deep breath, looked at Karene and Zhang Jianying, her eyes resolute: "Karune, I need your help. Jianying, so do you. Gardevoir's warning can't be wrong; we must act immediately."

Karune nodded without hesitation: "Of course. My Gardevoir can participate in early warning and rescue efforts. Should I contact the Carlos Alliance to coordinate resources?"

"Not for now, let's focus on the Sinnoh League system first," Cynthia said quickly, restarting the car and turning around. Instead of heading to a hotel or inn, she sped towards the Coastal City Disaster Prevention Command Center. "We'll get to the command center first! Sword, your Aura and Gardevoir's psychic abilities might be key!"

"clear!"

Zhang Jianying clenched his fists, feeling the same tense and determined emotions emanating from his companions in the Poké Balls at his waist. He looked out the window at the raging rainy night, his gaze grave.

A storm is really coming.

Beneath the same dark, raging sea surface.

A rudimentary submersible, with a comical appearance and resembling a giant carp, was struggling to propel its propeller, following behind a huge, menacing-looking submarine.

Inside the submersible, the Team Rocket trio were panting heavily, but their eyes were fixed on the stern of the submarine ahead.

"Meow—I'm catching up, meow—"

-

Meow Meow wiped her sweat, watching the flashing lights on the radar.

Kojiro suddenly pointed to a blurry mark on the side of the submarine and hesitated, "That mark... haven't we seen it in the Hoenn region? What's it called again, the pirate Durbo?"

Musashi leaned closer to the observation window and squinted. "Huh? It really is! That pirate who got knocked away by that brat and the little girl from Hoenn? Wasn't he captured? How did he get back out? And with such a huge submarine!"

Meowth manipulated the device, trying to amplify the signal, when suddenly its paws froze, and a look of shock appeared on its face: "Wait, meow! If it really is Trub, and he's hunting the most precious Pokémon in the ocean again, then doesn't that mean..."

The three exchanged a glance, then exclaimed in unison, their eyes sparkling with excitement: "Prince of the Vast Sea—Manaphy?!"

"I'm rich, meow!!" Meow meow's tail stood straight up with excitement.

"Promotion! Salary increase! Executive position!" Musashi seemed to see a bright future ahead.

"Dedicated to Boss Sakaki!" Kojiro had already imagined himself being honored.

"That's right! That's it! Stick close to him! Once he and the guardian of Manaphy are both severely weakened, we'll—hehehe!"

Musashi let out the standard villainous laugh.

The three of them immediately became energized and pedaled even harder. The dilapidated Magikarp submersible actually sped up a little more, tightly biting the wake of the Dorub submarine in front of them.

They were so focused on their "prey" that they didn't notice anything else.

Beneath them lay absolute darkness, a depth so deep that even the submarine's lights could not penetrate.

A pair of enormous, orange-yellow eyes, burning with destructive fury, were almost upon them! The owner of those eyes, carrying terrifying power capable of triggering a tsunami, was hurtling straight toward the sea, toward the coastal city, toward the figure being pursued, at a speed exceeding that of a submarine.

The sea's wrath is about to descend.