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

Chapter 120 The Brainless One Is Unhappy

On the coastline of Binhai City after the battle, the flashing lights of ambulances pierced the night. The Joy girls, carrying Lucky Eggs and Almost Dolls, bustled between the makeshift medical tents. The air was filled with the distinctive scent of healing medicine.

Zhang Jianying handed his injured companions over to the arriving medical staff one by one. Although the little guys had won, they were all more or less injured from the attack of the legendary Pokémon.

The worst off is the Salamence that gets hit head-on by the [Freeze Beam].

It was lying on a cushioned platform, half of its body and head wrapped in thick bandages soaked in a special thawing agent, looking like a giant blue mummy.

Whenever the medical staff gently touched its frostbitten areas, it would let out a mournful, drawn-out howl: "Roar—!!"

The screams were heartbreaking to hear and brought tears to the eyes of all who witnessed them.

On another platform nearby, Cynthia's Garchomp lay quietly, letting a young nurse treat a tear on its side that had also been swept by the aftershocks of the [Ice Beam] and was oozing ice crystals.

It kept its mouth tightly shut, its chin clenched, trying its best to maintain its dignity as the champion ace and the team's leader.

It's just ice damage, right? Just bear with it!

How could you wail and howl like that good-for-nothing little brat next to you? Damn it!

However, when it caught a glimpse of its trainer, Cynthia, walking towards the Salamence that was "acting" with that human boy, its carefully maintained composure cracked slightly.

Cynthia crouched down beside Salamence's large head, which was wrapped up so tightly that only its eyes and nostrils were visible, and said in a gentle tone she had never used before, "Does it hurt a lot? Just bear with it, the medicine will wear off."

Zhang Jianying was also standing nearby, patting the uninjured wing of the Salamence with a mixture of heartache and amusement: "Alright, alright, stop howling. We know you did a great job. We'll give you extra food when we get back. You can eat whatever you want."

Upon hearing this, the Salamence's howl immediately dropped eight octaves, turning into a pitiful whimper. It even rubbed its large head against Cynthia's palm. In its exposed crimson eyes, there was no trace of pain.

It's clearly the cunning of "Planner"!

What broke Garchomp's defenses even more was that its own Cyndaquil took out a small and exquisite spray bottle from its bag. It was a special medicine prepared for Garchomp to treat Ice-type damage!

Normally, Zhu Lan would only give it a little bit when it suffered a similar injury!

Now they've actually sprayed that medicine on the bandages near the wound of that pretentious Salamence?!

Garchomp:

'

It looked down at the wound on its side, which was also being eroded by ice energy and was throbbing with pain, then looked up at the heartwarming scene over there.

Garchomp was so angry its nose was practically crooked. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease, huh?!"

Trying to play the victim, huh?!

I can do it too!!!

"Cheer!!"

A scream, far louder, more pitiful, and more exaggerated than the one from Salamence, suddenly burst from Garchomp's throat, shaking the platform beneath it!

The nurse, who was carefully applying ointment to it, was so startled that her hand trembled and she almost dropped the medicine bottle.

Zhang Jianying and Cynthia, who were taking care of Salamence not far away, also turned their heads in surprise.

Just moments ago, Garchomp had been calm and collected, but now it was tilting its head back, letting out a painful wail at the starry sky. Its massive body trembled slightly, as if it were enduring immense pain, and two drops that looked like tears were squeezed out of its usually sharp dragon eyes.

Cynthia was taken aback at first, looking at Garchomp's exaggerated performance, and then at Salamence's equally surprised eyes beside her, and immediately understood what was going on.

She shook her head, both amused and exasperated, stood up, and walked towards her own "soybean paste".

"Okay, okay, I know, you've worked hard too."

She walked over to Garchomp, gently stroking the two sensory organs on its head that resembled the ampulla of Lorenz, and said with a helpless smile, "Here's the medicine for you. Don't be like it; it's not steady at all."

As she spoke, she took out another can of the same special spray and personally treated the Garchomp's wounds.

Garchomp immediately stopped its "performance," comfortably squinting its eyes and letting out a satisfied gurgling sound in its throat. It didn't forget to glance smugly at the astonished Salamence beside it. Little brat, you think you can compete with me? You're still too green!

This scene was witnessed by Da Ye, the Fire-type Elite Four member, who had just finished dealing with the Alliance officials and was walking over.

Da Ye blinked blankly at first, then, as if he had discovered some secret, his shoulders began to tremble uncontrollably. "Am I seeing things? Is this the same Garchomp that took on three opponents in the championship battle and smashed Wu Song's Bronze Bell flat? It's actually trying to win favor and play the victim?"

Finally, Da Ye couldn't hold back any longer. Pointing at Garchomp, he burst into loud laughter: "Hahahaha!"

However, his laughter soon stopped abruptly.

Da Ye felt a bone-chilling coldness wash over him, making even this fire-type Heavenly King shiver.

He stiffly raised his head, only to see that Garchomp had turned its head at some point and was staring at him intently with cold, threatening eyes.

Da Ye's laughter sounded stuck in his throat, and he coughed awkwardly twice.

He raised his hands and gestured repeatedly at Garchomp, "I was wrong, I didn't see anything, I will never tell anyone, believe me."

Garchomp snorted coldly, turned back, and continued to enjoy its trainer's comforting words.

Thus, a comical scene unfolded on this bustling post-war coastline.

Two enormous, renowned pseudo-legendary dragon-type Pokémon, one on the left and one on the right, stood beside their respective trainers, vying for their favor and letting out cries of pain that drew frequent glances from the surrounding medical staff and Pokémon.

By the time all the Pokémon injured in the battle had been properly cared for, it was already dawn.

The emergency broadcast in Binhai City sounded again, but this time it was a reassuring announcement: "Dear citizens, the abnormal tsunami threat has been confirmed to have been lifted, and the city's defense systems are operating normally. Please remain calm and return home in an orderly manner. Thank you again for your understanding and cooperation."

The crisis is finally over.

Everyone involuntarily breathed a sigh of relief.

The headmaster of the Binhai Dojo, Denji, walked up to Zhang Jianying and extended his right hand. He wore a sincere smile on his face, which resembled "Yongdai Mei".

"Hello young trainer, I'm Denji from the Seaside Dojo."

He introduced himself, saying, "First of all, I am very grateful for your tremendous help during this crisis in Binhai City. Without you and your partners, the consequences would have been unimaginable."

He paused, then took out a uniquely designed badge from his pocket. The badge was shaped like a lighthouse, with a light blue gemstone that seemed to be glowing at the top. It was a lighthouse badge.

"You deserve it."

Dianci handed the badge to Zhang Jianying, saying, "It's a recognition of your strength, courage, and character."

Zhang Jianying paused for a moment, then took the badge. It felt slightly cool to the touch and had a unique texture.

He asked with some confusion, "Gym Leader Denji, aren't we going to have gym battles?"

Dian Ci smiled and glanced at the injured little ones around Zhang Jianying.

He remarked with emotion, "The duty and purpose of a dojo trainer has never been to win matches or create unnecessary obstacles. Rather, it is to guide trainers onto the right path and test whether they possess the necessary qualities."

"You demonstrated calm judgment in the face of the threat of legendary Pokémon, trust in your companions, a sense of responsibility to protect the city, and the strength to ultimately fight alongside the champion."

Denji looked at Zhang Jianying seriously. "You have fully qualified, and even far exceeded the standard for ordinary gym challenges. You truly deserve this Lighthouse Badge."

Zhang Jianying felt incredibly happy; she realized she had so many good qualities.

He nodded, preparing to put the badge away.

Just then, a clear, melodious, and slightly teasing magnetic female voice rang out in his ear: "Oh? Guiding the trainer onto the right path?"

Cynthia walked over at some point, arms crossed, watching Denji with an air of nonchalance.

"I heard that a gym leader recently decided to convert his gym into a fully automated system because he felt the challengers were too weak and it was a waste of time," and then went to the top of the lighthouse to sunbathe and take a nap.

Denji's smile froze instantly, and cold sweat visibly seeped from his forehead.

broken!

He tried to slack off but was caught red-handed by the champion. How could he have forgotten that this ancestor was still here?!

He instinctively looked at his best friend, Da Ye, as if seeking help.

However, Big Leaf was squatting next to Garchomp, cautiously trying to "bribe" the boss with a bag of custard apples to keep quiet, but he himself was in danger.

Receiving the pleading look in Da Ye's eyes, all he could do was respond with a helpless, hopeless expression that said, "Good luck to you."

Electricity's heart sank.

Cynthia didn't let him off the hook, continuing in her calm yet incredibly intimidating tone: "And also, regarding this crisis response, as the Gym Leader and Elite Four who were closest to the scene and should have been the first to arrive and coordinate the operation, you two—"

Her gaze swept over Dianci and Daye.

"—You arrived just in time."

The last few words, spoken lightly, sent a chill down the spines of both Dianci and Daye.

"Perfect."

Cynthia turned to a senior League official who was taking notes on the aftermath. "Regarding my previous proposal for an emergency response training program for the Elite Four and Gym Leaders, the funding will be deducted from their first month's salary and gym operating subsidies. This is as an additional penalty for being late and for previous negligence."

The league official immediately nodded solemnly and took note: "Yes, Bamboo Orchid Champion!"

Denji and Daiya: "!!!"

The two were struck dumb, instantly petrified.

Not only do we have to attend that grueling training program, but we also have to have our pay docked?!

The two unfortunate brothers hung their heads, like wilted eggplants, trembling under the invisible pressure of the champion, not daring to refute.

They shakily pulled out their phones, stared at the screen, their fingers hovering over the contacts, but dared not press any button.

How am I supposed to explain this to my other colleagues?

Should we say, "Hey, Grandma Kikuno/Nase/—I have some good news for you. Because we're late and got caught slacking off by the champion, he's decided to hold a special training course for everyone, and we'll cover the cost first—remember to come on time!"

I'll get beaten to death, won't I?!

I'm sure I'll get a real-life showdown with the other top players and the gym owner, right?!

The two looked at each other and saw the same despair and hopelessness in each other's eyes.

They silently turned to face the sea, which had just returned to calm and was just beginning to lighten with the first rays of dawn. Their figures were desolate, and the sea breeze ruffled their disheveled hair, making them resemble Kyogre, who had recently sunk into the sea and refused to become the sea god.

On the shore, Zhang Jianying, who had witnessed the whole thing, quietly put away the lighthouse badge and decided to stay away from "Careless" and "Unhappy".

Just then, Ash, Brock, and Dawn also came over.

"Brother A-Jian!"

Ash's face lit up with excitement. "Congratulations on getting the last badge! What are your plans now? Are you going to train with us to prepare for the League Tournament?"

Without a second thought, Zhang Jianying immediately shook his head, denying it three times in a row: "No! I have no intention of doing so! Impossible!"

He looked at Ash's innocent, expectant face and sighed inwardly. "Silly thing! You really have no awareness of your own 'troublemaker' nature!"

I only spent a few days with you, and what happened? I turned around and ran into a rampaging Kyogre! If it weren't for the adorable little one being there, I probably would have had to beg a shiny Finch to revive me this time!

If I train with you for a few more days, will I run into Giratina who wandered out of the Reverse World the next time I go out?

This is terrifying! No way! Cherish life, stay away from Xiao Zhi!

At the very least, until you have the strength to go head-to-head with a legendary Pokémon, you must keep a safe distance!

Zhang Jianying gave a slightly regretful smile: "No, Xiaozhi. I have some things to take care of, and my teammates also need time to rest and digest the experience from this battle. See you at the League Conference, and we can have a good spar then."

Xiao Zhi scratched his head, looking somewhat disappointed.

He actually found it particularly exciting to act with Brother Jian, as they always encountered unexpected events and formidable opponents.

But since the other party has said that, he won't insist.

"Alright then! Brother Sword, you must come to the League Tournament! I'll become stronger, and then I'll have a good match with you and Shinji!" Ash clenched his fist, full of fighting spirit.

"It's a deal." Zhang Jianying smiled and gave him a high five.

Ash and his friends bid farewell to Cynthia, Diantha, and the others, then waved goodbye and, with Pikachu in tow, continued their journey filled with unknowns and adventures as the sun rose.

As Zhang Jianying watched Ash and his friends leave, he was about to check on his companions when he saw his Gardevoir looking in the direction Ash had gone, covering its mouth and letting out a soft laugh, its long, sky-blue hair fluttering slightly in the morning breeze.

"What's wrong?" Zhang Jianying asked curiously.

Gardevoir shook its head and rolled its eyes at the trainer who kept asking questions.

It didn't tell Zhang Jianying that what Xiaozhi was thinking just now was, "What a pity! Being with Brother Jianying always means encountering amazing events and Pokémon. Training together would be incredibly efficient! We definitely need to find a way to team up again next time!"

Gardevoir was worried that if its trainer knew Ash's true thoughts and subconscious desire to use him as a "high-level experience trigger", he would probably go berserk on the spot and rush up to Ash for a "real battle".

Gardevoir silently compared its trainer's and Ash's battle records, and its smile deepened.

Well, let's not talk about it. For the sake of our trainer's reputation and personal safety.

It turned gracefully, leaving Zhang Jianying with an elegant silhouette and swaying long hair, and walked briskly towards its resting companions.

Zhang Jianying was a bit confused by Gardevoir's sudden and inexplicable reaction, muttering, "So mysterious—" and followed after it.

The morning light completely dispelled the gloom of the night, shining on the calm sea and the coastal city that was gradually coming back to life.

Deep in the ocean, Manaphy, the "street hustler," was still earnestly trying to persuade Georka to cheer up and not to be stubborn.

Kyogre swam back home without looking back, pretending not to hear—