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

Masa Town, Dr. Yamanashi's Research Institute.

The atmosphere was once very... heavy.

Dr. Yamanashi adjusted his glasses to protect his eyesight, holding a precision instrument as he repeatedly scanned the baby dragon that was clinging tightly to Zhang Jianying's shoulder and baring its teeth at him.

Zhang Jianying stood frozen in place like a hostage, not daring to move, his back noticeably more hunched than before he set off.

"Um…"

Dr. Yamanashi broke the silence with a long, unintelligible sound, "Based on the data you provided and my initial scan, the situation is more complicated than expected."

He pointed to the complex energy graph on the computer screen:

"The conflict between the properties of its hard head and its flying skin makes its energy circulation extremely unstable, like, well..."

Dr. Yamanashi seemed to be searching for a suitable analogy, "It's like putting Groudon and Kyogre in a bathtub and trying to make them coexist peacefully."

Zhang Jianying: "..."

The metaphor was so vivid that he could almost see the scene of the sky and earth collapsing inside the baby dragon's body.

"Then... is there a solution, Doctor?"

There is no permanent solution at the moment.

Dr. Yamanashi shook his head.

"Forcibly manipulating it carries extremely high risks and could lead to the complete collapse of its energy core. Currently, we can only adopt a conservative approach, gently guiding it and trying to find a balance between the two characteristics. This will take a long time, and, uh, a great deal of patience."

As Dr. Yamanashi spoke, his gaze inadvertently swept over Zhang Jianying's obviously strained back.

"Apart from this."

The doctor added, his tone becoming more serious.

"Dark Star's emotional stripping experiments left a deep imprint on his mental state. This post-traumatic stress disorder and energy blockage interacted with each other, forming a vicious cycle. Intense emotions such as fear and anger can become the trigger for energy conflicts."

As if to confirm the doctor's words, Baby Dragon felt extremely uncomfortable with the doctor's pointing and gesturing, and let out a more threatening growl from its throat, its body tense, showing signs of unstable energy.

Just as Zhang Jianying was wondering how to comfort him.

A pale blue figure silently intervened.

Kirlia teleported between Zhang Jianying and the professor, facing the Bellatrix.

Instead of using a strong barrier, it released an extremely gentle yet irresistible psychic power.

The telekinetic power was like a delicate net, gently enveloping the restless baby dragon, quietly calming the unstable energy gathered within its body, and then detaching it from Zhang Jianying's shoulder, "seemingly gently" fixing it to his side.

"Doctor, please don't blame it."

A clear, yet slightly choked-up, telepathic connection simultaneously entered the minds of Dr. Yamanashi and Zhang Jianying.

Kirlia lowered her eyes slightly, and her crimson eyes seemed to be covered with a layer of moisture.

It gently pressed a small hand on the top of the baby's head, which was still struggling under the binding of telekinesis. The action seemed to be soothing, but in fact it precisely suppressed its further resistance.

"Baby Dragon is just too scared."

Kirlian's thoughts seemed to be filled with genuine "worry" and "heartache".

"During those dark days, it must have endured unimaginable pain to protect itself in this way; it didn't want to be hurt anymore."

Zhang Jianying "..."

"Where did my gentle and obedient Kirlia go?! That tone! That posture! Kirlia, where did you learn this 'tea ceremony' performance?!"

Dr. Yamanashi adjusted his glasses and commented expressionlessly, "Hmm. Strong emotional resonance ability, and precise microscopic manipulation of mental energy. Good potential."

"Doctor! Is this the key point?!"

Zhang Jianying cried out in his heart.

The baby dragon, which had been forcibly "pacified," was absolutely furious! Its scales stood on end, and its scarlet eyes were practically spitting fire as it glared at Kirlia.

"That hypocrite! She's clearly suppressing it, yet she pretends to be its protector!"

It wanted to roar and bite, but the gentle psychic power was like the all-pervasive water pressure of the deep sea, rendering it powerless. It could only curse Kirlia a thousand times in its heart.

"Waaah!! It's starting! The boss's show is about to begin!"

The forest tortoise guarding the entrance pressed its head firmly against the wall, trying to pretend it was just a background figure.

"Heh, heh heh... Wow, I feel like this move from the boss is even more terrifying than the Mental Breaker. It's like killing the dragon by destroying its spirit, killing the dragon by destroying its spirit!"

Gastly huddled in the shadows of a corner, silently dimming its body several degrees...

To perform more precise energy node scanning, Baby Dragon needs to enter a closed energy sensing chamber similar to a magnetic resonance imaging system.

As expected, when Baby Dragon saw the cold metal cabin, it was as if it had seen the most terrifying instrument of torture. It resisted desperately, cowered in the corner, and let out a fierce roar at the two people who approached.

Zhang Jianying tried everything to persuade it, but to no avail, and was sweating profusely with anxiety. Even Dr. Yamanashi's perpetually poker face showed a hint of helplessness.

Just then, Kirullian stepped forward again.

Instead of going near the corner, it walked to Zhang Jianying's side, gently tugged at his clothes, and raised its "pure and flawless" eyes.

"Doctor, A-Jian, please let me try again."

It slowly approached the corner, stopped at a safe distance, crouched down, and met the baby dragon's terrified and angry gaze.

The message it conveys is no longer the previous "empathy," but rather a sincere expression of "deep understanding and righteousness":

"I know you're scared, and I don't want you to go into this cold thing."

Kirullian said "frankly," "But only in this way can A-Jian find a way to help you. You don't want to continue suffering and being out of control like this, right? You don't want to hurt A-Jian because of an uncontrollable force, or... lose this family again, do you?"

These words were like a key, instantly unlocking Baby Dragon's strongest psychological defenses.

Baby Dragon is afraid of losing, afraid of being abandoned, and even more afraid that losing control will destroy this hard-won warmth.

Kirullian's words laid bare her fears and her longing for a "home."

Baby Dragon looked at Zhang Jianying's anxious and concerned eyes not far away, and then at Kirlia in front of it, who was "pretending" but whose words were hitting its heart. A huge contradiction was tearing it apart.

Ultimately, his dependence on Zhang Jianying and his twisted desire to protect her overcame his fear of the equipment.

It let out a low growl mixed with humiliation, resentment, and determination, and slowly, step by step, it walked into the sensor cabin.

Just before the hatch closed, it turned back and glared at Kirlia, its eyes clearly saying, "You just wait!"

Kirullian responded with a gentle, encouraging smile, then turned to Zhang Jianying, conveying a sense of relief: "That's great, it's finally willing to bravely face it for everyone's sake."

Zhang Jianying looked at Kirullian with a complicated expression, unable to tell whether it was a genuine expression of emotion or an Oscar-worthy performance.

The subsequent inspections were conducted in a delicate atmosphere.

During a break from the doctor's data analysis, Zhang Jianying took the Pokémon to the streets of Sandstone Town for some fresh air.

As expected, the battle between the two Pokémon spread from the research institute to the town.

When a curious child tries to pet Kirlia, it will "shyly" let out a soft cry, gracefully hide behind Zhang Jianying, tug at his clothes, and reveal half of its face. Its appearance is so endearing that passersby exclaim, "How cute and elegant Kirlia is!"

When a trainer praised its strength, it humbly replied, "It's all thanks to A-Jian's excellent teaching; I just tried my best not to hold him back."

Throughout the process, Zhang Jianying garnered immense goodwill, making him appear as an excellent and skilled trainer.

Baby Dragon, like a blue-skinned loser, watched helplessly as these scenes unfolded.

I almost automatically learned Galarian Moltres's signature move, "Burning Rage".

So the baby dragon began to imitate him.

When a trainer tried to offer it a blue orange berry in a friendly manner, instead of being "shy," it snatched it away fiercely, took a bite, then threw it on the ground in disgust, stomped on it, and bared its fangs at the trainer, successfully scaring the trainer away.

It tried to hide behind Zhang Jianying like Kirullian did, but ended up bumping into his knee, almost causing Zhang Jianying to bow deeply to people in the street.

What nearly made Baby Dragon explode with anger was the last time.

When Babydra attempted to "accidentally" headbutt Kirlia, Kirlia seemed to have eyes in the back of her head, gracefully sidestepping with her skirt slightly raised.

At the same time, Kirlia used her telekinesis to "just happen" catch a fruit basket that had been knocked over by a Bellatodon and was about to fall to the ground, earning praise from the stall owner and passersby.

Under everyone's gaze, it turned back and cast a look of "helplessness and doting, as if looking at a naughty little sister" at the staggering baby dragon.

The baby dragon was utterly defeated and its defenses were broken. It was furious but helpless, and it was just short of using its "Reverse Scale" technique, which it did not yet know, on the spot.

When Zhang Jianying returned to the research institute with the trembling Guigui and Guigui, as well as the two sisters who had been secretly fighting, the illustrated guide in his pocket beeped.

The screen displays Cynthia's champion image.

"Miss Cynthia?"

"It seems you've already arrived at Dr. Yamanashi's place."

Cynthia's voice came through the speaker, tinged with a faint smile, "I just spoke with Dr. Yamanashi and got the initial information. Master Gustav is also online and wants to talk to you. I'll transfer the call."

That's it!

Zhang Jianying understood.

It was Cynthia who, as an intermediary, contacted Gustav immediately after learning of the diagnosis.

This champion's efficiency and thoughtfulness are truly remarkable.

He followed Dr. Yamanashi to the secure communications room.

A massive holographic projection of Gustav appeared in the center of the room, with the elderly Lucario still by his side.

"Kid, you look better than when you were lying in the hospital bed."

Gustav cut to the chase, his voice hoarse, "Cynthia just forwarded me Yamanashi's diagnostic summary. Dark Star's mess with your precious dragon is really troublesome."

"Master Gustav, thank you for your trouble," Zhang Jianying greeted respectfully.

"Enough with the nonsense. The conservative treatment plan that Yamanashi taught you is basic and can guarantee a minimum outcome, but it's unlikely you can make a name for yourself at the League Conference and get this kid in good shape with just that."

Zhang Jianying held his breath, knowing that the important part was about to begin.

"I asked Cynthia to contact me after you recover, and the reason is simple."

Gustav's gaze was sharp as an eagle's. "I've taken a liking to your resilience and your attitude towards these little guys around you. More importantly, you've messed with Dark Star. They won't let you off the hook just because you destroyed one of their bases. If you want to protect them and walk the path of the Alliance Conference with dignity, determination alone isn't enough; you need the matching strength and means."

He paused, then continued:

"I can point you in the right direction. I'm not suggesting you join some department of Interpol and sit in an office there; I don't have time to train rookies and handle menial tasks. I'll develop a training program for you, provide some... resources that aren't available outside, and teach you and the guys around you how to turn potential dangers into weapons in combat while ensuring your own safety."

This was practically a plan tailor-made for Zhang Jianying!

It won't affect his main goal of challenging gyms and the league, and he can also get guidance from top experts and scarce resources, especially training methods for special cases like Baby Dragon.

"However," Gustav said, his tone becoming more serious.

"Yamanashi is right, a mental illness requires a mental cure. My method can strengthen its physique, hone its skills, and even teach it to control its rampaging energy, but it cannot eradicate the fear and distrust deep within its soul. This thing will become your most fatal weakness when you need it most."

In the holographic image, Gustav looked at Dr. Yamanashi: "Contact Yukinari. You know more about this than I do."

Dr. Yamanashi nodded and continued, saying to Zhang Jianying, "This is also what I want to suggest to you next. Gustav can provide technical guidance, but to fundamentally solve the problem, you need another person's help."

"Oki Yukinari."

Dr. Yamanashi stated, "He dedicated his life to researching the emotional bond between Pokémon and humans, and is an authority in this field. Pokémon are 'idealistic' beings, possessing a powerful and pure emotional resonance that transcends conventional medicine and training methods. Take your Pokémon to see him; perhaps he can find the key to unlock this child's heart."

Professor Oak! The power of emotions!

Zhang Jianying instantly understood the two elders' arrangement. Master Gustav was responsible for sharpening his "sword" and teaching him and his companions the "arts" of survival and combat.

Professor Oak, on the other hand, may help him heal the wounds in his dragon's heart and lay the foundation for a truly unbreakable foundation of trust within the team—this is the "way".

A clear path unfolded before him:

Head to Pallet Town to visit Professor Oak and resolve the psychological issues surrounding your Pokémon. Meanwhile, receive guidance from Master Gustav and begin rigorous training to challenge Gym Leaders and eventually reach the League Conference.

"I see!"

Zhang Jianying's eyes hardened, and he solemnly addressed Gustav's projection and Dr. Yamanashi, "Thank you very much for your diagnosis and advice, and thank you very much for your high regard and guidance, Master Gustav. I know what to do."

Gustav's projection nodded slightly, a barely perceptible look of satisfaction flashing across his face.

"Once you've decided, just do it. Once you're settled in Pallet Town, have Cynthia let me know. I'll prepare the training plan."

After saying that, the communication was abruptly cut off.

As night fell, Zhang Jianying settled down at the research institute.

He looked at the baby dragon, who had finally fallen asleep from exhaustion after a day of emotional ups and downs, and then at Kirlia, who was calmly meditating and adjusting herself. His heart was filled with an unprecedented determination and a hint of expectation.

The road ahead is now clear.

Professor Yamanashi laid the foundation, Master Gustav pointed out the direction to becoming stronger, and Professor Oak held the ultimate answer to healing and bonds.

He walked to the window, looked at the twinkling stars in the night sky, and fixed his gaze firmly on the south, towards the Kanto region.

On the bed, Baby Dragon twitched unconsciously in his sleep.

Almost simultaneously, a wisp of extremely gentle energy emanated from Kirlia, who was meditating nearby, and gently brushed over the Beast Dragon, calming it down again.

Zhang Jianying watched this scene unfold, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"It seems the road to Pallet Town is destined to be anything but peaceful..."

He muttered to himself, his eyes gleaming with fighting spirit, "But it will definitely be incredibly exciting."