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

The atmosphere in the camp instantly froze, tense and on the verge of exploding.

"Relax. I meant no harm."

A calm, emotionless male voice came from behind the shadows.

The moment the sound rang out, the oppressive aura of Darkrai in the shadows receded like the tide, slowly diminishing. Though not completely gone, the confrontational tone within it was greatly reduced.

Immediately afterwards, a figure slowly emerged from the darkness and stopped at the edge of the campfire's glow.

He was a tall, upright young man with striking purple hair, dressed in simple dark travel clothes, and with a handsome face that exuded aloofness.

His gaze was calm and unwavering, like a deep, ancient well, sweeping over Zhang Jianying and his group who were on high alert, before finally settling on Zhang Jianying.

Zhang Jianying's pupils contracted slightly.

This face, this image.

Although there were some subtle differences between it and the appearance in the animation he remembered, giving it a more realistic feel, he would never mistake it for something else.

Dakto!

In the previous anime, on the final stage of the Lily of the Valley Conference, the one who used Darkrai and Latios to "deus ex machina" and defeated Ash, who was at the peak of his tactical abilities at the time.

He is nicknamed "Mythical Beast Man" by countless fans and is a trainer burdened with the official's malice.

To think we met here, in this way.

A complex mix of emotions surged within Zhang Jianying.

As a former viewer, he naturally felt disappointed by Ash's unfortunate defeat and had reservations about the "plot-driven" ending.

But standing before him now was a living, breathing person who truly existed in this world.

Putting aside the unpleasant actions of the authorities, Zhang Jianying rationally realized...

They can form bonds with legendary Pokémon like Darkrai and Latios, and may even have other legendary Pokémon following them.

This in itself proves that Dacto is by no means mediocre, much less a person with a dark heart.

Legend has it that Pokémon have incredibly discerning tastes; they recognize the trainer's character, personality, and spiritual resonance.

A person with a corrupt heart can never gain their genuine loyalty.

Thinking of this, Zhang Jianying forcibly suppressed the turmoil rising in his heart.

He remained vigilant, but tried to keep his tone calm: "Who are you? What brings you here?"

Darko seemed unconcerned by the hostile gazes directed at him from the numerous Pokémon, and his tone remained calm.

"A trainer who was passing by. I heard an unusual loud noise coming from this valley and saw a beam of skill, so I came to check it out."

He glanced towards the valley. "Looks like you've been through a tough battle."

Zhang Jianying stared into his eyes, using his waveguide to fully perceive the other person's emotional fluctuations. He was calm, honest, and showed no obvious malice.

"It was a personal matter, and it's been resolved."

Zhang Jianying gave a brief response, without revealing any information about Dark Star.

He probed, "Your partner seems quite unusual."

Darkrai followed his gaze to the shadow and nodded slightly. "Darkrai is one of my travel companions. It means no harm; it just prefers to stay in the shadows."

He paused, then added, "If I were truly hostile, the best opportunity would have been when you relaxed your guard just now."

The words were straightforward, yet very persuasive.

Given Darkrai's characteristics and abilities, if they were to launch a sneak attack, they probably wouldn't gain much advantage.

Zhang Jianying's vigilance lessened somewhat.

He gestured for his companions to relax a little, but remain vigilant. "You said you're just a trainer passing through? Where are you headed?"

"Without a fixed destination, I travel around, challenge the strong, and also pursue some ancient traces."

Dakdo's answer was concise: "I was just about to cross these mountains. I heard the commotion and came to see if anyone needed help, or if there was a worthy opponent."

As he spoke his last words, his gaze swept over the Pokémon Gardevoir, Gengar, Torterra, and others, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes.

The atmosphere remained delicate, but the initial tension had eased considerably.

The campfire crackled, illuminating the silent, confronting figures of both sides.

After a while, Dakdo suddenly spoke up: "Your partner has been raised exceptionally well."

His gaze fell on Gardevoir and the others.

This focus on and appreciation of Pokémon itself improved Zhang Jianying's opinion of him somewhat.

Thanks.

Zhang Jianying's tone softened as well, "Your Darkrai is also amazing."

When Darkrai was mentioned, a gentle curve appeared on Darkrai's otherwise impassive face.

"It's a reliable partner."

He didn't say much, but the value he placed on the subject was obvious.

As night deepened, the chill in the woods grew stronger.

Dakdo glanced at the burning campfire, then at the campsite Zhang Jianying and the others had set up, and said, "It seems you're planning to spend the night here. I won't disturb you; I'll find another place."

As he spoke, he prepared to turn around.

"etc."

Zhang Jianying suddenly called out to him. After a brief encounter and observation, he was basically certain that the Darkor in front of him was neither an enemy nor the kind of person who would flaunt his legendary Pokémon.

Having multiple powerful "neighbors" in the wild, as long as they are not enemies, is not necessarily a bad thing.

"It's getting late, and there might not be a better campsite nearby. If you don't mind, we can share this open space. The campfire will also keep us warm."

Dakdo paused, turned around to look at Zhang Jianying, and looked somewhat surprised.

He was silent for a few seconds, seemingly weighing his options, or perhaps trying to communicate with Darkrai in the shadows. After a moment, he nodded: "Then I'll take my leave."

He walked to the other side of the campfire and sat down, maintaining a polite and safe distance.

Darkrai concealed all his presence and blended into the deeper night.

With Dakdo's arrival, the atmosphere at the camp was no longer tense, but it was still somewhat delicate.

Baby Dragon curiously sized up the purple-haired stranger, while Torterra and Sculptor, though relaxed, still maintained a certain level of attention.

Gardevoir and Gengar always kept a portion of their attention on Darkrai.

Zhang Jianying proactively handed over a prepared meal and water.

Dakdo accepted the food, thanked him, and quietly began to eat, his movements refined.

To break the silence and to get to know the other person better, Zhang Jianying started a conversation: "You said you travel around and challenge strong people. Have you ever encountered a very strong opponent?"

Darko swallowed his food and said calmly, "I've encountered some. In the Hoenn region, I ran into the Champion, Mr. Steven, and challenged him."

Zhang Jianying's spirits lifted: "What was the result?"

"A crushing defeat."

Dacto admitted that there was no frustration on his face, only a calm narration and respect for the strong.

"His Metagross's control of the battlefield and explosive power are beyond imagination. Although my teammates tried their best, the gap in overall tactics, attention to detail, and combat rhythm was obvious."

He paused for a moment, then said, "That defeat taught me a lot."

These words raised Zhang Jianying's opinion of Dakdo to an even higher level.

To be able to so readily admit defeat and learn from it is a remarkable quality.

Moreover, he mentioned "my partners" rather than a particular legendary Pokémon, which indicates that he does not rely on a single power.

"You came to Sinnoh, also for a challenge?" Zhang Jianying asked.

"Part of the reason."

Darko nodded. "I plan to participate in this year's Sinnoh League Conference. The prize money from the conference can support my companions and me to continue our travels. Also..."

He glanced at the direction of his shadow, then swept his gaze over Zhang Jianying's Pokémon. "I also hope to battle against more different trainers and different tactics to gain experience. If possible, after the tournament, I'd like to try challenging the Sinnoh Elite Four."

The goal is clear and reasonable.

However, Zhang Jianying suddenly remembered a funny saying he had seen before: "Some people say that besides Darkrai and Latios, the other four Pokémon that Darkrai has are Magikarp."

This thought almost made him lose his composure, so he quickly coughed lightly to cover it up.

In retrospect, that speculation was clearly unfounded.

However, it's not incomprehensible that some people would think that way before seeing his other Pokémon.

"What a coincidence, I'm also collecting badges in preparation for the League Conference."

Zhang Jianying composed himself and smiled, "Perhaps we'll meet on the field."

Dakdo looked at him, a serious look flashing in his purple eyes: "Your team is very unique, and you seem to have a deep bond with them. If we do meet at the tournament, I will give it my all."

As he spoke, he stood up and extended his right hand to Zhang Jianying.

This gesture surprised Zhang Jianying slightly, but she quickly realized that it was the other party's way of expressing approval and taking the matter seriously.

Me too.

Zhang Jianying also stood up and reached out to shake his hand.

"Then let's make a promise. If we meet at the tournament, let's have a battle without regrets."

"It's a promise."

Dakdo nodded and released his grip.

A simple handshake seemed to break down the last vestige of barrier.

The firelight danced between the two men, illuminating their young and determined faces.

Perhaps the atmosphere had eased, Dakdo took out cooking utensils from his luggage and released the rest of his companions: "Since we're camping together, let me introduce my other companions. They're hungry today too."

He took out the Poké Ball.

A flash of light appeared, and three figures appeared beside the campfire.

The first to appear was a nimble-looking, sharp-eyed Blaziken, its wrists and ankles wrapped in quietly burning flames, naturally positioned to protect Darkor at any moment.

Dakdo looked at it as if it were an old friend he had stood shoulder to shoulder with for many years.

"Blazing Chicken, my original partner, has been with me since my hometown."

Blaziken nodded slightly to Darkor, then calmly glanced at Zhang Jianying and his Pokémon, as if to say hello.

Immediately afterwards, a Latias, entirely red and white with smooth and elegant lines, floated lightly in the air, the ruby ​​necklace around its neck shimmering with a soft light.

It curiously turned its head and made a soft chirping sound.

"Latias, a companion I met during my travels in Hoenn. It and its brother Latios share my beliefs."

Dakdo spoke in a gentle tone.

Latias floated to Darkor's side, gently nuzzled his shoulder, and then looked at Gardevoir in a friendly manner. The two seemed to be communicating silently with a faint spiritual connection.

Finally, a strangely shaped, somewhat mischievous dragon named Doronbaruto appeared.

Its main body is green, with the outline of a dragon, and a dragon Mesia floats on each side of its triangular head.

"Dragonballo, a companion I met while traveling in the Galar region. It and its family showed me the different possibilities of ancient dragon souls."

As Dakdo spoke, Doronbaruto chirped happily, and two Doronmesias playfully circled around Dakdo.

"Latios went home a while ago and hasn't come back yet, what a pity."

Zhang Jianying watched this scene silently. It seemed that even if Ash defeated Latios and Darkrai, he might not be able to win unless Pikachu suddenly used a cheat code.

Blaziken's composure and reliability, Latias's gentleness and intelligence, Draco's liveliness and curiosity, plus the mysterious Darkrai lurking in the shadows.

Darkrope's interactions with each Pokémon are natural and unique. There is no superiority or deliberate attempt to get close; it is just an ordinary, mutually trusting partnership that has been built up over time.

This is something a trainer who only treats Pokémon as tools could not do.

Looking at this lineup, Zhang Jianying's absurd speculation about the "four Magikarp" completely vanished, replaced by a reassessment of Darkrod's true strength.

Blaziken, as a starter Pokémon, has obviously undergone countless trials and tribulations; Dragapult is also an extremely rare and powerful Pokémon; not to mention Darkrai and Latias/Latios.

With such a team and Dakto's command, they certainly have the confidence to challenge the Four Heavenly Kings, but they will probably need more accumulation to cross the threshold of the championship.

"Great friends."

Zhang Jianying sincerely praised, "It seems you've put a lot of effort into each of your partners."

Darkor nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over his Pokémon: "They are all my most important companions. Every journey, every battle, we've been through together."

He paused, "Including pursuing legends. Another goal of my trip to Sinnoh is to find the Lava Behemoth."

"Sidorlan?"

Zhang Jianying raised an eyebrow. Good heavens, the nickname was indeed well-deserved; the "Divine Beast Man" truly lived up to its name.

"I wish you all the best."

"Thank you," Dakdo replied briefly.

As night deepened, Darkrod retrieved Latias, Blaziken, and Draco.

Only Darkrai, who loves darkness, remains hidden in the shadows on the edge, like a silent guardian.

The two didn't talk any more and simply spread out their sleeping mats on either side of the campfire to rest.

Zhang Jianying lay in the tent, listening to the even breathing outside and the soft crackling of the campfire, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

His unexpected encounter with Dakdo completely shattered the one-sided impression he had of his previous life based on animation.

This is a real trainer, a powerful trainer with his own story and goals, who cherishes his partners.

"League Conference"

Zhang Jianying closed his eyes, but a slight smile appeared on his lips.

Having such a promising opponent on the future field fills him with even stronger fighting spirit and anticipation for the journey ahead.

As night deepened, the campfire gradually died down.