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

A forest path leading to the Pokémon Center.

Zhang Jianying played with the newly acquired Relic Badge, feeling quite pleased. Beside him, Gardevoir moved lightly, her eyes filled with anticipation for being able to watch the competition.

Just at this relaxing and pleasant moment on the way home—

"Pikachu!!!"

A sharp, familiar cry, accompanied by a golden "lightning," pierced down from the dense canopy above without warning!

Gardevoir's futuristic vision had just caught a glimpse of a blurry trajectory when Zhang Jianying's waveguide barely detected an object approaching at high speed above, not even having time to react—

Splat!

A furry creature, with a slight electric current, landed squarely on Zhang Jianying's face as he looked up at the sky!

"Holy crap!"

Zhang Jianying staggered backward from the sudden "hidden weapon" and instinctively reached out to grab the thing on his face.

Upon handling it, you'll find soft fur and a pair of long, soft ears.

Somewhat bewildered, he peeled the yellow creature off his face and held it up to his eyes.

An electric mouse with red electric sacs on its cheeks, a lightning bolt-shaped tail, and its eyes seeing stars appeared before him.

Zhang Jianying: "???"

This yellow electric mouse... why does it look so familiar?

Before he could even process this absurd "divine intervention," there were several more muffled thuds.

A tiny, adorable Pachirisu fell onto the grass nearby, rolled around twice, and then sat up groggily, rubbing its head with its little paws.

Immediately afterward, a talking cat wearing a gold coin fell flat on its back in the middle of the path, wincing and grimacing: "Ouch, meow! How far did I fly this time, meow!"

Finally, a Monini, as light as a feather, twirled and floated down, landing steadily, and even unconsciously made an elegant bowing gesture.

Zhang Jianying, carrying the dizzy Pikachu, looked at Pachirisu on the ground, then at Meowth who was getting up while cursing, and Monini who was posing. His brain was momentarily blank.

This combination, this way of performing...

"Pikachu?"

The Pikachu in my hand shook its head, seemingly a little more awake. It blinked its big, dark eyes, looked at the familiar person carrying it, then at the surrounding environment and Gardevoir and Gengar, and gave an awkward, sheepish smile.

"Pikachu, Pikachu~"

Meow Meow also noticed Zhang Jianying and the powerful Pokémon beside him.

"Huh? It's you, meow?!"

Meow recognized Zhang Jianying as the trainer she had met once near the ruins. It seemed that this guy had ruined her and Musashi Kojiro's "capture plan".

"What are you doing here, meow? Let go of Pikachu! It's Team Rocket's target, meow!"

Although it shouted that, Meowth's body honestly shrank back, clearly remembering that the Pokémon next to this trainer were not to be trifled with.

Hearing the meow meow speak in human language, and then looking at the iconic Pikachu in his hand, Zhang Jianying's previous guess was instantly confirmed, leaving him with a complicated expression.

"Pikachu, Team Rocket, descend from the sky..."

He sighed.

"It's obvious, without even thinking, that you guys came up with another ridiculous capture plan, and then got blown up along with the 100,000 volts, right?"

"Pikachu..."

Pikachu, suspended in mid-air, scratched its head somewhat embarrassedly, kicked its short legs awkwardly, and showed an embarrassed look on its face that said, "You guessed it."

Pachirisu also came over, curiously looking at Zhang Jianying, then at Pikachu, and made a puzzled sound.

"No, it wasn't! It was an accident! It was an accident, meow!"

Meow Meow tried to explain, but under the watchful eyes of Zhang Jianying and a group of powerful Pokémon, its voice grew softer and softer.

Monini didn't care at all and started imitating the way Fat Gengar floated, having a great time.

Zhang Jianying shook his head and gently placed Pikachu on the ground.

After landing, Pikachu immediately gave Zhang Jianying a half-hearted salute, then trotted over to Pachirisu. The two Electric-type creatures huddled together, rubbing their cheeks and exchanging greetings, probably checking each other's information.

"Alright, now that we've run into you, we can't just leave you here."

Zhang Jianying looked at Miaomiao and Monini, "What about you two? Are you planning to confess and receive leniency, or resist and face severe consequences?"

Gengar and Sagamosa both made threatening expressions, rubbing their hands together, looking ready to fight at any moment.

"We surrender, meow!"

Without hesitation, Meow raised its paw, choosing to follow its heart; it didn't want to be beaten away again.

"Anyway, this plan failed again, meow. Musashi and Kojiro are definitely looking for us, meow."

It hung its head in dejection, and its stomach even rumbled appropriately.

Zhang Jianying suppressed a laugh; it seemed he had been blown quite far and had no dinner to eat.

He thought for a moment and then took out the illustrated guide.

Since Pikachu is here, Ash must be nearby too.

He found Professor Oak's contact information and planned to contact Ash through the professor.

The communication was quickly established. Professor Oak learned what had happened, laughed heartily without any concern, and gave Ash his contact information.

After thanking him, Zhang Jianying called Xiaozhi. Xiaozhi's slightly out-of-breath voice, clearly from running around looking for someone, came through the receiver: "Hey? Who is it? I'm a bit busy right now!"

In the background, there are Xiaoguang's anxious cries: "Pachilitz—where are you?" and Xiaogang's relatively calm reassurance.

Zhang Jianying's eyes darted around, and a mischievous thought suddenly arose in her mind.

He cleared his throat and deliberately lowered his voice:

"Hey, I heard you guys are looking for Pikachu and Pachirisu?"

Ash's running sounds seemed to pause for a moment, his tone becoming urgent: "Who are you?! How do you know?! Where are Pikachu and Pachirisu? You saw them?"

"It's more than just seeing."

Zhang Jianying continued in a slightly mocking tone, "They're in my hands now. Oh, and by the way, they also come with a talking cat and a Monini. So, want to redeem them?"

"What?!"

Ash's voice instantly rose, filled with shock and anger, "Who are you?! What did you do to Pikachu and the others?! Don't you dare hurt them! Or I'll never forgive you!"

Hikaru's panicked voice broke in: "Pachilitz! What did you do to Pachilitz?! Give them back to us!"

Seeing that the two were so concerned that they didn't recognize who he was, Zhang Jianying almost couldn't hold back his laughter.

Just as he was about to continue teasing them, Xiao Gang's voice, tinged with helplessness and a hint of understanding, came from the other end of the communicator:

"Ash, Dawn, calm down."

Xiao Gang's voice came closer to the microphone, "Mr. Zhang, is that you? Stop teasing them, they're both so anxious they're about to explode."

"Huh?!"

Ash and Dawn both exclaimed in surprise.

Seeing that Xiao Gang had seen through his disguise, Zhang Jianying stopped pretending and resumed his normal, smiling voice: "Tsk, you've been found out. It's me."

"Brother A-Jian?!"

Ash's voice shifted abruptly from anger to surprise, then to confusion, "Is it really you? But what do you mean Pikachu is in your hands?"

"Literal meaning."

Zhang Jianying smiled and brought the Pokédex speaker close to the Electric Mouse. Pikachu heard Ash's voice and excitedly shouted "Pika Pika!"

"Those two, along with Meowth and Minnie, somehow fell from the sky and ended up here. They're all fine. I'm currently in the forest outside Eriol City, preparing to take them to the Pokémon Center."

"Pikachu!"

Ash, hearing Pikachu's cry, finally breathed a sigh of relief, then became a little annoyed. "Brother Sword! You scared us to death!"

Xiao Guang patted his chest and said, "So it was Mr. Jian! Honestly, this kind of joke isn't funny at all!"

Zhang Jianying laughed and said, "Sorry, sorry, I couldn't help it when I saw how anxious you were. Alright, let's go straight to the Pokémon Center in Jiayuan City, we'll be waiting for you there."

"We're coming right now!" Ash shouted immediately.

After cutting off the communication, Zhang Jianying looked at the four Pokémon in different states in front of him and shook his head with a smile.

"Let's go, let's go to the Pokémon Center first, I'll give you a check-up, and then get you some food," Zhang Jianying said.

The group set off in a grand procession toward the Pokémon Center in Homeland City.

On the way, Pikachu relaxed a lot after finding Ash and jumped onto Zhang Jianying's shoulder. It pointed with its little paw and called out "Pika Pika," as if it was pointing the way.

Zhang Jianying was both amused and exasperated; Pikachu really didn't treat him like an outsider.

Meowth followed behind, watching Zhang Jianying and his companions' retreating figures, muttering to itself, "This guy seems pretty good, meow. His Pokémon seem happy with him, meow. Much better than always getting beaten up and sent flying by Jessie and James, meow... Wait, wait! What am I thinking, meow! Our Team Rocket trio is inseparable, meow!"

It shook its head, trying to shake off the thought of "defection," but its stomach started growling again.

……

Upon arriving at the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy performed a quick check on the Pokémon.

"It's nothing serious, just a bit of a shock and slight exhaustion. A little food and rest will do the trick," Miss Joey said gently.

It was dinnertime, so Zhang Jianying rented the kitchen area in the center from Joey to prepare something to eat for the hungry little ones.

Gardevoir assisted in the process, using its telekinesis to precisely control the ingredients and tools.

Soon, the fragrant Pokémon food and special energy cubes were served.

Pikachu, Pachirisu, and Monini cheered and pounced on their plates to feast.

Meow Meow looked at the sumptuous dinner prepared especially for it, with its favorite spicy cherry flavor added. It sniffed, and its eyes even became a little moist under the golden coin.

"It's been so long since I've had such a decent and delicious dinner, meow."

It wiped away non-existent tears with its paw, then began to wolf down its food, muttering indistinctly between bites, "Before, I was either eating fast food or starving, and I kept getting knocked away. It was so tough, meow!"

Zhang Jianying listened to Miao Miao's "heartfelt expression" with some emotion.

The Rockets trio are less villains and more of a comedic duo.

They may be loyal to Giovanni, but it is more of a self-identification with the "villain" identity and a unique bond of unwavering loyalty among comrades.

Zhang Jianying deeply abhorred the poachers' pure profit-driven nature and cruelty, but it was indeed difficult for him to feel any ill will towards the trio.

Perhaps, in the future, there might be some tacit "cooperation" on certain matters?

Just as Meowth was marveling at the delicious taste of its rice, the door to the Pokémon Center was suddenly pushed open.

"Pikachu—!!"

Ash rushed in like a whirlwind, followed by Dawn, panting, and Brock, looking helpless.

"Pikachu!"

Upon hearing Ash's voice, Pikachu immediately lifted its head from its plate, its cheeks still covered in food crumbs, and happily waved its little paws.

"Pachirisu!" Hikari saw Pachirisu sharing a berry with Monini and breathed a sigh of relief.

Ash rushed over, hugged Pikachu tightly, and rubbed against it, saying, "Pikachu! I'm so glad you're okay! I was so worried about you!"

Pikachu nuzzled Ash's face affectionately, saying, "Pika pika~".

Hikaru picked up Pachilis and gently scolded, "Don't run around like that next time!"

Xiao Gang then walked over and solemnly thanked Zhang Jianying: "Mr. Zhang, thank you so much this time! I've troubled you again."

"It's nothing, just a coincidence."

Zhang Jianying waved his hand, pointing to Miaomiao, who was still engrossed in eating, and Monini, who was doing a food imitation show, "What should we do with them? Hand them over to Officer Jenny?"

"this…"

Ash and Dawn exchanged a glance, then looked at Meowth.

Meow Meow froze, stopped eating, and looked at them warily.

Xiao Gang sighed, "Oh well, they'll just run away anyway. Besides, they didn't cause any real damage this time."

He looked at Zhang Jianying, "Mr. Zhang, what do you think?"

Zhang Jianying smiled and said, "Let them finish their meal. They look starving." He glanced at Miaomiao.

Miaomiao paused for a moment, glanced at Zhang Jianying, then at the unfinished food in front of her, struggled internally for three seconds, and then decisively continued to eat heartily.

The world is vast, but rice is the most important thing!

Since I'm sure I'll be saying "I hate this feeling" again later, I might as well eat first!

Seeing this, Ash scratched his head and laughed, "You're right! Let them finish eating!"

He was never the type to relentlessly pursue a Pokémon in distress.

The misunderstanding was cleared up, the Pokémon were all safe and sound, and the atmosphere relaxed.

Only then did Xiao Zhi have time to observe Zhang Jianying's team, and he was immediately attracted by the striking size of the fat Gengar: "Wow! Brother Jianying, your Gengar is huge! Is this what it looks like after evolving? It's amazing!"

Hearing the praise, the fat Gengar floated up a little higher, sticking out its big belly.

"It's a rather special case."

Zhang Jianying looked helpless and was too embarrassed to explain that Gengar had gained weight from overeating.

Hikaru also noticed the uniquely designed Emerald Greatsword Demon, his eyes filled with amazement.

As it was getting late, Xiao Gang suggested, "Since everyone's here, why don't we go camping outside the city? I'll prepare dinner to thank Mr. Zhang for helping us find Pikachu and Pachirisu."

The proposal was unanimously approved by all the Pokémon.

Especially Meow Meow, the gold coin on its forehead is shining even brighter, is it going to get another big meal?!

On the outskirts of Jiayuan City, a wide meadow near a stream has become a temporary campsite.

As expected, Xiao Gang is a reliable nanny and cook. He calmly took out all kinds of cooking utensils and ingredients from his backpack and skillfully began to prepare them.

Chopping vegetables, starting a fire, seasoning, stir-frying...

The series of actions were executed flawlessly, and soon the enticing aroma filled the entire camp.

Zhang Jianying's Pokémon, along with Pikachu and Meowth, were all gathered around the pot, staring longingly, their mouths practically watering.

Even the usually reserved Gardevoir couldn't help but glance a few more times at the delicious food bubbling in the pot.

When Brock served the delicious-looking and fragrant dishes, the camp was instantly filled with satisfied hums and chewing sounds. All the Pokémon ate without looking up, their faces beaming with happiness.

Zhang Jianying took a sip of Xiao Gang's special thick soup, her eyes lit up, and she exclaimed sincerely, "Xiao Gang, your cooking skills are absolutely amazing!"

Xiao Gang was a little embarrassed by the praise, but also very happy: "It's just something I honed during the trip. I can't take care of Xiao Zhi, who's hopeless at everything, if I don't know how to cook."

"Hey! Xiao Gang!"

With his mouth full of food, Xiao Zhi protested indistinctly.

Xiao Guang and Zhang Jianying couldn't help but laugh.

Looking at the busy yet reliable Xiao Gang, Zhang Jianying teased, "Xiao Gang, traveling with Xiao Zhi is a dead end; you have to worry about so much. Why don't you just come work for me from now on!"

Upon hearing this, Brock paused for a moment, then laughed, mimicking a thoughtful expression: "Hmm, that sounds pretty good. No more worrying about Ash falling off cliffs, running into forests, or messing with Pokémon he shouldn't..."

"Little Gang!" Xiao Zhi's face turned red.

Xiao Guang was laughing so hard he was doubled over: "Haha, Xiao Zhi, look, even Xiao Gang is disgusted with you now!"

Zhang Jianying couldn't help but chuckle, and the Pokémon joined in the laughter, creating an even more harmonious atmosphere.

After laughing and joking around for a while, Xiao Zhi suddenly remembered something and excitedly said to Zhang Jianying, "Oh right, Brother Jianying! I also caught a Turtwig!"

Ash pointed to his evolved Torterra.

The little guy seemed to be in good spirits, nuzzling Xiao Zhi affectionately before looking curiously at Zhang Jianying.

"Not bad, you've evolved. Keep it up!" Zhang Jianying encouraged.

"Um!"

Ash nodded vigorously, then his expression darkened slightly as he scratched his head. "However, I recently encountered a very strong trainer named Shinji. His fighting style seems quite different from mine and yours, Swordsman."

Ash begins to recount his encounter with Shinji and their brief conflict, mentioning how Shinji abandoned Chimchar because it was "weak," and how Ash took Chimchar in.

His tone conveyed disapproval of Shinji's actions, but also a hint of pressure from a powerful opponent and confusion about differing ideologies.

"And we ran into Miss Cynthia again at a ruin."

Ash tried hard to recall, "Cynthia said something like, 'When all life encounters other life, something new is created,' or something like that."

"I don't quite understand, but it feels very reasonable. Shinji, although I don't like his methods, he's really strong. Sometimes I wonder if my approach is too naive?"

Ash rarely showed a somewhat confused expression. Dawn and Brock also quieted down and looked at him.

Zhang Jianying listened quietly, looking at Xiao Zhi, and then at the timid but trusting Chimchar beside him, and understood.

Ash and Shinji are like two sides of the same coin; one represents passionate emotions and trust, while the other represents ruthless efficiency and standards.

In the world of Pokémon, both of these ideas have their place and their rationale.

To some extent, they are adversaries, yet their competition drives each other to grow.

Zhang Jianying thought of his past life; wasn't he also a "Shinji" in another sense in the game?

If you only consider base stats, effort values, and moveset rationality, and pursue efficiency in clearing stages and competitive strength, then those pixelated Pokémon are more about data and tools.

It wasn't until I traveled to this world and saw and touched these living, breathing little creatures with unique personalities and emotions that I met them and gradually built up a bond with them.

Only then did he truly understand what a partner is, and only then did he abandon those purely utilitarian "cold and ruthless" ideas.

He patted Xiaozhi on the shoulder, his tone calm.

"Ash, don't be confused by this. The world isn't black and white. There are people like you who love every friend with all their passion and sincerity; there are also people like Shinji who pursue the ultimate strength and efficiency. There is no absolute right or wrong on either path."

He looked at the campfire, the flames dancing in his eyes: "I used to be obsessed with the latter, thinking that was the 'correct' way to become stronger. Until I met Gardevoir and the others, they changed me. They made me realize that power and emotion are not opposites, and deep emotion itself is one of the most powerful sources of power."

He turned his head and looked directly into Ash's somewhat confused eyes.

"You don't need to doubt your path. Shinji has his principles, and you have your beliefs. Your encounter and clashes may just be what Rin was talking about—creating something 'new'."

Zhang Jianying handed Xiaozhi a glass of juice and continued speaking.

"You just need to keep going, understand Pokémon in your own way, win, and achieve your dreams. I believe that your style will one day shine with a brilliance that will amaze everyone."

Xiao Zhi listened blankly, the confusion in his eyes gradually fading away, replaced by a fighting spirit burning like a flame.

He clenched his fists, feeling a surge of heat coursing through his chest.

"Brother Jian, I understand!"

Ash suddenly stood up, his voice loud and firm, as if to dispel all doubts, "That's right! I am Ash from Pallet Town, and my goal is to become a Pokémon Master!"

"Pikachu!!"

Pikachu jumped onto Ash's shoulder, its cheeks crackling with bright electricity, echoing the trainer's declaration.

A classic scene, a familiar declaration.

The firelight cast long shadows of the boy and the electric mouse, their vibrant energy and unwavering enthusiasm inspiring everyone in the camp.

Xiao Guang, Xiao Gang, and Zhang Jianying exchanged a smile.

He knew that this single-minded boy might encounter many setbacks and be confused by different ideas, but his pure love for Pokémon and his belief in bonds would never change.

This is Ash's most valuable trait, and the source of his ability to create miracles.

As night deepened, the camp returned to tranquility, with only the occasional crackling of the campfire and the even breathing of the Pokémon.

Under the starry sky, trainers with different philosophies temporarily gather to share food and stories.