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

Chapter 85 New Mission

As the morning light shone down, the gloom that had hung over Xiao Guang's heart last night had dissipated after the setback and the lively discussion.

At this moment, she was practicing with Piplup and Bumblebee in an open space, no longer pursuing overly flashy lighting effects, but focusing more on showcasing the Pokémon's true form, her face radiating with focused attention.

Xiao Zhi and Xiao Gang watched from the sidelines, offering suggestions from time to time.

Pikachu and Egg of the Lucky Star act as enthusiastic cheerleaders.

Zhang Jianying leaned against the earthen tortoise, holding a map and sketching.

I've already got the Gym Badge for Homestead City and experienced the Contests. Time to plan the next step!

Should we continue north to challenge the next gym?

Should we go and check out other nearby towns first?

As he was pondering, the encyclopedia in his pocket suddenly vibrated, sending out a communication request tone with an encrypted identifier.

It's the "emergency affairs" channel left by Gustav.

Zhang Jianying's expression hardened, and he walked to the side to connect the communication.

"Verify identity."

It's still that processed, electronically synthesized voice.

Zhang Jianying recited the code provided by Gustav.

"Identity confirmed. There is a cross-regional support mission, and after evaluation, we believe you are the most suitable candidate."

The synthesized voice got straight to the point: "Target area: Parthia region. Mission objective: Assist the local Interpol branch in dismantling a trans-regional criminal gang involved in poaching and illegal trade. This gang is cunning, committing crimes in multiple regions, and shows signs of using high-tech equipment. They have escaped several attempts by local police to apprehend them."

Padiya?

A thought struck Zhang Jianying: the hometown of cats and mice.

"Mission details, target area map, and preliminary intelligence have been encrypted and transmitted to your map. Your local contact is codenamed 'Gardener.' He will contact you upon arrival in Padia."

"It is recommended to leave as soon as possible, as the group's activities in the Padiyah region have recently intensified."

The synthesized voice added, "Mr. Gustav left a special message: The mission is risky, but I believe you can handle it well. Upon completion, headquarters will provide corresponding rewards and a record of your contributions."

"Understood. I will depart as soon as possible," Zhang Jianying replied in a deep voice.

Combating poaching was his wish, especially since it involved a major case spanning multiple regions.

The new stage of Padiya also stirred up a sense of exploration in him.

"Transmission complete. Best wishes for a successful mission. Keep communication open." The synthesized voice ended the communication crisply.

Zhang Jianying put away the illustrated guide and decrypted the data packet he had just received.

It contained information on poaching organizations, several suspicious activity areas within Padia, the address of a safe house in Niangguang City, and the Gardener's contact code.

After a quick look around, he walked back to the camp, where Xiao Zhi and the others had just finished their morning exercise and were gathered together drinking water and resting.

"Brother Jian, where did you go just now? You were acting all mysterious."

Xiao Zhi wiped the sweat from his face with his sleeve and asked curiously.

Zhang Jianying looked at the three energetic faces in front of him: "I just received a rather urgent commission that requires me to go on a long trip."

"A long trip? Are we going somewhere for special training?" Ash's eyes lit up.

"It's not special training," Zhang Jianying shook his head. "It's work. We're going to the Parthian region."

"The Padiya region?!"

Xiao Guang covered his mouth in surprise, "My mom went there for a study tour before! She said there's a completely different Pokémon ecosystem there, and the legendary 'Tai Crystallization' phenomenon! It's a very, very special place!"

"Padia—"

Xiao Gang stroked his chin, a longing look on his face. "I've heard from some breeders that their culinary system is unique, making extensive use of local seasonings, which has created a distinctive 'sandwich' culture. I really want to go and see for myself."

Ash, on the other hand, looked on with pure envy and excitement: "A new region! We can explore other regions so soon! There must be many powerful Pokémons and Trainers in Padia that I've never seen before!"

Then, a hint of disappointment appeared on his face. "So, does that mean we're going to part ways? You just got the Family Badge, aren't you going to keep challenging the gyms?"

Zhang Jianying nodded: "The mission is rather urgent and may take some time. The gym challenge will be postponed for now. I'm preparing to depart for Padiya today. What are your plans next?"

"Of course Pikachu and I will continue to challenge the gyms and collect badges!"

Ash immediately clenched his fist, regaining his focus. "The next target is the Relic Badge! Right, Pikachu!"

"Pikachu!"

Xiao Guang's eyes regained their determination: "I will continue my special training, adjust my performance style, and participate in the next Grand Contest! Next time, I will definitely get the Ribbon Badge!"

Xiao Gang stood behind the two with a smile, as reliable as ever: "My duties remain the same, I will continue to serve as guide, cook and nanny." He glanced at Xiao Zhi teasingly.

Looking at them with heartfelt blessings, Zhang Jianying said, "Then we shall part ways here. I wish you all the best on your journey ahead."

.

"Yes!" Everyone nodded vigorously.

"Mr. Jian, the situation in Padia is unknown, please be extremely careful." Xiao Gang earnestly instructed, his tone like that of a worried older brother.

The farewell was swift and decisive.

Zhang Jianying deftly packed up his camping gear. Xiao Zhi and his friends also finished packing and prepared to challenge the Home City Gym.

"Goodbye, Brother Jian! I wish you all the best in your work!" Xiao Zhi waved vigorously and shouted loudly.

"Have a safe trip, Mr. A-Jian!" Xiao Guang waved goodbye, while Bogaman stood to the side, puffing out his chest.

"Please take care." Xiao Gang nodded in greeting.

Pikachu, Piplup, Croagunk, and other Pokémon also let out farewell cries.

Goodbye, everyone.

Zhang Jianying smiled and waved, watching the three young figures, with their Pokémon, disappear noisily yet energetically at the end of the forest path, continuing towards their dreams.

He turned around and looked at his Pokémon.

"Alright, guys."

Zhang Jianying clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "The plan has changed. We're not going to the next dojo for now."

He scanned each familiar face with his own light, his tone becoming serious and earnest: "We are heading to a new region."

This is a real mission.

He paused, making sure each of his companions understood the weight of his words: "Some people, for profit, wantonly harm and capture Pokémon; this is an unforgivable evil. This operation may be more dangerous than ever before, and our opponents are more professional."

Gardevoir gently grasped his hand, and a warm and resolute spiritual wave emanated from her, dispelling all doubts.

Gengar stopped its playful antics, clenched its short claws, and its scarlet eyes gleamed with eager fighting spirit.

Greatsword Demon and Turtle nodded slightly, while Baby Dragon roared and impatiently slapped the ground with its tail, its fighting spirit rising.

Pot Pot and the little penguin sat on the turtle's shell, waving their claws and wings indignantly.

"very good."

Zhang Jianying smiled and said, "Let me ask the cats and mice. If they don't need anything else, we can prepare to leave."

He took out his home communication device and contacted Xinye Miao and a pair of mice.

Soon, the screen lit up, and what appeared on the screen was New Leaf Cat trying to wipe the windowsill with a towel rolled up by its tail, but the more it wiped, the more smudged it became.

Alongside a pair of mice that tried to clean up the traces with their "Deep Cleaning" skill, but instead only stirred up dust everywhere.

"Meow?" "Squeak?"

Upon seeing Zhang Jianying, the three boys immediately dropped their "weapons" and rushed to the screen.

"Not bad, it's a success as long as the house didn't collapse. You guys haven't lacked anything at home lately, have you?"

Looking at the mess in his home, Zhang Jianying asked helplessly.

"Meow meow meow!"

Xin Ye Miao nodded vigorously, indicating that everything was fine, but she missed everyone a little.

A pair of mice squeaked and pointed to a corner of the living room that they thought was sparkling clean, but was actually a mess, as if they wanted to take credit.

Zhang Jianying looked at the crime scene and the three little ones who were completely letting loose, and her eyes twitched.

He took a deep breath: "We're going on a long trip to the Parthian region, which is your homeland."

On the other side of the screen, the three little ones were stunned.

"This trip is on a mission; I'll be home soon."

"Please continue to take care of the house. Remember the rules: no more tearing the house down! Repairs are very expensive!"

"Meow!" "Squeak!"

The three little ones immediately stood at attention and made a promise.

"Remember to contact me if there's an emergency. Let me know what you need for daily life, and I'll have Dragon Express deliver supplies to you regularly."

He carefully instructed, "Most importantly, be careful. Take care of each other, and help take care of the Oddish, Shuttlecock, and Ludwigia, okay?"

The three little ones nodded their heads earnestly.

After ending the call, Zhang Jianying felt a little relieved.

With those gentle Pokémon around, plus the cleverness of the Leafeon and the pair of mice, there shouldn't be any major problems at home.

One hour later, at the Pokémon Center in Nagai City.

Miss Joy performed a thorough health check on each of Zhang Jianying's Pokémon, confirming that they were all in top condition.

At the same time, they also purchased a sufficient amount of medicine and other necessities.

According to the center's public terminal, the next ferry to Nyaungkwang in the Padiya region, the "Ocean Cruiser," will depart at 3:00 PM.

After buying boat tickets and taking care of all the miscellaneous matters, Zhang Jianying and his companions arrived at the port of Jiayuan City.

On the azure sea, the white hull of the "Ocean" ship appears exceptionally large, with its streamlined shape exuding a sense of technology.

Passengers, carrying their luggage and various Pokémon, are orderly making their way up the boarding stairs.

The air was filled with the salty taste of the sea breeze, the faint melancholy of parting, and the excited anticipation of the unknown journey.

After boarding the passenger ship, find your cabin on the middle deck and settle your luggage.

Zhang Jianying and his group reached the upper deck. The ship's horn sounded a long, deep blast, drowning out the noise of the dock. The ship shuddered slightly and began to slowly move away from its berth.

The crowd seeing them off on the shore gradually turned into colorful specks, and the outline of Ieyasu City slowly receded and shrank.

The sea breeze grew strong, fluttering the hem of his clothes. Sunlight spread a shimmering path across the azure sea.

The "Ocean" adjusted its course, its bow cutting through the waves as it headed toward the continent called Parthia.

He and his Pokémon stood by the ship's railing, gazing into the distance together.

At that moment, the picture book in his pocket vibrated slightly again.

A regular text message arrived. The sender's field showed a Garchomp avatar.

Zhang Jianying opened the message; it contained only a simple sentence: "I heard you're going on a long journey? The historical legends of Parthia are very interesting. Be careful. —Zhu Lan"

Looking at those few words, a warm smile curved Zhang Jianying's lips. He turned his gaze back to the unknown blue expanse ahead of the ship.