Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

Chapter 243 A Mutual Understanding is Not Suitable

As the words faded, seeing the sorrowful face on Luo Zi's face, Nan Yin naturally understood the meaning behind Luo Zi's words.

The Champion Invitational Tournament, ostensibly an exhibition match, cordially invites champions from various regions to participate. However, if the Mugendita is released at the height of the tournament, causing the Dark Night disaster to recur, then out of a sense of responsibility and obligation, even without prior notice, the participating champions or kings will be compelled to fight against the Poison Dragon.

This is what is known as a calculated, open strategy.

“I understand your thinking, President Loz. Who would willingly impose responsibility on others unless they had no other choice?”

While it was said to be understanding, Nan Yin was not actually that insightful. This alliance leader was too farsighted. Even if it was for the sake of future generations and for Galar to completely solve the energy problem, there was still more than a thousand years before the energy was truly exhausted. Why rush it now?

"Haha, thank you for your comfort, Nanyin. If you have the time, you are welcome to participate in this championship invitational tournament."

After saying goodbye, as they left the palace arena, they found that the sky, which had been overcast, had become clear and sunny.

“Let’s go, Corne. Didn’t you say you have some friends in Galar? Let’s visit them one by one while we have this opportunity.”

In terms of combat, what they need to hone now is more actual fighting, while on their journey, what they need is a tacit understanding between them.

"Yes, let me think... how about we go find Little Rainbow Bean first?"

Following her friend's advice, Nan Yin opened the illustrated guide and, in the blink of an eye, found the location of Su Chuan Town.

Unlike other towns, Souzen has two gyms for challengers to choose from.

Fighting and ghosts.

Direct and clean close-quarters combat versus illusory and unpredictable floating and entangled fighting.

Despite their different styles, neither Bea nor Ounio are pushovers in Galar's competitive atmosphere.

Of course, their goal is not to challenge the dojos. Whether it's battling or chatting and getting to know each other, it's all just a way to relax in life.

When did you and Cai Dou meet?

Away from the hustle and bustle, the ring roads of Gongmen City intersect behind each other, and the lively atmosphere of the big city dissipates in the whispers of approaching people.

"With Little Rainbow Bean?"

As she raised her finger to touch her chin, the blonde girl's thoughts seemed to drift back to that time.

"I remember it was a fighting competition a few years ago. My grandfather repeatedly told me to be careful, but I still lost because of a moment of carelessness, which allowed my opponent to seize the opportunity."

Smiling broadly, it was clear that the defeat hadn't left Korne with any bad feelings.

"Although it was a bit of a regret, after the defeat, my opponent didn't mock me or offer any consolation. She just carefully pointed out my flaws and oversights in the match and offered suggestions for improvement."

"She left without even introducing herself. It wasn't until later that I learned from others that she was from Galar and her name was Rainbow Bean."

As the trainer took a step and kicked away a pebble, Lucario, who was with him, caught the object that the trainer had thrown into the air.

"The reason we became familiar with each other is because we played against each other in several similar competitions afterward. Even though we didn't communicate much, we still became acquainted."

"At that time, I remember that Bea was preparing to inherit the dojo, and every day before dawn she would take Armwyn to train under the waterfall."

Nan Yin noticed that Lucario's ears twitched unnaturally when his friend recounted the past. Zhenyi Hair curiously floated over and poked the blue-black downy fur with the tip of its hair, but was helplessly held down by the Waveguide.

"That girl seems quite meticulous?" She glanced meaningfully at the dog-beast beside her.

“It’s like hellish training!” Korne opened her arms, sunlight dancing through her swaying golden ponytail. “Weighted rock climbing at five in the morning, waterfall meditation at seven, and in the afternoon we have to do evasion training in a field full of invisible rocks, and even face off against superhuman strength head-on.”

"I can't even imagine how she managed to persevere."

Muttering to herself, Korrina took the opportunity to ruffle Lucario's hair, which showed a lingering fear in its expression. Clearly, even this Aura user had suffered quite a bit under Bea's special training.

Nanyin listened attentively to this small complaint without interrupting, remaining a quiet listener.

Whether there are bittersweet memories or one already knows the temperament well, hearing one's friend's vivid description is still a particularly amusing scene.

I picked up the slightly tired Ibuki. Although they had won the battle, it had taken a lot of energy out of the children, so they needed my care and attention.

Warmth is found in every word and phrase, and so is tranquility.

Strolling along the path in the wilderness, the two seemed to be separated by an invisible veil.

They still walked side by side, one tapping on the screen, editing articles, typing and deleting, deleting and typing again, while the other glanced at the morning scenery, her steps unhurried, but her eyes would occasionally look back.

They were only a meter or two apart, just like always.

However, compared to before, this distance is much, much closer than one or two meters.

Diancie stood by, watching the two girls chat day and night with a smile. Magearna stood in the middle, taking care of the children like an older sister. The usually lively Gliscor was about to show off its gains to the trainer when it was stopped by Diancie's hand.

“Maqi…”

This is a rather serious reminder.

We shouldn't disturb each other, nor should we explain, as that would ruin the atmosphere between us.

Scorpion King nodded as if he understood, put away the fresh tree fruit he had just caught, and followed the group quietly. Seeing this, Zhenyifa also softened its floating motion, silently swimming beside Nanyin like a feather.

A gentle breeze rustled across the grass. Korni suddenly stopped and reached out to catch a falling leaf. Sunlight filtered through the veins of the leaf, casting delicate patterns of light on her palm.

“Nanyin.” She turned her head, her golden hair fluttering gently in the wind. “Look, these are the leaves that Miss Qun’er shed.”

Nan Yin was slightly taken aback, her gaze falling on the leaf in her palm, but then she looked up at the curve of her lips—her friend was always like this, always full of joy and energy, which stirred a slight ripple in her calm heart.

The path in the wilderness gradually narrowed, forcing the two to draw closer together. Occasionally, Korni's hand would brush against Nan Yin's sleeve, a fleeting touch like a dragonfly skimming the water. Nan Yin bent down to groom Eevee's fluffy fur, but ended up making the little guy's soft fur a mess.

They didn't speak because of this strangeness, but leaned on each other and walked further and further away. Their intertwined figures separated and overlapped with the halo of light, eventually merging into a silhouette running into the distance.

Silence speaks louder than words.

Chapter 244 An Amazing Girl

Sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting dappled shadows across the vast wilderness of Galar, where the outline of the town of Souzen could be seen and hidden.

Ascending the steps, the buildings, built according to the terrain, are divided into staggered layers by the foot of the mountain. Nanyin stands at the foot of the mountain, with the stone path beneath her feet weathered by time, and the gentle sound of the flowing stream in her ears.

"What a rare sight."

"Yes, Bea's gym is on the east side of town, near the training waterfall."

Nodding slightly, the Eevee in her arms nuzzled against the girl's arm. The little guy had regained his spirits and was now taking in the unfamiliar town.

"On online forums, people say that girl is an overly serious trainer, both in her battle style and her demeanor."

Korne blinked, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Hmph, that's because they don't know her well enough. Aya is strict during training, but she's a really nice person in private. Right, Lucario?"

Lucario nodded in agreement, while Fluttering Wings curiously floated over and circled around Lucario, seemingly asking for more details.

As the distance closed, the town's features became increasingly clear. The architecture of Suchuan Town was simple and sturdy, with stone houses scattered across the hillside, narrow stone paths winding through them. A faint scent of incense wafted in the air, mingling with the mist from the distant waterfall, invigorating the senses.

“Let’s go to the fighting gym first.” Korni navigated the streets and alleys with practiced ease. “Ayaka should have just finished her morning training at this time.”

Turning the corner, a simple dojo came into view. There were no fancy decorations at the entrance, only a simple wooden sign with the words "Fighting Dojo" written in strong characters.

Before even entering, one could hear powerful shouts and muffled thuds of fists and feet clashing coming from inside.

"You need to keep your lower body stable," the voice said crisply and decisively, without the slightest hesitation. "Fighting isn't about brute force, but about the coordination of your whole body."

Dodging the monstrous punch and palm strike, the gray-haired girl twisted her shoulders and waist, gathering her strength, and returned the blow with a precise, spinning kick. Struck hard, the monstrous girl staggered back several steps, but revealed an expression of admiration.

Without making a sound, Korni quietly approached and suddenly patted the other person's shoulder from behind: "Little Rainbow Bean!"

The trainer whirled around, her short, neat hair flying as she moved, revealing a pretty face. When she saw who it was, her serious expression instantly vanished, her eyes widening slightly. "K...Kornee?"

"Surprised?" The blonde girl opened her arms wide, her smile radiant. "My friend and I came to Galar for a trip, and you were the first person we thought of visiting!"

Cai Dou's gaze shifted to Nan Yin, and she quickly regained the composure befitting a trainer, nodding in greeting: "Hello, I'm Cai Dou from the Su Chuan Town Fighting Dojo."

“Nanyin.” Nanyin bowed slightly, offering only a brief introduction, “Kerni often mentions you.”

Without realizing it, she had gotten into the habit of including her friends' names in her conversations.

The girl's lips curled up slightly: "I hope it's not something bad."

"Of course not!" Korne chided playfully. "I was just praising how hard you train!"

Bea shook her head, smiled, and looked at Machamp beside her: "That's enough training for today. Go and rest." Machamp lowered his head and left the training ground with the other Pokémon.

“You’ve come at the perfect time,” the girl said, picking up a towel and wiping the sweat from her brow. “I was just about to have some snacks to replenish my energy. Would you like to join me?”

"Great! I just happened to bring a lot of macarons from Carlos!"

"Macarons? The kind made with almond flour?"

They looked up with anticipation.

“That’s right!” Korni took an elegant box out of her backpack. “They have all sorts of flavors: vanilla, chocolate, raspberry…”

Cai Dou carefully took the package. With just a slight opening, a rich, sweet aroma filled her nose. She picked up a pink one, took a small bite, and a happy expression immediately appeared on her face.

It was quite a contrast; the girl in front of me, who was so delighted by a small piece of dessert, was completely different from the fighter who had just been battling a superhuman.

“I’m sorry,” Cai Dou seemed to notice the former’s surprise and put down the macaron somewhat embarrassedly, “I… really like sweets.”

Korni explained with a smile, "Ayaka is only serious during training and battles; otherwise, she's a sweet tooth."

"Yes, training requires a lot of energy, and sweets are the fastest way to replenish it. Of course, controlling this craving is also part of self-discipline."

Gazing at Aya's focused profile, Nan Yin roughly understood the girl's thoughts: "You're trying to understand desserts the way you understand fighting."

Upon hearing this, she nodded slightly, a hint of joy in her eyes.

Nan Yin chuckled softly, saying nothing, but simply pushed one of the pastries towards her friend's lips. The blonde girl paused for a moment, then playfully returned the gesture, dabbing some cream filling onto Nan Yin's cheek with her finger.

Neither of them would back down, and neither was in a hurry to wipe it off.

Cai Dou keenly noticed this scene, her gray eyebrows slightly raised, but she said nothing, only skillfully taking out the cup and brewing tea.

“This is bitter cherry tea, a specialty of Suchuan Town,” she said, pouring the emerald green tea into a white porcelain cup. “It goes perfectly with desserts and is a gift from the host to his guests.”

Korne couldn't wait to take a sip, then frowned: "It's so bitter! It's completely different from Carlos's black tea."

Without uttering a word, Nan Yin picked up her teacup and took a small sip, savoring the aftertaste. "Bitter at first, then sweet, with a long and lingering aftertaste... a very special tea."

As she spoke, she noticed a handwritten notebook next to Cai Dou's tea set, with words like 'icing sugar ratio' and 'whipping techniques' faintly visible.

"That is......"

Aya followed her gaze, her ear tips turning slightly red: "It's just... some tips on making desserts." She hesitated for a moment, then handed over the notebook. "I study this occasionally."

Nan Yin opened the notebook, and what came into view was a record so neat it was almost rigid. Each page detailed the temperature, time, material ratios, and even included analyses of failure cases and improvement plans, its rigor comparable to a breeder's manual.

"These are very professional," she exclaimed sincerely.

"Balance, strength, and timing are all interconnected. In any of these aspects, I don't want others to see my immature side."

Sensing the lowering of his eyelashes, Nan Yin realized what a delicate mind lay hidden beneath this fighter's serious exterior. She gently closed the notebook, her fingertips lingering on the simple cover.

"That's already quite remarkable."

Chapter 245 Farewell

Sweet fragrance mingled with laughter, and a warm tranquility settled as they drew closer to each other, their shadows gradually lengthening as the sun began to set.

Sharing joys, recounting experiences, and confiding troubles are all pleasant and harmonious processes for everyone, and Nanyin music is no exception.

Perhaps she wasn't familiar with Aya before, and her preconceived notions came from the games she played for generations. But when it came to sweets, the light in the gray-haired girl's eyes was so vivid and bright that it made people smile.

Looking closely at her friend's radiant face, and noticing her trembling eyelashes, as if slightly puzzled by her gaze, Nan Yin returned the same gentle smile.

Battles are the prevailing atmosphere in this land, and the keynote of generations of games. But life is much more than that. Only after truly setting foot on this land did she realize how important and heartwarming the warmth of companionship and the coexistence of trust are.

The nearby Eevee curled its fluffy tail and rested quietly in the girl's arms. Sometimes it would raise one ear to glance at its trainer, and sometimes it would look back at its restless juniors, humming a couple of times to express its dissatisfaction.

After experiencing many events, the eldest sister's personality has become more mature, but she is now acting coquettishly more frequently and baring her teeth more purposefully.

Unlike the former, who were more deeply attached to their feelings, Zhenyi Fa and Egui Peng, though older, were still simple-minded and had no sense of boundaries. They always showed an almost instinctive closeness and dependence on young girls, and were completely unaware of the jealousy of others.

She should be thankful that she has sensible companions like Diancie and Magiana by her side, as well as those children who are always full of energy.

Of course, as the one who is loved and cared for, Nan Yin always feels deeply happy.

Amidst the fragrant aroma of tea, Cai Dou took the opportunity to ask a question.

What are your plans next?

“Hmm…” Korni chewed on her spoon, tilting her head in thought, “Nan Yin said she wanted to see more of Galar’s ​​customs and culture, so of course I’ll go with her.”

“In that case,” the girl said, sitting up with a serious expression, “why don’t I show you around Su Chuan Town? There are many places worth seeing here.”

"Then trouble you."