I caught a Pokémon

"This is the Sakuragi Research Institute, where I'm staying temporarily." Xia You pointed to several places nearby and introduced them one by one. However, she changed the subject and said apologetically, "Unfortunately, I'm only staying here temporarily, so it's really inconvenient to invite you in for a visit."

"It's okay, it's the same as looking around from outside."

Fortunately, Ash and the others didn't mind. They chatted around the park for a while, then quickly refocused their attention on the match.

The area here has been overgrown with weeds because no one has used it for a long time. However, Xia You and Xiao Zhi did not choose to clear the weeds. Instead, they simply used it as a grassy field!

As Xiao Zhi and he stood on opposite sides, Xia You said, "I'm not very good at making rules. How about we just have a one-on-one match to decide the winner in one game? What do you think?"

Xiao Zhi naturally had no objection. He nodded and then looked at his feet.

"Go, Pikachu!"

"Pickup!"

Pikachu responded and ran to the center of the field, its tail held high, seemingly just as excited as Ash.

Xia You touched her chin.

So they really sent out Pikachu, their most trusted partner...?

After thinking for a moment, he waved his hand gently. The next second, Gardevoir understood and slowly walked to the center of the field.

These two Pokémon were their initial partners, and it can be said that they held extraordinary significance for them.

Although Gardevoir has evolved to its final stage, as Xia You said before, there are no truly weak Pokémon in this world, nor is there an absolute top of strength. Every Pokémon contains a tremendous power that should not be underestimated. The strong can bully the weak, and the weak can overcome the strong. Life is unpredictable, and even a Wishiwashi can create miracles!

At this moment, perhaps the noise alerted the people in the research institute. As footsteps sounded, Xiaochun slowly walked over.

When she came closer and saw Xia You, she smiled gently.

"Brother Xia You, did you bring any friends?"

Xia You waved to her as a greeting, and then began to introduce them to each other.

"These people are friends I met on my journey; they are all very reliable partners!"

Ash smiled brightly and said first, "Hello, my name is Ash, I come from Pallet Town, and my goal is to become a Pokémon Master!"

"Pikachu!"

"Idiot, there's no need to introduce dreams or anything like that." Xiao Gang sighed helplessly, then turned to Xiao Chun and smiled, "Hello, my name is Xiao Gang, and I'm Xiao Zhi's partner."

Xiaoxia smiled and said, "My name is Xiaoxia, it's nice to meet you."

Actually, Xiaochun's personality is somewhat quiet, and she is not very willing to take the initiative to talk to people. However, after hearing that these people were Xia You's friends, she still nodded to them in a friendly manner.

"Hello, my name is Sakuragi Haru."

Knowing that this was just her personality, Xia You introduced her: "Xiao Chun is still in school. Her father is the famous Dr. Sakuragi. The research institute behind us and the Sakuragi Park next to us were founded by her father!"

"A famous professor?" Ash asked, seemingly understanding, "Like Professor Oak?"

Xia You smiled and said, "Of course, I can't be as learned and famous as Professor Oak, but I'm still an outstanding figure among the other professors!"

Xiaochun stood beside Xia You, listening quietly.

However, for some reason, when her eyes met Xiaoxia's, they both seemed to vaguely sense something.

Subconsciously, they both glanced at Xia You, and at the same time felt each other's gaze.

This girl...could she also be...?

Although it was their first meeting, the two of them had already keenly noticed that the other seemed to share some special feelings for Xia You, just like they did.

Oops!!

The two felt a chill in their hearts; even in this warm early summer, they still felt a slight, biting cold!

In the blink of an eye, their gazes suddenly changed, as if a bolt of lightning had shot out and collided in mid-air, neither willing to give way!

As the male protagonist of this emotional drama, Xia You naturally wouldn't notice the subtle changes between the two. At this moment, his attention was completely focused on the battle that was about to begin!

Chapter 125 The Final Preparations

Their figures intertwined, attacking each other.

On a makeshift field next to Sakuragi Park, two Pokémon, one tall and one short, were fighting.

Judging from their condition, it's clear that this Pokémon battle is nearing its end.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!!"

As Ash shouted, Pikachu's body suddenly erupted with more than a dozen dazzling bolts of lightning. These bolts, accompanied by a piercing 'sizzle' sound, spread outwards in all directions with irregular trajectories.

Faced with the fierce Electric-type move, Gardevoir used Teleport to teleport to the edge of the field.

While dodging the attack, its eyes glowed blue, and it then unleashed a powerful psychic attack, knocking Pikachu down!

thump!

Watching Pikachu struggle a few times before collapsing from exhaustion, Brock, acting as the referee, raised his right hand.

"Pikachu is unable to battle, so Gardevoir is the winner!"

"Wow!! Gardevoir, you're amazing!"

When everything settled down, Xiaoxia couldn't help but cheer, and Xiaochun also clapped her hands. No matter how intense the sparks they had just ignited, at this moment, they were both happy for Xia You.

However, perhaps because Xiaoxia shouted too loudly, Xiaozhi's expression inevitably became somewhat embarrassed.

"Xia, we've been traveling together for so long, even if you're not going to cheer me on, you don't have to be this happy, do you?"

To his surprise, Xiaoxia didn't listen at all and instead made a face at him.

"Hehe, I just love cheering for Xia You, what can you do about it!"

On the other side, Xia You stepped forward and gently patted Gardevoir's shoulder.

At the start of the battle, Pikachu was in excellent form. Although it caused Gardevoir a lot of trouble with its agile movements in the early stages, the Psychic type is inherently strong, and Gardevoir was also in good condition. After several rounds, Gardevoir still won the final victory.

Ignoring Xiaoxia, Xiaozhi picked up Pikachu and turned to Xia You, saying, "Brother Xia You, your Gardevoir is really strong. I lost this match."

Despite verbally admitting defeat, his expression showed neither discouragement nor resentment.

In fact, he was well aware that Xia You's strength was far superior to his own, and even before the battle, Xiao Zhi was already mentally prepared to lose.

"Your Pikachu is also excellent. At least among all the Pikachu I've seen, none is stronger than it!" Not wanting to dampen Ash's enthusiasm, Xia You also praised him, "Besides, I only won this match by luck. If we were to face each other again next time, I might be the one who loses."

After the exhilarating battle, Xia You led them to the cold drink shop she had visited with Xiao Chun.

They ordered a few signature drinks and chatted for a while while enjoying their delicious sundaes until the sun began to set and dusk fell. Only then did Xiaozhi and the others get up to say goodbye to Xia You.

Perhaps it was because they had parted and met so many times that Xiaoxia had gotten used to it. However, she still glanced at Xiaochun with a complicated expression, sighed, and then waved to Xia You.

"Well then, Xia You, we're leaving now."

Looking at them, Xia You asked, "What are your plans next?"

Ash seemed to have already made up his mind about their itinerary: "Tonight, we'll rest at the Pokémon Center for the night, and then head back to Pallet Town early tomorrow morning. Hehe, after the battle just now, I realized my shortcomings. When I get home, I'll start training my Pokémon."

Hearing this, Xia You extended her right hand: "Then let's do our best! There's really not much time left until the Quartz Conference. Let's encourage each other from now on!"

Ash shook hands with Xia You and nodded emphatically: "No problem, then we'll see you again at the Indigo League! Hehe, my Pikachu will definitely not lose again then!"

After watching them leave, Xia You and Xiao Chun returned to the Sakuragi Research Institute.

As he just said, with the Quartz convention approaching, we really need to intensify our training.

The training plan had been drawn up long ago. In the coming days, he would basically stay in Sakuragi Park to train his Pokémon, and would not go out unless something major happened.

Before that, Xia You organized all the photos she had taken on her trip and recorded them in writing.

Some things fade away with time and disappear from memory. Only these photos and words can preserve the beauty of the past.

When he gets old, flipping through the photos and looking back at all those moments, they will surely be wonderful memories for him!

……

The Quartz Convention is named after the Quartz Stadium on the Quartz Plateau, where it is held.

As the official Pokémon League tournament, it is also the most watched and largest event in the Kanto region. Every year at this time, it attracts the attention of the entire region!

Even other events such as sports, e-sports, and cultural performances will have to avoid this period to make way for this grand event.

Its immense popularity means that this topic is a constant theme in people's conversations, whether at school, in the office, on the street, or during casual chats with friends.

Even those middle-aged women who stay at home full-time will chat with their neighbors about news related to the conference when they go out to buy groceries!

Furthermore, through the mouths of the swarming reporters and via the internet and television broadcasts, the news spread to other regions, bringing even wider attention and heated discussion.

However, compared to other regions, the Indigo League is the only Pokémon League conference that allows participants to enter through various means.

In addition to collecting the eight gym badges, those who wish to participate can also do so by graduating from the Pokémon Research School or passing the Pokémon League test.

Time is like a long river, always flowing slowly when you are not paying attention.

As the day of the competition drew ever closer, with only a few days left until the opening ceremony, Xia You finally ended her seclusion.

After days of tireless adjustments and training, he and his Pokémon are fully prepared.

Although they are not yet full of confidence, they have done their best, and no matter what the final result is, they will be worthy of their efforts and hard work.

After cleaning herself up and washing away the dust of her journey, Xia You packed her bags again and went to the research institute to bid a solemn farewell to Dr. Sakuragi and the others.

Having been in Kanto for so long and disturbing them for so long, now that the Indigo Conference is over and his wish has been fulfilled, it's time for him to leave and go to other regions.

-

I rushed to finish this chapter, and managed to publish it before midnight.

sleepy...

Chapter 126 Farewell and Companionship

Inside the research institute, Xia You handed over three gifts he had prepared during his break to the people in front of him.

"Professor Sakuragi, Ms. Kikuna, and Mr. Renji, thank you so much for taking care of me these past few days. Please accept these things as a token of my appreciation!"

Having known each other for a long time, and given their current relationship, Dr. Sakuragi and the others naturally didn't need to be too polite and readily accepted Xia You's gift.

Professor Sakuragi said, "Oh my, time flies! I can't believe how long you've been traveling since you came to Kanto. You're about to take on the Indigo League!"

“Yes…” Xia You sighed with emotion as she recalled the past. “Time really flies. I still remember the unfamiliarity and unease I felt when I first visited the research institute.”

"I remember the scene clearly, and I also remember that easygoing and handsome young man." Professor Sakuragi smiled gently. "But speaking of which, the Indigo League is the most important annual event in our Kanto region. Now that we've made it this far, let's give it our all! Only by giving it our all will we have no regrets!"

"That's what I think too." Xia You nodded. "No matter how strong the opponent is, I will definitely treat every battle seriously and cautiously!"

He paused, then continued, "Professor, although I may rarely have time to come back here in the future, as a special research investigator at the Sakuragi Laboratory, I will definitely report to you in a timely manner any unusual Pokémon incidents I encounter, no matter where I go!"

Hearing these words, Dr. Sakuragi was very pleased.

"Those things are secondary. Safety should be the top priority during your journey. Don't force things. But no matter what happens in the future, you will always be a member of Sakuragi Lab. This place will always be your safe haven, and you are welcome to come home anytime!"

At this point, he changed the subject and said, "Although it is such an important day, I am really sorry, because I have been very busy with work lately, Kikuna, Renji, and I may not be able to be there to watch your match."

"It's alright." Xia You quickly waved her hand. "Your research is contributing to humanity, Pokémon, and even the world. You should prioritize your work and not waste your precious time because of me!"

At this moment, Xiaochun walked in from outside the door. Judging from her attire, she had changed into a sportswear outfit, and behind her was a medium-sized backpack that was full of bags.

Compared to her previous student-like attire, she now appears less demure and more youthful and energetic.

"Huh?" Xia You asked in surprise, "You're dressed like that, are you...?"

Professor Sakuragi said, "Although we can't go to the Indigo Plateau with you, Haru can go with you, which makes up for our regret!"

"Is Xiaochun going too?" Xia You was taken aback. "But isn't it okay at school? Doesn't she still have to study?"

"No problem." Xiaochun covered her mouth and chuckled. "My mother has already asked for leave for me at school."

Dr. Sakuragi also said, "It's a good thing to let her go out more. Koharu's personality is too quiet. I was worried that she would become a bookworm from studying too much. I didn't expect that this time, she would have a day when she would take the initiative to ask to go to the game to watch you play!"

"So my wife and I discussed it and we both thought it was a good thing. Instead of staying cooped up at school every day, it's better to go out into the world and broaden our horizons. It will also benefit our future studies!"

Oh?

Seeing Xiaochun's slightly shy and evasive gaze, Xia You couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

She actually asked for it herself?

If it were the old her, she probably wouldn't have been so willing to travel far.

Fortunately, she has such open-minded parents as Dr. Sakuragi; otherwise, how could they feel comfortable letting their daughter travel with an adult man?