Chapter 132: The Festival Expert Rides the Dragon

“You really are poisoning them, huh!” Witnessing the scene, Wataru was immediately furious. “Come clean—how many times have you done this?”

“Don’t jump to conclusions. It’s only the second time, and besides, I’m using a single rod, single hook—this definitely doesn’t count as poisoning, got it?” Zhusuíhan waved toward the Gyarados that had resurfaced, signaling for it to get on with its task.

“That liquid you’ve brought out, Suíhan, it’s pretty unusual,” Xiaohuang said with curiosity. “It’s like a jigsaw puzzle—after you feed that liquid to the Gyarados, it’s as if you’ve placed the final piece in the entire picture.”

Sakamiki’s expression shifted subtly; he too was intrigued by this phenomenon but found it impolite to ask outright.

“That… is just a bit of personal research,” Zhusuíhan explained. “Long ago, Gyarados was actually a very powerful Pokémon. For some reason, they changed into what they are now. That potion’s role is to make the Gyarados strong again.”

The explanation itself was straightforward enough, but Xiaohuang’s perception capabilities were astonishing—he could easily describe such nuances. Without machine data analysis, even he couldn’t detect the change in the Gyarados, but Xiaohuang could, and that was impressive.

It was akin to someone who had never played video games before, attending a professional match as a lucky spectator, receiving a brief beginner’s tutorial, and then managing to defeat a top player.

This was the essence of Pokémon battles: you and your partner work in harmony, mastering the timing and environment, deploying varied skills to defeat your opponent and claim victory.

Now, you understand what a Pokémon battle entails.

So, go to Silver Mountain, find Akagami, and challenge that warrior!

In terms of sheer perception, Xiaohuang had indeed pulled off a miracle that would be impossible in reality: a novice defeating Akagami.

“Such a powerful potion,” Xiaohuang said in surprise. “Suíhan, you must be as rich as Uncle Sakamiki.”

It was obvious that such a potion wouldn’t come cheap.

“I’m not as wealthy as him,” Zhusuíhan chuckled. “But Xiaohuang, you’re probably planning to enter the Tokiwami Festival, right?”

“Uh, well, my uncle agreed to let me go, but I’m a little worried,” Xiaohuang said, clutching his fishing rod. “I’m not good at talking to strangers, especially in crowds. That’s why Uncle Sakamiki came over to give me some advice.”

Wataru couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t worry, Xiaohuang. You’re already able to talk normally with this white-haired guy. Speaking to others won’t be a problem.”

If Xiaohuang could have a good chat with someone as eccentric as this, Wataru couldn’t think of any competitor who could make Xiaohuang shy or nervous.

Sakamiki said solemnly, “Xiaohuang is recognized by the forest, so naturally, he has the right to participate in the festival.”

“From the perspective of a ‘difficult adult,’ it’s also good to make more friends when you go out,” Sakamiki smiled. “That’s how I convinced Xiaohuang’s uncle.”

“Don’t worry, it’s just a festival. At worst, you can stick with me and Wataru,” Zhusuíhan said. “If anyone talks to you, don’t be nervous. If things get tough, just watch how this redhead performs.”

Wataru looked puzzled. “Why watch me?”

“The young master of the Dragon Clan. Don’t tell me you’ve never learned social etiquette. I, who deal with Pokémon every day, certainly have.”

Dragonair and Clefairy nodded beside him, affirming the trainer’s words without a hint of doubt.

Wataru thought: It seemed honest, yet also a bit of simple psychological strategy. The white-haired one would play the role of the socially awkward person, while he would be the highly sociable one. In this way, Wataru could subtly guide Xiaohuang, helping him be less shy in normal conversations.

Reluctantly, Wataru patted his chest. “Right, just watch my performance when the time comes.”

Sakamiki watched everything unfold and fell into thought, wondering if he had chosen the wrong method.

He should have brought Gin along—there might have been some resonance between peers. As a “difficult adult,” he and Xiaohuang’s uncle truly didn’t know how to convince a child in this regard.

But Gin didn’t seem to enjoy interacting with peers either, showing childlike expressions only when reading comics.

Well, as long as the outcome was good, that was enough. And that Dragon Gate potion seemed intriguing; judging by Wataru’s demeanor, he clearly knew the details.

This young man carried some secrets and interesting qualities, though figuring it all out was a bit of a headache.

Hopefully, there would be no conflicts at the Tokiwami Festival. He intended to promote it as another cultural landmark.

“Why is it you again, you monkey?!” Naji stood frowning before Zhusuíhan. The organizing team was divided into three parts, each responsible for reception duties to show how seriously they took the festival.

She had just taken a brief rest after being drained, then rushed to Tokiwami Forest upon receiving a call—and now she ran into this guy again!

Busy with work was one thing, but having to see someone she didn’t want to was torture.

“Oh, a familiar face—that makes it easier. When does the festival start?” Zhusuíhan said.

Naji’s face remained cold, with no intention of smiling at a guest.

“It’s already started. The official opening will be tomorrow evening. Until then, you can explore nearby. Since this is a new project, all the usual festival entertainments are here.”

After speaking, Naji turned and left. Wataru stared daggers at Zhusuíhan.

“Your acquaintance in Golden City is her? And you managed to anger her?”

“Nope, just that she tried using psychic powers on me but couldn’t harm me at all,” Zhusuíhan said.

Dragonair and Clefairy echoed in agreement, affirming the white-haired monkey’s words.

Alright, playing like that, huh?

Wataru covered his face and sighed. “Forget it. Now that we’re here, the main goal is to enjoy the festival and wait for tomorrow evening.”

“Ooh!” “Milu!” Dragonair and Clefairy immediately gathered, having already spotted many interesting things in that short time—though they had no money.

“Okay, free time for everyone. Xiaohuang, come with me,” Zhusuíhan said, glancing at Xiaohuang. “Don’t you have your own Pokémon partner?”

Xiaohuang nodded seriously. “Yes, my Doduo. Uncle gave him to me.”

“Doduo” was a pet name, but the Pokémon really was a Doduo.

“Release your Doduo. Having familiar faces around will help you relax,” Zhusuíhan smiled. “It’s most important that both you and your partner have fun.”

Xiaohuang took a Poké Ball from his waist and tossed it aside. “Come out, Doduo.”

“Co-co!” Doduo nuzzled Xiaohuang’s hair and looked up at Dragonair and Clefairy gathering nearby.

“Hmm?”

“First time at the festival?” Doduo nodded instinctively.

“Milu!” Then come with us! The big sister will teach us how to have fun!

Zhusuíhan rested his chin on his hand, sensing something was off.

These two little ones seemed not to have attended a festival either. Could their so-called experience be from TV?

“Co-co?”

Doduo looked at Xiaohuang and Zhusuíhan, clearly asking what the trainer planned.

“Milu.”

No worries, the trainer will follow us and pay.

Zhusuíhan: ?

Am I just a walking wallet now?

There were plenty of things to do at the festival. Watching Dragonair’s familiarity, Zhusuíhan guessed either the old Kajii Town had hosted similar events or TV experience was truly useful.

From a certain perspective, large events and bug-catching contests across regions followed the same pattern—with little change even in booth arrangements.

“Milu!”

A flurry of creamy shots! Clefairy displayed precise control, popping all the balloons within the time limit. The sweet aroma attracted drooling passersby and Pokémon alike.

Watching Doduo skillfully fetch the grand prize and place it on Dragonair’s back, Zhusuíhan and Xiaohuang silently applauded.

It felt like they had no chance to shine.

Dragonair truly was a festival expert, even assigning roles.

Zhusuíhan glanced at Wataru dominating the battle arena, then looked over at his own side. Meeting Xiaohuang’s eyes, he began to ponder.

He had thought Clefairy’s remark—that the trainer only needed to pay—was a joke.

You guys really mean business!

The shopkeeper cheerfully waved off the guests, unfazed by the grand prizes being taken. Then he turned to scrape the wall, releasing an intoxicating cream fragrance.

Adding just a bit to the incense, it became the finest air freshener, attracting even more customers.

You might profit greatly, but I’ll never lose!

“Ugh!” Dragonair stood on the firing line, unleashing rapid water jets that knocked down humanoid targets in the distance, proudly holding its head high.

Doduo and Clefairy repeated the steps to win grand prizes, while Zhusuíhan and Xiaohuang calmly applauded.

The Pokémon shooting challenge allowed only ranged moves, not close combat.

The targets, according to the shopkeeper, were wanted posters from Tokiwami City, used to deepen participants’ impressions.

After the challenge, each participant received a crime prevention pamphlet personally handed out by the shopkeeper and his Pokémon.

Villains would be furious to see their wanted images used this way—but they wouldn’t dare retaliate.

Because they’d believe Tokiwami City was using conspiracies and tricks to trap them!

“Co-co!”

The short race was finally Doduo’s moment to shine. Compared to other contestants, Doduo had two brilliant coaches.

Here’s a trick an old trainer once told us: you have two heads—one trash-talks the opponent, the other focuses on running straight ahead.

Cooperate, annoy your opponent, and work without fatigue!

So, so, and so.

Xiaohuang didn’t quite grasp their coaching, while the white-haired monkey took a gulp of soda from the incense burner, eager for some peace.

Then, determined not to disgrace the team even without tricks, Doduo gave its all and finished first in this round.

“Doduo, you’re amazing!” Dragonair and Clefairy looked fondly at the happy pair, nodding like proud parents filled with affection.

Although Doduo hadn’t followed the coaches’ plans, the result was still great.

This also highlighted our coaching team’s excellence!

Credit belongs to me!

Zhusuíhan sighed, lifting Clefairy with one hand and stroking Dragonair’s neck with the other, resolving to avoid discussing such seemingly dirty and strange tactics with them in the future.

(End of chapter)