Chapter 134: Sakaki: I'm Freaking Out!

There was no advertising sponsorship segment afterward, much to Takeshi’s surprise—perhaps a residual stress reaction from his past life. He had expected Sakaki to say something promotional, like how Rocket Group doubled its sponsorship funds each year to combat poaching crimes in the league, or that protecting the Tokiwa Forest had become one of the group’s core development principles.

But Sakaki proved through his actions that he scorned such trivialities. Instead, he set down the microphone and raised both hands. A subtle, refreshing power seemed to gather around him.

“I am aware of the rumors outside and know that everyone is curious about the true nature of the Tokiwa Treasure.”

Though Sakaki did not use the microphone, his voice still reached every ear with crystal clarity.

“Today, I will tell you all, and those with ill intentions listening in.”

“The Tokiwa Treasure truly exists, and everyone has the chance to obtain it!”

Sakaki spread his arms wide. “That treasure lies right before your eyes!”

“Feel the breath of the forest, deepen your bonds with the Pokémon within it, and the treasure will naturally reveal itself to you!”

Both the unwitting crowd on site and viewers watching from home couldn’t help but gasp in astonishment.

What was unfolding before their eyes and on their screens was almost unbelievable.

Flocks of Pokémon soared overhead—Spearow and Fearow flying side by side could be seen.

Each led their own groups, circling above the festival grounds—more precisely, above Sakaki himself.

Steady, powerful footsteps echoed from all directions as the leading Pokémon marched forward with solemn expressions, their faces unreadable.

There were Nidoqueens and Nidokings as couples, shadowy battalions of ghost-type Pokémon like Gengar, and neatly lined-up Onix.

Underwater, Gyarados, Starmie, and Goldeen appeared with their groups, peacefully coexisting with the surrounding Pokémon.

In the sky, trees, on the ground, in the water, and in the shadows—there were Pokémon everywhere!

Wataru’s expression grew serious. “Judging by the precision of their formations alone, their qualities are already enough to rival those from my side.”

This was a fully organized Pokémon battalion!

Takeshi slipped his hands into his pockets. “Hmm, among them, there are a few rather conspicuous ones.”

A small squad of Clefairy and Igglybuff darted about playfully, giggling. Their leader, a Pixy, could only follow behind apologizing repeatedly, easing the tension among the others.

Perhaps those were the youngsters from Tsukiyama who had come along on a little excursion.

Takeshi wasn’t intimidated; in fact, everything happening so far was within his expectations.

It was simply the realization of what Sakaki had crafted in the special episode—a stronghold paradise within Tokiwa Forest—and it wasn’t harmful to the forest in any way.

Those powerful individuals were all nurtured naturally by the forest itself, true veterans of the farming-and-training lifestyle.

Lapras and Alolan Ninetales remained calm as well—after all, they had defeated countless people and Pokémon in that illusion.

At worst, trainers might expend their own energy to create an atmosphere of pressure, using magic to counter magic.

A minor issue, nothing to worry about!

Moved by the scene, some adults began softly humming, and even the TV crew broadcasting live joined in.

A song from the pristine, snowy town of New Bark spread, beloved across many regions.

“Whether in fire, water, grass, or forest…”

Whether on site or at home in front of screens, more and more people joined in singing. The many Pokémon watched the sudden, harmonious human chorus and began to sing themselves.

The roar of Tyranitar, the piercing cries of Fearow tearing through clouds.

The psychic starlight of the Starmie family, the shadowy dance of Gengar and Mismagius.

The thunderous electric light of Pikachu and Electabuzz, the verdant crimson flame dance of Ninetales and Victreebel.

The synchronized stomping and breathing of the Tauros herd, the gallop of Rapidash, the dragon dance of Gyarados.

“Meet all the Pokémon.

And then, witness the miracles of the forest.

Create legends—with the forest and with you!”

Pikachu clasped his hands to his chest, singing along with the swaying Lapras and Alolan Ninetales. Nearby, a Doduo swayed in rhythm, its smile pure and innocent.

Takeshi glanced at Wataru, whose features had softened. “Not joining in?”

“My singing skills aren’t that good.”

“I think you just can’t bring yourself to.”

Wataru smiled happily, stroking the arm of his companion beside him.

“You really know me. What’s your situation then?”

“I’m holding back a big move. Just a heads-up—I’m afraid you might accidentally hit your chin on the ground later.”

Wataru was surprised. “Could it be you’ve awakened the power of Tokiwa?”

“No, I haven’t awakened the Tokiwa power, but I think I’m about to become the star of the festival.”

Takeshi repeated the exact gesture Sakaki had just made, stretching his arms out wide.

“I feel it—the pulse of the forest.”

“I hear it—the song of the forest.”

A breeze stirred.

The Pokémon and humans alike continued singing, their voices spreading both fervor and calmness within, apparently unaware of the change unfolding.

Yet, faint green sparkles, like stardust, slowly radiated from them, merging into the forest.

The forest responded with an even grander, verdant glow, tinting the sky a fresh green, like spring itself.

Everyone present who could sense extraordinary power lifted their heads, faces full of disbelief.

Sakaki’s pupils trembled as he looked at the white-haired figure seemingly enveloped in that green light.

The will of Tokiwa Forest was singing, expressing gratitude and joy with a gentle voice.

And that young man, by some unknown means, was responding to that will!

“I am the legend!”

Takeshi looked around; he had shared his vision with the forest.

From the festival’s center, the emerald light radiated in all directions, engulfing all of Tokiwa Forest.

The trees grew greener, the waters clearer and more refreshing, the ground more fertile and solid.

Wounds on some Pokémon that had been slow to heal began to mend in this atmosphere.

The worn old injuries on Tauros’ tendons, the huge scars on Onix inflicted by poachers, the dull patches on Butterfree’s wings—

Ignoring his father’s gaze, Gin furrowed his brows within the crowd.

He sensed a friendly will greeting him, a power he knew well from many experiences with his father.

“Tokiwa’s power… no, is that you, Tokiwa Forest?”

Gin smiled and waved toward the sky.

“Hello.”

Feeling the stirring and strengthening of the Tokiwa power within him, Wataru was dumbfounded.

“What are you doing?!”

Nassy decisively patted Wataru on the back. “Don’t talk to him—he’s establishing a deeper connection with the forest!”

The bond and emotions between humans and Pokémon stirred the forest’s will and power, and together they unleashed a greater force.

Humans and Pokémon gave thanks to the forest, and the forest, in turn, thanked them all!

Sakaki breathed a sigh of relief. Luckily, only a few people could witness this scene—otherwise, today might have ended in disaster.

“I’m here~”

Sakaki, Wataru, and Nassy: ?

A playful voice echoed from the sky. The aerial scene rippled as if stirred by a mischievous child, and a small creature with panda-like eyes and a green body appeared.

Takeshi instinctively looked over, still resonating with the forest’s will. He seemed to move everyone’s hearts, even the cameraman’s lens turned toward the little figure.

All eyes focused on the tiny, delicate panda-eyed onion-head creature, but it paid no mind, instead flipping in place, covering its mouth with its hands and giggling at all living beings.

Viewers at home couldn’t feel the calm and beauty on site but many were utterly ecstatic, clutching their TVs as if wanting to jump inside.

Sakaki was stunned. “Is that… Celebi?”

The legendary Pokémon of time and space travel—the Forest Spirit!

This was bad!

Sakaki was dumbfounded. Even without counting the viewers at home, none of the many people on site could be unaware of this legend.

The legendary Pokémon Celebi had appeared in Tokiwa Forest!

Sakaki felt his vision darken. Now it was surely too late to contact the League and have them cut off the broadcast.

Besides, for researchers and certain others, several backup hard drives had likely already been prepared.

The legend of the Tokiwa Forest treasure had not ended—and might only escalate further!

“Is it because of him?”

Sakaki fell silent for a moment, took out his phone, and started calling people, eventually reaching Director Joy of the Pokémon Center.

“Hello? Director Joy? I’m calling from here…”

“We can’t contain it. We can’t save it. Just make sure that kid returns alive to the Pokémon Center. As for cooperation, take any measures you need.”

Just kidding—when a legendary Pokémon appears, calling the Hoenn League would be more fitting!

Sakaki stared at the disconnected call and suddenly felt that inviting Takeshi might have been a huge mistake.

“Hee hee hee, everyone’s so enthusiastic.”

Celebi laughed while spinning in the air, enjoying the forest’s song and the beautiful bonds, twirling happily with specks of emerald light falling from its hands.

“Decided! This place will be my new home too!”

Celebi began anchoring its position in time and space, then its gaze fell upon the center of the green glow, where a figure still stretched out his arms.

“Yo yo, human, aren’t you tired?”

Celebi dove into the emerald light orb. “Or are you already scared stiff? Don’t worry, you’re not needed anymore.”

Upon seeing Takeshi, Celebi instantly retreated at light speed into the time-space portal.

After a moment, Celebi peeked out shyly, as if from behind a mosquito net.

Not sure, let me look again.JPG

Confirmed by the look in its eyes—a person she never expected!

“Ahhh!!!”

Celebi transformed into a shooting star, streaking upward and vanishing from everyone’s sight.

Listening to the friendly farewells from humans and Pokémon below, Celebi hesitated, then flew out of the time-space portal once more, waving at everyone.

“Alright, show’s over.

I’m outta here!”

Today, she’d even encountered a ghost!

Takeshi: ?

Well, Celebi was also known for being elusive.

Most importantly, there was him—the very reason he came to Tokiwa Forest.

Takeshi looked toward the familiar figure in the crowd, distinct yet unnoticed by any living being.

He observed humans and Pokémon, pondering the essence of life.

Cold machines cannot create a warm heart.

But such a heart can still feel warmth and love.

Takeshi lowered his arms, then raised his right hand again, fingers spread wide, directing it toward that figure.

“Hello, Mewtwo.”

The space rippled, and a completely unique arm appeared from within it.

When the two palms met, a white figure with a long purple tail stood before Takeshi.

“Hello, Trainer.”

(End of chapter)