Chapter Thirty-Five: Departure, The First Journey!

“Goodbye, Suihan!”
“Goodbye, Chihui.”

Having a mobile phone really does make things more convenient. If the Rocket Group decides to promote them on a large scale, the profits will surely satisfy Sakaki. To say nothing of other matters, the Tokiwa Forest will likely expand again.

That night, Mr. Iron called his son far away at Silph, beginning a bout of paternal admonition and education. In the past, calling was a hassle, but things are different now. What’s wrong with putting a bit of pressure on his son for his beloved granddaughter’s sake? Normally, the bond between grandparents and grandchildren is strong. In abnormal circumstances, Arceus, use Judgment!

Considering the distance, Mr. Iron softened in the end and agreed to bring Chihui to Goldenrod City by train for a family reunion during the next holiday.

Zhulin Suhan waved at Chihui, who kept glancing back with every step. Today was the last day he would be taking her to school. All the necessary supplies were ready. After stopping by the Azalea Gym and the Pokémon Center to say goodbye, Zhulin Suhan would leave Azalea Town, heading north toward Joy Academy as indicated on the map.

Of course, if time permitted, he also planned to visit Mahogany Town, perhaps to witness a battle at the Mahogany Gym and broaden his horizons. Frankly, the gym challenge system here could learn a thing or two from Galar.

Then again, the popularity of Pokémon battles in Galar is largely due to the convenience of Dynamaxing, and with too many spectators, the pressure on newcomers can be overwhelming.

To put it simply, if you told tokusatsu enthusiasts and those who idolize Professor Oak that you could let them see a real-life battle up close—never mind the ticket price—as long as it’s genuine, it would create a frenzy in certain circles.

Just imagine, under high-definition, real-world projection, seeing a monster get blasted by Ultraman’s energy beam—wouldn’t that be exhilarating?

And as it happens, Pokémon battles are the most popular sport in this world.

He wondered if anyone had developed a way to put on a Contest performance under Dynamax conditions—the spectacle would be even grander… probably?

Zhulin Suhan shook his head. If the opportunity arose, he’d try out Wallace’s Pokéblock-throwing technique in Galar; there might be something to it.

“You’re leaving town?” Joy smiled gently. “Then I wish you a safe journey.”

“Nido… Nidoking…”

Zhulin Suhan raised an eyebrow. “Hey, you’re still here, huh?”

Nidoking scratched his head and grinned sheepishly. After the effects of the Dark Ball were removed and with Miss Joy’s angelic care, he was no longer afraid of Zhulin Suhan.

Joy explained, “Nidoking wanted to repay my kindness, so he’s staying here to help maintain public order. He’s now an official security officer.”

Well, that’s skipping decades of detours and going straight to the endgame.

Zhulin Suhan smiled. “Actually, now that I’m heading off, Miss Joy, you’ll be my senior at the academy. I’m about to start school.”

Joy: “?”

Watching Zhulin Suhan leave the Pokémon Center, she still hadn’t processed what had happened until Chansey patted her twice, snapping her back to reality.

“I’m a senior?”

Joy absentmindedly touched Nidoking’s thick and sturdy carapace, suddenly wondering if the elders at the academy were in their right minds. Someone like him shouldn’t be attending Joy Academy—he should be at the Junsha Academy!

He could easily graduate with honors in two years and transfer straight to the International Police Department. It wasn’t impossible!

At the Azalea Gym, Zhulin Suhan sat in the stands, quietly observing as Bugsy tormented the challenger.

By the way, gym leaders, aside from their specialty in one type, can also tailor the challenge format according to the opponent’s strength. For example, singles 3v3 battles aren’t exclusive to any one gym; it’s all about their proficiency.

Right now, Bugsy had sent out two of his three Bug-type powerhouses, Heracross and Pinsir, for a doubles match against the challenger.

Come to think of it, the fact that these two could fight side by side rather than bicker was proof of Bugsy’s skill.

“Show your spirit, Feraligatr, use Hydro Cannon!”

The challenger clenched his fist. “Pidgeot, fly with the Hydro Cannon and use Brave Bird!”

Pidgeot displayed remarkable agility, using the arc of the Hydro Cannon as a pivot to change direction and close in!

An average trainer would likely panic, unsure whether to defend against the Hydro Cannon or the Brave Bird.

“Pinsir, use Rock Tomb to block it!”

“Pin!”

Pinsir raised both arms and slammed them down, causing massive rocks to fall and block the Hydro Cannon. Yet the powerful blast still blew a hole through the rocks!

The challenger clenched his fist. “Go, Pidgeot!”

This was their combination attack!

Pidgeot let out a piercing cry, folding its wings tight to reduce resistance and shot through the hole like a missile!

“Protect!”

A barrier rose. Pinsir hastily erected a Protect, but Pidgeot shattered it in a single blow, the unstoppable Brave Bird knocking Pinsir out of the arena and into a dazed stupor.

“Pidgeot!”

The fired-up Pidgeot circled in the air, but because Brave Bird carries recoil, it too helplessly fell, losing the ability to battle along with Pinsir.

But wait!

Where was Heracross?

The Rock Tomb had blocked their view, and with all attention on Pidgeot and Pinsir, no one had noticed Heracross’s movements.

Not in the air, not on the field—the only explanation was underground. But Heracross… Wait, who said Bug-types can’t dig?

The challenger went pale. “Feraligatr, watch out for Heracross—he’s underground!”

“Feral!”

Feraligatr had sensed the threat. The ground trembled, and Heracross’s long horn burst through the soil!

“Mega Horn!”

“Feraligatr, use Giga Impact—clash with him!”

“Feral!”

Summoning all his strength, Feraligatr twisted his head aside and bit onto Heracross’s long horn. The two locked hands, squeezing each other tight!

It wasn’t just a clash of moves—it was an arm-wrestling contest between two powerhouses!

“Heracross!”

“Feral!”

Under Heracross’s monstrous strength, Feraligatr was forced back two steps. Even with every muscle bulging, he couldn’t resist; his jaws loosened from the long horn.

Heracross had prepared and built up power, while Feraligatr had responded hastily. He barely managed to bite the horn in time—that was already a solid response.

“Finish it, Heracross!”

“Heh-rah!”

Heracross heaved, flipping Feraligatr over his shoulder and slamming him to the ground. His gleaming long horn struck Feraligatr’s body, cracking the arena and kicking up dust!

“Feral…”

Feraligatr lay sprawled on the ground, eyes spinning, a deep horn mark visible on his belly.

“Pidgeot and Feraligatr are unable to battle. The victory goes to Gym Leader Bugsy!”

Zhulin Suhan couldn’t help but applaud. “Excellent, using Megahorn not just as a piercing attack, but as a versatile weapon.”

That’s the mark of a true master—like when Ash once used his shield counterattack, not limiting himself to the move’s standard form.

The challenger was impressive too—Pidgeot’s missile-like Brave Bird and the coordinated disruption with Feraligatr’s Hydro Cannon were high-level tactics.

After all, these are moves, not just brawling. Reaching Bugsy and the challenger’s level takes a lot of training.

Thinking about it, having Pidgeot spread its wings and charge straight in with Brave Bird does seem a bit odd. Pidgeot can learn Double Team, so what if he used Double Team mid-flight during the Hydro Cannon? The effect might be even better.

“You’re leaving?”

“He didn’t pass your test?”

Bugsy nodded. “Right, his reactions weren’t quite enough. But he’s a strong challenger with a record—Top 16 at the last conference—so the standards are higher.”

“Makes sense you were strict.”

Zhulin Suhan said, “Looks like we won’t be traveling together. I’ll be heading out first.”

Bugsy breathed out, recalling Heracross and Pinsir for treatment.

“What should I say—good luck with your studies?”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I don’t even know what I’ll learn there. I’ll just take it one step at a time. Who knows, maybe I’ll be expelled after the first semester.”

Bugsy winced. “It’s not that bad. Expulsion is only for truly unforgivable offenses. Hang in there for a few semesters—then I can grab an honorary alumni title from Joy Academy, and you’ll have to call me ‘senior’ from then on.”

Zhulin Suhan quietly pulled out a Sticky Orb. “I’ve always wanted to test if humans can be punished with a Sticky Orb. You’ll be my first test subject.”

“Aren’t humans said to have evolved from Pokémon, too? Maybe it’ll work. Next, I’ll try catching you all in Poké Balls.”

Bugsy refused flatly. “Don’t go waving that ultimate weapon around!”

“Is it an ultimate weapon? Chihui has a hundred of them.”

Bugsy: “?”

Suddenly, he had the feeling Azalea Town needed to beware of heavy firepower.

“Don’t worry, they’re in Mr. Iron’s hands.”

Zhulin Suhan said, “I’m off now. Too bad I won’t be here to see the Crown Shell Museum finished. Send me a picture when it’s done.”

“No problem.” Bugsy clapped him on the shoulder. “Then, ‘ancient relic,’ embark on your first journey of your new life.”

“It really is my first journey. I’m looking forward to it—and to campus life.”

Zhulin Suhan left Azalea Town. Once in the wild, he tossed out the Beiming Ball. Lapras popped out, standing cheerfully at his side as they gazed together at the distant sky and woods.

“I wonder if Joy Academy will assign me a Chansey—probably not so soon.”

Zhulin Suhan flicked an energy cube for Lapras, checked his Poké Balls and Sticky Orb at his belt, making sure they were within easy reach.

“Let’s go!”