He knows Pokémon better than me.

Mingyao didn't think much of the sudden appearance of the black guy.

"Mr. Guo Gang, please give me your guidance. And Xiao Zhao, I've become stronger now! Really!"

After a brief greeting, he pointed to himself with his thumb and smiled broadly.

Xiao Guang nodded gently. Now that she had regained her memory, she found the name "Xiao Zhao" a little strange, not understanding why it was her name on her phone.

Ash was secretly thinking that when he first met Dawn, the latter was also surprised by Dawn's appearance.

Later, he heard from Mingyao that one of the latter's friends in the Xicui area looked a lot like Xiaoguang.

But later, that friend seemed to disappear, leaving only Mingyao to stay in the Xicui area.

"That does match up, albeit barely."

The three were still talking at the foot of the mountain when a shout came from the slope.

"Hey, you lot! Outsiders aren't allowed to enter the Giant Tree Battlefield without permission!"

The voice was loud, yet it had a slightly childish quality.

Xiao Zhi looked in the direction of the sound and saw a short figure standing on the stone platform, hands on hips, looking menacing.

She looked only seven or eight years old, wearing a hoodie and a wide-brimmed cowboy hat that covered her fluffy, unruly brown curly hair.

Xiao Zhi raised an eyebrow slightly. Why does this look so familiar?

"Long time no see, Kikui~!"

Mingyao recognized the latter and quickly waved with a smile.

The latter then leaped down from the stone platform, jogged a few steps to the group, and still struck a swaggering pose with his hands on his hips.

"I'm Kikui from the Pearl Team, and I'm the field manager in charge of taking care of the Forest King, Scizor!"

"Kikui? Pearl Team?"

Upon hearing the name, Ash realized the strange sense of déjà vu he had just felt. The boy in front of him was exactly like the young version of Kiku, the Unova Gym Leader!

But what does "Pearl Team" mean? Isn't this the Galaxy Team?

While Mingyao went up to greet him, Xiaoguang quietly explained to him:
"There are three factions in the Xicui area: Team Galaxy, Team Pearl, and Team Kong."

She even gestured as she spoke.

Of course, traveling merchants like the Ginkgo Merchant Guild are not included; they belong to independent forces.

The Galaxy Team is based in Zhuqing Village and investigates the ecological intelligence of the entire Xicui area. Many of its members come from other regions and do not have any fixed beliefs.

The Pearl Team and the Vajra Team are two local forces in the Xicui region, each worshipping their own gods and having different territorial divisions.

"For example, this giant tree battlefield is within the Pearl Team's territory."

Hikari reminded them that although the two organizations were not as irreconcilable as Team Magma and Team Aqua, their relationship was not very good either.

Although they wouldn't actually fight if they met, they would still exchange trash talk.

The Galaxy Team usually acts as a mediator. When the Pearl Team and the Kong Team have any irreconcilable conflicts, they will come to Zhuqing Village to seek their assistance.

"This time, it's the Pearl Team's request. They're begging our Galactic Team to defeat the raging Forest King here."

"The Forest King has not gone berserk!"

Kikui's ears suddenly perked up, and she sternly interrupted Hikaru's whispered chatter:

"It has only been granted new power by the great Grandmaster Sinnoh, and it cannot fully control it yet!"

"Besides, this is a matter for our Pearl Team, and we don't need outsiders to interfere!"

Mingyao scratched his head: "Ah, Team Leader Xingyue sent us. She said everything was already arranged."

The short-tempered Kiku turned her head away, already about to shoo people away:

"Hmph, I'm the forest ranger in charge of protecting the Forest King. I can handle this myself; I don't need your help!"

Behind him was a strangely shaped Pokémon, a one-meter-wide silver snail shell lying horizontally on the ground, with a slug-like head and neck protruding from the hole above.

"What is this Pokémon?!"

Ash's eyes lit up. It was a pale purple slug—no, it should be called a slug dragon.

It's a green-looking Goomy, and if it evolves one more step, it will become its own Goomy Dragon, which stands up with a snail shell on its back!
This sticky creature puffed out its cheeks, as if it might unleash a dangerous dragon pulse at any moment.

Just then, a clear but angry voice came from afar:

"Stop it now, Kikui! You're so rude!!"

Upon hearing this, Kiku, who had been so confident, immediately shuddered, as if a pause button had been pressed, and her momentum instantly weakened.

Xiao Zhi turned his head and saw an unfamiliar figure walking quickly towards him.

The girl had short blonde hair and looked to be a few years older than him. She had bright, lively eyes and a commanding presence.

She wore a red hair clip with curved corners, a red strapless top, and white shorts. A wide woven belt with red and white patterns hung down from her waist.

She also wore strange light blue rings on her wrist and left ankle.

"Ice-e~"

A Glalie followed lightly beside her legs.

He leaped down in a few steps and landed in front of Nianmeier. With just one look, the latter immediately became obedient and swallowed back the dragon pulse he was holding back.

The short-haired girl stepped forward. She had already met Mingyao and Xiaoguang at the Zhuqing Village headquarters before, but this was Xiaozhi's first time meeting her.

She practically stood right in front of Xiaozhi, half a head taller than him, and squinted at him as if scrutinizing him.

When did the Ginkgo Chamber of Commerce get a Black guy?
"Ahem. Hello, my name is Congo, I'm Xiaoguang's—no, I'm Xiaozhao's friend!"

Xiao Zhi coughed quickly and said.

The latter then withdrew her gaze, and like Kiku, supported her slender waist, proudly introducing herself:

"The Ginkgo Merchant Guild? My name is Zhu Bei, and I'm the far-sighted leader of the Pearl Team!"

Xiaozhi: "."

This is the first time I've ever seen someone introduce themselves like this.

But the leader of this Pearl Team is such a young girl?
Ash turned around in surprise to look at his side, and Dawn quickly nodded.

Kikui became anxious:
"Zhubei! These people are plotting against the Forest King!"

"Don't say anything more, Kiku. I invited them specifically. The problem of the Forest King must be resolved as soon as possible. Your strength alone is simply not enough to complete this task."

Her tone was calm, yet ruthless.

For a moment, Kikui, who had been eager to defend herself, was speechless.

Zhu Bei couldn't help but sigh, her tone revealing a hint of helplessness.

Kikui has always been the one protecting and serving this Forest King, but now, due to the influence of a strange lightning strike, her personality has changed drastically, making her difficult to get along with.

Even Kikui, who has the best relationship with the Forest King, probably wouldn't dare to easily enter the Giant Tree Battlefield now.

The powerful and violent force has even threatened the safety of nearby residents; this problem must be resolved as soon as possible! (End of Chapter)