You are not allowed to be a Pokémon Trainer!

Chapter 323 N's Resolve! (5.2k)

N is the "ideal hero" chosen by Czechoslovakia.

Xia Chi had anticipated this.

After all, the "Light Stone," which carries Reshiram's consciousness and power, is already in his hands, leaving N with only that black dragon that wields ideals.

What truly surprised Xia Chi was the timing of Reshiram's warning.

Just a short time ago, he had a brief meeting with N in Fanba City.

On that occasion, Rahiram did not show any particular reaction or warning to N, who was so close at hand.

After only a few days apart, when they met again at the Pokémon Center in Twin Dragons City, Reshiram was able to smell Zekrom's scent so clearly.
Xia Chi does not believe that this was due to Rehiram's negligence or failure to notice it last time.

A more reasonable explanation is that N, in the short few days of separation, had already achieved some kind of enlightenment, thus truly awakening the dormant Zekrom.

Just like I was a little over a month ago.

So how did he awaken Zekrom?
Xia Chi's thoughts raced.

Could it be that my words really led him to start thinking about what his ideals are?

"Hey! Xia Chi!"

The slight touch on his arm and the slightly urgent call brought Xia Chi back to his senses.

He looked up and saw Alice poking his arm with a finger, her amethyst eyes filled with curiosity and confusion.

"I've called you several times, what are you thinking about?"

Xia Chi pondered for a moment and said, "It's nothing. I just suddenly remembered that the person who was holding the Cold Water Ape and wearing a hat is a friend of mine. I'm going to go say hello."

Alice: "."

Her expression instantly turned speechless.

Is it something you suddenly need to remember that he's not a buddy, but a friend?

Despite thinking this to herself, Alice still asked, "Do you need me to come along?"

Although she is very curious, she also knows her limits. It is not appropriate for her to force herself to join a friend's meeting.

Xia Chi thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "No need, I can go by myself. You go and rest first."

Although Alice was a little disappointed, she suppressed her curiosity and nodded, saying, "Okay, I'll wait for you over there."

After saying that, she pointed to the other side of the hall and then turned and left.

After Alice walked away, Xia Chi sorted out his thoughts and walked towards the rest area where N was.

Because of the highly recognizable Zoroark, Xia Chi easily found N sitting on the bench.

At this moment, N seemed unaware of Xia Chi's approach. He was tilting his head slightly, gazing absently at another corner of the rest area.

Xia Chi followed his gaze and saw a trainer who looked no more than fifteen or sixteen years old scolding a dejected-looking Tepig at his feet with a furious expression.

"Useless! What a waste of all those high-level energy cubes I've used!"

The trainer's voice was unrestrained and sounded rather jarring in the relatively quiet rest area.

"You can't even beat a Four Seasons Deer, whose type is weak to you? What use are you to me? I should have chosen Snivy in the first place! Look at you, you're completely useless."

The little pig had its head down, its small ears drooping, and its bright black eyes filled with tears, filled with sadness, grievance, and deep self-doubt, while a soft whimper came from its throat.

Xia Chi took in the whole scene, his brows furrowing almost imperceptibly, but he did not step forward to intervene.

In the anime, Ash's several Fire-type starters—Charmander, Chimchar, and Tepig—were all abandoned and picked up by other trainers.

It is evident that there are quite a few "Shinji-type" or "player-type" trainers in this world who treat Pokémon as tools for battle rather than companions.

His intervention now won't change anything.

Could I use my reputation to change the trainer's mind and make him decide to properly raise this Tepig?

This is actually cruel to the warm pig.

It would be better to let him completely abandon Warm Pig.

Sometimes, a complete break allows a Pokémon to meet a trainer who truly cherishes it, which may be a better outcome.

Xia Chi didn't know if N thought the same way, and she didn't say anything to stop him either.

She gazed thoughtfully at the irritated Tepig, her lake-green eyes filled with complex and unfathomable emotions, as if she saw a microcosm of herself in the irritated pig.

Only after the trainer left the rest room grumbling and cursing did N slowly withdraw his gaze, his eyes lowered, seemingly lost in deeper thought.

------

Xia Chi walked straight to the empty seat on the bench next to N and sat down.

There was a seat between them, and the atmosphere became somewhat silent for a moment.

N seemed to have noticed Xia Chi's presence long ago, and he suddenly spoke up, even though he hadn't looked up in that direction once.

"I remember your Magic Masked Meow, wasn't it also abandoned by its previous trainer?"

Xia Chi didn't deny it, but raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do you know me that well?"

It's not exactly a secret that he picked up Shin-no-Miao.

But Xia Chi was completely unknown at the time, so this was a detail that few people paid attention to.

After he became famous, apart from his die-hard fans, very few people would pay special attention to the origin of his starter Pokémon.

N got the answer from Xia Chi's non-denial reply, and he breathed a soft sigh of relief, his voice becoming even softer.

"That's why I've always felt that you and I are the same kind of people. There are too many people in this world who judge Pokémon solely based on their strength and the outcome of a battle. If they don't meet expectations, they are considered useless trash who can be scolded or even abandoned at will."

Xia Chi nodded. "I don't deny that."

Even in the world where Pokémon exist, aren't there many dark organizations?

There are countless examples of such power supremacists who, at most, can only be morally condemned.

Otherwise, how did he get his new Leaf Cat?

A brief silence filled the space between the two, with only a few distant noises coming from the rest area.

N suddenly said, "Thank you."

Xia Chi felt a little confused. "What are you thanking me for?"

N finally raised his head and turned to Xia Chi.

Beneath the brim of the hat, those lake-green eyes were crystal clear, yet seemed to contain unfathomable whirlpools, holding things that Xia Chi could not fully comprehend at the moment.

N's voice was calm. "Thank you for what you said to me that day in Fanba City."

Xia Chixin understood immediately. Was it really that meeting that made N awaken Zekrom?

Perhaps it's a bit of self-praise, but N's transformation is ultimately the result of his own internal struggle.

But it definitely counts as an assist.

In any case, this is a good thing.

If N can recognize Ghetsis's true colors and the Plasma Team's extreme nature in advance, and distance himself from them, then Ghetsis's forces will lose a powerful ally in the future.

Regardless of how poorly Zekrom performs in the game, in reality, he is a true level one god, possessing terrifying power to change the course of battle.

At that time, even if Team Plasma were to go to war with the United States, the strongest force they could rely on would probably only be the modified Genesect Legion.

However, this is currently just wishful thinking on my part.

Xia Chi met N's gaze, trying to glean more information from those deep eyes.

However, the shadow under the hat brim and the complex emotions in N's eyes remained like a fog, preventing him from seeing through them completely.

Recalling the meaningful look in his eyes as he gazed at the trainer's back, Xia Chi felt that something was amiss.

Wait a minute, if N changed his mind, why didn't he put that Water Ape in a Poké Ball?
Therefore, he is still resisting using Poké Balls!

N has not completely abandoned the core of the concept of "liberating Pokémon"!

Xia Chi's heart tightened.

N seemed to read his thoughts, a complex and enigmatic smile playing on his lips, and continued, "Speaking of which, you should have already gained Reshiram's approval by now, right?"

Xia Chi nodded calmly.

There is nothing to deny.

Since Reshiram could clearly sense Zekrom's awakening, the reverse is also true.

As the hero chosen by the ideal dragon, N must also know about his bond with Reshiram.

“Just as I thought.” N’s smile deepened. “It seems that although we are kindred spirits who can understand each other’s thoughts, we are destined to stand at opposite ends of the spectrum.”

This statement is essentially no different from a declaration of war.

Xia Chi frowned and couldn't help but ask, "Why? You should know that Quigish's goal is definitely not the noble and simple 'liberating Pokémon' that he claims to be, right? His ambition is far more greedy and dangerous than that!"

Upon hearing this, N simply tilted his head slightly, causing his green hair under his hat to sway.

He didn't speak, but the expression on his face made it clear that he had broken free from Quixote's mental constraints.

This only confused Xia Chi more. "Even so, you still choose to fight for him?"

Although I know that N has complex feelings for Quixote like a foster father, given N's character and awakened mind, he should not be such a blindly loyal person.

N smiled and shook his head. "No, I only fight for my own ideals."

Xia Chi's heart tightened, and she subconsciously asked, "What is it?"

N smiled casually, a smile as enigmatic as a lake shrouded in mist, obscuring its depths.

He stood up, his slender figure casting a long shadow under the lights of the rest area.

"You'll find out when the time comes."

Having said that, he didn't give Xia Chi a chance to ask further questions and walked straight towards the door.

The silent Zoroark, like the most loyal shadow warrior, followed without a sound.

The figures of the human and the fox quickly disappeared into the twilight outside the glass doors of the Pokémon Center.

Xia Chi was left alone on the bench, staring blankly in the direction N had left.

What exactly is N's ideal?

Unleash Pokémon?
No, having broken free of his shackles, he most likely wouldn't believe in such extreme brainwashing ideologies as those of Quixote anymore.

His willingness to come to the Pokémon Center shows that he has come to appreciate certain aspects of the existing League system, rather than rejecting it entirely as he did before.

However, the fleeting coldness and disappointment in his eyes when he stared at the trainer who had insulted Tepig clearly revealed his deep-seated aversion to the dark side of the current relationship between trainers and Pokémon.

What kind of "ideal" will this contradiction, this oscillation between acceptance and criticism, ultimately lead to?
Xia Chi couldn't guess what N's realization was.

But one thing is certain: he will never become a pawn to be manipulated by Quixote.

He will embark on a path that is uniquely his own.

This path seems destined to clash fiercely with the "truth" that Rahim represents.

------

"Trainer No. 1632, your Pokémon has been healed. Please go to the front desk to collect it."

The gentle female voice coming from the Pokémon Center's loudspeaker timely interrupted Xia Chi's chaotic thoughts.

The number he received was 1632.

Xia Chi took a deep breath, temporarily suppressing all her speculations about N, and then got up and walked to the front desk.

Just then, Alice also retrieved her Poké Ball.

Hey, Xia Chi!

Alice's face lit up with a bright smile again, as if she had completely emerged from the shadow of defeat. She warmly invited, "How about we go to the Twin Dragons Gym and have another match?"

Xia Chi looked up at the window and was surprised to find that the sun had already sunk below the horizon, the sky was dyed a deep purplish-blue, and the stars began to twinkle.

His heart skipped a beat.

Oh no, I've been out for so long and I completely forgot to say hello to Cattleya.

However, the Rotom phone remained silent, receiving no messages or missed calls.

Is she still asleep?
In any case, it's absolutely time to go back.

Moreover, with only Dragonair and Victini by his side, it's impossible to even attempt a gym battle.

Thinking of this, Xia Chi shook his head apologetically at Alice: "I'm afraid it's not possible today. It's getting late, and I have some things to take care of. Let's wait until tomorrow. I'll formally visit the dojo tomorrow."

Alice was a little disappointed, but she nodded understandingly: "Alright, but don't forget, it's a promise!"

She readily took out her phone. "How about adding Bogarman as a friend first? It'll be easier to keep in touch."

After exchanging contact information, the two said goodbye at the entrance of the Pokémon Center.

Xia Chi dared not delay any longer and quickened his pace toward the hotel.

I spent the afternoon wandering around outside, experiencing battles and an unexpected encounter with N at the Pokémon Center.

When Xia Chi finally returned to the hotel, it was completely dark, and the city's neon lights illuminated the streets in a colorful display.

Pushing open the suite door, you are greeted by warm lighting and a tranquil atmosphere.

As expected, Cattleya had already woken up. Contrary to Xia Chi's expectations, she was not still asleep, but was sitting comfortably on the sofa in the living room.

Latias then transformed into the form of a young girl and sat on the carpet next to her; the two seemed to have been talking in hushed tones.

Upon seeing Xia Chi return, Latias immediately stood up with delight to greet him.

In contrast, Cattleya's reaction was much more subdued.

She merely raised her crystal-clear eyes, glanced at Xia Chi indifferently, and without even saying a simple "You're back," she returned her gaze to the pages of her book.

Xia Chi said somewhat guiltily, "Well... I originally just planned to go out for a casual stroll and get some fresh air, but I didn't expect to run into a little accident and have to fight someone. Then I went to the Pokémon Center. I got so busy that I forgot to tell you."

Cattleya said indifferently, "Oh, what does that have to do with me?"

Xia Chi could tell that behind those seemingly indifferent words was a hint of dissatisfaction at his abrupt departure and disappearance for the entire afternoon.

He coughed lightly and said, "Well, after all, we're travel companions. It's quite impolite to just run off and disappear for an entire afternoon without a word. This time it was my fault, and I'll definitely let you know in advance next time."

For someone like Gadriya, who possesses almost abnormal superpowers, honesty and directness are the best ways to get along.

As expected, seeing Xia Chi lower his stance and take the initiative to apologize, the subtle low pressure around Jia Deliya dissipated considerably.

She finally looked up from the book and at Xia Chi. Although her face was still expressionless, her tone was noticeably gentler. "Okay, I understand. Have you had dinner?"

This seemingly ordinary concern is a rare way for someone as unassuming as Cattleya to express goodwill.

Xia Chi, naturally knowing how to take advantage of the situation, immediately replied, "Not yet. I just noticed the kitchen is quite well-equipped. Why don't we cook for ourselves? It'll be a good opportunity for you to try my... well, my elven cooking skills."

A barely perceptible smile appeared on Cattleya's lips as she nodded. "Okay, what ingredients do you need? I'll have the hotel butler bring them up immediately."

Xia Chigang instinctively wanted to suggest, "How about we go to the supermarket together and buy some groceries?" but he swallowed the words back.

Tsk, I just remembered that this guy not only has superpowers.

They certainly don't lack financial resources.
The high-quality ingredients provided by the hotel are definitely much fresher and of better quality than those bought in the supermarket.

Xia Chi, who had been wandering around outside all afternoon, was too lazy to go out again, so she readily nodded and said, "Okay~ then I'll trouble you."

------

The minor incident, which was hardly a conflict, did not affect their mood; on the contrary, it made their relationship more harmonious.

Well, actually, this harmonious atmosphere is thanks to Fa Jie and Latias's cooking skills.

It must be said that Sister Fa's cooking skills are indeed very impressive.

It seems to have perfectly applied the precise control of timing and force in combat to cooking.

Simple ingredients, through its skillful hands, seem to be given a soul, with excellent color, aroma, and taste, and the plating also has a wild and natural beauty.

Even Lady Cattleya, who was used to eating delicacies, gave it high praise.

It's not something you can say, it's something you can taste.

Thanks to this, after dinner, Gadriya personally taught the Summer Pool Spirits their superpower moves.

It's not just Latias and Victini, those two Psychic-type Pokémon.

Pokémon that know Psychic-type moves are included.

In other words, almost all the Pokémon in Xia Chi's team can benefit from this.

The reason for using the word "basic" so precisely is that a certain very large guy has been ostracized again.
That's right, even the martial arts bear master who focuses on fierce fighting knows a [Mind Hammer], but the prisoner doesn't know a single psychic move - except for [Sleep].

But this move doesn't really require any special instruction from Cattleya.

Should we teach it how to sleep faster and more soundly?
Not to mention that the practicality of this move itself is also very limited.

So, while the other companions listened attentively to Ms. Gadriya's lecture,

The prison guard could only turn its back to the bustling training scene, and one of the Pokémon retreated to a corner of its den, sulking away.
(End of this chapter)