Pokémon: I have no choice but to do this old thing?

Chapter 106 Reunion, Pokémon All-Around Competition

The cleanup work at Lizhi Lake is still ongoing, but Zhang Jianying's assistance is no longer needed.

He retrieved the earthen tortoise and glanced at the land that was slowly recovering its vitality.

Beside the dried-up lake, League staff are guiding water from a nearby river to flow back into the lake, and the injured wild Pokémon are gradually recovering under the care of a professional medical team.

The petrified Pokémon were carefully wrapped up and prepared to be sent to the League's technical department for reversal treatment.

Everything is moving in a positive direction.

"Let's go, it's time for us to continue our journey," Zhang Jianying said to the Pokémon beside him.

He took out his Pokédex and brought up a map of the Sinnoh region.

Current location: Lakeside of Lizhi.

Next goal—

His finger slid across the map, stopping at two adjacent city icons.

Veiled City, Fighting-type Gym.

Nohara City, Water Gym.

Two cities, two dojos, two directions.

"Which one should we go to first?"

Zhang Jianying stroked his chin, somewhat conflicted. The two cities were about the same distance from Lizhi Lake, so it seemed there was little difference which side he would choose to challenge.

He stood at the crossroads of the main road leading to the outside world by the lake, looking at the roads stretching to the left and right, unable to make a decision for a moment.

Just then.

"Brother A-Jian—!"

A familiar and energetic shout suddenly came from behind.

Zhang Jianying was taken aback and turned around.

In the distance, several figures were seen running quickly towards them.

Running at the front was a boy wearing a baseball cap with a Pikachu perched on his shoulder—it was Ash Ketchum, "Pikachu!"

Pikachu waved its little paws happily.

Following behind Ash are Brock, who always has squinted eyes but is surprisingly reliable, and Dawn, who has a bright smile.

Beside the three, there was a pink-haired girl who looked somewhat familiar to Zhang Jianying. Accompanying her was a Lucario with sharp eyes and a composed demeanor.

"Xiao Zhi? Xiao Gang? Xiao Guang?" Zhang Jianying was a little surprised, then laughed, "Long time no see."

"It really is you, Brother Jian!"

Ash ran up to them, "I thought it looked like you from behind when I saw your back from afar! It really was you!"

Xiao Gang and Xiao Guang greeted him with smiles: "Mr. A-Jian, it's been a long time."

"What are you doing here?" Zhang Jianying asked curiously.

"We had just finished challenging the gym in Veilstone City when we heard on the radio that something had happened at Lake Lishi, so we rushed over."

Xiao Zhi spoke quickly, with his usual urgency, "Brother Jian, what are you doing here?"

Zhang Jianying nodded and explained simply, "I felt the tremor in Water Vein City, and came to check it out after hearing the broadcast."

"Water Vein City?"

Xiao Gang was somewhat surprised, "Is the impact so widespread?"

Ash, however, was more concerned about Lake Tadashi and pressed for details, asking, "What happened here? Is it over? Are we too late?"

"It's over."

Zhang Jianying nodded and briefly explained what had happened: "The Galaxy Team and the Dark Star Organization joined forces to try to capture Arknom, one of the Lake Trio. However, the Champion arrived in time and stopped them. Arknom was injured, but he has left safely to recuperate."

"Team Galaxy, it's them again!"

Xiao Zhi clenched his fists, his face filled with indignation. "What exactly are they trying to do?!"

"Luckily, the champion is here." Xiao Guang breathed a sigh of relief.

"I still didn't make it in time—"

Xiao Zhi was a little disappointed, but then he breathed a sigh of relief. He scratched his head and looked somewhat confused.

"Back in Veil City, I thought I vaguely heard the voice of Arknom, which Champion Cynthia had mentioned. It sounded like it was calling for help—that's why I rushed over. Now that I know everything's alright, I'm relieved."

Zhang Jianying's heart stirred. It seemed that the God of Will had indeed acknowledged Xiao Zhi; he truly was the chosen one.

"It's good that you're alright." Xiao Gang nodded in agreement.

Just then, the pink-haired girl stepped forward, extending her hand with a bright smile: "Hello! I'm Lee from the Veilwall City Gym! Nice to meet you!"

Zhang Jianying suddenly realized why the face looked familiar.

Isn't that the owner of the Veilstone City Fighting Dojo? I've seen his photo in the League's files, but he looks even more energetic in person than in the photo.

"Hello, I'm Zhang Jianying." He shook hands politely. "So you're Master Li, it's an honor to meet you."

A-Li waved his hand a little embarrassedly: "Forget about being a gym leader, I was only able to readjust my mindset thanks to Ash and the others!"

As Ah Li spoke, his eyes gleamed with eager anticipation: "I heard you're also a dojo challenger? After the all-around competition, how about a match with me? I'll definitely give it my all!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jianying laughed heartily, relieved that he no longer needed to worry.

"certainly!"

He readily agreed, "Perfect timing! I was just debating whether to go to Veilwall City or Nohara City first. This is perfect, I can challenge both gyms at the same time."

"Very good!"

Ah Li jumped for joy, and Lucario beside her, sensing Zhang Jianying's waveguide, nodded to him.

"hey-hey!"

Ash suddenly grinned mischievously, nudged Zhang Jianying, who was teasing Pikachu, with his elbow, and then pulled out his badge box like a treasure, opening it with a snap.

Inside, eight badges of different shapes are neatly arranged, glittering in the sunlight.

"I've collected all eight badges!"

Ash's tone was filled with undisguised boasting and pride, "I can participate in the League Conference now!"

Looking at the box full of badges, and then thinking that he had only gotten five, Zhang Jianying smiled helplessly. He had been running around and wandering around, so his progress was really slow.

"That's so true to you, Ash." He patted Ash on the shoulder. "You're making fast progress."

"Of course!" Ash exclaimed, hands on his hips, beaming. "I'm going to become a Pokémon Master!"

"Pikachu!" Pikachu obediently crossed its arms and nodded its head.

Hikari chuckled to himself, while Brock shook his head helplessly, clearly used to Ash's childish boasting.

"But Brother Sword will definitely be fine too!" Ash said earnestly, putting away his badge box. "Your Pokémon are all incredibly strong!"

"Thank you for your kind words." Zhang Jianying smiled, then asked, "Are you going to Nohara City to participate in that all-around competition?"

"yes!"

Xiao Guang chimed in, her eyes lighting up, "I heard the All-Around Competition is really fun! It's a competition that showcases the teamwork between trainers and their Pokémon! Piplup and I are ready!"

"Poga Poga!"

Bogaman peeked out from behind Xiaoguang, puffing out her small chest.

Zhang Jianying didn't know much about the all-around competition, so he asked, "What kind of competition is it exactly? What are the rules?"

"I'll explain that."

The reliable Brock immediately pulled out a beautifully designed booklet from his backpack, the cover of which read "Nohara City Pokémon All-Round Competition Participation Guide".

He opened the booklet and began to explain: "The All-Around Competition is a comprehensive Pokémon competition designed to showcase the synergy and cooperation between trainers and Pokémon, as well as the characteristics and abilities of the Pokémon themselves."

"The competition is usually divided into several rounds, such as a speed race to test the Pokémon's movement speed, a power demonstration to test its attack power, and a skill challenge to complete a specific task or move combination. Each round is scored based on completion time, completion rate, performance, etc., and the one with the highest overall score wins."

Xiao Gang paused, then turned to the back pages of the booklet: "The all-around competition being held in Nohara City this time was personally organized and sponsored by Mr. Yoshinobu, the head of the Nohara Dojo."

When Ji Xian was mentioned, Xiao Gang's tone was clearly filled with respect.

"Mr. Yoshinobu is a very responsible dojo owner. His main purpose in organizing this competition is to promote the concept of protecting wetlands and raise public awareness of wetland ecosystems."

"All proceeds from the competition will be donated to the Great Wetlands Conservation Fund" for wetland maintenance.

Ecological research and the rescue of injured wild Pokémon.

Xiao Gang closed the booklet and said earnestly, "Mr. Yoshino believes that Gym Leaders are not only about battling and testing challengers, but also about protecting the natural environment. By holding events like this, we can promote the fun of Pokémon battles and contribute to environmental protection—he is a truly remarkable Gym Leader."

Zhang Jianying listened with equal respect.

He had met many dojo masters, some like Hyota and Nagisa who were focused on battling and training newcomers, and others like Togua who were bold and passionate.

But Yoshinobu is the first person to combine his love for Pokémon battles with his responsibility for environmental protection so closely.

"Truly remarkable."

Zhang Jianying sincerely said, "I am also very interested in this kind of competition."

"Right, right!"

Ash excitedly pumped his fist, "It's going to be really fun! Brother Sword, why don't you sign up too? We can compete together!"

Xiao Guang looked over expectantly: "Yes, Mr. Jian, let's join together! The more the merrier!"

Ah Li went even further: "Let's go together! We can face off right after the competition!"

"Okay," he nodded and smiled, "Then let's participate together."

The group chatted and laughed as they set off for Nohara City.

Upon entering the city, Ah Li temporarily parted ways with the others: "I'm going to say hello to Mr. Ji Xian and exchange experiences on dojo management. We'll meet at the competition registration desk."

She waved and, with Lucario in tow, disappeared briskly at the other end of the street.

Xiao Zhi and his group, familiar with the place, led Zhang Jianying to a lively-looking open-style buffet restaurant.

The restaurant has a spacious open-air courtyard with many long tables, where many trainers have already brought their Pokémon to dine and chat.

"The owner of this restaurant is super nice, and the food is amazing!"

As Xiao Zhi spoke, he couldn't wait to find an empty long table.

Everyone sat down around the table and released their Pokémon. The area around the long table quickly became lively and bustling.

"Wow! What kind of Pokémon is this?"

Xiao Guang was the first to notice Ergui, and her eyes immediately lit up. She took out her Pokédex and pointed it at the little guy.

The Pokédex screen flickered a few times, followed by a mechanical voice: "Unknown Pokémon, data unknown."

"An unknown Pokémon?!"

Xiao Guang looked at Zhang Jianying in surprise, "Mr. Jianying, what kind of Pokémon is this?"

Ash was trying to get close to the aloof Salamence, hoping to trick it into taking him for a ride.

But upon hearing the words "unknown Pokémon," it instantly abandoned the Salamence that had been ignoring it and darted over in a flash.

"Where? Where? An unknown Pokémon?!"

Xiao Zhi leaned close to Ergui, his eyes wide with surprise. "Wow, I've never seen anything like it before! Brother Ajian, where did you meet this?"

Zhang Jianying chuckled and ruffled Erguilan's hair: "We encountered it while on a mission in the Padia region. Its name is Erguipeng."

"The Cursed Pagoda—"

Xiao Guang repeated the name, looking into the little guy's bright, sparkling eyes, her girlish heart instantly melted. "So cute!"

Ergui understood the praise, happily made a "Boni" sound, showed his little tiger teeth, and smiled at Ash and Dawn.

In the open space of the courtyard, everyone's Pokémon naturally began to interact.

Pikachu once again took on the role of "nanny," leading Brock's Lucky Egg, Dawn's Togepi that had just hatched and was still wobbly when it walked, as well as the curious Ice Goose, a pair of mice, and Newleaf Cat to play in a safe area.

When Ash's Torterra saw Zhang Jianying's Torterra, it looked at him with respect, slowly crawled over, lowered its head, and greeted the senior who had once guided it in its own unique way.

Zhang Jianying's earth turtle responded with a gentle growl and lightly touched its junior's carapace.

Ash's Gliscor became very interested in the lush tree on Zhang Jianying's Turtle Shell, and excitedly hung upside down on the branch, swinging its pincers back and forth.

Gengar leaned comfortably against the tree, crunching on its snacks, occasionally smirking mischievously as it tried to entice Gliscor with the treats.

The Salamence lay quietly to one side, its head bowed, looking at the tiny creature before it.

The giblet was tilting its head back, gazing curiously at the enormous creature with eyes full of longing.

On the other side, three very different yet strangely harmonious creatures—Swordsman, Infernape, and Rugged—came together.

The Greatsword silently handed over a few cups of Jujubrin's fruit wine, which Infernape and Croagunk accepted and drank heartily in one gulp, only to be choked by the mild yet potent flavor.

The Greatsword Demon curled his lips into a smile, slightly drew his foot blade, picked up his cup, and slowly sipped, his movements surprisingly elegant.

"Everyone—dinner's ready!"

Just then, Xiao Gang's voice came from inside the restaurant.

Wearing an apron, he pushed out a food cart laden with various delicacies. The cart was filled with meticulously prepared Pokémon food and human meals, emitting a wonderful aroma.

"Pikachu!" "Poga!" "Bonnie!" "Squeak!"

All the Pokémon immediately abandoned their ongoing activities and rushed towards Brock, their eyes gleaming with longing for the food.

Zhang Jianying couldn't help but smile as she watched this lively and heartwarming scene. Being with this group of people always filled her with energy and joy.

But a joyful dinner always needs a little something extra.

Just as everyone was sitting together, ready to enjoy their meal, Piplup had somehow wandered over to Gible and fixed its little eyes on a piece of Gible's favorite Pokémon treat clutched in its paw.

"Gah!"

The giblet clutched its snacks warily, making a threatening growl in its throat.

But who is Bogarman? He's the king of headstrong brawn!

It put its little wings on its hips, raised its head, and called out a few times with a righteous air.

"Boga Boga! Hand it over, I want some too!"

The giblet couldn't stand this, especially in front of its favorite snack!

Its small body trembled, and a faint dragon-like light emanated from its body. It raised its head, and energy began to gather in its throat.

Zhang Jianying caught a glimpse of this scene out of the corner of his eye, and his lips twitched.

Bogarman, how dare you—

Sure enough, the next moment, a wobbly, strangely moving dragon-type energy ball was launched from the mouth of the Gible and shot straight into the sky!

Meteor Shower

Or rather, it's a special edition of the Gible, a "Wave Missile" with built-in cornering navigation—

"Poga?!"

Seeing that things were not going well, Bogarman turned and ran!

And so, a magical scene unfolded in the open courtyard:

A ball of light traced a strange arc in the air, relentlessly pursuing a frantically fleeing Piplup.

Bogarman put in all his effort, using S-shaped maneuvers, sharp turns, and crawling under tables—a variety of flashy maneuvers were on display.

However, the ball of light seemed to be equipped with GPS, always able to accurately correct its direction and relentlessly pursue it.

Zhang Jianying shaded his eyes with his hand, gazing at the staggering meteor shower in the sky, marveling at its incredible curves.

Indeed, only by following a super rookie can one witness such a scene that defies common sense.

Gardevoir and Gengar, whose energy control was the best in his team, looked at each other in surprise when they saw this scene, and saw the same sigh in each other's eyes.

Hikari and Ash looked helpless and said in unison, "Here we go again—"

Before he could finish speaking...

"Poga—!!"

A heart-wrenching scream rang out.

In the end, the stubborn kid couldn't escape the punishment of the "wave missile".

The ball of light slammed solidly into Bogarman's head, sending him crashing headfirst into the soft ground of the courtyard.

Only two tiny yellow feet were left outside, twitching.

From deep within the earth came a muffled, echoing voice: "Poga~~".

Ash and Brock laughed heartily without holding back.

Xiao Guang quickly ran over, grabbed Bogaman's little foot, and pulled it out forcefully.

Bogaman shook his head, feeling dizzy, his eyes darting around, with a small clump of dirt still on his head.

"Poga—"

It looked at Xiaoguang with a wronged expression.

"Who told you to steal Gible's snacks?!"

Xiao Guang gently tapped its little head, but couldn't help but laugh.

The surrounding diners and other Pokémon laughed as they watched this scene.

Moonlight bathed the courtyard, the aroma of delicious food mingled with the calls of Pokémon, and the trainers' laughter drifted away on the breeze.

Far from the smoke and heaviness of Lake Lizhi, sharing simple joys with like-minded partners on this ordinary night is perhaps one of the sources of strength that keeps trainers moving forward.

Zhang Jianying took a bite of Xiao Gang's specially made tree fruit pie, and the sweet taste melted in her mouth.

Looking at the bustling scene around him, he felt a sense of peace.

The Pokémon All-Around Competition is about to begin, and he is full of anticipation for it.