Elf: Rewriting the script, starting with Black Stocking Hanako

Ye Jian hadn't even eaten a bite of food before he started talking.

"Xiao Chun, I'll say it again, you really need to think about that thing about you going to the wilderness to cultivate."

Noken picked up a slice of sashimi, but didn't put it in his mouth. He paused in mid-air for a moment, then put it down.

"It's dangerous, and you don't learn anything. Look at those elite academies, they have a proper curriculum, professional teachers, and you even get a diploma when you graduate. What are you trying to achieve by running around in the wilderness every day, exposed to the wind and sun?"

Xiao Chun kept his head down, poking at the rice in his bowl with his chopsticks, not daring to utter a sound.

Jiang Chuan glanced at Xiao Chun and saw his cowardly appearance; he was a typical victim of patriarchal oppression.

Seeing that his son remained silent, Ye Jian shifted his focus.

"You three are Xiao Chun's friends. I'm just being blunt, so please don't take offense," he said, looking at Jiang Chuan.

"It must be tough raising Pokémon in the wild, right? Even though you caught a rare black-spotted Pikachu, this kind of mutant breed looks cute, but it's actually very difficult to train."

As he spoke, he deliberately glanced into the yard.

In the yard, Pikachu was engrossed in eating, its cheeks puffed out, completely unaware that someone inside was gossiping about it.

Jiang Chuan smiled and put down his chopsticks.

"Uncle is right, my Pikachu is indeed a bit naughty."

Upon hearing this, Ye Jian's face showed an "I knew it" expression, and he was just about to continue speaking.

Jiang Chuan changed the subject: "However, I do know quite a bit about raising big-beaked sparrows."

Ye Jian was stunned for a moment.

Big-billed finches?

"You know anything about Finch?" Ye Jian frowned slightly. "I've had this Finch for five years. How much could a rookie trainer like you possibly know?"

His tone was clearly disdainful.

Jiang Chuan wasn't annoyed. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and spoke slowly and deliberately.

"Finch, a bird-like Pokémon, evolves from Spearow. It stands about 1.2 meters tall and weighs around 30 kilograms. Its abilities are usually Keen Eye or Sniper."

Ye Jian nodded: "These basic data can be found by checking the encyclopedia."

Jiang Chuan smiled slightly and continued, "The advantage of Flying-type is its speed, which is top-tier among early-game Flying-types. However, its weakness is its low defense, especially its special defense. Therefore, it is basically one-shotted by Electric or Ice-type moves."

Ye Jian didn't speak, but his eyes changed slightly.

"The key to training a finches is not to teach them many attack skills, but to make the most of their speed advantage."

Jiang Chuan put down his teacup: "High-speed movement combined with pecking and drilling, or swallowing back and chasing, guerrilla warfare is the right approach. If we try to fight head-on, the big-billed fin can't withstand it."

Ye Jian moved his lips, wanting to refute, but found that what Jiang Chuan said seemed to make sense.

Jiang Chuan continued, "Uncle just said he raised it for five years, but from what I observed, the big-billed finches are probably at the common level, around level 20 to 25."

"The key skills to learn at this stage are pursuit and high-speed movement."

Ye Jian's eyes widened because his Sparrow was exactly level 22!

What kind of eye does this kid have? He saw it right away?

"How...how did you figure that out?" Ye Jian's voice changed slightly.

Jiang Chuan smiled: "Observation plus reasoning."

"Although the leveling is a bit slow, Uncle's Big-Beaked Sparrow is definitely for work, not for fighting, so it doesn't matter."

"Xiaochun said that your uncle works in the shipping industry and needs Pokémon to patrol the seas, right?"

Ye Jian nodded: "Yes, our company has several shipping routes that require Flying-type Pokémon to scout the weather and sea conditions."

"That's right," Jiang Chuan continued. "The maritime environment is complex, and the great-billed finches need to fly for long periods of time, which is very physically demanding. Uncle, do your great-billed finches get very tired when they fly long-distance ocean routes?"

Ye Jian nodded vigorously: "Yes, yes, yes! I needed three days to recover after flying back last time!"

"This is because the great-billed finches' flight pattern is not suitable for long-distance ocean travel." Jiang Chuan began to fabricate, oh no, he began to offer a professional analysis: "The great-billed finches' wing structure is suitable for short-distance sprints, but it is not very efficient for long-distance cruising. To improve this, targeted training is needed—to make them fly with the ocean currents, rather than struggling against the wind."

"Flying with the ocean currents?" Noken asked with a look of curiosity.

"Yes, ocean currents cause changes in air currents. For example, in areas where the Kuroshio Current passes, there are stable updrafts overhead. If the big-billed finches learn to use these updrafts to glide, they can save half their energy."

Ye Jian listened intently, even putting down his chopsticks.

"Furthermore, Uncle can add certain fruits to the Great Toucan's recipe. For example, guava, which can improve stamina."

Ye Jian was completely stunned.

His gaze toward Jiang Chuan changed from initial disdain to admiration, even a touch of worship.

"Young man Jiangchuan, where did you learn all this knowledge from?"

Jiang Chuan waved his hand casually: "It's like practicing cultivation in the wild. The more you see, the more you naturally understand."

He paused for a moment, then decided to add fuel to the fire.

"By the way, Uncle, have you ever heard of the Glittering Toucan?"

Ye Jian was taken aback: "A flash? I've heard of it, but I've never seen one."

"I've seen it once," Jiang Chuan said in a low, mysterious voice.

Ye Jian's eyes widened: "Really?"

"In a forest in Kanto," Jiang Chuan began to ramble, "that evening, as the sun was about to set, a golden light suddenly appeared in the sky. I looked up and saw a large golden-billed bird flying through the clouds, its feathers like they were on fire, looking incredibly beautiful in the sunset."

Ye Jian swallowed hard.

"Later I inquired and it is said that when Ho-Oh passes by, it will bestow blessings on some spiritual Pokémon, turning them into special sacred forms. Well-trained Finch may encounter this situation."

"However, these can only be encountered in the wild."

"Phoenix King?" Ye Jian was shocked. He was so excited that his hands were trembling. He grabbed Jiang Chuan's hand.

"Young brother Jiang Chuan! Thank you! Thank you for guiding Xiao Chun onto the path of cultivation!"

"I used to think that spiritual practices were just nonsense and you couldn't learn anything real. But after hearing what you said today, I understand—true knowledge is found in the wild!"

Jiang Chuan smiled and nodded: "It's good that Uncle understands."

Nearby, Xiaoxia was engrossed in showing off her delicious food.

His mouth was stuffed full of tempura, and his cheeks were bulging like a hamster's.

She glanced at Jiang Chuan sideways, thinking to herself: A flashing Finch? Ho-Oh? Is that true?

Never mind, eating is the priority!

Xiaoxia continued to focus on her cooking.

Aunt Huimei's cooking skills are truly amazing. The tempura is fried to a perfect crispy exterior and tender interior, and the miso soup is so delicious that you'll want to swallow your tongue.

Xiaoxia picked up another piece of sashimi, dipped it in soy sauce, and put it in her mouth.

Mmm~ Satisfied!

Hanako was quite refined, eating in small bites, occasionally glancing up at Jiang Chuan with a smile in her eyes.

Ye Jian was still excited and wouldn't let go of Jiang Chuan's hand.

"Young man Jiang Chuan, could you elaborate on that training method you mentioned earlier about flying with the ocean currents?"

"Of course," Jiang Chuan said. "Uncle can record the ocean current distribution along each route and let the big-billed sparrow familiarize itself with it beforehand. For example, from Kanto to the Hokkaido, it can fly with the Oyashio Current, and on the return trip, it can fly with the Kuroshio Current..."

Ye Jian nodded repeatedly, wishing he could write it all down in a notebook.

Just as he was getting excited, his expression suddenly changed.

"Oh no!!"

Ye Jian shouted and jumped up from his seat.

Everyone looked at him.

Xiao Chun looked completely bewildered: "Dad, what happened?"

The voice just fell.

A bolt of lightning suddenly flashed in the courtyard!

Sizzle!!

A blinding yellow flash of light illuminated the entire yard, followed by a mournful bird call.

Everyone got up and ran into the courtyard.

Xiao Chun was the first to rush out and open the sliding door.

In the yard, the Pokémon-themed dining table that Huimei had set up was still in its original place.

Ibrahimovic was still engrossed in showing off the food on his plate, his cheeks puffed out like balls, completely oblivious to what had just happened.

Pikachu, holding a berry, tilted its head and looked innocently at the crowd that had run out.

Pikachu~ Pikachu pikachu~

It blinked its big eyes, so cute it was bubbly.

Not far behind it...

A large-billed finch is lying on the ground, its body emitting smoke, its feathers bristling, creating a very wild appearance.

Its wings were still twitching slightly, and it exhaled a puff of black smoke.

The big-billed finch let out a weak cry, its eyes filled with existential doubt.

What just happened?

It originally intended to test the Pikachu as instructed by its owner.

It crept up behind Pikachu, thinking of stepping on Pikachu's tail with its paw to give it a hard time.

Let's intimidate this little yellow mouse.

The claws had just touched the tail...

A terrifying electric current surged directly into his body!

The big-beaked sparrow had only one thought in its mind: Did it just step on an underground cable?

Is this Pikachu or Zapdos?

Pikachu looked at the Finch lying on the ground convulsing, tilted its head, and explained to Jiang Chuan.

"Pikachu~ Pikachu~"

It said it was concentrating on eating when it suddenly felt something pressing down on its tail. Without thinking much of it, it gently flicked its tail, releasing a little electricity...

That's all.

Jiang Chuan suppressed a laugh and nodded.

Ye Jian stood there, stunned, watching his beloved big-billed finches, which he had raised for five years, now lying on the ground, questioning their very existence.

Look at that Pikachu, holding a berry, looking completely innocent and harmless.

The words he had just said suddenly flashed through his mind.

"This mutant variety looks good, but it's actually very difficult to cultivate."

"That Pikachu is so cute, it doesn't have much fighting power at all."

How strong can a novice trainer's Pokémon be?

Ye Jian's face turned green.

In the end, it was just one move, only one move.

The big-billed finches I had carefully raised didn't even have a chance to react before being electrocuted and roasted.

Ye Jian took a deep breath, walked over to the big-billed sparrow, and squatted down to examine it.

He looked up at Jiang Chuan with a complex expression, then said awkwardly, "It's nothing, it's nothing, just a little accident. I'll be fine after a rest."

Ye Jian gave a wry smile, stood up, and waved his hand.

"It's alright, everyone, please continue eating. I'll take Finch to the Pokémon Center in a bit."

He paused, then added, "Young brother Jiang Chuan, I've truly learned a lot today."

Jiang Chuan smiled and nodded: "Uncle, you're too kind."

Huimei covered her mouth and laughed, pushing everyone back into the house.

"Alright, alright, everyone go back inside, the food's getting cold. Noken, don't just stand there, recall your Finch first, we'll go to the Pokémon Center after we finish eating."

Ye Jian nodded, took out a Poké Ball, and recalled the Finch.

The group returned to the house and sat down again.

Xiao Chun sat next to Jiang Chuan, secretly gave him a thumbs up, and whispered, "Brother Jiang Chuan, you're awesome!"

Jiang Chuan smiled faintly and continued eating.

The atmosphere at the next dinner party completely changed.

Ye Jian stopped mentioning anything about noble academies and the uselessness of cultivation sects. Instead, he kept asking Jiang Chuan about his experience in outdoor cultivation, as humble as a primary school student.

"Jiang Chuan, how do you guys usually train in the wild?"

"Little brother Jiangchuan, what should you do if you encounter a wild Pokémon attack?"

"Young man Jiang Chuan, could you tell me more about... Phoenix King?"

Jiang Chuan answered each question in detail, explaining them clearly and logically.

Ye Jian listened intently, nodding occasionally with an "I see" expression on his face.

After the meal, Ye Jian was completely won over.

After the meal, everyone helped Huimei clear the dishes.

As Huimei tidied up, she smiled and said, "Jiangchuan-kun, thank you so much for today. Yejian is such a stubborn guy; he never listened to anyone before. But after what you said today, he finally saw the light."

Jiang Chuan smiled and said, "Auntie, you're too kind. I was just saying."

Hui Mei shook her head and looked at Pikachu and Eevee, who were still engrossed in eating in the yard.

"Those two little guys seem to really like the feed I made."

As she spoke, she turned and went into the kitchen, and soon came out with two small bags.

"This is the food I usually make for the wild Pokémon in the area, a special recipe. Since Pikachu and Eevee like it, you can take it."

Jiang Chuan took the bag and thanked him.

Huimei smiled gently: "Come visit often when you have time, and Auntie will cook you delicious food."

Xiaoxia's eyes lit up: "Really, Auntie? Then I'll definitely come often!"

Huimei smiled and nodded, "Sure, you're welcome anytime."

When it was time to say goodbye, Ye Jian personally saw him to the door, shook Jiang Chuan's hand, and said excitedly, "Young brother Jiang Chuan, thank you so much for your guidance today."

Jiang Chuan nodded: "It's just a simple sharing."

Noken patted Jiangchuan on the shoulder, expressing his gratitude profusely: "Jun, keep it up! You must become a powerful trainer like Jiangchuan someday!"

Xiao Chun watched from the side, nodding vigorously.

Dinner was successfully completed thanks to Jiang Chuan's skillful preparation.

The three of them left Xiao Chun's house and headed towards the hotel.

Night had fallen, and there were few people on the streets.

Xiaoxia stretched and yawned, saying, "Oh dear, I'm so full. Aunt Huimei's cooking is amazing; I ate at least twice my usual amount."

Hanako laughed and said, "I can tell, you ate almost half of the tempura by yourself."

Pikachu perched on Jiang Chuan's shoulder, hugging its little belly, looking completely content.

Ibu was being held by Hanako, dozing off with his eyes half-closed.

Back at the hotel, Jiang Chuan had booked a three-bedroom suite.

The hotel is of a high standard, with exquisite decor, a spacious living room, and a separate bathroom and bathtub.

Jiang Chuan sat down on the sofa, took out his communicator, and checked the messages.

Hanako, holding a towel, squatted on the living room floor, rubbing Pikachu and Eevee's fur.

The two little ones got quite dirty today, having spent the day putting out fires and eating.

Pikachu, in particular, still had a bit of static electricity left on its body after it used its electric shock to knock out Finch, making its fur a little frizzy.

Hanako wiped it carefully, her movements gentle.

"Pikachu~" Pikachu squinted its eyes contentedly.

After resting for a while, Jiang Chuan got up and went to the bathroom.

"I'm going to take a bath first."

Hanako nodded gently.

Xiaoxia tilted her head to look at Jiang Chuan's back, bit her lower lip, and these few days were her period of desire, she missed Jiang Chuan a lot.

At that moment, a little monster was pounding wildly in her heart.

After sitting for a while, while Hanako was grooming Eevee, she quietly got up and tiptoed towards the bathroom...