novel-bin Chapter 21 Head towards the prize money, girl!
Chapter 21 Head towards the prize money, girl!
In the end, Touko and Azumi embarked on a trip to explore Feiyun City together, while the detective was unable to take on the role of guide because he got soaked to the bone in his own office.
After the landlord repeatedly assured him that the matter at hand was not urgent and that he would definitely hand it over to Hugo later, the detective walked into the bathroom with his hair still wet.
Before leaving, Azure glanced back at the Feathered Residence. There she saw Piplup, who had done something wrong, very responsibly finding a rag to wipe the floor, while Turtwig and Chimchar were helping out with gestures and instructions.
Living here doesn't seem so bad, Azure thought.
.
On the streets of Feiyun City, two girls lingered among the dazzling shop windows and chatted about topics that interested them.
"Those three little guys in Yuxi Mansion are so lively and adorable!" The lively girl with a high ponytail, Douzi, exclaimed first. She had bought another cup of milk tea from somewhere and was chewing on the tapioca pearls in her mouth as she mumbled.
Azure, wearing a white bowler hat because she was out, smiled and nodded: "Yes, and their personalities and talents are outstanding. Chimchar's speed and balance are top-notch, Turtwig's control over Vine Whip is excellent, and that Piplup even learned to use 'Hot Water' at such a young age. From a battle perspective, their future is limitless."
"It's a pity it fell into Hugo's hands," Douzi sighed dramatically, shrugging his shoulders.
“Not all Pokémon enjoy battling.” Azure shook her head slightly. “I think those little guys are having a good time at the Feathered Lodge. Hugo doesn’t seem like a bad trainer. But speaking of which, what’s with that detective’s constitution? Does something always happen when he encounters a Pokémon?”
"That's pretty much it." Douzi said, biting his straw and waving his fingers in the air like a conductor conducting an orchestra. "Whenever that person commands a Pokémon, it makes a mistake. The Pokémon doesn't listen to commands and gets into a state of agitation, tension, or excessive leisure. The moves it uses either miss or go out of control in unpredictable ways. This situation can even affect the trainers around him."
"He doesn't understand Pokémon's habits?" Little Blue frowned. Coming from Oak's lab, she couldn't stand seeing half-baked trainers misbehaving Pokémon.
"No, no, no, that's absolutely not true." Faced with his companion's misunderstanding, Douzi quickly explained—
"Hugo is an expert in almost all Pokémon knowledge, practically an expert. He could probably hold his own against a Pokémon professor. That detective could identify the characteristics of a Pokémon at a glance, and he knew everything about the moves Pokémon could learn and their daily habits... By the way, did you notice the food he prepared for the Pokémon at the Feathered Residence?"
Azure thought for a while, then shook her head: "I didn't see it."
"Haha, I saw it when Turtwig was looking for a tea canister. Deep inside the cabinet were Pokémon food items packaged in transparent bags. Judging from their appearance, they were quite carefully handmade. They even prepared three different types for Chimchar, Piplup, and Turtwig respectively."
"You're looking at this so closely?" Bilan scrutinized the usually carefree girl with the high ponytail in front of her, almost unable to believe her eyes.
Douzi was very proud, raising his head and grinning with pride.
"I remember now, you went to check when we were about to leave the house." Bilan slapped her forehead. "I've been thinking about why I called you for so long."
"Sister Xiaolan is really perceptive." Douzi sighed with a worried look on his face, but then his expression turned expectant. "Bilan, why don't you become a detective too?"
"A detective... that sounds good." Azure pondered for a moment, and actually began to consider it.
"Look, even a hapless guy like Hugo can open an agency. If it were you, Sister Lan, becoming a famous detective would be a piece of cake, wouldn't it?" The landlady of Yuqi Mansion continued to urge, seemingly wanting to turn Yuqi Mansion into a gathering place for the detective industry.
"Being a detective does seem cool, and you can often help others... but I don't know if I'm up to the task."
Azure hesitated. At this moment, she was still troubled about her future path. The usual way out for elite Pokémon trainers was to join the Pokémon League or choose a gym to guard the local city. She longed for a free life and did not like such a life at all.
The detective profession before her was indeed quite appealing, which made her somewhat tempted.
"Before you become a detective, you'll have to help me win back the prize money from the two-player battle tournament at the Combat Company!"
Azure was interrupted by her companion's words. She looked up and saw Douzi's bright smile right in front of her.
Unbeknownst to them, the two girls had already arrived at their destination for the day—the entrance to the battle company.
Looking at the girl beside her who seemed oblivious to setbacks, Bilan's mood lightened.
"Speaking of which, Douzi, you haven't met my current partner yet, have you?" Azure took a Poké Ball out of her bag and waved it in front of Douzi.
Douzi nodded: "It must be that legendary Eevee-sama. The beast that accompanied Little Blue to the Unova region alone, embarking on a journey to find its infinite possibilities in its shapeshifting form!"
The "Beast of Infinite Possibilities" was released from the Poké Ball amidst its glow. This little Eevee, like its owner, was gentle and elegant. It landed on the ground with a light sway of its fluffy tail and walked gracefully to Azure's side.
Douzi crouched down and whispered to Eevee, "Little Eevee, how about your trainer and I go to a doubles battle later? It's a great opportunity to show off. Let's knock those fake star trainers off the stage together, what do you think?"
Eevee tilted its head, looking somewhat eager to try, but it quickly calmed down and turned back to ask Azure for its opinion.
Azure crouched down and rubbed Eevee's head: "That's why we came out."
Ibrahimovic then jumped up happily, showing that he couldn't wait.
"This little guy's got a strong fighting spirit." Seeing his teammate's intense fighting spirit, Douzi's confidence naturally increased. The prize money was secured!
"Embo, come and meet your partner!" The girl with the high ponytail stood up and threw the Poké Ball that was originally tied to her belt.
A massive body emerged behind Douzi, the imposing Emboar assuming a fighting stance amidst burning flames. This evolved Pokémon of the Fried Pig has an explosive black tail and a strong, reliable body, with a large amount of flames spewing from its neck, signifying the Pokémon's current energetic state.
“Our goal is—” Douzi pointed to the building in front of him with his index finger, then changed his hand gesture and slowly clenched his five fingers.
"To ravage".
"Roar!" King Yanwu pounded his broad chest, making a deafening thud.
"Eevee!" The azure Eevee was also extremely excited, letting out a firm cry in declaration. It truly loved battling...
Douzi placed the half-finished milk tea on the windowsill and said nonchalantly, "I'll drink the rest of this milk tea after I win the doubles championship. I guarantee that by then, the ice at the bottom of the cup won't have had time to melt!"
Azure watched her companion's antics quietly. To her surprise, she found herself not finding it absurd at all. Instead, as if Eevee's emotions had been transmitted to her, she felt a sincere anticipation for the next moment to come.
However, at this moment—
The previously excited Ibuki seemed to freeze in his emotions, gazing at a distant alley.
Eevee's hidden ability, "Aware of Danger," is activated.