Chapter 106: Xiaoguang and the Formidable Rival

Zhao Fang glanced at Mr. Qianli with a hint of confusion. He didn’t quite understand why Mr. Qianli had suddenly become interested in his journey, but he dutifully recounted his experiences from this period. Given Dr. Odawara’s relationship with Mr. Qianli, Zhao Fang didn’t hide the fact that he had tamed a Shiny Glaceon; after all, if Mr. Qianli wanted to know, he could simply ask Dr. Odawara.

Mr. Qianli listened with a gentle smile, occasionally casting a glance at Xiaoguang. After a moment’s hesitation, Zhao Fang realized what Mr. Qianli was implying, so he embellished his tale, making his travels sound even more interesting and captivating.

“What a remarkable journey you’ve had. Are you going to follow Cynthia to the Sinnoh region later? That’s an excellent opportunity. You can learn a lot from Cynthia—she’s a truly formidable person.” Mr. Qianli nodded in approval, clearly pleased that Zhao Fang had caught his meaning. Yet, the thought of Zhao Fang accompanying Cynthia to Sinnoh filled him with a touch of envy.

After all, she was the Sinnoh Champion. Though Cynthia had tried to conceal her identity, for someone of her stature, secrecy was but an illusion—much like a superstar from the past trying to dine incognito, her fame would always precede her. To the gym leaders and champions of Hoenn, Cynthia’s identity could never be truly masked.

And now Zhao Fang had the chance to travel with her to Sinnoh, even if only to help investigate the temple; following Cynthia meant learning countless things. Mr. Qianli reckoned that upon Zhao Fang’s return, his growth would surely be astonishing.

Zhao Fang nodded earnestly. Traveling with a champion was indeed a rare opportunity.

“Xiaoguang, do you want to catch a Pokémon? I can lend you a Pokémon and some Poké Balls.” Mr. Qianli smiled at Xiaoguang, his voice gentle.

Zhao Fang followed his gaze and saw that the girl, who had just peeked up at him, had now lowered her head again. If not for the limitations of the human neck, she seemed ready to bury her face entirely.

“…Yes,” Xiaoguang replied in a voice barely above a whisper. Mr. Qianli smiled in satisfaction.

His old friend had mentioned more than once that Xiaoguang was a very clever girl, but painfully shy. He’d always hoped Mr. Qianli could guide her—to give her the courage to set out on her journey. Once she became a trainer, forged bonds with her Pokémon, and broadened her horizons, her personality would inevitably change.

But Xiaoguang’s shyness was formidable; Qianli had tried many times to encourage her, but nothing had worked. Unexpectedly, Zhao Fang’s arrival had given her the resolve she needed.

“Zhao Fang, take Xiaoguang outside Petalburg City and help her catch a Pokémon. Xiaoguang, if you have any questions, be sure to ask Zhao Fang.” Mr. Qianli generously produced three Poké Balls, then unfastened one from his belt and handed it to Xiaoguang.

Blushing, Xiaoguang accepted the Poké Ball and slowly got to her feet, standing about a meter away from Zhao Fang.

Zhao Fang felt a bit awkward, but since this was Uncle Qianli’s request, he had no choice but to comply. So, he led Xiaoguang out towards the outskirts of Petalburg City.

Xiaoguang remained silent throughout, her quietness leaving Zhao Fang at a loss. Still, she obediently followed him out. As soon as they stepped outside, Zhao Fang couldn’t help but twitch at the sight—a Ralts was standing in the grass ahead.

“This is definitely staged. Mr. Qianli, who knew you, of all people, would pull something like this?” Zhao Fang took a deep breath as he looked at the docile Ralts standing before them.

He’d been wondering what Pokémon Xiaoguang would choose as her starter if she set out on her journey. Without Yushu accompanying her this time, perhaps she’d meet a different Pokémon—but he hadn’t expected a Ralts to appear the moment they stepped outside, as if it had been predetermined to be Xiaoguang’s first companion.

“Xiaoguang, do you see that Ralts up ahead? You can take out a Poké Ball, battle it, and then try to catch it.” Although he knew something was off about this Ralts, Zhao Fang could only fulfill his duty and explain the process to Xiaoguang.

Xiaoguang nodded shyly, but instead of sending out a Pokémon, she tilted her head slightly, curiously observing the Ralts. The little horn on Ralts’ forehead began to glow, which surprised Zhao Fang.

Ralts, a Psychic-and-Fairy type, has a horn that can sense the emotions of others. Timid Ralts will avoid those with ill intent, but after sensing Xiaoguang’s presence, this one only became friendlier.

Still, the ritual had to be completed. Xiaoguang finally took out her Poké Ball and released a Zigzagoon. With a simple Tackle, Ralts let out a delicate cry and collapsed, and Xiaoguang, worried, hurried over to comfort it.

Zhao Fang cast a sympathetic glance at the bewildered Zigzagoon. This poor fellow, much like himself, was just here to play a supporting role. Zhao Fang even suspected that Mr. Qianli and Xiaoguang’s father were hiding nearby, spying on them.

As for the outcome, there was little suspense. After comforting the Ralts, Xiaoguang successfully captured the rare Psychic-Fairy Pokémon, and a faint smile appeared on her face. Zhao Fang cheerfully congratulated her, then offered some advice based on his own experience before leading her back.

When they returned to the gym, they found Mr. Qianli calmly sipping tea. Upon seeing Xiaoguang and Zhao Fang enter, he immediately inquired with theatrical urgency, then ‘delightedly’ congratulated Xiaoguang on catching her first Pokémon.

Putting on a show, are we? Zhao Fang simply couldn’t believe that a wild, well-trained Ralts would just happen to be waiting here for Xiaoguang to catch.

“Xiaoguang, now that you have a Pokémon, it’s time for you to begin your journey. What is your goal?” Mr. Qianli asked with a bright smile.

Xiaoguang gently shook her head, hugging her Ralts as she sat in a chair. Yes, she had released her Ralts, and the Pokémon seemed very fond of her.

Mr. Qianli felt a slight headache—what would happen without a goal? But then his eyes fell on Zhao Fang.

“Xiaoguang, did you know? Your father and I began our journeys together. We were friends, close friends, comrades who could trust each other with our lives—yet we were also rivals! This relationship, both adversarial and friendly, pushed us to grow rapidly. Before I knew it, I was already standing on the stage of the Masters Tournament.” Zhao Fang looked at Mr. Qianli, a sense of foreboding creeping over him.