Pokémon: Pirates of the Aqua Realm

In the backyard of the Pokémon Center, Black Feather was training the Toothfish.

After completing the cleaning task two days ago and returning to the Pokémon Center, he hurriedly exchanged for the fang fish breeding manual.

"The Toothfish's teeth are its main means of attack, and a series of chewing moves such as Crunch, Ice Fang, and Psychic Fangs are its primary techniques," Black Feather read as he flipped through the breeding manual, formulating a training method for the sharp-toothed fish.

"Sharp-toothed fish, your mission today is to bite this piece of reef into pieces!" Darian Voss said, pointing to the massive reef in the corner of the pool.

In the water, the sharp-toothed fish swayed, as if protesting Black Feather's directive.

Black Feather squatted down, slowly reached into the water with his palm, stroked the rough body of the sharp-toothed fish, and said in a steady voice, "Toothfish, if you want to become stronger, you must adapt. Even if your teeth are broken, your strong regenerative power can restore them quickly."

Black Feather would not tolerate the pain-shy Toothfish. As his future mount at sea and one of his main Pokémon, the Toothfish had to adapt to the pain and fatigue of training as soon as possible.

"Pfft~"

The sharp-toothed fish spat out a small puddle of water in frustration.

But in the end, compelled by its trainer's authority, it reluctantly swam around the pool, gnawing on the reef. Judging by the current wear rate, breaking such a large reef would likely take considerable time and effort.

Black Feather moved to another pond and felt relieved as he watched the lobster soldier actively exercising.

"The Lobster Soldier is always very enthusiastic about training. It's just Dragon Dance that remains a challenge..."

As Kuroyu pondered this problem, a sweet, milky voice called out from behind him.

"Big brother, big brother, I'm here to play with you~"

He turned to see Xiaoyao with her ponytail bobbing, clutching a large doll, and waving excitedly by the pool.

Darian Voss felt a little helpless. Xiaoyao's family had recently moved to Chenghua City and was preoccupied with settling in, leaving Xiaoyao often unattended. As a result, she visited the Pokémon Center every few days to play with him.

Faced with this lively young girl, Black Feather had no choice but to put down his training and books, treating it as an impromptu break.

"But this isn't a bad thing," he thought. "Xiaoyao is still young and hasn't formed a worldview yet. If I leave an important impression on her, then in the future..."

A bold idea came to Kuroyu's mind. As someone with memories of a past life, he always approached situations with imagination and daring, like the mischievous Pokémon he favored—bold, audacious, and fearless.

Kuroyu crouched down to Xiaoyao's level, gently stroking her hair. "Xiaoyao, have you had lunch? Do you want to eat something with me at the restaurant?"

Xiaoyao seemed to enjoy the gesture, rubbing her little head against his hand.

"No, big brother, I want you to come to my house as a guest. Mom made lots of delicious food for lunch!"

Xiaoyao grabbed one of Darian Voss's fingers and tugged, leading him out of the Pokémon Center. As they passed the hall, several people cast envious glances their way.

Darian Voss thought to himself, "The establishment of the gym has attracted many people to Chenghua City, and nearby families want to ingratiate themselves with Mr. Qianli. But Mr. Qianli's single-minded pursuit of power keeps him aloof from socializing, so they've shifted their focus to Xiaoyao."

He glanced down at Xiaoyao, who was holding his finger tightly. "This little girl keeps running to me every few days. Little does she know how many eyes are watching her—and now me too."

Fortunately, the attention didn't seem malicious. After all, Mr. Qianli's impending appointment as the city's gym leader made him a powerful figure.

...

An elegant and quiet wooden house surrounded by a lush green bamboo forest.

Kuroyu inhaled the fresh air and said, "Mrs. Mitsuko, you're truly Mr. Qianli's equal. The combination of this bamboo forest and the wooden house is breathtaking. Your design is impeccable."

Mitsuko, dressed in an elegant kimono that harmonized with the natural scenery, smiled warmly. "Kuroyu, thank you for your kind words. Xiaoyao has been troubling you a lot these days, hasn't she?"

Xiaoyao immediately pouted. "No, I haven't troubled big brother! I'm a good and obedient child," she protested, her pink lips forming an adorable pout.

"And you and Dad have been so busy lately you don't even play with me anymore!"

She clung to Darian Voss's finger tightly, her tone accusing.

"Xiaoyao, that's not proper behavior," Mitsuko began, frowning.

But Xiaoyao darted behind Darian Voss, clinging to him and pleading, "Big brother, save me~!"

"Uh..."

Before Kuroyu could respond, Mr. Qianli stepped into the backyard.

"Darian Voss, now that the gym is completed, could I trouble you to look after Xiaoyao for a while? Also, I recall you're preparing to challenge the league competition in a year, correct? Would you be interested in a gym match?"

Qianli's proposal immediately caught everyone's attention.

Darian Voss's eyes burned with determination. "Mr. Qianli, it would be an honor to battle you."

On the battlefield, the announcement echoed.

"Ding-ding~~~"

"This is a gym challenge match with a badge at stake. The rules are as follows:

The match is a 2v2 format.

The gym leader sends out their Pokémon first, and the challenger selects a Pokémon to counter.

The challenger has the right to attack first.

The gym leader cannot switch Pokémon. The challenger may switch Pokémon freely.

The battle ends when one side's Pokémon are all unable to battle."

The referee raised the flag. "Let the gym challenge begin!"

Facing the experienced gym leader opposite him, Darian Voss felt the weight of the moment. Though it was his first gym challenge, his memories of his past life reminded him of the formidable opponent before him.

Mr. Qianli was renowned for his adaptable tactics and relentless pursuit of strength. His skill with Pokémon like Slaking, Vigoroth, and Linoone made him a trainer with no apparent weaknesses.

"What a tough opponent. Facing someone like him in my first gym battle..." Darian Voss thought, calming his nerves as he pulled out a Poké Ball.

A flash of white light revealed his first choice.

"Go, Lobster Soldier!"

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