Chapter 403:
Mewtwo did not reply, or perhaps it didn't understand what Hayashi Kaede meant by "living the life."
Hayashi Kaede didn't continue teasing it.
Instead, he directly explained the reason for seeking it out this time.
"Go and demolish that research institute?" Mewtwo was taken aback.
Hayashi Kaede nodded. "Yeah, what kind of good place could it be, one that researches Pokémon like that?"
"The defenses there are heavy, and..." Mewtwo didn't agree immediately; instead, it seemed somewhat hesitant.
That place, as far as it was concerned, honestly, didn't hold any major grudges against it.
After all, no matter what, it was born there.
Another thing was, there were truly many powerful Pokémon there.
Especially that Beedrill, which even back then, it had found somewhat difficult to handle.
"Don't worry, we're just going to cause some damage. Besides, I've also asked Giratina—um, the Reverse World God—for help. After we wreck the place, we'll leave directly through the Reverse World. No matter what, there shouldn't be any problems this way."
Hayashi Kaede spoke with absolute confidence.
Unless Team Rocket brought the Time God over and trapped Giratina.
Or unless they brought the Creator God, Arceus.
Then Giovanni wouldn't need to keep dreaming about ruling the world; he could just say, "I am the ruler of the world!"
"Giratina is coming too?"
This immediately caught Mewtwo's attention.
"Yes, yes. Actually, I also wanted to invite Mew and Victini. Speaking of which, you probably don't know Victini, but it can provide all Pokémon with Victory Power, making them temporarily stronger!"
Hayashi Kaede explained excitedly.
He felt a little thrilled about the idea of taking Mewtwo and Giratina to cause some havoc.
"Mmm, alright then. I'll prepare to return."
This time, Mewtwo didn't refuse. It nodded and then ended the Rotom call.
It opened the window, and a gentle breeze blew in from outside.
It had been staying in this city for over ten days. It had heard the story about the Ocean Current God bringing the wind, but it didn't know when the Ocean Current God would actually arrive. Rather than waiting around like this, it might as well go back first.
Moreover, it could feel that what Hayashi Kaede had told it about its limits... it was just that little bit away.
If the Ocean Current God couldn't be found, then it would go find the Reverse World God for another battle!
Perhaps that would do the trick!
Meanwhile, at the Breeding House.
Hayashi Kaede was searching for information about Team Rocket.
After finding most of what he needed, he muttered to himself, "Speaking of which, we should probably hide our identities, right?"
Because at this point, the information about Team Rocket that could be found online was mostly about small-time thefts and robberies.
But in reality, Team Rocket's reach was quite extensive.
Especially after this search, it reminded him of a lot.
For example, Gym Leaders: Psychic-type Leader Sabrina, Fire-type Leader Blaine, plus Lt. Surge, and Boss Giovanni.
*Tsk*, looks like about half the Gym Leaders in the Kanto region are Team Rocket people.
They definitely couldn't afford to expose their identities.
What if they came seeking revenge?
Not afraid of a snake bite, but afraid of the snake holding a grudge.
And then there was Hunter J.
He hadn't forgotten that it was Hunter J who captured Salamence back then.
However...
Hunter J's whereabouts... are probably too difficult to find.
She either rides her Salamence or uses that invisible airship. Pinpointing her location precisely seems impossible.
He only knew she had appeared in the Kalos region, where she helped someone capture the main body of the Order God, Zygarde.
"Let's not worry about that for now. That research institute must be destroyed!"
After thinking for a short while, Hayashi Kaede quickly made up his mind!
He also needed to go into the kitchen to prepare some dishes that could cure status conditions.
He wasn't too afraid of battles themselves, but status conditions required extra caution.
...
Mewtwo returned very quickly.
The call was made in the morning, and it was home by afternoon.
Hayashi Kaede prepared a feast to welcome it back.
After the meal, he announced in front of all the Pokémon that he might be away for a few days again.
"Ninetales?" (Going out again? Where to?)
Alolan Ninetales was the first to react. It blinked its ice-crystal eyes and looked directly at Hayashi Kaede to ask.
After Alolan Ninetales spoke, all the other Pokémon also turned their gazes towards him.
"I need to go to another region to handle something related to Salamence," Hayashi Kaede said without beating around the bush.
But noticing the growing brightness in Alolan Ninetales' eyes, Hayashi Kaede immediately added, "This time, it's the same as before. I don't plan to take you all with me."
"Ninetales!?"
Alolan Ninetales' eyes instantly dimmed.
It ran over to Hayashi Kaede's legs, its nine tails tightly wrapping around his thigh.
Its tone became soft and pleading, tinged with aggrieved, "Ninetales?" (Why, why?)
"The place we're going is a bit dangerous, and also quite far. Can you please guard the house nicely for me?"
Hayashi Kaede patted Alolan Ninetales' head. In this weather, the fluffy Alolan Ninetales had become a rare commodity again. Its fur actually had no temperature itself, but its body temperature was low, probably around 20 degrees Celsius or even lower. So, through heat transfer, its whole body felt cool to the touch.
(ToT)/~~~: "Ninetales...." (But... but I'm really strong now!)
Alolan Ninetales stomped its paws incessantly.
It felt it was quite strong now. At the very least, from observing the challenging Trainers, none of their Pokémon could match it in battle.
But even so, Hayashi Kaede still said it was weak.
"Good girl, the place we're going might have really powerful opponents. I'm taking Gardevoir, Mewtwo, Dragonite, and Salamence. They can all fly and make a quick escape."
Even faced with Alolan Ninetales' pleading, Hayashi Kaede still didn't agree to its request.
The current Alolan Ninetales, while strong at creating weather, was, after all, only newly reached Elite four Tier. It just had a significant advantage against Dragon-type Pokémon.
But that Team Rocket place had firmly restrained a Pokémon like Salamence, which was near Champion Tier.
Not to mention, they even had the restraint armor that could suppress Mewtwo back then.
Alolan Ninetales, unable to fly, would be a bit risky to bring along.
"Ninetales..."
Seeing Hayashi Kaede confirm again that he wouldn't take it, Alolan Ninetales knew there was no hope left. Its tails drooped again, and it buried its head in his hand.
"Alright, alright, it'll be quick, good girl. We'll be back very soon....."
This time, it wasn't just Alolan Ninetales. Blaziken also came over. It pouted. Since Hayashi Kaede said he wouldn't take Alolan Ninetales, he definitely wouldn't take it either.
So, it didn't even bring it up.
But if both Gardevoir and Hayashi Kaede were leaving, then the food it ate would only be made by Latias and the little Indeedee sister.
Their cooking was also quite good, but it definitely couldn't compare to its Trainer's.
But the main thing was...
Blaziken also didn't want to stay at home.
Next came Serperior. Its eyes were calm, but held a trace of unmistakeable worry.
It just hadn't asked right away.
Instead, it asked, "Serperior?" (If both Gardevoir and you are going, what about things at home?)
Right now, although Latias was also helping make Energy Cubes, the main producers were still Gardevoir and Hayashi Kaede.
Without Hayashi Kaede and Gardevoir, operations would basically grind to a halt.
"It's fine. The Breeding House won't be open for the few days we're away. Also, Pidgeot and the others will also take a break." Hayashi Kaede explained to Serperior, then turned his gaze to the Indeedee siblings.
"While we're away for these few days, it'll be up to you two. In the orchard, Ponyta, Sentret and the others will still come by. If the berries they pick can't all be processed, just store them in the storage capsules and wait for us to return."
"Make sure to rest when you need to."
Hayashi Kaede couldn't think of much else to say for the moment. He realized that the Indeedee siblings could handle most things well, so there wasn't much else to instruct.
"Indeedee, Indeedee~"
"Indeedee..."
The siblings nodded with serious expressions.
He looked at Serperior, remembering that strange seed.
Now, under the effects of the best Fertilizer, that seed had grown into a small tree.
He wondered what the resulting Pecha Berries would be like.
"Serperior?" (Will it be very dangerous?)
This time, Serperior couldn't help but voice the worry in its heart.
Seeing the faint anxiety on Serperior's face, Hayashi Kaede stroked its cheek. "Don't worry. For me, it's not that dangerous. With Gardevoir and Mewtwo, and I've also asked Giratina for help—yes, the one who rules the Reverse World. It's really powerful. There will be no problem, no problem at all~"
"Serperior..."
This time, in front of all the Pokémon, Serperior didn't hold back or act reserved. It gently rested its face on his hand.
"Alright, good girl, it's fine, it'll be fine..."
"...."
The next day.
At the first light of dawn, Hayashi Kaede stood in the yard, said goodbye to each Pokémon, and then still climbed onto Dragonite's back.
As for the other Pokémon going along, they were all inside Poké Balls.
It was more convenient that way.
"Alright, I'm off now!"
With a shout, Hayashi Kaede didn't linger. Dragonite spread its wings and flew towards the Kanto region.
In the yard, after quietly watching Hayashi Kaede leave, the group of Pokémon collectively fell into a silent stillness.
"Eevee, eevee...."
Finally, Little Nine moved its steps and called out.
This brought everyone present back to their senses.
"Ninetales..." (Why am I still not strong enough...)
Alolan Ninetales pawed boredly at the ground, looking towards the horizon. The white clouds were gradually becoming visible under the morning light, tinged with the orange-yellow glow typical of early dawn.
Kaede said it wasn't strong enough, which is why he didn't take it this time.
Alolan Ninetales knew it itself.
It had thought that after evolving and eating the special dishes Kaede made for it, it could already battle that big bad dragon.
But later, after it actually battled Salamence, it realized... that was just wishful thinking.
Couldn't win...
It couldn't even beat Salamence, let alone that Sky Dragon.
No wonder the Trainer only wanted to take Gardevoir.
Alolan Ninetales looked around aimlessly.
Leafeon and Umbreon were still by its side, also seeming listless.
Little Nine wore a serious expression, completely absorbed in its own world, who knows what it was thinking about.
Blaziken, in a bad mood, headed towards the house, apparently planning to get something to eat from the kitchen. It liked going to the kitchen when unhappy, though it also liked going when happy.
A Miltank also came out, perhaps wanting a change of taste, so it was eating some Wild Grass Dumplings.
The Indeedee siblings, after Hayashi Kaede left, quickly took up the task of caring for the Alcremie, leading them back into the house one by one.
Milotic and Primarina submerged into the water.
Steenee and Tsareena were preparing to follow Serperior to the berry orchard.
Arcanine... after the Trainer flew away, immediately dashed off. That's how it had been since evolving—not guarding the house, who knows where it goes.
Everyone seemed to quickly find something to do...
But Alolan Ninetales, thinking that Hayashi Kaede wouldn't be around for the next few days, lost even the motivation to train.
Bored, it headed towards the berry orchard, planning to sleep there for a while.
But when it arrived, it found Serperior was already applying nutrients to the fruit trees.
Serperior...
Alolan Ninetales walked over to it with light steps. "Ninetales..."
Serperior stopped using Grassy Terrain, lowered its head, and looked at Alolan Ninetales. "Serperior?"
"Ninetales....."
Alolan Ninetales lowered its head, using its paws to scrape at the leaves fallen from the fruit trees on the ground.
It gathered them into a pile, then scattered them again with a swipe.
Serperior's expression froze for a moment, then it gently flicked its tongue, resting its tail on Alolan Ninetales' body, its face shifting to one of comfort. "Serperior..." (It'll be quick, very quick. Don't worry.)
"Ninetales..."
"Serperior..." (Just focus on working hard.)
While comforting Alolan Ninetales, Serperior couldn't help but fall into thought itself.
Why didn't Hayashi Kaede let them come along?
Because that place held certain dangers, and their strength wasn't sufficient yet.
That's why they couldn't go.
Like during the Pokémon League Conference before, if they wanted to go, Hayashi Kaede was happy to take them.
In other words, they were still somewhat weak...
So, they needed to become stronger.
How strong did they need to be?
Strong enough that no matter where Hayashi Kaede wanted to go, it could stand before him and shield him from danger!
How to become stronger?
Their rate of improvement was already fast...
But it still wasn't enough...
"Serperior...."
Serperior's thoughts shifted, quickly recalling a place it had previously overlooked.
The World Tree Kaede had mentioned to it before?