"Pika Pika!"
A vigilant cry echoed.
Baimu's eyes lit up, what did he hear? One of the classics from the Pokémon series—
Ikue Otani's voice acting for Pikachu!
This authentic "Pika" is unforgettable for life, the moment he heard it, it was like DNA activation, and his mind quickly painted the scene of Pikachu with its tail held high, gazing in this direction.
He resisted the urge to run over and said loudly, "Is that Ash Ketchum and Gym Leader Clemont over there?"
"No! Don't come over!"
Volcanion bluntly refused.
Then came a little girl's silvery exclamation, "Brother, it seems like he knows you! And knows Ash too!"
"Idiot, how can you just agree to that..."
Volcanion seemed a bit angry.
"An acquaintance?"
This relatively mature girl's voice should be Serena. Two names with different translations, one official, one fan-translated.
"I don't know... This voice doesn't sound familiar... What about Ash?"
It should be Clemont.
"Huh? I, I don't know, hahahahaha."
Ash Ketchum! Matsubara Rika! That classic passionate fool's voice line!
Just like a stage play where all main characters appear, Baimu couldn't help but feel a bit happy listening to them speak.
Is it the power of childhood memories?
I wonder if Rocket Team is nearby, they should probably be around, secretly watching Ash and the others.
Baimu asked again, "Can I come over?"
"No!"
"Beep Beep Beep~"
"Really can't... ah, alright alright Magearna, I get it."
Volcanion seemed persuaded by Magearna and said helplessly, "You can come over, but don't blame me if I didn't warn you, if you have ill intentions, I will blast you away."
[Blast away], literally.
The stubborn Volcanion is a mythical Pokémon that does what it says.
"You can rest assured."
Baimu pushed through the thick bushes and at first sight saw a blazing campfire by the stream, followed by several people, Pikachu, Magearna, and the massive Volcanion gathered around it.
Among them, Ash, dressed like an astronaut, was quite the sight.
That unchanging hairstyle, lively and cheerful demeanor, matched with that strange outfit.
Even though he was very familiar with this scene, seeing it in real life made him unable to suppress his laughter.
"Stay right there!"
Volcanion loosened the thick long arm on its back and aimed it at him, with a glowing blue light swirling at the top, seemingly ready to unleash a mixed stream and energy blast at any moment.
Baimu raised his hands in surrender, glancing across the stream under their watchful eyes.
Even though the view was obscured by nightfall, his sharp eyesight discerned three shadows hidden behind rocks—Big and small.
Rocket Team indeed was watching in secret.
He didn't startle them, knowing these guys would attack sooner or later.
"Hello everyone, I'm Baimu, a member of the Rescue Organization collaborating with the International Police."
Baimu particularly addressed Ash, "Ash, you should be familiar with the International Police, remember Handsome?"
"Handsome!"
Ash's memory was good, and upon hearing that name, fell into reminiscence, letting down his minimal guard completely.
Pikachu gave him a sideways look, and seeing Baimu's smiling face, relaxed its vigilance.
"Pika?"
"International Police?"
Serena clearly watched plenty of TV dramas in her time, hearing that name was like hearing the FBI in a past life, nervously eyeing Ash, then Clemont, asking, "Ash! Clemont! Have you been in touch with International Police?"
"No, no, how could it be!"
Clemont shook his head repeatedly, denying.
The shorter Yulikai, with shining eyes, ran to Baimu asking, "Are you International Police? Amazing! Where are your handcuffs? And the agent trench coat—"
"Yulikai!"
Clemont panicked, with his large backpack shooting out a mechanical arm to pull back his mischievous sister.
He hurriedly bowed in apology, "Sorry, sorry, Yulikai meant no harm."
"It's okay, there's no need for nervousness, it seems there's a bit of a misunderstanding too."
Baimu took out his phone, showing a temporary ID from Liu Ge, and admitted, "I'm not with International Police, merely an unofficial member at best."
Volcanion, having understood none of this, realized he wasn't a villain and snorted, "More and more humans around; after resting, hurry up home, Magearna."
"Beep Beep Beep~"
Magearna gazed at Baimu and nodded upon hearing what was said.
Across the stream.
James put down his night vision binoculars, puzzled, "Why is there a stranger?"
"They don't seem to know who he is, Meowth."
Meowth said blankly.
"He's a handsome guy, and young too!" Musashi said excitedly, drawing a sideways glance from both human and cat beside her.
James, troubled, said, "He doesn't seem like a passerby, what do we do, should we inform Jarvis?"
"No need! Let's proceed as planned! Don't forget our newly acquired secret weapon." Musashi firmly rejected the idea, showing off the dark gold bracelet on her wrist.
Seeing this, James and Meowth couldn't help but get excited too.
"That's right!"
"Exactly, Meowth!"
"You idiots, too loud! Shush! Shush!"
"Oh oh oh oh—"
—
On Ash's side.
After some introductions.
Baimu managed to gain initial trust from the group, most importantly persuading the only brain—Clemont.