"No, no."
Baimu waved his hand, glancing at Sarina, who seemed a bit worried, but was busy mending Ash Ketchum's clothes without stopping.
Like those motherly hands?
Or the skill of a seamstress?
He looked at Ash Ketchum, who had a clueless expression, and sighed inwardly, wondering how he didn't react at all to the straightforward affection from the girl!
Just being a battle fool.
"Speaking of which, Ash Ketchum and I do share quite the connection."
Baimu smiled as he opened his phone's photo album, flipping to the pictures taken with Xiaoguang and the others, and said to Ash Ketchum and Pikachu, "I've seen almost all of your travel partners before, and they often talk about you."
"Eh? Really?"
Ash Ketchum, extremely excited, leaned over, his unfamiliarity with the thick clothes he wore making his movements a bit comical.
But he didn't mind; he eagerly looked at the photos of Baimu with Xiaoguang and the others along with Pikachu.
"Ah! That's Xiaoguang! And Piplup!"
"Pika-Pika!"
"And is that Xiaogang! His Happiny evolved into a Chansey..."
"Pikachu~choo~"
"Xiaosheng! He's started his journey? What kind of Pokémon is this? It looks so strong!"
"Pi!"
"Is that Xiaoyao! Huh? That's...Xiaoshun? Hari-san! Wula La! Is this the Mikoli Club? Who won in the end? Oh? You're a Coordinator Trainer too? Impressive!"
"Pika? Pika!"
Initially, it was just Baimu, Ash Ketchum, and Pikachu discussing things, but soon Youx Lijia joined in, followed by Sarina, and finally Hitron joined the fun.
Even Volcanion couldn't help but lift its head to take a couple of glances.
The joyful atmosphere instantly swept away the gloom from earlier, and the matters concerning the Flashing Flame Team were temporarily forgotten.
"Hahaha! It's been so long since I've seen everyone, I really miss them. It's so nice to see that they're all still so healthy."
Ash Ketchum sat on the ground, gazing at the starry sky with Pikachu.
"Pika~"
"Everyone really misses you too, they often talk about you with me, especially Xiaosheng," Baimu said with a smile.
"Xiaosheng? Really?"
Ash Ketchum looked surprised, knowing that Xiaosheng often said he was unreliable in private.
Baimu nodded, "Of course, he said that the trainer he admires most is you, and he has always been traveling with you as his goal. He's looking forward to seeing your performance in the Calos Alliance."
"Hehe, it's a little embarrassing to hear that,"
Ash Ketchum rubbed his nose and gently said, "I see, Xiaosheng..."
The memories with former companions hold so many precious moments, and these memories can serve as motivation for him to move forward.
Baimu realized that he might have given him a friend 'buff', perhaps even leading to a flashback moment in the finals.
It was getting late.
Ash Ketchum and the others informed Baimu of the current situation.
With Volcanion's approval saying "As you please," they were able to travel together to the Nibel Plateau.
It was clear that this mythical Pokémon, which had not trusted humans, had put aside its guard against him.
Pokémon often act this way: claiming not to trust humans, yet when humans show kindness and a desire to connect, they gradually believe in them.
The group settled down in a cave to rest, preparing for the journey ahead the next day.
Baimu was also feeling a bit tired and closed his eyes for a short rest.
Waiting for the Rocket Team to deliver themselves on a silver platter.
After some time had passed.
He slightly opened his eyes and saw Volcanion and Pikachu getting up simultaneously.
"Did you guys feel it too?"
Volcanion glanced at him and Pikachu.
"Pika!"
Pikachu nodded, quickly darting outside the cave.
Baimu followed closely, and as Volcanion took its heavy steps, the magnetic shackles on its feet triggered, forcefully awakening Ash Ketchum from his slumber.
Outside the cave.
Just as Pikachu rushed out, countless green pellets rained down behind him, hitting the ground with a thud, raising billows of green smoke.
It was a fierce-looking attack, yet it didn't hit anything.
Baimu, trailing behind, tugged at the corner of his mouth and then saw Pikachu crackling with electricity, sending a bolt of lightning upwards.
"Pikachu——!!"
Bang!
The mountaintop erupted in smoke, waking up the others in the cave.
Baimu turned and gazed at the two triumphant figures on the mountaintop, accompanied by Meowth, and higher up, Pinsir and Heracross.
A smile gradually spread across his face as he asked, "Who are you?"
At his words, the Rocket Team trio on the mountaintop beamed and started striking flamboyant poses while laughing triumphantly.
Musashi: "Since you asked sincerely!"
Baimu: "Then I'll graciously tell you!"
James: "Then I'll graciously tell you... huh?"
Musashi: "Uh... to prevent the world from devastation?"
Baimu: "To protect the peace of the world!"
James: "To... hey..."
Musashi: "... to denounce the evils of truth and love?"
Baimu: "A lovable and charming villain!"
James: "Hey hey..."
Musashi, hands on hips: "Musashi!"
Baimu raised his right hand: "Jiro!"
Unable to hold back any longer, James yelled in frustration, "Wait, wait! Those are my lines! What's up with you!"
"Hahaha, couldn't resist, couldn't resist, you go on," Baimu said with a wave, unable to hold back and letting out a snicker.
Which left Ash Ketchum and the others looking at him with puzzled faces.
Meowth had three dark lines running down its forehead, "What's up with him? How does he know our intro, meow?"
James grimaced, "I'd like to know that too!"
Musashi confidently put her hands on her hips, saying, "Maybe he's a fan of ours!"
"A fan?"
Meowth and James turned to her in unison.