Afternoon.
Because Ji Meiya's spaceship wasn't damaged as in the original plot.
Hitron started researching how to remove the hunting bracelets from Volcanion and Ash Ketchum.
"Still have to wait another day..."
Baimu thought idly.
He was eager for Jarvis to come quickly, so he could resolve it in one go, but unfortunately, these guys seemed to need a bit more preparation.
Might as well find Ash Ketchum to hang out.
In the wide-open cavern.
Hitron was trying to separate the bracelet with an electric saw, but this thing was so hard that it only managed to damage the gears without cutting through.
"Really a tough one..."
He adjusted his glasses with some frustration.
Volcanion glanced at Baimu with telepathy: "Can you really handle this? If you ask me, just blow it up—"
"Wouldn't Ash Ketchum be in danger then? Let me think of a way!" Hitron frowned in thought.
"Tch! Useless!"
Volcanion was as harsh as ever, leaving everyone present feeling a bit embarrassed and speechless.
Baimu sat on a protruding rock and waved to Pikachu.
Meeting up with Ash Ketchum and the others.
One of the things he most wanted to do was to properly smother this electric fat mouse... No, this beloved Pikachu.
He thought it was cute in the anime.
In real life, it's even cuter.
"Pika?"
Pikachu flicked its big ears, not quite understanding him, curiously approaching only to be suddenly embraced, "Pika!"
It was slightly startled, tiny currents sparking from its electric sacs.
But soon it was immersed in someone's quite skilled professional techniques.
Having interacted with Mikoli and Adam, these two top Coordinator Trainers, not only the Pokémon grew, but also Baimu.
If his original massage technique was considered intermediate, after Adam's training, he had reached the pinnacle of advanced!
A mere Pikachu is no problem!
"Pika~~"
Pikachu's delightful cry caught Ash Ketchum's attention.
"Mr. Baimu can even massage Pokémon?" He looked at Baimu in amazement.
Even though everyone had seen a lot, as a battle fanatic, Ash Ketchum's support skills were almost zero, and the lunch he made in Sun and Moon nearly poisoned him.
In Ash's memory, those who could massage Pokémon were mostly particularly skilled Breeders.
"Being a Coordinator Trainer, you have to know a little of everything. Just call me Baimu directly, we're all familiar, no need for such formality."
Baimu responded with a smile, his index finger drawing circles around Pikachu's electric sacs, the latter relaxing to the point of twitching its electrified tail, both front paws unable to resist clutching his finger.
"Pika~chu~"
"Hahaha, does it feel so good, Pikachu?"
Ash Ketchum watched Pikachu with curiosity, exclaiming, "That's great."
"Pika~"
Looking at the various encounters Pikachu had while being petted by different people, some rough and some gentle, most of the time it ended with him having to retrieve Pikachu, leading to being shocked.
Such scenes that allow Pikachu to enjoy are rare.
This even made Ash Ketchum relax a bit, their expressions somewhat reflecting a feeling of mutual enjoyment.
Hmm...
Given their harmonious relationship, it's not unbelievable that there might be empathy between them.
But thinking this way, Baimu's desire to stroke Pikachu faded considerably, and after doing two more massage cycles, he released it.
"Pika~~"
The Pikachu landing stretched its tail and flexed its muscles, giving a slight sense of transformation.
The essence of massage is just that.
Maximum relaxation to alleviate the fatigue accumulated in Pokémon's bodies, enabling better states and subsequent growth, similar to athletes soaking in ice water and using a fascia knife after a day of training.
"Pulling back for a better punch."
Baimu glanced at Volcanion, who had been watching quietly since earlier, "Do you want to try it?"
"Not interested."
Volcanion turned its head, adding, "Don't come near me, be careful I don't blow you away!"
This guy really never holds back with its words.
He shook his head.
But truth be told, Volcanion's [Steam Explosion] is indeed impressive, as long as it stores enough water internally, blowing up a mountain should not be a problem.
The issue is its move doesn't distinguish between foe and ally, once detonated it's a 360-degree attack, causing it to once blow up a mountain and develop a psychological shadow, to the point it no longer dares to live with other wild Pokémon.
Choosing to reside in this cavern and watch over them.
Had a chat with Ash Ketchum.
Baimu seeing Hitron looking utterly defeated, made a suggestion: "If the tools on hand are useless, try using Pokémon's power?"
"Pokémon power? Porygon II?"
Hitron was momentarily stunned, looking at the Pokémon playing below, suddenly shouting: "I got it! Thanks, Baimu!"
He excitedly ran off.
Ash Ketchum still baffled, asked, "What did Hitron understand?"
Meanwhile, Volcanion gazed at the scene below for a long time before speaking with a complex and reflective tone:
"Never thought I'd see humans and Pokémon getting along here."
If not for being forced, it wouldn't have brought so many humans over.
The result...
The situation is much better than expected.
But this doesn't make Volcanion happy, instead, it has deeper concerns.
"The Pokémon here have all been hurt by humans, right?"
Ash Ketchum showed a sad expression, holding Pikachu who also felt uncomfortable.