Pokémon: Dreams Come True Starting in Sinnoh

"Hmm? You finally found Hikaru? Then come and eat quickly. But speaking of which, what's wrong with you two? It looks like you've had a fight."

Xiao Gang had finished preparing lunch when he noticed that Xiao Zhi and Xiao Guang seemed a little off. They both looked unhappy, as if they had just had a fight.

"It's nothing, it's just someone deliberately causing trouble," Xiao Zhi said casually.

"It's nothing, it's just that some people won't admit their problems, they're too petty." Xiao Guang's tone was also not very satisfied.

Xiao Gang: "......"

So you can start arguing just because I haven't seen you for more than ten minutes?

Xiao Gang looked helplessly at Xiao Zhi and Xiao Guang, who were turning their faces away from each other. He had thought Xiao Zhi was already mature, but now it seemed that he had judged him too early. A truly mature adult would not argue with others over trivial matters, especially since what Xiao Zhi and Xiao Guang had done was unlikely to be anything serious.

"Alright, alright, you two stop arguing. There's nothing worth arguing about. Let's eat now..."

"Of course it's worth it!" x2

Although the two were arguing with each other just a moment ago, they surprisingly united when facing Xiaogang, leaving Xiaogang in a difficult position.

"(?~) Please stop arguing. Wouldn't it be a waste to ruin your mood on such a nice afternoon?"

"?!"

The sound of a harp reached my ears, followed by a gentle male voice. The voice, amplified by the harp music, sounded like singing, instantly calming my mind.

"May I ask who you are?"

Xiao Gang watched the approaching man, who wore a dark green hat and a matching cloak, his long hair covering almost half of his face. Although the three men were staring at him with strange looks, the man showed no sign of nervousness, simply plucking the strings of his instrument with his fingers, producing a melodious sound.

"Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Shang Zhi, just a wandering bard."

Only then did Shisho put down his harp and begin to talk attentively with Satoshi and the others.

"I heard you two seemed to have some kind of argument, so I thought I'd come and try to mediate. After all, it's fate that we met, and since you're traveling together, I think it would be better if you could try to understand each other. Of course, I don't really think you're both really angry with each other."

"No way!" x2

Ash and Dawn retorted in unison.

"Hmm, isn't this a great chemistry? I've been traveling for so many years and I've rarely met people who are as in sync as you two. Your personalities actually get along very well, don't they?"

"..."

Xiaozhi and Xiaoguang finally fell silent, because they realized that they couldn't possibly win an argument with Shangzhi. Rather than continuing to argue, they might as well keep quiet and save their energy.

Although Xiaozhi and Xiaogang felt a little depressed, Xiaogang was much happier now. He had been wondering how to calm them down, but Shangzhi had solved such a difficult problem for him with just a few words.

"By the way, Mr. Shangzhi, would you like to join us for lunch? I happened to have prepared some extra food for lunch today."

After resolving the troubles with Ash and Dawn, Brock invited Naoshi to have dinner with him. Actually, he was more worried that Ash and Dawn would go back to their old ways after Naoshi left. Although Brock, like Naoshi, could tell that the two weren't really arguing, it was still quite annoying if things continued like this.

"Then I'll gladly accept your invitation." Shang Zhi smiled slightly and accepted Xiao Gang's invitation.

.......

At the dinner table, Xiaozhi and Xiaoguang seemed to have forgotten about their previous argument, or rather, they couldn't argue even with outsiders around. In any case, they were now enjoying each other's company and began discussing various things with Shangzhi, who was a bard.

This harmonious atmosphere only lasted until...

"Of course we should choose the Grand Contest! Mr. Shangzhi, your temperament is perfect for the Grand Contest. Only by participating in the Grand Contest can your talent be truly showcased!"

"It should be the Pokémon League Tournament~ Isn't Mr. Shangzhi pursuing growth? In that case, the League Tournament, where you fight head-on with your enemies in every battle, would be even better."

Only a few minutes had passed when the two started arguing about what Shangzhi was troubling. Simply put, Shangzhi was currently in a period of confusion. He personally enjoyed the Pokémon Contests and also looked forward to showcasing his talent in the League Tournament.

When Naoki expressed his worries, Satoshi and Hikari, with their singular focus, began to enthusiastically promote their favorite competitions. This kind of arguing was pointless, so Naoki slowly began to speak:

"I understand what you mean. Both the Pokémon League and the Pokémon Contest are events I enjoy... To be honest, I'm a little reluctant to give up one of them. However... I don't know if I have the ability to participate in both. After all, just one of the events requires a lot of effort. If I try to compete in both, I might end up with nothing. That's what I'm most worried about."

"..."

After hearing Shangzhi's words, Xiaozhi and Xiaoguang both fell silent.

They now understand that what Shangzhi is worried about is no trivial matter. Compared to their playful banter, Shangzhi is clearly concerned about the future.

My own future and the future of Pokémon.

“Perhaps…” Just as Xiao Guang was at a loss, Xiao Zhi’s expression suddenly became serious and solemn. He said, “If it’s just an attempt to realize a dream, there’s no need to worry even if you fail the first time… I’ve experienced many failures, but I never regretted making the choice to become a Pokémon Trainer. Opportunities don’t only come once. In the future, we will have more opportunities to try and fail. Instead of stagnating here, why not take this chance and give it a try? What if you actually succeed?”

Shang Zhi: "......"

After listening to Xiaozhi's words, Shangzhi remained silent for a few seconds, then smiled and picked up his harp again, beginning to play a melodious tune.

"You're right. I never thought that I was the one advising you before, but now it's you advising me."

Shangzhi couldn't help but complain. If Xiaozhi, who was arguing with Xiaoguang a moment ago, really seemed like an ordinary, immature child, the side that Xiaozhi was showing now was more like a battle-hardened adult offering his valuable experience and advice to others.

At least Shangzhi felt the persuasiveness of Xiaozhi's words.

"I think I know what to choose now. Thank you. I look forward to seeing you on the field again in the future."

"Yes, I will do my best to defeat you!"

Ash understood immediately and gave Shangzhi a fierce look.

.......