Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

Regardless of the identity of the three companions, Zhu Lan focused on the matter at hand, praising the girl's contributions to the old man and everyone present.

It was a deliberate act.

Now that things have come to this, even if the administrator wanted to deny it, he had to admit that Baoban had been defeated by the girl and beaten by the demon.

"...Thank you for your help, young lady."

Seeing the mess around him and the dilapidated hall, the old man gritted his teeth and reluctantly offered his respectful words to Nanyin.

However, that soft, gentle voice spoke again, touching the hearts of everyone present.

“Not just me, but also Egui Peng.”

And so, the noisy, bustling conversation once again drowned out the shrine that had once housed the treasure companion.

"Egui Peng? Look at that mask, isn't it the legendary ghost?"

"Oh dear, that was so many years ago. Compared to Pokémon, wasn't that Pokémon more in line with our definition of a hero?"

"Yes, yes, legends can be fabricated, but the facts remain unchanged. Egui Peng, I'm sorry, we've misunderstood you for so many years."

People who used to drive away or despise evil spirits immediately changed their tune when they saw the current disheveled and coarse appearance of the treasure companions, and compared them with the petite and cute appearance of the evil spirit. They welcomed the little guy with all their might and even wanted to invite it to visit their village.

Even the administrator, noticing the change in everyone's behavior, opportunistically tried to curry favor with Nanyin and echoed the villagers' opinions.

"Little girl, I was wrong last night. Look, now the misunderstanding is cleared up. How about we let that Pokémon join the Masked Festival that everyone is holding for it?"

People's hearts are yearning for change, and apologies are being heard everywhere, just like the current situation. Was the prejudice that people once held really just a misunderstanding?

Chapter 111 Love at First Sight

Clearly, this is just a lie told to fit the circumstances.

In the past, villagers, due to rumors passed down by word of mouth and misunderstandings without knowing the truth, built up solidified perceptions, and their prejudices, accumulated day and night, turned into an unshakable mountain.

But now, the legend of Baoban has lasted for hundreds of years, and the stubborn fools of the past have passed away one after another, turning into a handful of inconspicuous dust at the entrance of the village.

Even with limited access to information, the stories circulating outside still reached these remote streets and alleys through the mouths of tourists.

The clash between old and new cultures, the trend of social change, and the long distance between eras mean that even if the legends passed down by the father are true, what Sanbaoban protects is nothing more than the village of the past. What connection does it have with the thriving Beishang Township of today?

Observing the contrast between the villagers before and after, and feeling their eagerness for the evil spirit, Nan Yin gently shielded the timid little evil spirit behind her. She had already understood the position of her companions in each other's hearts.

The three Pokémon enshrined in the shrine are only recognized by people as righteous, noble, and selfless heroes, not as three Pokémon with ugly faces, despicable behavior, or the current wretched appearance.

Yes, it's just three Pokémon.

Due to past prejudices and ignorance, people regard Baoban as a symbol of the village and a religious object for worship. However, in reality, neither the crude Gouzan dog, the short Yuanzeng ape, nor the slightly luxurious Jichu chicken have the strength to stand shoulder to shoulder with the legend, nor do they have the corresponding virtues.

When they saw Pokémon's true form, many villagers were greatly disappointed by its appearance. The following night, even more people saw the true nature of these three Pokémon.

They are mediocre and ordinary, greedy and indulgent, domineering and arrogant, lacking any heroic spirit or integrity in their every move, let alone daring to impose legendary titles.

So, will these villagers strip Baoban of his title and destroy the old shrine?

No, nowadays, the truth or falsehood is no longer important. Even if the Three Treasures were villains, it wouldn't matter. They no longer need to protect the village, nor do they need to be a symbol of faith hanging over each other's heads.

The advancement of technology and the completion of the Pokédex have led to a more detailed understanding of Pokémon. As the veil of mystery is gradually lifted and Kitakami Township exhausts its resources in an effort to integrate with society and develop its economy, there are bound to be many fascinating stories to tell.

The legend of the Pokémon companions can be used in practice, so let's beautify and adapt it. As long as it can guide the economic lifeline of the entire village upward, even if they are not heroes, the villagers will not mind regarding these three Pokémon as respected companions.

But what if it doesn't work...?

Glancing at the collapsed bricks and tiles and the messy hall, and at Baoban lying on the ground, weak and powerless, Nanyin knew that with so many eyes and ears watching, Baoban's image was completely ruined and could not be helped up again.

If the companion is no longer a good match, then isn't the petite and adorable evil spirit, as the antagonist of the story, the most suitable image for the theme of reformation?

All eyes were fixed on him, like monsters devouring flesh and blood. The stubborn villagers were gone; now, only mercenaries speaking out for their own interests lingered around.

Prejudice has lost its necessity, and the truth is no longer important.

Compared to the treacherous monsters, these people, who are eyeing the enemy with covetous intent, seem to be the real hungry ghosts.

"This is really... not a good situation."

The treasure companions indulged their desires and repeatedly committed evil deeds against others, and the villagers, living up to expectations, willingly served this money-making giant tree.

and so--

"What have you decided, young lady?"

With a fawning expression, the administrator, who had been making things difficult for the girl the night before, immediately dropped his pretense and asked repeatedly with great eagerness.

"We've been wrong about Ursaring all this time. Now that we know the truth, of course everyone wants to make it up to this adorable Pokémon, right?"

The questioning voices gradually faded, leaving only the villagers' noisy conversation. Without answering the old man, Nan Yin continued to bend over, treating E Guipeng's small wounds.

Distracted by the surrounding disturbances, and seeing the girl's unmoved attitude, an inexplicable anger welled up in his heart.

What a big rack!

The administrator, who felt he had to humbly decline the offer, already had some complaints. He felt even more ashamed and resentful because of Nanyin's disregard for him.

Just before the old man could no longer contain himself and was about to speak, Nan Yin stood up with her arms crossed at just the right moment and asked in a calm tone.

“I am unaware of the legends and stories of your village. I only know that Egui Peng is the child I became acquainted with at Ghost Mountain, and its will is not up to me.”

"Bony?"

Following the sound, he looked at the girl with her head held high and chest out. Seeing her composed demeanor and listening to her testimony, even though he knew very little, the little devil couldn't help but nod repeatedly, as if earnestly agreeing with her words.

With a slight upturn of her lips, revealing an almost imperceptible smile, Nan Yin raised her voice and stared directly at the bald old man.

"I believe that whether or not a child is willing should be decided by the child himself, rather than by your wishful thinking."

Faced with the chilling gaze and the unwavering determination in his words, the administrator's legs went weak, and he nearly fell to the ground.

Ignoring the murderous glares of the villagers, some of whom harbored indignation, greed, and reproach, the girl remained unmoved. She knelt down as before, spreading her five fingers flat in front of the little devil.

"Make your own decision: whether to forgive the villagers who misunderstood you, or to let go of the past completely and stop dwelling on the root of your anger and sorrow."

“...Bonnie.”

With its star-shaped pupils wide open, this was the first time in hundreds of years since the departed that its wishes had been so cherished and so solemnly inquired of.

The little devil doesn't understand complicated things, but it likes genuine interactions and hates deliberate deception.

Looking around at the villagers casting their gazes, and looking down at the treasure companion that had once besieged him, no matter how well he hid it, some deep-seated fears and strange desires were still captured by the little evil spirit.

It couldn't discern the purpose, but these vague things were certainly not the kind of scrutiny one would expect from family members.

and so--

Following the girl's strategy, Egui Peng remained silent, dragging the enormous club as he slowly walked towards the entrance of the main hall and towards the shrine.

Click.

The footsteps stopped, and the dull thud of the club dragging on the ground ceased. At this moment, all eyes were focused on the little devil.

The people of the past are gone, and the well mask, a symbol of sorrow, is also destroyed. If it continues to dwell on the grief and anger of the past, it will only alienate those who truly care about it now. Therefore, it decides to abandon the past.

Because it is no longer lonely, because the evil spirit has found its family in the deep forest at night.

Yes, a chance encounter, and love at first sight.

The thorny vine, raised high above the head, slowly fell, shattering the centuries-old shrine, denying the stories passed down through the ages, and discarding the lonely past.

When she was freed from all her restraints, Egui Peng spread her arms wide, revealing her small face, which was no longer hidden by the mask, and letting her delicate tiger teeth shine through, conveying her joy.

"Bonnie-oh~ Bonnie-oh~"

Chapter 112 Nan ​​Yin's Anger

The shrines were broken, and people's faith was gone.

The villagers don't revere the legends; they just need a hero as a gimmick to attract tourists' affection and gain the world's attention.

But when the evil spirits willingly set aside their prejudices and forget the familiar countryside, throwing themselves into the arms of the young girl, they have no other choice.

Boom.

The three standing statues collapsed one by one, breaking into scattered stones, and then turning into wisps of dust under the autumn wind.

There was no change in his expression, or rather, he hid all his joy and happiness behind his mask, only wanting to show his face to the girl. Discarding the giant club he was holding, Egui Peng paid no attention to the attitude of Bao Ban and the villagers. He took three steps in two and gently placed his small hand into Nan Yin's outstretched palm.

Welcome home.

She smiled at the little beast and murmured to herself, even though they had only spent one night together and were far from being close, Nan Yin would still dedicate herself to comforting the children's loneliness and try her best to create a small home for them.

It's not a baseless act of kindness; it's simply a mutual act of giving and receiving.

Due to past grudges, Egui Peng hurriedly descended the mountain, but then apologized to them for the near collision on the way.

Despite the villagers' prejudices, their sorrowful past, and their fear of loneliness, they willingly donned the ghost mask, standing quietly in the deep mountains and forests, neither disturbing the peace of the world nor causing panic in the villages and towns.

Well-behaved, polite, and a little mischievous—that's the little devil, and the reason why the girl couldn't help but fall for him after just one night.

It's not that she's fickle; it's just that even though there are many ugly things in the world, there are also many beautiful flowers blooming in it.

—A bright and pleasant sight, with a delicate fragrance that can be smelled as soon as you get close.

Eevee, Diancie, and Eevee all used their innocence and understanding to easily smooth away the girl's past frowns, allowing her to feel the warmth and beauty of life.

It's never a one-way street of giving. There's mutual assistance at the stove, and quiet waiting under the lamp. It's these wonderful moments that give Nanyin the inexhaustible motivation to build the framework of the family together.

"Let's go."

She gently reminded her stunned friend and wary little beast, then slowly rose, stepped over her paralyzed companion, and walked confidently out of the main hall, meeting the gazes of the villagers.

Stunned and unable to process the overwhelming amount of information, they only came to their senses when the girl was about to disappear from their sight.

"What a joke! Not only is the Three Treasures Alliance collapsing, but the Evil Spirit is leaving too!"

"In that case, what should be done about Beishang Township? How should the face-covering ceremony be held?"

"No, we can't let them leave. The Egui Pong has been a legend in Beishang Township since ancient times, and it should continue to stay here with us!"

"That's right..."

The commotion quickly erupted, and the villagers were filled with condemnation and indignation.

"Outsiders, strangers!"

Looking back at the various behaviors of these ignorant people, the administrator appropriately raised his voice, appealing to public opinion and venting his previous dissatisfaction.

"It's all the work of outsiders!"

Shifting blame and finding another person to blame are all familiar rhetoric used by the elderly.

As they ran and jostled, the villagers, whose legs had gone limp in the face of danger, now arrogantly blocked their way, surrounding the girl and the little devil in the center.

Spit splattered from their mouths, fingers pointed at their noses—the people who had been so eager and enthusiastic just moments before seemed to have completely torn off their disguises, revealing the true nature of the devils beneath their faces.

"Buyi!"

Sylveon rubbed its tiny fangs, opened its lips, and its voice was already rising in a high-pitched tone.

It doesn't care about anyone outside of Nanyin. The past of being abandoned and despised is incredibly dark, but she is a ray of warm and gentle morning light that soothes the body and mind.

"Bony?"

With her small face tilted to the side, she murmured aloud, still puzzled by the change in everyone's expressions.

People's hearts yearn for change. When the interests of the collective are threatened, even the presence of the Sinnoh champion cannot suppress the greed in people's hearts.

"enough!"

It wasn't just the blonde woman's thunderous and powerful shouts; on the periphery of the crowd, heartfelt pleas for dissuasion also slowly spread out.

He was an old man with gray hair and a hunched back. Judging from his simple clothes, he should also be a local villager from Beishang Township.

"grandfather?"

The above title also confirms the former's identity.

Having witnessed the entire incident, Wu Li was already feeling disappointed. Now, upon seeing his relatives arrive, he couldn't help but want to ask if his grandfather was also on the side of power, the side that bullies the weak.

However, before the former could take a step, Danyu forcefully pulled him back to her side, her eyes narrowing.

"Wu Li, I told you, don't act on your own at a time like this!"