After capturing Riolu, Hikaru received another message from the Tree of Connection.

[Connection Task: Help Riolu complete its destined duel.]

[Rewards: Release Orbs ×10, Unknown Medal ×1, Unknown Badge ×1, Ancient Fighting Gems ×5, Trial Reward ×1.]

[Note: Just treat it as a mission—use Aura Sphere on it.]

A fight? A real battle?

Why does this Tree of Connection sound like it’s just here to watch the fun?

After giving the blue-furred pup a bath, Hikaru introduced it to the rest of the Pokémon. Riolu was particularly interested in Grotle and Lilligant.

“Oh, Pokémon it hasn’t seen in Unova before!”

Grotle, for instance, was completely unfamiliar—but grass-type Pokémon with plants growing on their backs were relatively common. Oh? You even grow fruit?

Riolu looked surprised and plucked one of the fruits Grotle offered with generosity.

“Mmm, what a strange taste!”

To humans, the fruit on Grotle’s back tasted rather average. But for Pokémon, it was a delight—Riolu’s aura radiated with envy.

“So convenient! You can grow your own food! Judging by your appearance, you can evolve again, right? Will the fruits grow even bigger then?”

“Haa!”

Grotle nodded enthusiastically, a hopeful look in its eyes, and began chattering quietly with Riolu.

It would one day evolve into the mighty Torterra. Not only would it grow fruit, but it could also cultivate all sorts of rare herbs and grasses. Its soil was said to never wither plants—a goal it shared with its Trainer.

Depending on the season, its back might even bear different fruits. You know Tropius? That’s a Pokémon that grows fruit under its chin!

That got Riolu excited.

Oh! Tropius! That one it knew!

They existed in Unova too, though they only flew in from distant regions each year. It was rare to see one settled here. Rumor had it there were many Tropius near White Forest, but Riolu had no plans to head there for now.

At the thought, Riolu’s aura radiated even more envy.

Being self-sufficient was just too awesome!

No need to worry about food while traveling—just soak up nutrients from the soil and grow your own fruits. It’s like a portable buffet.

Riolu imagined what Torterra looked like. Never having seen one before, it could only imagine. But it was soon pulled from its daydream by Lilligant nearby.

Ah, right! There was Lilligant too!

It vaguely remembered seeing one in the wild before—yeah, pretty sure it had!

Riolu folded its arms, tilting its head in thought.

Right! The wild ones were chubbier… no, wait, that must’ve been their skirts!

So… where’s your skirt?

And why do you look so slender? You feel different—more like a noble lady version of the others!

“It’s a regional form,” Hikaru explained to the puzzled blue pup. “The same Pokémon can look different in various regions or even eras. Pretty amazing, right?”

“Oh yeah. Can you use Coaching?”

Riolu’s eyes lit up. It raised a paw!

Coaching—a move that boosts the attack and defense of all allies through precise guidance!

In an instant, every Pokémon in the room had their stats boosted!

“Doré~”

Lilligant was the happiest of all. Under Riolu’s curious gaze, she also used Coaching.

And everyone’s stats went up again!

“Wang-oo! (You know it too!?)”

But there was something different about Lilligant’s Coaching. A subtle variation… Riolu felt like it was on the cusp of understanding something, but the exact idea remained elusive.

“Did you sense it?” Hikaru asked. “Lilligant’s Coaching helps Pokémon comprehend new moves more easily. She uses more concrete teaching demonstrations. That subtle difference you felt—there it is.”

“You’re both Fighting-types, so you share a lot of moves. If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask her. Even though her style is more like dancing, you don’t need to mimic it—just learn from it. I’m sure you’re good at that.”

“Awuu! (So that’s what it was!)”

Riolu finally understood.

Then it stretched out a paw to Lilligant.

Pleased to learn from you, big sis!

“There are still two more companions,” Hikaru told the focused Riolu. “I came to Unova to reunite with the other two. You’ll meet them soon.”

“If you manage to enter the dream world, you might even meet them early. And the legendary Swords of Justice too!”

Riolu’s face lit up with excitement.

Ah! Those Swords of Justice it saw in an aura vision!

So that means the other companions must be that massive dragon and that glowing fuzzy caterpillar!

New Pokémon it hadn’t seen before!

The blue pup was full of anticipation for the journey ahead. After playing a bit more, it suddenly felt drowsy—the emergency jelly’s effects were kicking in. Riolu yawned and curled up in a cozy corner, quickly drifting off to sleep.

“Let’s rest too,” Hikaru chuckled. The other Pokémon had grown tired as well, one after another falling into dreams. However, perhaps because the dreams of many were recently shattered by Team Plasma, none of the Pokémon entered the dream world that night.

…

The Next Morning.

Freshly scrubbed clean, Riolu was at the door when Nari came by—and the young girl, usually calm when it came to Steel-types, showed rare emotional surprise.

“So this is the friend you mentioned…”

Even though Riolu wasn’t a Steel-type, Lucario, its evolution, was! And Lucario was a rare sight in Unova!

“Can I pet it?”

Yep, everyone loved dogs.

But when Riolu heard that, it immediately shook its head, ears flopping.

Nope nope!

You’re not my Trainer, or someone I know. I don’t let strangers pat my head!

I came from a sacred training cave—I have dignity.

“Uuu…” Nari let out a disappointed whimper.

Hikaru gave a helpless smile and changed the subject. “I thought you’d be here later. Why so early?”

“School’s temporarily closed because of Team Plasma’s disturbance.”

Nari frowned. The chaos caused by Team Plasma had made the news in Mistralton City.

Most members involved in the speech had been detained temporarily, but since they were technically legal, harsh punishment wasn’t possible. As Nari’s father had mentioned, Team Plasma once tried to lecture at the Pokémon school and were forcefully stopped.

Now the city authorities were planning to expel Team Plasma from Mistralton. Their speeches had already doubled the disruption to public order.

Local businesses were also voicing complaints. How can Mistralton maintain its economy and safety like this!?

“Not just schools. Even companies like the Battle Corporation were affected. Some employees, like Keiko-san, even released their Pokémon.”

Just as they spoke, a businessman in a suit came running up.

“Hello, I’m from the Battle Company. I saw this address at the Pokémon Center. Thank you so much…”

He was drenched in sweat, here to reclaim his Pokémon. After the rally days ago, he’d felt he had done something virtuous by releasing his Pokémon—feeling guilty for ever capturing one.

But back at the company, after talking with Keiko and receiving a stern lecture from the boss, and with some guidance from others, the fog in his mind suddenly cleared.

“For me, Pokémon battles are part of my job. My Pokémon are not only my partners, but a part of my life. Losing them was like losing half my soul. How could I do something so stupid…”

“Has the psychic influence worn off?”

“Eh?”

“Well, back at Central Park…”

Hikaru briefly explained what happened with Beheeyem. The man’s expression changed dramatically.

“Of course, this is just a theory. I was going to report it to Officer Jenny.”

“Whoa! Beheeyem! That Pokémon is rare—it’s said to be from space! They appeared in a UFO crash in the desert about 50 years ago. Only recently were they even confirmed to be Pokémon.”

“I was manipulated by aliens?! That’s kinda scary—but also super exciting??”

“This would be front-page news! Too bad I’m in battle logistics. Must’ve been overworked—that’s why the aliens got to me…”

He left, muttering, but not before giving them his business card.

“That’s that. Nari, help watch the store for me.”

She truly wanted to study more Steel-types and their techniques. But she also genuinely cared about the other Pokémon—especially after seeing how many were still waiting for their Trainers to return. She hated Team Plasma even more.

With Nari watching the place, Hikaru could go look for the Trainers. Originally, he had planned to leave Lilligant behind.

“Then, Aegislash, you stay.”

After all, Nari came specifically for Aegislash. Its single eye peeked out shyly, only to find the girl already studying it intently.

Though she’d seen it yesterday, she hadn’t examined it in detail. Her fascination with Steel-types ran deep.

Cold steel and geometric aesthetics—an unusual but powerful beauty.

Hikaru then headed to the Unova police department and met the Officer Jenny who’d been at Central Park. She was shocked to hear about Beheeyem and immediately questioned the detained Team Plasma members.

But they were tight-lipped and denied any connection to Beheeyem—understandable, since many of them probably didn’t even know about its involvement.

Hikaru wasn’t surprised.

Most Plasma members had just been misled citizens, disillusioned by the human-Pokémon bond or their own self-worth. These kinds of members weren’t privy to inner secrets.

The so-called Sage who had been arrested had already been bailed out last night. He hadn’t led the riot—it was caused by a rogue female member named Angel who acted without orders.

By pushing the blame, he got out easily.

“That’s it—unfortunately, we can’t take more severe action. But Beheeyem is truly rare. Professor Rowan’s lab labeled it as the ‘Brain Pokémon.’ Back then, no one really knew what it meant—but now we do!”

“If they can manipulate minds like that, they’re terrifying. We’ll be more careful. Thank you for the warning!”

Mistralton had resolved to drive Team Plasma out—for now. Where they’d cause trouble next was anyone’s guess.

“Wang-oo!”

Riolu shook its head, clearly unhappy with the outcome.

They were captured, but still got released?

What a troublesome organization!

Fortunately, the Pokémon return mission went smoothly. Perhaps because Aegislash scared Beheeyem off with one blow, many people’s memories were only partially affected—more like implanted impulses than full rewrites.

By the next day, many had regained clarity and were furious at themselves for releasing their longtime companions.

“What was I thinking yesterday?!”

“My Lillipup was caught for me by Grandpa!”

“The day I met my Woobat in the sewer…”

Even those sitting gloomily in parks and alleys, who had felt uneasy but couldn’t explain why, suddenly came to their senses.

“Damn Team Plasma! If I see them again, I’ll beat them up!”

People began shouting curses in Unovan slang, furious and baffled by their own brainwashed actions. They fully supported Hikaru’s actions.

At this rate, when Team Plasma returns in a year and a half for their next big move, Mistralton might just hold a city-wide “Hunt the Plasma” campaign.

“Making them hated by all in Mistralton—that’s a big step toward rebuilding the human-Pokémon bond. At least these people won’t fall for their speeches again.”

Of course, like in the Special manga, there were still people who didn’t care about their Pokémon.

A flashy young man in designer clothes casually waved a hand.

“I only caught that Pokémon ’cause everyone else had one. Team Plasma’s speech kinda made sense. You don’t have to find me.”

“Wait—you tracked me down by my Pokémon’s description?! That’s… kinda scary! Are you some psychic stalker?!”

“You have powers?! Then maybe use them to train your Pokémon instead!”

“What, you mad? Hit me and I’ll call the cops!”

Hikaru frowned and was about to say something, but Riolu was already furious!

The blue pup sprang up and slashed with Metal Claw—flattening the guy instantly!

The man flew into a rage, threatening to report them. Hikaru had to calm things down.

Perfect timing.

One shot of Purifying Pulse shattered the guy’s negative emotions. Then—

“Spore!”

Hikaru had brought along an extra Pokémon for emergencies: the always-reliable Amoonguss!

One of the six Pokémon taken from elite Plasma trainers, Amoonguss was strong and well-trained. After the Purifying Pulse, it followed with Spore, putting the man into baby-like sleep.

“So dependable!”

“Guu!” Amoonguss raised its arm proudly.

When I turn my back on you, you’ll know how reassuring my silhouette is!

That’s the confidence of someone who sleeps on the left, then the right!

Hikaru hugged Riolu and left the scene with the bouncing Amoonguss.

“Next time, don’t attack out of the blue. If you were still wild, it wouldn’t be an issue—but now you’re my Pokémon. In bad situations like that, don’t act rashly.”

“Awuu…” Riolu drooped its ears.

It just couldn’t stand that man’s attitude toward Pokémon.

It had encountered such humans before, knew they existed. But seeing one firsthand still stung.

“Everyone thinks differently. We can’t control their thoughts. If we did, we’d be no different from villains. These differences spark diverse stories between humans and Pokémon.”

“Bad things happen. That’s the world.”

“Awuu (I understand…)” the blue pup nodded sadly.

“But back to that punch…” Hikaru patted its head, his tone turning appreciative.

“You did pretty well! But if you were going to hit him anyway, you shouldn’t have used Metal Claw…”

“You should’ve used Close Combat.”

“Awuu!” Riolu perked up.

Ah, that’s what you meant!

Got it loud and clear!

“If I hadn’t just been featured in the news for receiving a medal, I might’ve really punished him.”

“Next time, check for security cameras before you hit someone.”

“But he’ll probably be a little better now. I shattered his inner negativity. At least for a while, he might reflect on himself.”

Whether he strays again… that’s his choice. Purifying Pulse isn’t mind control.

Speaking of which, that move needed more practice. Maybe he’d follow the training method Elite Four Caitlin once taught him—refining it into a full Purifying Shock that could crush all darkness.

A tribute to the Pharaoh King.

Ahead of Hikaru, Riolu wagged its tail happily.

This wasn’t disrupting public order!

Just venting some righteous anger!

Anyway, it’s better that I do it, not the Trainer!

And Trainers have tempers too, huh!

Being human is tough. If someone didn’t break the law, all you could do was scold them. Use your powers and you might get arrested. Being a Pokémon seems better!

“Not many left now. Oh, by the way, your Trainer isn’t in Mistralton.”

Hikaru looked to Amoonguss. These six Pokémon had been taken from Plasma elites—clearly brought from other cities.

Though Nurse Joy had reached out to other centers and asked her sisters to keep watch, some Trainers might not be able to find their way back. Whether Beheeyem had fully overwritten their memories remained unknown.

So far, three Trainers had contacted the centers: one from Driftveil City and one from Nimbasa City—reuniting with their Boldore and Zebstrika.

Both Pokémon were thrilled to reconnect with their owners. They chatted with Nari joyfully.

Boldore’s Trainer was a worker under Clay. Zebstrika’s Trainer was a rich young man working as a Gym Trainer in Elesa’s Nimbasa Gym.

The reasons they got separated weren’t just due to the speech—those were complicated.

The third Trainer was a woman working at a Pokémon Center. She was originally from Opelucid City but now stationed in Humilau City. Interestingly, the Unfezant she sought wasn’t hers—it belonged to a friend and had been explicitly stolen.

Plasma’s scapegoating was swift—though the thief was caught, others evaded justice. Similar cases had occurred in Opelucid over the last year or two.

Opelucid lay on Unova’s western edge, far from the central government, so even Pokémon thefts often went unpunished.

“Three more left—Deerling from Icirrus City, Haxorus from Opelucid City, and…”

“Guu!” Amoonguss’s eyes sharpened as it recalled the past.

Its gaze turned fierce—those were memories of youth not yet faded.

Its Trainer had been a Pokémon Ranger from another land filled with Rangers. Though it didn’t remember many details, he had been a good man, sent to Unova to protect the environment.

Back then, they’d nap roadside in forests—sleep left, sleep right, snuggle, regenerate—it was bliss!

“…Don’t tell me your Trainer thought you were too dirty and gave you up to become a better man?!”

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep