The initial issue with Steelix was resolved.
The two immediately proceeded to the second battle—
Chansey versus Blissey.
Undoubtedly, the Happiny that evolved into Chansey during the Sinnoh journey further evolved into its ultimate form, Blissey.
Influenced by the intense battle of the two Steelix before, quite a few people gathered on the lawn near the battle site, gazing over with curiosity.
No one stepped forward to interrupt, nor did anyone leave.
Just this passion alone is enough to prove how popular Pokémon battles are.
Unfortunately.
Baimu's Chansey quickly fell.
The reason, of course, was that Severe Poison was easily countered by Xiaogang's Blissey using Healing Bell, losing its only offensive means. It was like a one-trick hero getting banned, retiring on the spot, and dragging it out further would just waste time.
He conceded decisively.
Xiaogang was initially puzzled about why not to continue, and upon learning that Chansey could not directly attack and the internal reasons, he fell silent, then after a moment exclaimed, "Even though I knew you were a good guy when I first met you, your excellence exceeded my expectations."
"Uh, thanks?"
"For a Pokémon that cannot battle, you didn't force it, nor did you abandon it, but rather resolved its emotional obstacles step by step. You have already acquired the basic qualities needed to become an excellent Breeder."
Xiaogang patted Baimu's shoulder, "Let's not say I've never seen Trainers who abandon Pokémon just because their performance in battle doesn't meet expectations. You being able to understand Pokémon's feelings really moves me."
As a passionate young... man, Xiaogang is always easily affected by emotions.
Although the battle just now was short, the tacit understanding between the two and the spiritual connection formed through eye contact definitely demonstrated their bond.
Baimu looked at Chansey with eyes full of trust, while Chansey looked at Baimu with eyes filled with attachment.
Xiaogang didn't think anything could be more moving.
So he cried.
Tears flowed silently, then as if the dam had burst.
"Hey? Xiaogang! Stop crying! Bro! I'm begging you!" Baimu said awkwardly, and as he glanced nearby, Xiaogang's Blissey also hugged Chansey and started sobbing.
He exchanged a glance with Chansey, seeing the panic and helplessness in each other's eyes, and had to console both of them separately.
But.
Crying may seem exaggerated but is in fact a huge demonstration of love for Pokémon. Only by being moved by things that touch the soul can one continue on a predetermined path.
How can you aim to be a Pokémon Doctor without empathizing with injured and sick Pokémon? Gentle, attentive, and empathetic are Xiaogang's strengths, and they are also crucial reasons for him eventually becoming a Pokémon Doctor.
"Great! I will definitely teach you everything I know!"
Xiaogang, having finally stopped crying, shouted with a wave of his arm, as if flames were burning in his slit-like eyes.
"Although I'm really touched, I might not stay in Littleroot Town for too long..."
Baimu said helplessly.
——
About Chansey.
Xiaogang found that he couldn't teach Baimu much.
Because the latter was attentive enough, scoring over ninety-five in all aspects, the only lacking part might be the emotional aspect.
"For Pokémon, happy memories are more worth recalling than painful ones, and this is a difference from most humans. In other words, Chansey didn't evolve or can't battle isn't because you're not good enough to it, but because of time."
Xiaogang earnestly said, "As long as you continue to stay together, there will definitely be a day when the clouds clear."
He seemed worried that Baimu would run out of patience with Chansey.
But the latter actually didn't mind whether it evolved or not, wanting Chansey to use attack moves was essentially about resolving its emotional issues.
Unable to use and unwilling to use are two different concepts.
"I believe too."
Baimu stroked the fluffy head of Chansey, though nurses wouldn't allow touching, his own certainly did, not just letting him touch but even leaning down to take a bite wouldn't be a problem.
He once bit impulsively, finding it warm and soft... but full of fur.
Chansey mistakenly thought he was hungry, pulled out an egg from its pouch wanting to cook it for him, but didn't realize it was his antics as a Trainer.
As for Lairon, Xiaogang, having never raised such a Pokémon, could only teach him the basics of raising Rock Attribute Pokémon.
Combining it, Baimu found it wasn't much different from the health management by Uncle Ranch. It's just Xiaogang's more focused on the Rock Attribute, with a bit more care.
But he also learned lots of new knowledge.
Of course, overall he still learned the most about the care of Steelix.
Besides these, Xiaogang also taught many other breeding knowledge, such as various Pokémon food preparation and Poké Block making.
"Don't underestimate this small thing, it contains many nutrients beneficial to Pokémon, beneficial for breeding them. Even when short on time to make Pokémon food, it can be a temporary substitute."
"I see."
Baimu nodded, taking the opportunity to make plenty of Poké Blocks suited to Lairon and others' taste, colorful and lush.
Mawile really liked this stuff, at one point wanting to make it its staple food.
Undoubtedly, it was just a whim; no matter how amazing Poké Blocks are, they're still no match for cakes, cookies, and tea. Recently, it had fallen in love with cocoa, the kind with three sugars, sweet to the point of cloying.
Baimu knew eating too sweet wasn't good for a Pokémon's health, so he had to control Mawile's sugar intake while controlling its food portion.
The only one to receive such a "privilege", Mawile naturally threw a fit for a while.
But upon realizing the Trainer remained unmoved, it accepted grudgingly.
In the days under Xiaogang's guidance, Baimu didn't forget to enhance his practical ability.
Memory is still memory; no matter how many times it's substituted, the physical differences must be bridged through practice, but memory has the advantage of making Baimu more skilled with every action.
Within days, he already seemed like a professional Breeder.
During this time, Baimu even competed in cooking skills with Xiaogang.
His luminous cuisine earned the latter's amazement.
——
Outside the Pokémon Center.
Xiaogang bid farewell to Baimu and Chansey.
"Heading out?"
"Yeah, I've been in Littleroot Town for quite a while now, if I don't leave, I'm worried I might miss this year's Ever Grande Conference."
"Well, I wish you a good result then."
"You too, I believe you will definitely become a Pokémon Doctor."
After a few words, Baimu left with a smile, waving, and Chansey also waved to Xiaogang's Blissey, its gentle and caring nature always gaining it popularity among its kind.
Next stop.
A place where little things accumulate, Oldale Town.