Chapter 130: Chen Ou's Gift (Please Support!!!)

Sinnoh League Headquarters

“Yo, Wusong, back from vacation? How was it?” Da Ye, sporting a wild afro, greeted Wusong cheerfully as he hurried toward his office.

Wusong paused, offering a wry smile as he shook his head. “Not so great.”

Da Ye tilted his head in confusion. “I heard Watanabe took you to the Silver Mountains for a hot spring trip. Didn’t you have fun? You even posted about it.”

As they chatted, A Liu suddenly popped out from some corner and enthusiastically called out to Wusong, “Hey, long time no see, Wusong! You’re finally back. Now we can get back to... honing our battle skills.”

[You mean slacking off, jerk!] Wusong cursed silently, deciding to ignore A Liu.

He turned back to Da Ye. “Kurenai was also training in the Silver Mountains.”

A keen smile spread across Da Ye’s face. “Oh? How was it? Did you spar with him? Is he strong?”

A Liu’s curiosity was piqued as well. In the Kanto region, there had only ever been three champions: Professor Oak, then a champion from Cerulean who held the title for half an hour, and finally Kurenai. But all three had stepped down, leaving the region without a reigning champion for quite some time.

If Cerulean and Kurenai were still champions, champions from other regions could at least visit under the pretense of exchanging skills and testing their strength. But Cerulean was now just a gym leader who rarely appeared, leaving his gym guarded by a Hypno. No one could find him, nor did they have a reason to seek his guidance.

As for Kurenai, he was a civilian now, hiding deep in the mountains, avoiding contact. Many wanted to challenge this famed “warrior,” especially since each region had one or two Pokédex holders who had become synonymous with genius after their rise.

How could people not be curious about the top Pokédex holder?

However, the reigning champions like Watanabe’s strength was well-known. If Kurenai and Cerulean could effortlessly defeat Watanabe, it meant they truly were on another level.

Thus, with the desire to challenge but no proper reason and a hint of fear in their hearts, almost no one went to the Silver Mountains looking for Kurenai.

Wusong’s visit was a chance to test the waters for the Four Heavenly Kings, especially those from the Sinnoh region.

As for the Sinnoh champion? Shirona had already faced Kurenai, but the outcome was never shared publicly because Chen Ou forbade it, calling it a family matter not to be broadcast.

Shirona, blushing, called him shameless but kept the battle secret. Kurenai just smiled faintly before returning to his mountain training.

The result? That would be revealed another time.

Wusong gave a bitter laugh. “He’s very strong. I don’t recommend you challenge him. Da Ye, you’re a bit stronger than me, but Shirona is far beyond both of us.”

Da Ye’s lips twitched, understanding Wusong’s meaning: even he probably couldn’t beat Kurenai, and Shirona wasn’t entirely confident either.

“That’s really something...” A Liu shuddered, recalling his battle with Shirona and imagining it with Kurenai instead, feeling hopeless.

“Kurenai and Shirona have different styles. Shirona is overwhelming and unstoppable; Kurenai is more flexible. I can’t say who’s stronger, but both are unbeatable.”

Wusong rubbed his eyes and smiled wryly.

“Enough about that... Let’s talk about Professor Chen Ou. I’m genuinely interested in someone Shirona respects so much,” Da Ye quickly changed the topic, sensing continuing would only damage morale.

A Liu calmly watched the exchange, enjoying the gossip.

“He’s incredible—a worthy successor to Professor Oak in research,” Wusong said with admiration shining in his eyes.

“Really that impressive?” A Liu asked, surprised since his duties often involved research. Professor Oak’s status was legendary and hardly anyone could replace him.

“He’s undisputedly a leader in his field and strong in others too,” Wusong said without elaborating, knowing words couldn’t fully capture it. “In time, you’ll see. Chen Ou will be impossible to ignore in both the trainer and research worlds.”

“How about his strength?” Da Ye was still curious.

“I haven’t faced him, but from conversations with Watanabe and Kurenai, they both want to spar with Professor Chen Ou. They said maybe in about a year, after the next league tournament, he’ll be ready to challenge the champion.”

Da Ye and A Liu looked stunned.

What kind of monster is this? A year might be a long time for a pro trainer, but to catch up with a genius like Kurenai in that span? That implies Chen Ou is even more talented.

“That’s how it is,” Wusong chuckled bitterly. Without knowing Kurenai’s personality, he might have thought Watanabe and Kurenai were just bragging about their friend.

After all, he hadn’t faced Chen Ou himself.

As for recruiting him, Wusong didn’t bring it up. That wasn’t his place. He decided to wait; if Shirona didn’t retire, Chen Ou would come willingly when the time was right.

“I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of Professor Chen Ou,” A Liu said unexpectedly, his expression firm.

Wusong was surprised—this was the first time he’d heard A Liu speak like that.

“Nonsense. If he didn’t come, would Shirona keep running off to Kanto all the time?” Da Ye retorted bluntly.

That was true. Shirona’s nature was such that she wouldn’t retire unless someone capable replaced her.

Wusong shook his head but felt something else was at play. A Liu’s words planted a seed in his mind, stirring a vague unease.

“I better deliver the gift from Professor Chen Ou to Shirona,” Wusong said, heading toward her office.

“Let’s have dinner after work!” Da Ye called after him.

Wusong waved, signaling he understood.

As Wusong walked away, A Liu asked, “So, Da Ye, what now?”

Da Ye smirked disdainfully. “Of course, we’re going to find a restaurant to treat Wusong. And we have to choose carefully—no sloppiness allowed!”

“Yeah, makes sense.”

And with that, the two went off to slack off—or rather, to find a place to eat.

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