Chapter 699: The Oure Tradition

Are food prices high in the outside world?

Not high.

For regions where agriculture is highly developed and various cash crops yield abundantly, they have long since begun pursuing higher-quality food.

Some grains that fail to meet their standards but suit Oulei are imported into Oulei at extremely low prices.

So when he learned that Baimu wanted to gather wild Pokémon stray branches and feed them at his own expense, Shan Ren once complained why he hadn't consulted him first.

What a waste of money!

Yet while the purchase price is low, self-sufficiency is another matter entirely.

Which region fully relies on others for its food supply? Such a place being strangled is not what Shan Ren wants to see.

But who can help it that Oulei's land is barren?

Now that Baimu has brought these two extraordinary individuals, Shan Ren naturally treasures them immensely—he didn't even react when Baimu specially greeted him before leaving, his whole mind fixed on chatting with Barza and his sister about Oulei's future development.

Hu Pa listened until her eyes spun, sneaking behind him, then suddenly pounced with a Face-Claimer when he mounted his hoverbike headed for the arena.

"Whitey—"

"How did you… never mind, come along then."

Baimu pulled it off his face; seeing it beg with pitifully clasped hands, he thought for a moment and didn't drive it away.

"Hehehe~"

Hu Pa, delighted, lunged for the sidecar—but the unusual-colored Gengar suddenly emerged from the shadows, its plump, barrel-shaped body immediately shoving her into the corner.

"Jihehehe!"

The Gengar chuckled loudly at Hu Pa's squashed face beside it.

Hu Pa wasn't annoyed; she immediately opened a Golden Ring beneath it, causing the Gengar to fall into it and reappear floating above the hoverbike, landing squarely on Baimu's head just as he fastened his helmet.

The Gengar looked stunned, then bent down and smiled amiably at its trainer.

Hu Pa's eyes curled into a comical shape as she stifled laughter: "Huhuhuhu~ Gengar, you're still too green! You can't beat Hu Pa!"

Baimu: "..."

These two rascals!

"Hold on tight! If you get thrown off, I won't take responsibility!" He shoved the Gengar into the sidecar; the two Pokémon squeezed together again but stopped their antics.

On the road.

The two Pokémon admired the streets of Huang Tie Town while sharing the donuts Ji Meiya made last night, perfectly demonstrating what harmonious relations look like.

Arrived at the entrance of Huang Tie Arena.

Cheng Hong and the others, including Lady Ayana, had been waiting a long time; they immediately rushed forward upon seeing his hoverbike.

"Boss!"

"Baimu, you finally showed up!"

"We agreed to meet at 1:30 p. m., and you're here at 1? Are you all this idle?" Baimu didn't understand Rainbow Team's daily workflow.

Since it replaced the Public Security Bureau's duties, do they patrol the streets every day? Don't they handle resident disputes?

Huang Tie Town isn't this peaceful!

Da Zong crossed his arms behind his head, grinning lazily: "Didn't I say this morning? Everyone's been assigned under you—'Wu Wu' calls it the Special Operations Unit."

Baimu said nothing, silently staring at him.

Sensing the faint but palpable aura of killing intent, Da Zong quickly lowered his arms and adopted a serious expression.

Hu Pa, hiding behind Baimu with the Gengar, snickered quietly, finding this fool amusing.

And regarding the Special Operations Unit—

It wasn't Lady Ayana's or Shan Ren's doing.

As Da Zong said, it came from the little girl Wu Wu, whom he once captured.

She and Tai Rui were promoted to acting vice-chairpersons of Rainbow Team; after the probation period, they'll likely shed the "acting" title.

Lady Ayana whispered: "Currently, Rainbow Team's personnel structure shows signs of redundancy. The people you saw at headquarters are only a tiny fraction of a tiny fraction—actually, Huang Tie Town has four regional branches: east, south, west, and north, where far more people are stationed."

"Redundancy..."

Baimu hadn't expected Rainbow Team's scale to be this large.

Of course, that was his own fault—he'd been focused on other things and never bothered to learn the group's current status in detail.

Mainly because he mentioned it to Shan Ren at lunch, and Shan Ren brushed him off with "we'll talk about it later"—what does "later" mean? Can a chairman who just occupies a position without doing anything command respect?

Uh.

Apparently, he really can!

Rainbow Team members mostly originated from the three streets he managed during the Rescue Organization and Sand Team days; though not outright faction-ridden, a sense of "us versus them" has gradually emerged.

As someone holding extremely high status on both sides, even as a mascot, Baimu is more reassuring to everyone than any leader leaning toward one faction.

After Lady Ayana stepped down as vice-chairperson and Wu Wu and Tai Rui took over as acting replacements, not a single ripple of unrest occurred within Rainbow Team in half a day—in fact, stability increased further.

But the factions have become even more distinct...

"Never mind, let's go inside."

He planned to get the arena and the mountains on track first before tackling Rainbow Team's issues—things must be done one at a time; rushing won't help.

Cheng Hong and the others agreed, glancing curiously at Hu Pa, assuming she was Baimu's newly captured Pokémon, and paid her no further mind.

Inside the arena.

There were fewer people than during the day, and they were visibly divided into two groups.

One group clustered around Silver Monkey; the other around Did Did Yin Ma and Kendall—the latter group was larger.

Baimu asked: "Have you reached a decision?"

"Yes."

The Silver Ape nodded: "My side's decision is, like me and Did Did Yin Ma, to head out and travel to other regions to broaden our horizons. Of course, before leaving, I still hope Boss Baimu can give us some pointers.

"Kendal's people chose to stay, under your formal trainee identity. As for another portion of people… they've withdrawn from the arena."

Withdrawn?

Baimu wasn't surprised by this outcome.

The arena had already degenerated into a club. Many people stayed here just to mooch off the Silver Ape. Now that the Silver Ape didn't "want" them, why would they stay?

Naturally, part on good terms.

He said to everyone with a smile: "In that case, let's start as soon as possible. This afternoon's first lesson — a fun Pokémon knowledge quiz competition."

After these words, the arena trainers hadn't reacted yet, but Otsuka and the others were the first to show terrified looks.

Lady Ayana and the Silver Ape immediately sensed something.

But just from the name they didn't spot anything amiss, so they prepared to keep listening.

"First, hand in all your Poké Balls."

Baimu pulled out a large bag, opened it with a grin as he spoke.

The crowd didn't understand, but under the lead of a few big brothers, they complied one after another.

Otsuka and the others went pale, pleadingly saying as they tossed in their Poké Balls: "Boss, please show mercy!"

"Relax, I'll be absolutely fair."

Baimu's smile was especially radiant.

A moment later.

Once all the Poké Balls were collected, he casually reached in and fished out two, saying: "The rules of the competition are simple. I'll randomly designate two participants, and randomly draw six Poké Balls.

"And when I release one of the Pokémon, the participants must, in a buzzer-beating manner, state this Pokémon's name, type, at least one ability, and any possible evolution or pre-evolution, then give four example moves it can learn.

"Anyone who answers everything passes and gets a point; otherwise it's a failure and the opponent gets a point. Pronunciation must be clear and voice loud. In the end, whichever side has the higher score wins. How about it, pretty simple, right?"

The arena trainers exchanged glances — it was their first time hearing this kind of teaching method. Aren't classes supposed to be held in a classroom?

"Since it's a competition, rewards and punishments are definitely necessary. There's no reward for now — I haven't decided what to use as a reward. But the punishment — don't be so nervous."

Seeing the arena trainers looking like they were facing a great enemy, he laughed: "You just need to run two laps around the arena. My demands are very low. But to stop you from slacking off, I'll add a Pokémon to supervise."

That's it?

The arena trainers dismissed it after hearing. They'd thought it was some terrible punishment — just running, that's all.

So what if there's a Pokémon supervising?

Lady Ayana and the Silver Ape also glanced at Otsuka and the others in surprise, not quite understanding why they were panicking over such a small thing.

"No time to waste. The first round of today begins — any volunteers?"

Baimu swept an encouraging gaze across the crowd.

Did Did Yin Ma was the first to raise his hand, saying confidently: "I'll do it!"

Kendal also wanted to set an example, but before he could, Otsuka raised his hand first, with a look of resigned determination: "I-I'll go first!"

"Very good!"

Baimu readily agreed.

Immediately the crowd scattered to leave room for Did Did Yin Ma and Otsuka.

Pop!

The Poké Ball opened.

A four-legged spider, fiery red all over and the size of a small pony, landed. Its trainer excitedly began to speak, but had only gotten out one syllable when Kendal, reacting in time, turned his head and glared at him. The trainer sulkily shut his mouth.

Did Did Yin Ma naturally knew it inside and out, and slightly raised his hand.

Who knew Otsuka would be faster — the moment his hand went up he immediately started shouting: "Ariados, the Long Leg Pokémon, Bug and Poison type, abilities are Swarm and Insomnia, it evolves from Spinarak, and it can learn Poison Sting, String Shot, Bug Bite, and Shadow Sneak!"

After that long string was finished, the arena trainers all broke into an uproar.

"So fluent!"

"That fast? Wasn't that prepared in advance?"

"You're talking nonsense — that's my Pokémon! How could he have prepared in advance?"

They argued in low voices. After all, Otsuka had spoken far too fast, and it had come out in one breath without any sign of pausing.

Did Did Yin Ma glanced at Otsuka beside him, whose attention was intensely focused, and felt a slight competitive spirit rise.

He wouldn't allow himself to lose to even one of Baimu's underlings!

What Did Did Yin Ma didn't notice was that when Otsuka's peripheral gaze occasionally drifted toward him, his eyes revealed a hint of guilt and resolve.

Pop!

White light flickered.

Another Pokémon landed.

Did Did Yin Ma quickly raised his hand and was about to speak when a resolute voice came from beside him: "Spearow, the Tiny Bird Pokémon, Normal and Flying type, ability is Keen Eye, it evolves from…"

You just rattle it off like that?!

Way too fast!

He stared at Otsuka in shock, hearing the latter speak without any pause in between, nearly going crazy.

Are Baimu's people this knowledgeable?

He remembered this guy called Otsuka being mocked at last night's welcome banquet for being bad at studying and being goaded into drinking. If this counts as bad at studying, then how amazing are the good students?

Did Did Yin Ma's sense of crisis surged!

"This is For…"

"Forretress! The Bagworm Pokémon! Bug and Steel type!"

"Wait a second…"

"Darkrai!"

"I first..."

"Stunfisk!"

"Three..."

"Sandshrew!"

Again and again, others answered before he could speak; again and again, he had no time to open his mouth. Did Did Yin Ma gnashed his teeth in fury—he had spoken fewer than ten words from start to finish!

Baimu recalled Sandshrew into the ball and grinned at Did Did Yin Ma and Otsuka. "The outcome is decided. Any objections?"

"None!"

Otsuka exhaled heavily, his smile radiant. Even as he returned to Cheng Hong and the others, he still grinned and bumped fists with them.

Did Did Yin Ma's molars ground loudly, but he accepted defeat and shouted: "None!"

His performance drew laughter from the arena trainers; Silver Monkey shook his head helplessly.

"Then prepare to face your punishment!"

Baimu turned aside and spoke to Hu Pa, who had been watching the quiz with great interest: "Hu Pa, go get the Nightmarish Rockwolf I saw at noon."

"Nightmarish Rockwolf?"

Under Lady Ayana's horrified gaze, Hu Pa spoke, nodding slightly: "Hu Pa understands!"

"Come out!"

It flew to the center and moved the golden ring as if no one else were present.

The arena trainers saw a talking Pokémon for the first time; they gasped and murmured in astonishment.

Lady Ayana couldn't help asking: "Baimu, it..."

Baimu explained loudly to all: "Don't be surprised! This is the Legendary Pokémon Hu Pa—a clever, mischievous Pokémon. What you just saw is one of its special abilities. Noisy Bird can speak human language too—language isn't exclusive to humans!"

The golden ring trembled.

The Nightmarish Rockwolf Leader landed, glancing wildly around. When it realized it was suddenly surrounded by many humans, it instinctively tried to escape through the gap.

But as soon as it took a step, it saw Baimu blocking its path.

"Hey, again. Don't be nervous—I just need you to do me a favor."

He smiled and pulled a Poké Cube from his pocket. "Remember this? Your little ones loved eating these. Want some?"

"Aow..."

The Nightmarish Rockwolf Leader instinctively opened its mouth to bark a warning—but caught sight of the half-emerged, ghostly, malevolent face of Haunter lurking behind Baimu, and swallowed its growl.

It sniffed the Poké Cube Baimu offered, then looked at him with a complex expression.

At noon, this human had tossed out dozens of these little cubes to feed the young ones in its pack, causing the once highly wary Rockdogs to beg for more, nuzzling him just for the cubes.

It had assumed they were something foul—but He He Lian Na explained, and only then did it learn they were delicious... and extremely precious...

"Now, chase him, bite his butt—no blood, but make it hurt—until you hear a 'beep.' One bite, one cube."

Baimu spoke with a cheerful smile, uttering words that turned the onlookers pale.

Did Did Yin Ma, who had been so calm moments ago, panicked. "Hey hey hey! Boss Baimu—"

"Can't take it now?"

Baimu's casual words flushed Did Did Yin Ma's face red.

He grunted and puffed for a long while, glancing at the Nightmarish Rockwolf Leader several times, then muttered reluctantly: "You've said it all—what can I say?"

"Bold and decisive! Real man!"

Baimu gave him a thumbs-up, then turned to the Nightmarish Rockwolf Leader. "What do you think?"

"Aow."

The Nightmarish Rockwolf Leader stared at Did Did Yin Ma's rear, then nodded slightly.

If it was just this, it could manage.

"Then begin! Lap the arena—go!" Baimu commanded. Instantly, Did Did Yin Ma, tense and rigid, sprinted forward.

But the Nightmarish Rockwolf was faster—crack! One bite.

Did Did Yin Ma clutched his butt and screamed: "Aaaah!!"

Under searing pain, his legs blurred into spinning wheels.

His whole body shot forward like a Super Newbie using High-Speed Move; the Nightmarish Rockwolf Leader ran even faster.

Did Did Yin Ma had no time to regret—the creature was too close; if he stopped, he'd get another bite.

In an instant.

The entire arena echoed with Did Did Yin Ma's screams.

The trainers who had laughed moments ago turned pale, all glancing at the grim-faced Silver Monkey, hoping he'd speak up—

"Run faster, Did Did Yin Ma! It's catching up!" Silver Monkey roared, shattering their last hope.

"Big bro, I hate you!"

Did Did Yin Ma's screams shook the arena.

Lady Ayana pressed her lips tight—she would never let herself end up like this.

Otsuka and the others wanted to laugh, but their smiles looked forced.

In truth, Baimu had gone easy. On the Thunderclap, the Pokémon knowledge questions were more numerous and varied—and the penalty for wrong answers was being forced into the sea to dodge a Sharpedo's bite.

Could humans swim faster than a Sharpedo?

They once thought it impossible—until they experienced it themselves, then they understood human willpower could create miracles.

Otherwise, just wait for your butt to bear the marks!

In the vast arena, the only one laughing out loud was Hu Pa.

"Hahahahaha! Hu Pa is going to die laughing! Run faster! Run faster!"

Baimu said without mercy: "This will now be our Iron Yellow Arena's fine tradition—the Orei-style Pokémon knowledge learning method. Everyone, remember it well!"

Fine tradition, my ass!

Demon!