At 8:00 a.m., the system's sign-in notification echoed in Jun Shafeng's mind.
[Ding! Congratulations, the host has signed in and obtained Observation Haki (One Piece World).]
Jun Shafeng's eyes widened. "Observation Haki? If I get Armament Haki next, I'll have all three! Perfect timing for my duel with Du Long today."
He summoned Growlithe and instructed it to learn Observation Haki. "This lets you predict an opponent's moves, but I'm not sure how well you've mastered it yet."
Patting Growlithe's head, he was about to test the ability when his phone rang. It was the Donghuang Pokémon Battle Club.
"Hello, this is Jun Shafeng. I'm ready to head to Water Village," he answered.
The voice on the other end sounded urgent. "Mr. Jun Shafeng, there's a change. Our investigation revealed Du Long is working for a criminal group called Sirius. We've alerted the Pokémon League's Investigator Organization, and they're moving to apprehend him. We need you to stall him until they arrive. If you succeed, the club will still pay you 500,000 Alliance Coins."
Jun Shafeng hesitated. Helping the Investigators and the club meant crossing Sirius, a dangerous organization. Refusing, however, could tarnish his standing with the Jenny clan, potentially costing him his future.
After a moment, he agreed cautiously. "I'll do it, but I can't guarantee how long I'll hold him. My safety comes first."
"Of course," the caller replied. "Even if you can't delay him, we'll give you 100,000 Alliance Coins for your effort."
"I'll do my best," Jun Shafeng said, hanging up and rushing to Water Village.
---
Meanwhile, in Water Village, the Demon God Battle Club, backed by Du Long, aimed to crush the Donghuang Pokémon Battle Club's reputation. They'd set up a grand battle arena and invited multiple Tianhong City TV stations to broadcast the event live.
In the shadows, Du Long conferred with the burly trainer from Jun Shafeng's earlier match, now revealed as Black Bear. "I'll wear down that Growlithe," Du Long said. "When the moment's right, trigger the smoke bombs nearby. Snatch the Growlithe in the chaos. Its unique abilities could fetch a fortune for Sirius—maybe even earn us a promotion and a big reward."
Black Bear nodded warily. "Be careful. That Growlithe's strong. Your Drapion alone might not be enough without your other Pokémon. Don't underestimate it, or you'll lose."
Du Long scoffed. "It's got some tricks, but it's no match for my Drapion."
Seeing Du Long's arrogance, Black Bear shook his head and walked away.
---
Jun Shafeng arrived at Water Village and immediately ran into an old acquaintance. "Bai Yu! Fancy meeting you here."
Bai Yu, chatting with a friend, turned and grinned. "Jun Shafeng! Here for the fishing tournament? Want to fish with us?"
Jun Shafeng rubbed his neck. "No time today. I'm representing the Donghuang Pokémon Battle Club to deal with some troublemaker."
Bai Yu's eyes widened. "You're facing *Du Long*?"
"How'd you know?" Jun Shafeng asked, puzzled.
"Everyone's talking about it," Bai Yu said. "Du Long's with the Demon God Battle Club, led by an A-rank trainer. Rumor is, they've got a powerful backer. They've got TV stations broadcasting this match—they're out to win big. Jun Shafeng, you're strong, but Du Long's on another level. He's brutal—his Pokémon have crippled plenty of opponents. If it gets bad, surrender."
Jun Shafeng's jaw tightened, anger flaring. "Crippling Pokémon when he could just win? That's unforgivable. I'm going to see what he's made of."
He marched toward the Demon God Battle Club's arena, where reporters, photographers, and a crowd of spectators buzzed around. On the stage, Du Long waited, a smug grin on his face.
Jun Shafeng glared at him, thinking of the Pokémon Du Long had harmed. "He's with Sirius, so he's done plenty of evil. I'm not just here for the Investigators or the club—I'm fighting for the Pokémon he's hurt."
His resolve hardened. Pokémon were his line in the sand, and he'd never forgive those who abused them.
---
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