Du Long's eyes flashed with fear as Mizunotsume stood before him. But the thought of Sirius's brutal punishment for failure terrified him more.
"You've forced my hand!" he growled, pulling a grenade-like device from his pocket. He yanked the pin and hurled it skyward.
An Investigator shouted, "That's a toxic grenade! If it detonates, it'll release deadly gas!"
Mizunotsume's calm demeanor faltered briefly. "Lapras, use Ice Beam on that grenade!"
Lapras roared, firing a 10-meter-long Ice Beam that froze the grenade midair. Frost coated the surrounding air, locking the toxin in ice.
Realizing escape was impossible, Du Long collapsed in despair. Investigators swarmed, restraining him.
Jun Shafeng, meanwhile, studied Lapras's stats on his system.
[Lapras]
[Type: Water/Ice]
[Level: 88]
[Gender: Female]
[Ability: Water Absorb]
[Moves: Dragon Dance, Draco Meteor, Perish Song, Whirlpool, Rest, Protect, Surf, Psychic, Rain Dance, Aqua Ring, Hydro Pump, Sing, Blizzard, Ice Beam]
"Worthy of a Gym Leader's Pokémon," Jun Shafeng murmured. "It's a beast at close or long range, with healing from Aqua Ring and a Dragon-type ace like Draco Meteor. This Lapras is top-tier even among Gym-level Pokémon."
A Donghuang Pokémon Battle Club staffer approached. "Mr. Jun Shafeng, thank you for your help. We've transferred 500,000 Alliance Coins to your account. Here's a Silver VIP Card—it grants free access to any club matches and waives primary competition fees."
Jun Shafeng accepted the card gratefully. "Thank you. If the club needs me again, just say the word."
He knew the card wasn't just a reward—it was an investment in his potential.
Minutes later, the Investigators escorted Du Long, the frozen Black Bear, and their Pokémon to Tianhong City's police station, closing the case.
"Since I'm here, I might as well make use of my tournament ticket," Jun Shafeng said. "Maybe I'll catch a rare Water-type for my second Pokémon."
He headed to the fishing tournament site and found a prime spot, only to realize he'd forgotten his rod. "Ugh, I rushed out without it. Now what?"
A pink figure suddenly leapt from the water, startling him. He released Growlithe, but before it could act, the figure—a Slowpoke—yawned, lulling Growlithe to sleep.
"It's that feisty Slowpoke from before!" Jun Shafeng exclaimed.
Slowpoke shot him a glare and, astonishingly, flipped him off. Jun Shafeng's jaw dropped. "Even Slowpoke's disrespecting me now?"
Fuming, he snapped, "You've got no honor, ambushing my Growlithe! No wonder your trainer ditched you with that attitude."
Slowpoke's eyes blazed with fury. Jun Shafeng instantly regretted his words. "Wait, Slowpoke, I didn't mean it! Let's talk—gentlemen settle things with words, not fists. We're both smart, so—"
Slowpoke cut him off, slamming him with a Headbutt. Jun Shafeng crashed onto the grass, clutching his stomach. "Ow! When did it learn Headbutt?"
Slowpoke smirked mockingly. Enraged, Jun Shafeng charged, aiming a punch at its face. Inches from impact, his fist stopped, caught in a green glow—Telekinesis.
"Telekinesis?!" Jun Shafeng gasped.
As Slowpoke gloated, Growlithe, using Observation Haki, broke free from Yawn's effect. Seeing Slowpoke threaten Jun Shafeng, it roared, unleashing an aura akin to Conqueror's Haki. The overwhelming presence stunned Slowpoke.
Seizing the moment, Jun Shafeng threw a Poké Ball. It struck Slowpoke, pulling it inside with a flash of light. The ball shook briefly before clicking shut.
"Gotcha!" Jun Shafeng grinned, shrinking the Poké Ball and pocketing it. "Let's see if I can train this spitfire into a Slowbro."
As he prepared to leave with Growlithe, the teen he'd defeated the previous day blocked his path, flanked by two bodyguards. "Well, well, fancy meeting you here," the teen sneered. "That Slowpoke you caught? I wanted it first. Hand it over, and I'll let you walk. Refuse, and my C-rank bodyguards will make you regret it."
Jun Shafeng eyed the bodyguards, weighing his options.
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