Before leaving, Xiao Zhi handed the Dratini's poké ball to Da Mu, instructing, "Da Mu, you must take good care of Dratini!"
Da Mu smiled and replied, "I know, I have a lot of experience taking care of Dratini, so you don't have to worry about that. Just focus on challenging the Gyms."
With Da Mu's repeated assurances, Xiao Zhi finally left with peace of mind. He also asked Xiao Mao about his upcoming journey and if he wanted to travel with him.
Xiao Mao shook his head, politely declining Xiao Zhi's invitation:
"I've decided to train hard; I will not fail next time."
...
...
After the Tentacruel and the Millennium Gastly incident in Maiden's Peak, Xiao Zhi and his group arrived at a place known as the "World's End."
These two incidents also differed somewhat from the original work.
For example:
Xiao Xia stopped the Team Rocket Trio from using "Homemade Triple Vinegar" and also caught a Horsea and an Agate Jellyfish.
As for the Gastly incident, it evolved into Gengar vs. Millennium Gastly. It was arguably a highly spectacular battle that greatly benefited Xiao Zhi.
——Perspective Shift——
This place reminded Li Qingfeng of a location called "The Great Crater of Paldea" in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet; the scenery there was somewhat similar to this place.
According to the original anime, Butterfree needs to cross the ocean to another continent to leave behind offspring.
Perhaps, beyond the sea is the enemy (crossed out) Paldea.
Brock then also told Xiao Zhi about Butterfree needing to breed.
Seeing Xiao Zhi wanting to send Butterfree away, Li Qingfeng quickly stopped him.
None of Xiao Zhi's Pokémon could be abandoned; in the future, when playing ranked battles, Li Qingfeng still wanted to see each of them participate at least once.
Li Qingfeng thought about making the so-called Da Mu Retirement Home into Da Mu's Reserve Team.
In other words, every Pokémon would have a chance to participate!
Thinking of this, Li Qingfeng spoke:
'Xiao Zhi, let me tell you. Actually, Brock's statement is wrong; there's no mandatory step of crossing the sea for them to lay eggs.'
'You just need to put it and the Butterfree it's fond of at Da Mu's place.'
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhi still said, 'Then let Butterfree choose for itself. We'll also need to ask the other Butterfree for its opinion at that time.'
Li Qingfeng couldn't say much about this, as this was the true Xiao Zhi.
Regarding Butterfree crossing the sea, it was actually due to the incomplete setting of the original anime.
The concept of breeding only appeared starting from the second generation. In the games, it's very simple: just put Pokémon of the same Egg Group but different genders together, and they can breed.
Even up to the current Scarlet and Violet, if one wishes, Pokémon eggs can appear anytime, anywhere during outdoor picnics.
...
They arrived at a hot air balloon rental place, and Xiao Zhi also exclaimed, "I didn't expect there to be hot air balloon rentals here. It looks like Trainers come here every year to release Butterfree!"
Riding the hot air balloon, the three ascended into the sky. Many Trainers had released their Butterfree here, waving goodbye to them.
Most of these Butterfree were in pairs, having found their desired partners.
Xiao Zhi struggled internally for a moment before releasing his Butterfree. After all, Butterfree had been with him for so long; if he really had to give it up, he would genuinely feel reluctant.
However, if Butterfree truly wanted to leave, he certainly wouldn't stop it.
Hmm, everything is based on the Pokémon's wishes.
Xiao Zhi stroked Butterfree's head and said, "Butterfree, if you like one, bring it over."
Butterfree nodded, then flew towards the group of Butterfree.
It's unclear if Xiao Zhi's Butterfree was particularly picky or for some other reason, but many Butterfree tried to court Xiao Zhi's. However, it didn't agree, instead flying away with a look of disdain to find its future beloved.
'Li Dage, why is this happening?'
Xiao Zhi was quite competitive when he saw this situation; he hadn't expected his Butterfree to be so popular.
Li Qingfeng pondered for a moment and said:
'I understand. Because your Butterfree has learned Psychic-type moves, it needs corresponding strength to cross the vast ocean.'
'Finding a match is important, but having the hard power to cross the vast ocean is the most crucial thing. And your Butterfree is very powerful; it's capable of crossing the ocean.'
'However, it would be safer if it could live in Professor Oak's Laboratory.'
Li Qingfeng's words enlightened Xiao Zhi: 'That does seem to be the case.'
Xiao Zhi looked around and found that his Butterfree had found a uniquely colored pink Butterfree!
Li Qingfeng explained:
'This is a different-colored Pokémon, or as it's commonly called, a Flash Pokémon. It's a very rare existence. According to the probability theory released by the League, there's roughly a 1/4096 chance of it appearing.'
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhi also understood how rare it was. He believed Da Mu would definitely like such a rare Pokémon.
Buzz buzz buzz~
Just then, the sound of a propeller rotating came from a distance. The Trainers present looked in the direction of the sound and saw a helicopter with an 'R' carved on it flying over.
A huge net hung below the helicopter, which looked like it was for catching insects. It was clear at a glance that this was Team Rocket's helicopter. Xiao Zhi gritted his teeth upon seeing it:
"It's Team Rocket again? We can't let them destroy the Butterfree's happiness!"
This was the most important moment for the Butterfree; Team Rocket, the "FFF Group," couldn't be allowed to come in and ruin it.
"Gengar." (Do you need my help?)
Gengar voluntarily emerged from Xiao Zhi's shadow. In this situation, only it could help. If Pidgeotto were present, it might not be able to damage that helicopter at all.
And Pikachu, there's no need to even mention it; that helicopter probably had anti-electric features added.
"Pika~" (I want to help too.)
Xiao Zhi's Pikachu also flew over at this moment. Its eyes were filled with fighting spirit, showing that it was also very displeased with Team Rocket's actions.
Now, Team Rocket's helicopter was close by, and their target was that pink Butterfree.
"We're going to make a fortune, Meowth! I can't believe there are so many Butterfree here, plus that unique-colored one! We can sell them for so much money, Meowth!"
Meowth, who was flying the helicopter, laughed unreservedly. Whether they offered the Butterfree to the boss or sold them, they would receive a considerable bonus.
James, beside him, rubbed his hands together like a fly and laughed, "Yes, so many Pokémon! We'll definitely get promoted and make a fortune, hahahahahahaha!"
——————
Saffron City, there's a surprise.
You can guess what I've arranged for Xiao Zhi. I recommend enjoying it with background music when the time comes.