A barrage of small flames shot toward the river.
The scorching projectiles met the cool water, producing a sharp hiss as steam erupted from the surface. The river's ample flow quickly replenished the evaporated water, seemingly unaffected.
But Agumon wasn't done.
After four consecutive shots, it took a deep breath, its chest visibly expanding, and unleashed another volley of flames with renewed vigor. One shot… two… four… eight… ten…
Only when its stamina was completely drained did Agumon stop, panting heavily. Thirteen fiery projectiles arced through the air, streaking toward the river in a straight line.
Screech!
A piercing noise, akin to the Pokémon move Screech, exploded across the river, so shrill it made Aoyanagi wince and cover his ears, even from a distance. Fortunately, the sound faded as quickly as it came.
When Aoyanagi looked at the river again, the flames had vanished, leaving only thick white mist and a patch of water boiled by the intense heat. Though the river's flow would eventually cool and disperse the heated area, the fish caught in it had no such reprieve.
A dozen Magikarp floated to the surface, eyes spiraling, bellies up.
Seeing this, Agumon leaped into the river to retrieve its haul.
The sight left Aoyanagi torn between amusement and exasperation. He recalled their trek through the forest, when Agumon boasted about its years of fish-catching expertise, claiming a foolproof technique that rarely failed, despite being exhausting.
Back then, Aoyanagi had been curious about this so-called technique.
Now he understood.
Agumon's "fishing" was less catching and more blasting. Or, more accurately, boiling. It heated the water to scald the fish.
This also explained why, back in the Relic Passage, Agumon could fire so many small flames without tiring—its "cooking" experience had built up its endurance.
By now, Agumon had hauled all the floating Magikarp ashore, jogging back with its arms full. "Aoyanagi, eat these. Don't worry about saving any for me," it said generously.
Aoyanagi shook his head, both touched and helpless. "You can't eat Magikarp. They're mostly bone, no meat."
"Magikarp? All bone?" Agumon crouched and tapped a Magikarp's side with its claw. Sure enough, a dull, bony thud confirmed Aoyanagi's words.
Agumon froze. After all that effort to catch fish for Aoyanagi, they were inedible? The Oran Berries were "too tough," and now the fish were too bony. Was everything in this world so unpalatable? For a glutton like Agumon, this was devastating news.
In that moment, Agumon felt a pang of disappointment with the Pokémon world.
Noticing its dejection, Aoyanagi reassured it. "It's just bad luck, that's all. We happened to stumble on tough stuff. Besides, even if Magikarp had more meat, I couldn't bring myself to eat a Pokémon with intelligence and spirit."
As he spoke, Aoyanagi rummaged through the pile of fainted Magikarp, pulling out one from the bottom. "But we do have something edible here."
The Magikarp he held was clutching another fish in its mouth. This fish was small, bright red like the Magikarp, but clearly different—not a Pokémon, just an ordinary carp.
Agumon's eyes lit up. This fish looked strikingly similar to those it caught in the Digital World. "Then you eat first. I'll grab a few more like it!" it said, its earlier gloom forgotten.
It turned to head back to the river, but Aoyanagi stopped it. "Take these Magikarp and toss them back into the water."
Agumon glanced at the pile of dizzy-eyed Magikarp. "Should we give them some Oran Berries to restore their stamina?"
"No need. Their vitality is stronger than you think. Water's enough for them."
"Got it." Agumon hoisted the Magikarp and headed to the river.
Meanwhile, Aoyanagi cleaned the carp's innards, gathered dry leaves, and skewered the fish on a stick. He piled the remaining leaves, borrowed a spark from Agumon, and started a fire to grill the fish.
Agumon made several trips, returning with three more carp. Aoyanagi prepared each one and set them to roast by the fire.
"That's enough. No need to catch more," Aoyanagi said.
"I'll grab a few extra before dark. If we don't eat them now, we can have them on the road tomorrow," Agumon replied, its eyes fixed on the grilling fish.
Aoyanagi suspected that if these fish weren't meant for him, Agumon's mouth would already be watering. The "extra" fish were likely for its own appetite—berries couldn't compare to the savory taste of meat.
Without calling it out, Aoyanagi nodded, urging Agumon to stay safe, and focused on grilling.
The sky had darkened, a full moon rising quietly, stars faintly visible. The fire crackled, its warmth mingling with the occasional pop of burning twigs. The roasting carp began to emit a mouthwatering aroma.
Nearby, Agumon tirelessly chased Magikarp, which leaped ashore in a panic using Splash, only to be tossed back into the river one by one.
The serene atmosphere soothed Aoyanagi's heart. "Living in the city for so long, I'd forgotten what moments like this feel like…" he murmured, childhood memories flickering before his eyes as he gazed at the fire.
Unbeknownst to him, not far from the campsite, at the edge of the forest, a figure lurked beneath a large tree. Its breathing was labored, as if bearing a heavy weight. Slowly, it peered out, watching Aoyanagi's position for a long moment before creeping closer.