Chapter 187:The Injured Lapras! Examination by the Champion of the Island Country?

In the tranquil dawn, the sky was gray and hazy.

A light mist hovered over the surface of the sea.

With a cool sea breeze blowing, Natsume slowly opened his eyes.

At that moment, a streak of orange-red appeared on the horizon.

Natsume yawned.

“It’s almost sunrise.”

“It looks like I woke up just in time.”

“However, it feels a bit strange not hearing the calls of Dodrio.”

“Eevee~”

Arcevee stretched its body on Natsume and also yawned.

Natsume smiled, running his hand through Arcevee’s fur. “Good morning, Arcevee.”

“Eevee~”

The orange-red hue in the sky gradually deepened, slowly rippling outward.

The mist over the sea began to dissipate beneath the rising sun.

Onami opened the cabin door and stepped outside.

“You really slept on the deck all night, huh?”

Natsume smiled. “I really wanted to experience it.”

“How was it?”

“It was nice.”

As Natsume spoke, he leaned against the railing, letting his arms hang down naturally.

A few glowing Pokémon flashed briefly across the surface of the sea.

They were probably Finneon.

“Squirtle~”

At this moment, the Squirtles also woke up.

Squirtle sat on the railing, looking up at the sky with Natsume, watching as the sun gradually rose over the ocean.

Natsume smiled at the nearby Squirtle. “Isn’t the sunrise over the sea magnificent?”

“Squirtle~”

“Mudkip~”

Suddenly, Mudkip leaped over.

It hugged Squirtle and jumped into the golden waves.

Natsume sat up straight and stretched, “A new day is starting.”

On the calm sea.

Manaphy continued swimming in front of Lapras No. 1, heading toward the Temple of the Sea.

Watanabe looked at the map and said, “At this speed, we should be passing through the Kyushu waters of the island country in about two hours.”

“Manaphy~”

At that moment, Manaphy, which had been swimming straight ahead, suddenly stopped in front of Lapras No. 1.

Natsume looked at Manaphy and asked, “What’s wrong, Manaphy?”

“Manaphy.”

Manaphy pointed south.

Manaphy had heard a Pokémon crying for help.

“Is something wrong?”

Watanabe asked, looking at Natsume in confusion.

“Manaphy says there’s an injured Pokémon.”

Natsume explained briefly, “I’ll go check it out with Manaphy.”

“Please hold on here for a bit.”

“Sure.”

Natsume skimmed along the surface of the sea, quickly following Manaphy.

On a rocky outcrop in the sea, the form of a blue Pokémon gradually came into view.

It was a Lapras.

Name: Lapras  
Type: Water/Ice  
Level: 14  
Ability: Hydration  
Individual Values: HP 31, Attack 30, Defense 31, Special Attack 30, Special Defense 31, Speed 30  
Moves: Growl, Water Gun, Sing, Mist  
Inherited Moves: Ice Beam

The Lapras had a purplish hue to its complexion, clearly suffering from poisoning, and it had visible wounds on its body.

Upon seeing Natsume approaching, the Lapras displayed a look of panic and tried to leap into the water.

Natsume used Psychic to hold it in place.

“Manaphy.”

Manaphy swam to Lapras's side, reassuring it not to be afraid.

Natsume landed in front of Lapras and reached out to gently touch its wounds.

Eternity Power began to heal Lapras’s body.

Feeling Natsume’s kindness, Lapras gradually relaxed its tense body.

“Lapras, why did you come out here all by yourself?”

Natsume asked the Lapras.

“Lapras~”

Lapras let out a sorrowful wail.

Not long ago, Lapras had been sailing the sea with its kin.

Suddenly, they heard cries for help from their kind.

By the time they arrived, however, there were no kin in sight—only a group of humans waiting for them.

That group launched a raid against them.

This Lapras had only narrowly escaped capture under the protection of its leader.

Lapras's expression turned mournful as it shared its story.

“I see.”

Natsume understood its plight after hearing Lapras's story.

Clearly, this Lapras had encountered Pokémon poachers.

Lapras was a very gentle Pokémon.

As a good water transport Pokémon with decent battle capability, it had once been in high demand and was often over-harvested.

It was even on the brink of extinction.

Fortunately, with the implementation of Pokémon protection laws in recent years, the population of Lapras had slowly begun to recover.

However, many people still exploited Lapras's kindness to capture them.

“Lapras~”

Lapras looked at Natsume.

It hoped that Natsume could help it find its kin.

Natsume turned to Manaphy and asked, “What do you think?”

“Manaphy~”

Manaphy wanted to help Lapras.

Natsume said, “Alright, I understand.”

“Lapras, before we find your kin, why don't you come with me for now?”

Lapras looked at Natsume, hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Natsume took out a Poké Ball and said, “Come on in.”

Lapras moved forward and touched the Poké Ball on its own.

Bang~

With a burst of red light, Lapras was captured inside the Poké Ball.

Shake~ Ding~.

Natsume looked at Manaphy and said, “Let’s head back, Manaphy.”

“Manaphy~”

Natsume picked up Manaphy and used Teleport.

On the deck of Lapras No. 1, Natsume and Manaphy appeared instantly.

Watanabe looked at Natsume's quick return with curiosity. “What Pokémon was injured?”

“A Lapras.”

Natsume held up the Poké Ball. “Come out, Lapras.”

Bang~

Amidst the red light, Lapras was released from the Poké Ball.

Lapras appeared on the deck.

“Squirtle.”

Squirtle and Mudkip curiously approached, looking at the Lapras.

Lapras seemed a bit nervous, uneasily regarding Squirtle and the others.

“Gardevoir, could you get some food for Lapras?”

Gardevoir nodded slightly and walked inside.

“Lapras,”

Watanabe asked curiously, “Is there only one?”

“Lapras should be living with a group.”

“What happened?”

Natsume explained to Lapras, “Lapras told me that its kin were taken by Pokémon poachers.”

“So I plan to help it look for them.”

Watanabe appeared slightly troubled. “That might be difficult to find.”

“Those poachers have probably already left this sea area.”

“And we are getting close to the waters of the island country now.”

Natsume considered, “If those poachers went ashore, they should be in the island country by now.”

“So I think we can ask the local rangers for help with the investigation.”

“Will they help us?”

Natsume replied casually, “They should.”

Natsume looked at Manaphy and said, “For now, let’s keep moving forward.”

“We’ll discuss the details once we enter the Kyushu waters.”

“Manaphy~”

Manaphy returned to the water, continuing to lead the way.

“Wingull~”

On the surface of the sea, a flock of Wingull flew and called out.

The fishing boats followed behind the Wingull.

Experienced fishermen know that where Wingull circles, there are usually large schools of fish gathered.

So, when they head out to sea, they always look for the locations of Wingull first.

“Sir Ikeda, Lapras No. 1 has entered our jurisdiction.”

Ikeda Masakazu was a Champion-level Trainer of the island country Pokémon league.

The island country consists of four main islands.

Each island has its own Elite Four and island Champion positions.

However, the strength of their Elite Four is considerably weaker compared to the Elite Four of the Japan league.

Their Elite Four are more akin to the strength of gym leaders.

Ikeda calmly looked at the approaching Lapras No. 1 and said, “Have them stop their ship for an inspection.”

“Eh?”

Ikeda turned his head to his subordinate, asking, “Is there a problem?”

“No, none at all.”

The culture of the island country is quite unique.

They recognize the existence of any organization.

Therefore, many powerful Trainers often have ties to special organizations.

For example, Akiyama Yousei, the only female Champion of the island country from Kyushu, comes from a gang background.

Although Ikeda is the Champion Trainer of Kyushu, he is actually a senior member of Trident.

While the island country league has already given the green light for Lapras No. 1 to pass normally,

Ikeda Masakazu had also received orders from Brando.

Brando instructed Ikeda to confirm Manaphy’s existence and gauge Natsume’s true strength.

At this moment, Lapras No. 1 was following Manaphy as it swam forward.

Natsume lay on a lounge chair, fiddling with his phone, checking the Farm's data while leisurely enjoying Gardevoir's feeding.

“Squirtle~”

Squirtle took a deep breath.

Puff!

A Water Gun attack shot toward Mudkip.

“Mudkip~”

Mudkip dodged continuously.

Squirtle launched a series of attacks.

“Mudkip~”

Mudkip jumped behind Watanabe, who was fishing.

Squirtle’s Water Gun followed right behind.

Mudkip agilely dodged again.

Bam~

“Ah~!”

With a cry, Watanabe was hit by Squirtle’s Water Gun and fell into the sea.

“Squirtle.”

After seeing this, Squirtle looked quite embarrassed and covered its eyes.

Watanabe shouted angrily from the water, splashing with his fishing rod toward Squirtle on the boat.

“Squirtle.”

Squirtle bowed its head.

Feraligatr, fishing underwater, casually scooped Watanabe up.

Feraligatr had a fish in its mouth and was holding Watanabe under its arm as it jumped onto the boat.

“You pesky Squirtle.”

“Are you using me as bait?”

Watanabe exclaimed, annoyed, as he lunged toward Squirtle.

“Squirtle~”

Squirtle quickly turned and ran away.

Lapras floated in the pool on the deck, watching them with envy.

Onami noticed a warship approaching them.

“Natsume, look over there.”

Natsume looked up at the warship heading toward Lapras No. 1.

“This is the Kyushu waters. The ship ahead, please stop for an inspection.”

The announcement echoed from the warship.

“Repeat.”

“This is the Kyushu waters. The ship ahead, please stop for an inspection.”

Watanabe immediately halted and looked at Natsume.

Natsume sighed and sat up.

“Let’s stop the ship and see what they want.”

Soon, the two boats docked alongside each other.

“I am Ikeda from Kyushu Island. I hope you will cooperate with our inspection.”

Ikeda, standing on the deck, scanned Natsume and the Pokémon on deck with his gaze.

Beside him stood a Greninja.

“Lapras.”

Lapras looked at them nervously.

“Eevee~”

Arcevee jumped onto Lapras's back.

“Eevee~”

At that moment, Natsume turned to look at Greninja standing next to Ikeda.

Name: Greninja  
Type: Water/Dark  
Level: 67  
Ability: Torrent  
Individual Values: HP 30, Attack 31, Defense 30, Special Attack 31, Special Defense 28, Speed 31  
Moves: Water Shuriken, Night Slash, Double Team, Hydro Pump  
Inherited Moves: Toxic Spikes  
Potential: Near Champion

This Greninja had decent strength, nearing that of a Champion.

At this moment, Onami walked over to Natsume and said, “He is the Champion of Kyushu in the island country, and his strength is formidable.”

“Also, the Greninja he has is his Ace Pokémon.”

“Ace?”

Natsume replied lightly, “If that’s the case, then if that guy Ohtaka came to the island country, he could probably compete for the Champion position here as well.”

Clearly, his strength was comparable to that of a country-level Gym Leader in the Japan league.

Natsume looked at him and asked, “What do you think we should do to cooperate?”

Ikeda replied directly, “Of course, you need to allow us to board your ship for an inspection, and that includes all of your Pokémon.”

Natsume smiled and said, “And what if I choose not to cooperate?”

Ikeda snorted. “I know you, Natsume, the gym leader of the Japan league.”

“But this is not the Japan league; this is our Kyushu waters.”

“Do you really want to battle me here?”

After he said this, the Pokémon soldiers beside him pulled out their Poké Balls, watching Natsume warily.

Ikeda felt that, after all, this was their territory.

Natsume shouldn’t dare to attack him here.

After all, openly raiding a Champion Trainer from the host country in his own waters would be a serious provocation.

If it were someone else, they might choose to endure the situation to maintain relations between the two regional leagues.

After all, this was indeed the Kyushu waters.

If they wanted to conduct an inspection, that was within their rights.

However, Ikeda was unfortunate to have encountered Natsume.

Watanabe looked at Natsume and asked, “Are you going to let them check?”

Natsume remained calm. “Gardevoir, let’s see what he really wants.”

Gardevoir turned to Ikeda.

Suddenly, Ikeda was instantly teleported to Natsume's feet by Gardevoir.

“Greninja!”

Ikeda's Greninja completely failed to react.

By the time it realized what happened, Ikeda had already disappeared from view.

Ikeda looked bewildered at Natsume. “What are you trying to do?”

Natsume calmly replied, “Gardevoir, use Hypnosis.”

Ikeda’s pupils constricted slightly. “How dare you.”

Gardevoir’s eyes glimmered with Psychic energy.

Ikeda’s expression gradually shifted from anger to a dazed look.

“Greninja!”

Greninja reacted quickly.

Seeing that its trainer was under control, it leaped high into the air and formed a Water Shuriken in its hands.

“Dragonite~”

Dragonite took to the skies.

“Greninja!”

Just as Greninja was about to attack and throw the Water Shuriken, it suddenly heard a loud bang.

Greninja’s body was sent flying into the warship like a bullet by Dragonite.

Dragonite used Extreme Speed!

“Dragonite~”

Dragonite hovered in the air, took a deep breath, and flames erupted from its mouth.

The crew on the warship looked at the scene in terror and shouted, “Jump from the ship!”

Dragonite was considerate and waited for them all to jump overboard before launching its attack.

Whoosh~

A roaring wall of fire descended from the sky, engulfing the entire warship.

Bam~

With a violent explosion, the burning warship detonated instantly.

A piece of metal flew toward Dragonite.

“Dragonite~”

Dragonite sidestepped to avoid it, patting its little heart.

That was dangerous!

“Dragonite~”

Dragonite flew back to Lapras No. 1, looking relaxed.

Watanabe stared wide-eyed at the scene.

“Dragonite~”

Dragonite looked at Watanabe, who was dumbfounded, with a puzzled expression.

“Dragonite?”

Watanabe swallowed hard. “Dragonite, are you really that fierce?”

“Dragonite~”