Parting ways with the energetic Xiaofeng.
With two Dreepy siblings perched on his head, Baimu once again wandered through the Port Market, known as the "Shuijing Kitchen," and purchased a large quantity of fresh seafood ingredients.
Of course.
Due to the world background aligning more with the later stages of the animation, abalone and lobsters are out of the question; the so-called "seafood" mostly consists of various marine plants. Eating fish Pokémon is absurd nonsense, clashing with the big background of late stage animation.
Only in the early stages would Meowth be seen starving and gnawing on a Magikarp.
Nevertheless, the taste of aquatic plants isn't much inferior to the fresh fish and shellfish of the past.
At least that's what Baimu's taste buds told him.
Interestingly, both Kaina City and Shuijing City are port cities with tourism functions, yet the fresh seafood in the latter is tastier than in the former.
Quite fascinating.
Returning to the Shuijing inn, he found the room's atmosphere a bit peculiar but couldn't quite pinpoint where the peculiarity lay...
Hmm?
Where's Hydreigon?
Baimu suddenly realized that upon entering, he wasn't greeted by the fellow, nor could he find it at a glance, only seeing Aggron and the altered-color Milotic watching the sea tide from the balcony, Steelix sunbathing on the little beach, and Mawile holding its phone inside the room.
"Xi-yah~"
"Xi-yah!"
The two Dreepy siblings scattered, the sister going over to Mawile to watch TV, the brother seeking the hiding place of Dragapult.
After enjoying the sensation of speeding on a police motorcycle, the little guy was completely hooked, eager for Dragapult to launch it and have a good time.
And while they were in action, Baimu heard faint sounds coming from the direction of the kitchen.
He exchanged a glance with Blissey, who had just emerged from its Pokéball, and walked over for a look, only to see Hydreigon had made a complete mess of the kitchen, looking very anxious.
"What are you doing?"
Baimu glanced at the chaotic kitchen, temporarily suppressing his irritation.
While Hydreigon is occasionally referred to as Dragonair, that's really about its excessively active nature; it doesn't tend to...rarely wrecks the house.
If it does wreck the house, there must be a reason.
He decided to give Hydreigon a chance to explain. If it was a case of good intentions gone wrong, then he would both scold and praise.
However, seeing Aggron still calmly watching the sea on the balcony, he figured even if Hydreigon caused trouble, it shouldn't be anything major.
The answer was just as expected—
"Wanted to learn how to make meals like Blissey to help the Trainer."
"Hmm..." Baimu glanced at the stove, the various utensils on the table, and the food scattered on the ground, confirming through various clues that the fellow wasn't lying.
It indeed had the thought.
If it were another Pokémon pulling such a stunt, he'd consider it a case of no smoke without fire. With Hydreigon...its little brain often has peculiar, unusual ideas. He was used to it.
Baimu looked around without doubt, not seeing the two Dreepy siblings, then gave the fellow a bop on the head.
Pa!
"Good intention, so I'll let it slide this time," he said, and scratched Hydreigon's chin.
After being sent out of the kitchen in anxiety, it remained in the living room, its gaze wandering between the bedroom and kitchen, especially the former, where any little noise made it feel like Corsola would come flying out to report.
But until the Trainer finished making lunch and everyone gathered around together, Corsola didn't mention what had happened earlier.
This made Hydreigon both relieved and puzzled, paying close attention to Corsola during mealtime.
Yet the latter, like usual, finished off its own bowl in a blink and turned back to the bed to laze about, leaving one wondering how it managed to sleep.
Forget it.
No tattling is good!
Hydreigon was relieved, unaware that its every move had been observed by Baimu.
After all, as the one most familiar with its temperament, a single gesture from it would tell Baimu whether it wanted to poop or fart. Focusing on Corsola more than eating lunch definitely meant something.
But asking it would probably yield little, so Baimu simply planned to ask Corsola later.
While spooning seafood risotto into his mouth, out the corner of his eye, Baimu noticed Dragapult and the Dreepy siblings looking starry-eyed, clearly savoring the lunch.
Perhaps the delicious ocean cuisine reminded them of when they were still "alive" a long time ago.
As long as they're enjoying it.
He's quite pleased with himself for gradually discovering flavors that Dragapult and the others enjoy.
After lunch.
Baimu entered the bedroom and sought out Corsola to inquire about its dealings with Hydreigon.
Their conflicts stem from the early days when attempts to build a friendly relationship with Corsola led to neglecting Hydreigon, then a Deino.
Ever since the last time Corsola tattled and Baimu scolded Hydreigon, the two have been relatively peaceful...
Was the initial approach too harsh, escalating the conflict?
Baimu pondered for a moment, realizing the earlier approach lacked consideration, yet Corsola doesn't seem the type to make up with Hydreigon after a fight, all cheerful.
Such a hassle.
He sighed, looking at Corsola, which remained silent but gave him a glance with its reddish eyes.