Pokémon have arrived, and they're really not called magical beasts.

"Roar…"

Shiftry seemed seriously injured, struggling to get up multiple times without success.

The Nuzleaf around it grew anxious, rushing forward to help their leader. But one Pokémon was faster—Greninja stepped up to offer a hand.

"Gra."

Shiftry glanced at Greninja's three-fingered hand and chuckled wryly before accepting the help.

"Roar…"

"Gra~"

Shiftry and Greninja slung their arms over each other's shoulders, chatting like old friends. The audience was stunned.

[Weren't they just trying to kill each other? Why are they buddy-buddy now?]

[Whoa, Pokémon from different species can be this close?]

[This is wild. Never seen anything like it.]

Su Feng was curious about their conversation and silently activated the system's translation feature.

[Points deducted.]

Su Feng: "…"

System, you bloodsucker!

[Shiftry: (Roar…) I lost again…]

[Greninja: (Gra.) Yep, you lost. Feels like you've gotten worse.]

[Shiftry: (Roar!?) Can't you at least comfort me!?]

[Greninja: (Gra.) If you're bad, practice more.]

[Shiftry: (Roar.) Easy for you to say. I've got a whole clan to manage. You're just a lone wolf.]

[Greninja: (Gra?) Wanna trade?]

[Shiftry: (Roar.) Hehe, no way. Stay single forever.]

[Greninja: …]

Su Feng: "…"

Who would've thought the cool, territory-owning Greninja had relationship troubles?

But it made sense. The stronger the Pokémon, the rarer they were. Weak Pokémon like Rattata could have multiple litters a year, while powerful Dragon-types might only have one offspring in a decade.

Despite losing the battle, Shiftry wasn't discouraged. In fact, it seemed to revel in its romantic success, looking smug.

[Shiftry: (Roar!) Bro, I might lose fights, but at least I've got a mate!]

[Greninja: (Gra!) Shut up!]

[Shiftry: (Roar~) Hehe, I'll be back next month. Hope you find someone by then~]

Greninja didn't respond with words but with a Water Shuriken.

Shiftry, anticipating this, dodged gracefully.

[Shiftry: (Roar!) Kids, let's go! Uncle Greninja's mad!]

[Greninja: (Gra!) It's big bro!]

At Shiftry's call, the Nuzleaf waved at Greninja before hopping onto the trees.

"Wait!"

Su Feng quickly stopped a lagging Nuzleaf. "Huh? (What is it, big bro?)" The Nuzleaf looked at Su Feng curiously, showing no fear.

This human was with Greninja, so even if he tried anything, Greninja would stop him.

"Hold on."

Su Feng pretended to rummage through his backpack and pulled out a bag of Energy Blocks tailored for Grass-types, handing it to the Nuzleaf.

The Nuzleaf hesitated, glancing at Greninja.

Su Feng noticed and shoved the bag into its arms.

"Why look at it? It's just a small gift. Share it with your friends."

Only after Greninja nodded did the Nuzleaf accept the gift.

Though it didn't know what the transparent cubes were, the faint aroma seeping through the bag was irresistible!

"Huh! (Thank you, big bro!)" The Nuzleaf bowed slightly before hopping onto a tree to catch up with its group.

"Huh huh? (Hey, what did the human give you?)"

"Huh! (Something tasty. Let's check it out at home!)"

"…"

Watching the retreating figures, Su Feng couldn't help but smile.

"What a polite kid."

[Wow, that Nuzleaf actually bowed to the streamer!]

[This is incredible. It's almost like a human interaction…]

[It felt like visiting relatives during the New Year, getting a red envelope, and only accepting it after my parents said it was okay.]

[Now that you mention it…]

[If Pokémon are this intelligent, it's no surprise they'd develop their own cultures.]

"Every Pokémon has its unique behaviors, but calling it 'culture' might be a stretch," Su Feng explained with a smile, glancing at Greninja.

"By the way, when are you getting a mate? Look at Shiftry—its kids are already grown."

Greninja's eye twitched. Why are you bringing this up too?

"Gra! (Tatami flip!)"

"Whoa!"

Caught off guard, Su Feng was flipped onto the ground by Greninja, landing in a heap.

…

Su Feng, Greninja, Torchic, and Tyrogue chatted over hot pot.

"So, why does Shiftry keep challenging you to duels?"

Su Feng decided to use the remaining translation time to get answers.

"Gra? (Huh?)"

Though unsure if Su Feng could understand, Greninja hesitated before deciding to explain. It wasn't a secret, after all.

It didn't know where it came from. From the moment it could remember, it had lived in this lake.

One day, it encountered a stubborn Pokémon that often came to drink and even play in the water.

Back then, Greninja was still a Frogadier. Though young, it understood the law of the jungle. Aware of its weakness and Shiftry's annoying Grass-type advantage, it chose to endure.

But the leafy-headed troublemaker grew bolder, even practicing Grass-type moves near the water.

Frogadier had enough. It ambushed the Nuzleaf from the water. Despite the surprise attack, Nuzleaf fought back calmly, and the two ended up in a stalemate.

In the end, Frogadier barely won.

Nuzleaf, of course, wasn't satisfied, blaming the loss on the ambush and challenging Frogadier to a rematch the next day.

Frogadier, eager to teach Nuzleaf a lesson, agreed. But to its surprise, it lost the second round.

Now it was Frogadier's turn to demand a rematch. Over time, the two developed a mutual respect.

Years later, Nuzleaf evolved into Shiftry and became the clan's leader. Greninja, now the lake's strongest, no longer lived in fear, protecting the weak and maintaining peace.

Despite their responsibilities, they kept their monthly duel tradition, not just to test their strength but to ensure the other was safe…

Su Feng relayed the story to the audience.

[Wow, it's like a tale of star-crossed rivals turned friends!]

[I ship it!]

[Same here!]

[You guys will ship anything, huh?]

[No, I literally bumped into my desk.]

Su Feng: "…"