The method Sister Xiangfen uses to search for wild Pokémon is quite unique.
It was also through this chance that Baimu learned from the narration why she always managed to find injured Pokémon.
Firstly, while collecting herbs in the past, she often discovered nests left by various wild Pokémon, and sometimes encountered situations where injured Pokémon would come to snatch them, drawing experiences from these occurrences;
Secondly, she relied on her nose, which could easily distinguish among hundreds of herbs and pick out subtle differences in essences. This allowed her to detect the special scent carried by injured Pokémon.
So when she walked into the forest, she didn't do any unnecessary things.
[You begin using your sense of smell to search for wild Pokémon nearby]
"What kind of nose is this, a godly nose?" he joked, though he didn't underestimate Sister Xiangfen and Roselia's fighting power, especially since previous medical assistance had already proven a lot.
What surprised him, however, was that Sister Xiangfen clearly discovered many wild Pokémon, but each time she only stood and watched for a while before leaving.
Not satisfied?
The narration provided an answer.
[You see those Pokémon enjoying a relaxing soak in the hot springs, free and carefree, and can't bring yourself to disrupt their good mood, so you give up]
There are many open-air hot springs in the forests near Lavaridge Town, which are especially beloved by wild Pokémon because, as advertised, they can cure a hundred ailments.
Watching Sister Xiangfen simply watch as a Pokémon headed towards the hot spring without stopping it,
Baimu realized it was the effect of the "Kind-hearted" trait.
It seemed likely that Sister Xiangfen would have a hard time capturing Pokémon through normal means; she might need to rely on gifts or the willingness of the Pokémon—
Huh? Appearance Reflects the Heart!
He suddenly remembered this trait, which was said to attract Pokémon matching one's looks.
How is Sister Xiangfen's appearance?
Baimu observed her pixelated face for a while, unable to discern her beauty, but figured it couldn't be bad… probably.
As he pondered this, Sister Xiangfen walked out of the forest feeling gloomy, her head surrounded by chaotic lines, and Roselia's mood also wasn't great.
But before the scene could pan out, an exclamation mark suddenly appeared at the forest's edge.
Then a Bellossom ran out, holding a pale pink glass bottle in its hands, and trotting over to Sister Xiangfen.
[You see Bellossom with the self-made essence in its hands, realizing belatedly that something had been dropped, making you feel full of gratitude]
Sister Xiangfen took the essence from Bellossom and then pulled out another bottle from her bag, opening it.
[You repay Bellossom by showing it your latest creation. The fresh fragrance makes Bellossom dance irresistibly]
This! This is!
Baimu widened his eyes, watching Bellossom finish its dance, while Sister Xiangfen applauded. Before she prepared to leave, the former hurried to catch up, exclaiming, "Wow!"
The effect of Appearance Reflects the Heart is so quick!
The narration popped up to establish presence.
[You realize that Bellossom seems to want to follow you, surprising and delighting you, having not expected the essence to have such an effect]
No, it's because of your looks!
He tightly gripped the teacup, feeling restless inside. Bellossom, beauty, it seems Sister Xiangfen's attractiveness is already confirmed.
With enough beauty to make a Bellossom willingly come over, it's likely the subsequent Pokémon won't be "ugly" either.
But with Grass-type Pokémon…
Baimu felt concerned as he watched Sister Xiangfen joyfully capture Bellossom; two Grass-type Pokémon, how would they fare against a Fire-type Gym?
For now, only one is missing, hopefully, Sister Xiangfen can find one that counters Fire-types next.
[You return to Lavaridge Town, sharing the good news of acquiring a new companion with your friend, who initially feels happy but becomes furious upon hearing that you were shut out of the Lavaridge Gym]
In the scene, Sister Xiangfen returned to Lavaridge Town and shared the good news with her friend. Her friend was happy at first, but then a series of grid marks appeared above her head.
She directly dragged Sister Xiangfen to the Lavaridge Gym, kicking the door open and catching the Gym Leader training Pokémon on the spot.
[You hear your friend angrily finding trouble with the Lavaridge Hall Master and learn they were childhood friends, and the friend had already mentioned your presence and asked the Gym Leader to look after you]
Childhood friends—
Baimu carefully looked at Sister Xiangfen's friend's hair color, noting it was actually dark red, wondering if Yasha's hair color was inherited from her grandmother?
The narration continued.
The Lavaridge Hall Master had indeed received instructions from his childhood friend, but being a strict and serious man, he stated that being able to challenge with just three Pokémon was already the lowest standard. For others, even acquiring five badges would be required to challenge his gym. Knowing someone? Knowing someone also was of no use.
His serious demeanor had Grandma Yasha almost fuming at the ears, with Sister Xiangfen promptly stepping in to mediate and make peace.
[You comfort your friend and apologize to the Lavaridge Hall Master, stating you only wanted to see the Pokémon not found in the Hoenn Region]
Luckily, the Lavaridge Hall Master, while serious, wasn't a fool. Upon hearing Sister Xiangfen's words, he immediately invited her to meet that Pokémon—a Darumaka from the Unova Region.
In Sister Xiangfen's era, the term Unova Region was a very distant concept. Especially for someone like her, who rarely left home, silently conducting research, unfamiliar Pokémon were immensely exciting.
The Lavaridge Hall Master saw her eagerly bringing out bottles and jars, assuming she had ulterior motives for the Darumaka, only to learn she was preparing essences to soothe it.
[You tell the Lavaridge Hall Master about your dream of creating an essence suitable for all Pokémon]
The Lavaridge Hall Master watched for a while before suggesting she try the Gym challenge and then participate in the League tournament, where trainers from all over Hoenn and even around the world gather. She could meet all sorts of different Pokémon there.
[Hearing that you could see Pokémon from around the world, your originally planned travel intentions boiled up, hastily making up your mind with hardly any hesitation]
Sister Xiangfen's resolute demeanor made Grandma Yasha a bit worried, uncertain if the former could become interested in Pokémon battles.
Baimu learned through the narration that Pokémon battles had not yet become a global trend, and even the Hoenn League tournament had only been held five times.
Sister Xiangfen expressed not to underestimate her, thereby officially setting her gym challenge journey, driven by the desire to encounter more Pokémon and create essences adaptable to all Pokémon.
"So this is the prelude? It's kind of long…"
Baimu adjusted himself to a more comfortable position to lie down.
However, even at this stage, the Lavaridge Hall Master was unwilling to relent, maintaining the minimum standard of three Pokémon.
But he hinted to Sister Xiangfen that the requirements of gyms in other cities might not be as high.