Chapter 107: The Golden Way Dojo

Golden City was vast, and correspondingly, the Golden Dojo was the most luxurious dojo Chen Ou had ever seen—at least from the outside.

What was even more striking was that there were hardly any other buildings near the Golden Dojo. It stood alone, solitary and imposing. Keep in mind, this was no suburban area; this was the commercial heart of Golden City, where every inch of land was precious. Yet, such a large open space had been reserved around the dojo...

“Is this a plaza near the Golden Dojo? Why aren’t there any buildings around?” Bai Ci asked, gazing at the vast emptiness surrounding the dojo with confusion.

Chen Ou heard the innocent question and couldn’t help but smile wryly.

“Just know this: most people choose to keep their distance from that woman, Nazzi,” he said.

Seeing Chen Ou’s obvious reluctance to elaborate, paired with a ‘you’ll understand soon enough’ expression, Bai Ci, though puzzled, nodded and didn’t press further.

Speaking of Nazzi, in the original animated series, she was gloomy yet still retained a hint of childlike innocence. After Ash and Gastly managed to make her laugh, many things changed.

But from what Chen Ou understood, this Nazzi was more like the one in the manga: a former member of Team Rocket who reformed and became the dojo master of Golden City’s main dojo. She was also a renowned film actress...

Yes, a film actress again. It seemed like a pretty good side career—or perhaps even her main occupation—since both Karen and Nazzi chose acting as their hobby.

Moreover, Nazzi could help directors save significant costs on special effects and insurance for dangerous stunts. Truly a blessing for the industry.

Speaking of which, if Gardenia wanted to become a movie star, Chen Ou guessed she would surely be the next rising star.

After all, Gardenia’s looks surpassed even Nazzi’s.

Just as he was thinking this, a mental shock suddenly struck Chen Ou’s mind, setting his head ablaze with a vivid, crimson flame.

Startled, Bai Ci quickly grabbed Chen Ou’s hand and steadied him, anxiously asking, “Chen Ou, what’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing. Don’t be scared. I just got caught talking bad about someone and got smacked for it. It’s normal,” Chen Ou’s voice came from within the flames atop his head, and soon his head returned to normal.

He tugged his hand free from Bai Ci’s grasp, gritting his teeth and growling, “You stingy little thing! I just said you weren’t as pretty as Gardenia! We haven’t even entered the dojo and your Nazzi is already showing her power?”

And with that, his head cracked open again...

“I’m cracking up.”

At this moment, Bai Ci didn’t even know what expression to make. On one hand, Nazzi was petty but knew Chen Ou couldn’t be hurt, so her punishment wasn’t entirely unfair. On the other hand, if you said she wasn’t petty, well, Gardenia was indeed more beautiful than her... No, not more beautiful—less beautiful!

Just as Bai Ci felt something stroking her forehead, she immediately changed her mind, her will to live evident.

At the same time, Chen Ou’s hand covered Bai Ci’s head, flames flickering on the back of his hand as he said, “Don’t use that kind of mind-reading or telepathy on kids—it can leave psychological scars!”

“Hmph!” A cold snort echoed silently in their hearts. Then Bai Ci felt the air lighten around her, and the intrusive sensation vanished.

“Phew,” she exhaled, patting her chest in relief, then turned to Chen Ou with a smile. “Thank you.”

Chen Ou promptly gave her a playful bop on the head. The force was enough to make Bai Ci clutch her forehead, eyes welling with tears.

“What was that for?”

Chen Ou pointed a finger at the pitiful expression on Bai Ci’s face and said, “Lesson one: until you have the ability or something to protect yourself, don’t badmouth high-level psychics in front of them. The same goes for divine beasts with telepathic skills. Some people use telepathy as mind-reading.”

Bai Ci pouted, tears brimming in her eyes, but nodded.

She knew Chen Ou meant well.

Chen Ou rubbed the spot he had just smacked, then headed toward the Golden Dojo.

Bai Ci wiped the grievance from her face and followed closely behind.

Speaking of which, Chen Ou had met most of the dojo masters and various other figures.

No surprise—no matter how much Chen Ou had stayed home these past five years, visiting Professor Oak, Gardenia, Karen, and Nanami was countless times.

After all, these four carried considerable prestige in their respective fields.

No need to mention Professor Oak, a leading figure in research and a driving force behind the Trainer craze. Any researcher in Kanto wanted to chat with him, so Pallet Town was the preferred destination for research gatherings. Professor Oak welcomed everyone and usually chatted with visitors. If Nanami was baking, Chen Ou would serve tea and sneak in a few words with his restless mouth.

With Chen Ou’s research skills, a few words could leave a deep impression, especially with Professor Oak backing him. Though Chen Ou hadn’t published notable results, many visitors had noticed him, at least enough to recognize his face.

Then there were trainers seeking out Karen and Gardenia. Though neither still held the Champion position—Gardenia at least remained the gym leader of Eterna City, while Karen was a civilian—their strength was formidable.

People often talked about how strong Flint, Cynthia, and Lance were, but when it came to Karen, most would say something like, “Never fought her, don’t know much, but really want to.”

Many wanted to challenge Karen and Gardenia. While not all who came to fight, quite a few did. At least the Four Kings and most gym leaders in Kanto and Sinnoh hadn’t missed the chance.

And Chen Ou naturally enjoyed watching the spectacle. With his sharp tongue, many remembered him, some became good friends, others became rivals.

Tate became a troublesome companion, Karen a good friend, Rika a good friend, and Nazzi a rival...

After all, with Chen Ou’s cheeky mouth and Nazzi’s fiery temper, when these two met, it was like a lit match thrown into a powder keg—

An explosion.

Yet, amid their banter, Chen Ou and Nazzi forged a solid friendship. Thanks to Karen and Gardenia’s reputations, and Chen Ou’s typically measured jabs, no real grudges formed. Of course, there were many who disliked Chen Ou, like Brock.

People are not like money—you can’t expect everyone to like you.

Thus, Chen Ou and Bai Ci arrived at the main entrance and began knocking.

“Little bunny Nazzi~ open the door~...” Chen Ou sang, while Bai Ci panicked...