Chapter 108: Nasi

Chen Ou approached the grand golden dojo’s main entrance and knocked gently. A warm, sunlit smile graced his face.

After a long moment... no answer.

His smile remained unchanged as he knocked again.

Again, silence.

Bai Ci watched Chen Ou’s stiff smile and helplessly rubbed his forehead.

[So the Red Yew Doctor insisted I follow Chen Ou. Am I really not going to get beaten up?]

“Nazi, I’m here to challenge the dojo,” Chen Ou said, veins bulging on his forehead, barely holding back his frustration.

Ten seconds passed. Just as the flames flickering in Chen Ou’s hand threatened to leap out, a timid male voice came from inside.

“Sorry… Doctor Chen Ou, Lady Nazi said she’s not here. She told me to have you wait here for two hours; she’ll be back then.”

Inside, the young apprentice was utterly flustered.

Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?!

Good heavens, why are these two heavyweights dragging me into their fight?!

Outside stood a promising future powerhouse; inside, the boss who held life and death in her hands.

“The Front Wolf and Rear Tiger”

Listening to the apprentice, Chen Ou took a deep breath and then smiled warmly.

“I see. Looks like Nazi’s afraid of losing too quickly and losing face. Well, I understand — after all, not every dojo master can stomach being fully challenged and then defeated by a novice. It’s embarrassing! So her fear is perfectly normal. In that case, I’ll wait a little longer.”

With a sudden clang, the door swung open!

Bai Ci stared, utterly baffled.

Was it really just that simple a provocation?

Chen Ou slipped his hands into his jacket pockets, then turned to Bai Ci with a playful grin.

“It’s not about new moves, just what works.”

The apprentice who had been slammed backward by the door stood up, clutching his bleeding nose, wiped the blood away, and saluted Chen Ou.

“Doctor, this way, please.”

Chen Ou shook his head in resignation at the apprentice’s appearance and patted his shoulder.

“Don’t worry. Nazi is a magnanimous person. If she hurt you, she’ll make it right.”

He then strode forward, drawn by the telekinetic pull Nazi was using to keep him moving.

Bai Ci bowed slightly to the apprentice, then hurried to catch up.

The apprentice sighed in relief. Thanks to Chen Ou’s words, his pain hadn’t been in vain. After all, what Chen Ou said about Nazi’s generosity was true—but Nazi wouldn’t bother about a lowly apprentice like him. Anyone allowed to learn psychic powers at the Golden Dojo was already a great favor from Lady Nazi.

But Nazi’s vanity was undeniable. So if Chen Ou said she’d compensate, and she didn’t, it would mean she was petty—something she’d never do.

The apprentice bowed deeply toward Chen Ou’s retreating back.

Meanwhile, Chen Ou didn’t dwell on the impact of his casual remark on the apprentice’s future. He understood Nazi well enough to know she would make amends, though what and how she’d compensate was none of his concern. Unconsciously, Chen Ou had reached a position where even a small action or word could alter someone’s life.

As this realization sank in, a slight heaviness settled in his heart. From now on, he would need to be cautious in front of strangers.

After all, a complaint or a gesture from him could decide someone’s fate.

Chen Ou smiled wryly.

“I really have no interest in this kind of power.”

He muttered softly.

Of course, Bai Ci, following closely behind, heard every word. Despite his youth, Bai Ci was bright and quickly grasped the nuances. He couldn’t help but admire Chen Ou’s prowess.

“Chen Ou, you seem to be quite formidable now,” Bai Ci remarked.

Chen Ou rolled his eyes and then ruffled the twin buns atop Bai Ci’s head.

“Want some? You in?”

Bai Ci pushed Chen Ou’s “magic claws” away indignantly.

“Stop touching my head! If you keep it up, I’ll never grow taller!”

Chen Ou shrugged.

“How tall do you want to be?”

Before Bai Ci could reply, Chen Ou felt someone grab his head and gently turn it forward.

He sighed.

“Alright, alright, I get it. Let’s go, we’re almost there!”

He quickened his pace.

Bai Ci snorted softly and followed, but Chen Ou’s question lingered in her mind.

“Want some? You in?”

If she ever faced such a situation... what would she do?

After pondering, Bai Ci found no answer and shook her head, burying the question deep within.

The Golden Dojo was indeed vast. After another ten minutes navigating the labyrinthine corridors, they finally glimpsed an exit.

Fortunately, trainers in the Pokémon world might lack in some areas, but stamina and endurance were never issues. After all, traveling outdoors was like daily cross-country running.

Climbing mountains, crossing rivers... this winding corridor was flat ground, so it wasn’t tiring.

A few steps further, and the space suddenly opened up.

A colossal arena, reminiscent of an ancient Roman coliseum, stood before them. No superfluous decoration, yet clean and sharp with an antique charm. Carvings of psychic-type Pokémon adorned the pillars—masterful, ancient craftsmanship imbued with the weight of time, lending the arena an air of solemnity and heritage. Clearly, this was no ordinary battleground.

Only upon seeing the arena did Chen Ou realize that Nazi and Gardenia shared a similarity: neither came from humble origins. Gardenia was a noblewoman of the Unova region; Nazi’s family was a longstanding powerhouse in the Kanto region.

This arena likely passed down through Nazi’s family for generations.

A woman stood at the center, dressed in a red camisole, her light gray hair cut into a shoulder-length bob, clad in white pants. She was warming up.

Chen Ou winced at the heavy wrist weights on Nazi’s arms.

Was this how a psychic user dressed?

No, it was a fighter’s attire!

Nazi caught sight of Chen Ou’s casual appearance and snorted coldly.

She didn’t speak, only shot him a disdainful sideways glance.

Chen Ou scratched the back of his head.

“Long time no see, Nazi.”