"Hahaha, I didn't want to know about what was happening outside, but the bloody smell on him was too strong, so I more or less guessed."
Grandpa Shiping laughed heartily. Beneath his ordinary appearance, he lacked none of the wisdom he should have had.
Seeing this, Sato and Cynthia felt much more at ease, and a little more hope rose in their hearts as they frantically considered when it would be appropriate to ask for guidance.
But the next moment...
"Alright, you've had your tea and your meal, and thank you for listening to this old man ramble for so long.
"But this isn't a place where you should stay for long. Return to the world you belong to."
The two froze, their moods plunging like a roller coaster.
Why was this old man driving them away just like that?! After a long silence, Cynthia stood up first and gave Shiping a respectful bow.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Grandpa Shiping. Sorry for the presumptuous interruption. We'll take our leave first!"
Seeing this, Sato silently stood up as well and bowed, his respect undiminished.
"Thank you for your hospitality!"
Then, beneath the silent gazes of one man and three Pokémon, Sato and Cynthia left the wooden house with Hunter X.
Click!
The door shut. Shiping said nothing as he stared at the dim room for a long time without moving.
"Sneasel?"
"Forget it. Don't delay the two children's great future."
Shiping shook his head at his old partner, but his spirit, energy, and vitality seemed to vanish by more than half in an instant.
"Serp~"
Serperior gently swayed its tail, and a faint grassy fragrance spread through the air. Shiping's condition visibly improved.
"I'm fine, Serperior."
"Tch!"
Serperior turned its head away, clearly dissatisfied with Shiping's indecisive personality. Yet it