Ch. 681Hmm... Suicune and Entei...
Chapter Summary: “Hmm... Suicune and Entei...”
Key Plot Points and Events
- The chapter explains that elemental energy is the true foundation of a Pokémon’s strength. Legendary Pokémon are powerful not only because of higher base stats, but because they possess enormous energy reserves and recover energy exceptionally quickly.
- Raikou is helping Electivire absorb and adapt to its electricity. Thanks to Electivire’s Motor Drive ability, it can convert Raikou’s power into its own energy. If successful, this will greatly improve Electivire’s recovery and make it comparable to a Mega-Evolved Pokémon in practical strength.
- Raikou has become increasingly comfortable under Heiduo’s care, enjoying food, rest, and massages. Although it originally wished to repay Ho-Oh and oppose the Masked Man, it is now considering remaining with Heiduo after the crisis.
- Heiduo begins considering whether he can obtain and use the powers of the other Legendary Beasts, especially Entei’s Sacred Fire and possibly Suicune’s abilities. He also wonders whether Ho-Oh’s revival power or Sacred Ash could enhance his own Pokémon.
- The Bell Tower in Ecruteak City is nearly complete. Pryce has carved a special Ho-Oh statue that glows when Ho-Oh approaches, allowing the group to detect its return.
- Yellow and her uncle, Wilton, arrive to say goodbye before traveling to Olivine City. Heiduo asks to accompany them, claiming he wants to investigate rare Pokémon in the Whirl Islands.
- Yellow eagerly agrees, while Wilton is more cautious. Heiduo’s actual motive is to remain close to events involving Crystal, the Legendary Beasts, Lugia, and the Bell Tower.
- Professor Oak has requested information about Raikou, but Raikou refuses to be transported for research. Heiduo instead agrees to send basic data and biological samples.
Character Developments
- Heiduo becomes more ambitious and opportunistic. His desire to defeat the Masked Man expands into an interest in acquiring Legendary powers for his Pokémon, particularly Sacred Fire for Charizard.
- Raikou grows attached to Heiduo and increasingly treats his home as a comfortable refuge. Its formerly urgent and heroic mission is being softened by its enjoyment of domestic life, though it still feels some guilt about becoming complacent.
- Electivire continues its long-term evolution by incorporating Raikou’s electricity. Its training demonstrates both its unusual compatibility with external energy and its potential to reach a level comparable to Mega Evolution.
- Umbreon remains skeptical of Heiduo’s risky theories, acting as a voice of caution, while Heiduo relies on previous successes to justify his experiments.
- Yellow remains trusting, cheerful, and innocent. She immediately welcomes Heiduo into the journey, showing her continued faith in people despite the dangers surrounding the Legendary Pokémon.
- Wilton is responsible and cautious, hesitating before accepting Heiduo as a companion.
- Yunsheng is shown to be working tirelessly behind the scenes to complete the Bell Tower, managing workers, supplies, and logistics.
- Professor Oak is fascinated by Raikou and disappointed that it refuses to participate in research, but he accepts Heiduo’s offer to provide data and samples.
Significant Themes
- Energy as the basis of power: The chapter establishes a more detailed system of Pokémon strength, emphasizing energy reserves, recovery speed, and the ability to absorb or transform foreign energy.
- The limits of game logic versus reality: Unlike games, where mechanics are simplified for balance, Pokémon in this world possess complex biological and energetic differences.
- Comfort versus duty: Raikou’s growing attachment to Heiduo contrasts with its original determination to repay Ho-Oh and fight the Masked Man.
- Ambition and exploitation: Heiduo’s thoughts about borrowing or collecting the Legendary Beasts’ abilities raise questions about whether his actions are respectful cooperation or the exploitation of powerful Pokémon.
- Trust and loyalty: Yellow trusts Heiduo immediately, while Raikou’s relationship with him develops through comfort and mutual purpose rather than openly declared loyalty.
- Preparation for major events: The nearly completed Bell Tower, Ho-Oh’s anticipated return, and the characters’ movement toward Olivine and the Whirl Islands set up future encounters with Crystal, Suicune, Lugia, and the other Legendary Beasts.
Important Character Interactions
- Heiduo reassures Umbreon that Electivire’s transformation is possible because similar energy-transfer experiments have worked before.
- Heiduo’s care of Raikou creates a relaxed, almost domestic bond, with Raikou treating him as a potential permanent owner.
- Heiduo plans to use his journey with Yellow and Wilton to stay involved in the Legendary Beasts’ storyline without revealing his connection to Blue’s objectives.
- Yellow enthusiastically accepts Heiduo’s company, while Wilton’s hesitation highlights the difference between Yellow’s openness and his protective caution.
- Heiduo and Professor Oak cooperate indirectly: Oak wants to study Raikou, but Heiduo respects Raikou’s refusal and offers only noninvasive information and samples.