Ch. 21Geniuses and Consumables!
Chapter Summary: “Geniuses and Consumables!”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Mu Yun returns home with Weedle, choosing to keep it outside its Poké Ball because he believes constant confinement would negatively affect a Pokémon’s mental health.
- On the way, he examines two wild Pidgey: a level-9 male with Tangled Feet and a level-11 female with Keen Eye. Both have only Normal-level potential.
- Curious whether the exceptionally capable “greedy Pidgey” is strong because of its species or because of its individual talent, Mu Yun proposes a test. He offers the Pidgey apples if they can dodge Weedle’s String Shot five times.
- The male Pidgey is struck immediately by the first String Shot, despite being prepared. The female manages to evade one attack but is caught by the remaining three.
- Mu Yun realizes that ordinary Pidgey are not naturally as skilled as the greedy Pidgey; that particular Pokémon is unusually talented in battle.
- Weedle gains String Shot proficiency from the simulated battle, receiving extra progress because of his intense fighting spirit and emotional stimulation from Mu Yun’s encouragement.
- Mu Yun rewards the defeated Pidgey with seven apples. Their String Shot bindings will naturally disappear after roughly an hour.
Character Developments
- Mu Yun demonstrates his analytical and experimental approach to Pokémon training. Rather than relying on assumptions about species, he tests individual abilities and talent.
- He gains a clearer understanding of Weedle’s progress. Weedle’s perfected String Shot ability is revealed to be genuinely impressive, but Mu Yun had underestimated it by comparing him with a rare genius rather than ordinary Pokémon.
- Weedle takes the battle seriously because he views Pidgey as difficult opponents. His successful attacks and emotional investment improve his String Shot proficiency.
- The two ordinary Pidgey are shown to be harmless, inexperienced, and easily tempted by food. Their confidence quickly disappears when faced with Weedle’s attacks.
- The previously encountered greedy Pidgey is indirectly characterized as an exceptional individual whose combat ability far exceeds that of normal members of its species.
Significant Themes
- Nature versus individual talent: Species-wide traits do not determine every Pokémon’s capabilities. The greedy Pidgey’s strength comes from exceptional personal talent rather than inherent Pidgey superiority.
- Perspective and comparison: Weedle seems less impressive only because Mu Yun compares him to a genius. When measured against ordinary Pokémon, Weedle’s perfected String Shot is shown to be remarkably powerful.
- Training through emotion: Strong feelings—especially determination and fighting spirit—can increase a Pokémon’s learning and move proficiency.
- Experimentation and observation: Mu Yun learns about Pokémon abilities through practical testing rather than relying solely on descriptions or assumptions.
- “Geniuses” and “consumables”: The chapter contrasts rare, highly talented Pokémon with ordinary ones that can be used as convenient benchmarks or training targets, though Mu Yun still treats the latter kindly and rewards them.
Character Interactions
- Mu Yun speaks to the two Pidgey in a friendly, game-like manner, using apples to persuade them to participate.
- Weedle responds earnestly to Mu Yun’s request and attacks with concentrated String Shot, while Mu Yun encourages and praises him afterward.
- The male Pidgey’s immediate defeat appears to awaken the female’s competitive spirit, but even her superior level and Keen Eye cannot overcome Weedle’s perfected technique.
- Although the Pidgey lose, Mu Yun gives them apples as compensation. The birds interpret his generosity as proof that he is a good person, creating a humorous contrast with their earlier overconfidence.