"Master~ Master~"
The sweet, soft call drifted lightly through the window, like a greeting, yet also as though she feared disturbing someone's rest.
Baimu said, "Come in. I'm already awake."
"Okay~"
Akari chuckled as she slid the door open and entered.
Blue tatami mats surrounded a fire pit filled with blazing charcoal. Baimu sat cross-legged beside it, maintaining Mawile's important massive jaws.
Nearby were Hydreigon, whose fur had already been brushed, along with Blissey and the other Pokémon.
Even Shiny Gengar looked as though its skin had been coated in lard, reflecting a rich sheen beneath the lamplight.
Akari's eyes lit up. "Master~ What are you doing?"
"Keeping Pokémon physically healthy is a key factor in improving their combat strength."
Baimu beckoned to her Pikachu. "Come here."
"Pika?"
The yellow mouse Pokémon approached in confusion, only for its cheeks to be pinched. Its vital area being touched, it instinctively discharged electricity.
Bzzzt!
Akari let out a startled cry, but Baimu continued kneading without changing expression. The lightning released from Pikachu's cheek pouches visibly weakened.
After he rubbed them a few more times, Pikachu was already lying comfortably in his arms.
"Pii~ kaa~ chuu~~~"
The pampered cry left Akari dumbfounded. "M-Master, you don't feel anything when it uses Thunder Shock on you?"
"I'm wearing insulated gloves."
Baimu smiled and waved his hands.
He always wore gloves while brushing fur. Otherwise, the Static in Hydreigon's black fur alone would crackle for ages.
Insulated gloves?
Akari leaned closer curiously and could not resist reaching out to touch them. Sure enough, she felt a thin, elastic protective layer.
"That's amazing!"
At that moment, Akari had practically transformed into someone who thought everything she saw was amazing.
Baimu generously gave her a spare pair of insulated gloves.
"You'll need to do these things yourself in