Master of the Art of Tea: Xu Mu

Inside the tree hollow, Xu Mu used the firelight to prepare Pokémon Food and lunch while admiring Cynthia's stunning face.

He couldn't have been happier!

Mom, I think I've found true love. I'm going to win this girl's heart!

"Um, why is it so noisy outside? Did something happen?"

Cynthia was adorably innocent, but she wasn't stupid.

In some ways, she was like that fool Ash: she had a pure heart and an extraordinary talent for battle.

As for anything outside of battle, she paid little attention.

Hearing screams from outside the tree hollow, Cynthia asked Xu Mu about them.

"Ahem, outside the tree hollow..."

Xu Mu covered his mouth to hide a laugh, unsure how to explain.

Then an idea struck him.

"A pillar of fire shot up from Viridian Forest just now. Maybe a Legendary Pokémon appeared, so things are a bit chaotic outside."

"Those sounds are probably from a battle. With things this chaotic, fights are bound to break out."

"When we go out, remember to hold my hand. If we run into danger, I'm afraid I won't be able to protect you in time otherwise."

After saying that, Xu Mu marveled at how clever he was.

I even came up with an excuse to hold her hand. I've outdone myself!

Cynthia blinked her big eyes, looking puzzled.

"What does danger have to do with holding hands?"

Xu Mu hurried to explain. "Of course it matters! If a Pokémon suddenly appears and attacks us, I can grab you right away and take the hit for you!"

Only then did Cynthia nod in understanding.

She still had her doubts. Her instincts told her something was off.

But Cynthia didn't want to dwell on it. Thinking too much was exhausting.

Xu Mu was such a good person. He had just saved her, and now he was making her lunch. Someone that kind wouldn't lie to her.

A long while later, Greninja walked into the tree hollow, clapping his hands.

"Come eat. We were waiting for you." Taken care of?

"Gren!"

[Of course!]

Xu Mu and Greninja exchanged a knowing smile.

Xu Mu might have been easygoing, but he had quite a temper.

He was the sort of petty man who never let a slight go unanswered, and he made no secret of it.

That middle-aged man had shown off in front of Cynthia. How could Xu Mu let him go without teaching him a lesson?

Luckily, the girl was Cynthia, and luckily, Xu Mu was strong.

Otherwise, the man's attempt to show him up would definitely have hurt Xu Mu's standing with her!

So Greninja had to give him a beating and teach him how to behave.

Xu Mu saw nothing wrong with it, either. If your parents won't teach you how to get by in society, I will!

How kind of me. Free lessons, no tuition!

After lunch, Xu Mu finally got to hold Cynthia's hand, and the two set off.

"Did you make any plans for your trip here?"

Enjoying the soft, smooth feel of her hand, Xu Mu asked happily.

"Plans?"

Cynthia looked puzzled and raised her head to think.

"I don't think so. Does going wherever looks nice count as a plan?"

Xu Mu shook his head, delighted.

No plans? Perfect. The more spontaneous she is, the better my chances!

Hahaha!

"I'm planning to travel for a year too, to see all the beautiful sights this world has to offer. Want to go together?"

An invitation!

A perfectly open invitation!

Xu Mu knew that with a pure-hearted girl like Cynthia, there was no point beating around the bush. Being direct was the only way.

"Sure!"

Cynthia agreed without hesitation.

"You're the first friend I've made since coming to the Eastern Lands!"

Hearing that, Xu Mu smiled.

There wasn't a trace of guile in his smile. It was gentle, sincere, and bright.

He looked like the dependable boy next door, someone she could trust.

"Then I'm honored. You're the first friend I've made from Western Europe, too."

As he spoke, Xu Mu raised Cynthia's hand.

"Friends forever!"

Cynthia smiled happily and echoed him. "Yes, friends forever!"

Gible suddenly sprang high off the ground and clamped his jaws onto Xu Mu's head!

You bastard! I knew there was something fishy about you!

You're trying to win over my darling!

I'll bite you to death!

Gible had disliked Xu Mu the whole way. He'd suspected from the start that Xu Mu had designs on Cynthia.

Now he was certain: Xu Mu was after Cynthia!

Keep your hands off my darling! I'll bite you to death!

Xu Mu was caught completely off guard by the bite.

"Ah!"

"Gible, what are you doing? Let go!"

Cynthia stared in shock at Gible's sudden attack on Xu Mu and hurriedly shouted at him.

Gible frantically tried to explain!

[This guy's after you! I'm going to bite him to death!]

[He's a man, and so am I. You think I don't know what he's up to?]

[Damn it, I can't even speak clearly with my mouth full of his head!]

Gible waved his little arms, desperate to say something, but he couldn't get the words out.

And even if he could, it wouldn't help. Cynthia couldn't understand him...

"Let go, Gible!"

Cynthia was getting angry. She stepped forward, grabbed Gible, and tried to pull him off.

With Cynthia stopping him, Gible failed to bite Xu Mu to death. All he managed to do was leave a row of tooth marks on Xu Mu's head.

"Xu Mu, are you okay? I'm sorry. Gible's always been so well-behaved. I never thought he'd suddenly bite you..."

Cynthia looked ready to cry. Her eyes red, she kept apologizing.

As a seasoned lech, Xu Mu guessed what Gible was thinking right away.

But you're just a Pokémon. You want to take me on?

You've got a lot to learn!

"It's fine. Gible was probably just playing with me."

Xu Mu forced a smile and went on:

"If I remember right, Gible's teeth grow quickly, so he often likes to bite things."

Cynthia nodded. Gible did often bite things—and tear up the house...

But as she looked at Xu Mu with concern, she wanted to point out that Gible had never bitten a person before...

"I'm really fine. Gible didn't bite down hard at all. He probably bit me because he likes me."

Xu Mu continued to explain.

Not only did he pretend nothing had happened, he turned to Gible and said, "Right, Gible?"

Gible watched glumly as his darling fell for Xu Mu's lies. Xu Mu had her so thoroughly charmed that she wasn't even concerned about the one who'd leaped to her defense.

When Xu Mu addressed him, Gible was about to deny it.

Then a crushing pressure washed over him!

It was Greninja!

[Kid, think carefully. Say the wrong thing, and you'll learn why they call me the school of hard knocks!]

Gible caved instantly!

"Gible!"

He instantly turned into an obedient little darling and leaped into Xu Mu's arms, letting Xu Mu rub his big head.