Officer Jenny told Xin Mu that they would deal with similar issues, but said little else.
The report had been a false alarm, but they still could not simply disclose the informant's identity. That would violate regulations, so they would handle the follow-up themselves.
A few more days passed after that. The end of the year drew closer, and a light layer of fuzz grew back on Litten.
Although she had not returned to normal yet, she no longer looked like a hairless cat, and her spirits had improved considerably.
Before he knew it, Lunar New Year's Eve had arrived-the first New Year since he had come to this world where Pokémon existed.
Most people who worked away from home had already returned to their hometowns. Half the shops along the streets had closed, though plenty of liquor stores and supermarkets were still open as usual.
This morning was essentially their last stretch of business. By noon, the shops would all be closing.
They had already stocked up on enough supplies at home, but Xin Mu still went out for a stroll to see whether there was anything else they needed.
"Meow~ (So many people.)"
All sorts of pedestrians flowed along the streets. Some supermarket entrances were so packed that people were pressed together like a school of Wishiwashi.
Meownei had been here before, but had no idea where all these people had come from.
"That's normal. It only happens once a year."
"Meow. (True...)"
"Mrow?"
Xin Mu was wearing a hoodie underneath his outer clothes today, and its hood had become a "vehicle."
Litten was lying in his hood. The crowds made her uncomfortable; back when she had been a stray, she had always kept as far away from people as possible.
That was something the Meowth had taught