Chapter 28: Farewell
In the blink of an eye, Su Feng had camped by the lake for a week.
Since the epic battle between Shiftry and Greninja, nothing particularly eventful had happened. Su Feng continued his usual routine of educating viewers about Pokémon while documenting the habits of the lake's residents.
Notably, Torchic and Tyrogue had grown significantly stronger through their training. Torchic's progress was especially remarkable—it could now hold its own against Tyrogue in evenly matched sparring sessions.
As for Greninja, it remained aloof, but after sharing its story with Su Feng, the bond between them had deepened. At the very least, Greninja rarely refused Su Feng's requests now.
Thanks to Torchic and Tyrogue, Greninja had also befriended many lower-level Pokémon. Even after Su Feng's departure, Greninja wouldn't be as lonely as before.
But even the closest companions must part ways. With Torchic's training goals achieved and all nearby Pokémon documented, there was no reason to stay any longer.
The next morning, Su Feng prepared a final meal of grilled fish for Greninja and Tyrogue. Seeing Su Feng's packed belongings, Greninja seemed to sense what was coming. Instead of eating alone in the trees, it silently sat between Torchic and Su Feng, nibbling its fish.
The group ate their farewell meal in quiet solemnity. Viewers, aware of Su Feng's plans, bid their own silent goodbyes to Greninja and Tyrogue in the chat.
Once everything was packed, Su Feng pulled out two large bags of specialized Energy Blocks from his backpack—one for Greninja, one for Tyrogue.
"These are high-grade Energy Blocks tailored for you. They're better than the regular ones you've been eating."
"They might not taste as good as grilled fish, but they're healthier. Only two a day—any more and you'll get chubby."
Su Feng handed them their usual bowls, now engraved with their portraits by the system.
"Keep these as mementos. Look at them when you miss me."
"Gra~"
"Tyro tyro!"
Greninja remained stoic, but Tyrogue burst into tears, snot bubbles forming.
Su Feng sighed fondly and crouched to pat Tyrogue's head.
"C'mon, you're a 'Guts' Pokémon! Where's that courage?"
"Tyro…" Tyrogue sniffled, trying to look tough.
But the sight of its snot bubbles made Su Feng snort.
"Pfft—"
Tyrogue: "…"
Greninja: "…"
Torchic: "…"
Really? Laughing at a moment like this?
"Hahaha—sorry, couldn't help it!"
The chat erupted.
[I was tearing up! How dare you ruin the mood!]
[LMAO, same here!]
[This is so bittersweet… I'll miss Greninja so much!]
[Greninja! How will I live without youuu!]
[I used to hate Pokémon, but now I see they're just like us—emotional, cultural, full of potential.]
[I want to leave the city and meet Pokémon too!]
[Same! +1]
Su Feng smiled at the comments, warmth flooding his chest. All his streaming efforts felt worthwhile.
…
The somber mood lightened after Su Feng's laughter.
"Alright, this is far enough."
At the edge of the Starfall Forest, Su Feng stopped and turned to the two Pokémon behind him.
"Greninja, keep getting stronger. Don't let Torchic surpass you!"
"Gra~"
"Chirp!"
Torchic, nestled in Su Feng's arms, protested as Greninja gave it a dismissive side-eye.
"And Tyrogue." Su Feng crouched to meet its gaze. "Keep training hard. Help Greninja protect this forest."
"Tyro!"
No longer tearful, Tyrogue nodded resolutely.
With a final wave, Su Feng walked away, leaving a carefree背影.
"See you!"
"Tyro!"
"…"
Keep growing stronger…
Greninja clenched its fist, vowing to become even more powerful by their next meeting.
…
"Why are you staring?"
"…Chirp."
Torchic side-eyed Su Feng, who was now wiping his own tears after his "cool" exit.
Truthfully, Su Feng would've taken Greninja and Tyrogue with him in a heartbeat if they'd shown any desire to follow. But Tyrogue wanted to train with Greninja, and Greninja had a forest to protect.
Missed out on a billion-dollar opportunity… Su Feng's heart ached.
"Torchic, we'll have to get used to goodbyes on our journey."
Torchic: "…"
Says the one crying.
…
As they exited the forest, Su Feng froze. The outskirts were swarmed with people.
A soldier in uniform spotted him and hurried over. Before he could speak, Su Feng blurted:
"O-Officer! Live-streaming outdoors isn't illegal, right…?"
Officer Jin: "…"
Well, this is awkward.