Return (1)

Rope looked at the little onion-shaped creature sitting on his shoulder and couldn't help but smile wryly.

"Can you stop being so stubborn?"

Rope felt a bit helpless. After all, if it were just about being upset, that would be one thing. But this little guy clearly intended to pull some new tricks on Rope. As a result, the psychic shield Rope had been using to block the wind was now riddled with holes, offering no protection at all. In fact, the wind was blowing through the tiny openings, leaving Rope exposed to the full force of the gusts.

However, at the end of the day, Celebi's tantrums toward Rope were limited to this extent. After all, if she truly upset Rope, it wouldn't be good for either of them.

If they were to sever ties, one would have a hard time returning home, while the other would likely be severely beaten, or even killed.

After all, when it came to fighting Celebi, Rope would show no mercy.

To put it bluntly, with Celebi's small frame and unfavorable attributes, Rope could send her to the other world with a single punch—simple and effortless.

Celebi crossed her arms and snorted coldly.

However, Rope could feel that the holes intentionally left in the shield had been repaired. No more wind was blowing in. Rope finally exhaled in relief.

Threatening Celebi was pointless. Let alone arguing with her. It would only complicate his next objective. Rope was well aware of this.

So Rope smiled lightly, patted Celebi's head, and said, "Alright, stop causing trouble. After all, it's for your own good."

This wasn't nonsense. Even Celebi merely pushed Rope's hand away without refuting the statement.

Celebi was actually quite sensible. After all, if the Grass Origin truly appeared on her body, then the strange person they had encountered earlier would likely come looking for her.

Celebi did not believe that she could definitely defeat that person with the help of the Grass Origin.

That person's strength... To be honest, Celebi felt that only those first-tier gods, Rope, and Arceus could handle that person.

Rope remained silent, then spoke quietly, "You know as well as I do that the challenges you face aren't something a single Grass Essence can resolve. More importantly, we have no idea what secrets lie behind the Essence itself."

He turned his head and looked at Celebi: "You also know that in some timelines, Arceus may be asleep, but while asleep, Arceus scattered all his Plates. Some gods, ordinary Pokémon, and even humans can temporarily hold these things."

"But in this timeline, while asleep, Arceus transformed his Plates into forms that could replace him in managing the world."

"Even the Source, which shouldn't exist at all, appeared. And the Source is within the divine statue, worshipped by humans. The power of the Water Source must have surprised you as well."

Celebi remained silent; there was nothing else to say, but it was indeed true. After all, the Water Source has no vessel. The power, without a vessel, formed such a vast wetland… It's truly exaggerated to a certain extent.

Perhaps the water source is the only true awakened source.

The other sources are either dormant or in some other state. Rope didn't know, and didn't have the time to investigate further.

"We should head back. We've accomplished all our objectives this time."

Rope shook his head, then stared blankly ahead and said earnestly, "This time when I go back, I will take the initiative to launch an attack. I will force that woman behind the scenes to come forward, and then crush her!"

Rope's tone was unwavering as he spoke. After all this time, he had indeed decided to put an end to the issues here. The Void was indeed alluring, but he preferred to resolve the problems of this world sooner rather than later, so he could enjoy a few hundred years of peace and stability.

Often, simply living is already difficult enough.

Celebi looked at Rope's face, which was serious yet resolute, and realized that Rope had made up his mind. Though they had only known each other for a short time, this was the first time Celebi had seen such a resolute expression in Rope's eyes...

Resolute—this word should not be used lightly.

"Rope, you can win, right?"

Celebi remained silent for a long time before speaking.

Rope fell silent for a moment.

"Yes, I will win."

After speaking, Rope unconsciously accelerated his flight.

Lake Village was already within sight.

As the sky grew dark and the sun set in the west, Takeshi looked at his younger sister and said helplessly, "Let's go. Rope said he'd come back, so he really will come back."

Though they hadn't known each other for long, Takeshi could sense that Rope was someone who valued his promises. Perhaps everyone who values their promises has been hurt by lies before.

Happiness in the heart is as fleeting as a white horse passing by, gone in an instant. But some pains are so deeply etched in the heart that they are remembered for a lifetime.

This also explains why the idiom "deeply etched in the heart" feels so painful just by looking at it.

"I know, I just want him to see me first when he comes back."

Sennogi's voice could only be described as calm. Upon closer inspection, there was indeed no sign of panic in Sennogi's expression, only anticipation.

"I'm back."

"Welcome home."

For some reason, these two phrases suddenly echoed in Takeshi's mind, accompanied by a series of unpleasant memories that flashed before his eyes.

It's not right! It's really not right! Sister! Rope isn't a suitable match!

Takeshi wanted to shout it out loud, but looking at his sister's face, he swallowed the words back down.

Some things are useless to say, and they might even make people dislike you, even if what you're saying is the truth. Even if you're being sincere.

Takeshi understood this principle, but he still couldn't help himself...

"Sennogi..."

Before he could finish, Sennogi suddenly ran toward the village entrance.

Takeshi looked up.

Sure enough, Rope was walking toward the village entrance from a distance, with Celebi by his side.

From afar, all he could see was Rope's tall figure and the long shadow cast by the setting sun.

The wind blew, causing the reeds in the marsh to sway, and the shadow to shake along with them.

Not just Rope's, but Sennogi's as well.

Takeshi watched as Sennogi stopped in front of Rope, and the two stood there, as if talking.

"I'm back."

"Welcome home."

For some reason, those two sentences echoed in Takeshi's mind once more.

Only this time, there were no accompanying images.

Because the scene was right before his eyes.