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The sun hung high in the sky as Xpovac and Swampert, still in their disguises, made their way back into Wano's bustling town. Today, they were dressed differently, adopting the local style to blend in even more seamlessly. The streets were just as lively as the previous day, with townsfolk going about their business and vendors calling out to passersby. The pair trotted through the main square, Swampert appearing as an unassuming horse to the people around them, while Xpovac wore his purple and black mask from the day before, keeping his identity a mystery.
As they wandered through the town, Xpovac began to pick up on the excited chatter in the air. It seemed like everyone was talking about the same thing.
"Are you ready for the Fire Festival tonight?" one woman asked another, her face alight with anticipation.
"Of course! We've been preparing for weeks," replied the other woman, who was balancing a tray of colorful paper lanterns. "It's going to be spectacular this year. I heard they're even bringing in performers from the Flower Capital."
Intrigued, Xpovac turned his attention toward the conversation. The Fire Festival sounded like something special, and he was eager to learn more. Guiding Swampert to a nearby food stall, Xpovac dismounted and approached the vendor, who was grilling skewers of meat.
"Excuse me," Xpovac said, his voice casual but carrying a hint of curiosity. "I couldn't help but overhear people talking about the Fire Festival. Can you tell me what it's all about?"
The vendor, a stocky man with a wide grin and a thick mustache, looked up from his grill. "Ah, the Fire Festival! It's one of our most cherished traditions here in Wano. We hold it every year to honor the spirits of the departed and celebrate the hope of a brighter future. The night is filled with music, dance, food, and the lighting of countless lanterns that float up into the sky."
"That sounds interesting," Xpovac remarked, nodding. "When does it start?"
"Festivities begin around eight in the evening," the vendor explained. "The main square will be filled with food stalls, games, and performances, but the highlight is the lantern ceremony and fireworks later in the night."
Xpovac's intrigue deepened. It wasn't often that he stumbled upon such a lively cultural event, and he was eager to experience it firsthand. After buying a few skewers of meat, he thanked the vendor and returned to Swampert.
"We've got a festival to prepare for, buddy," Xpovac said, giving Swampert a pat on the neck. "But first, we need some proper clothes."
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With the festival in mind, Xpovac made his way to a clothing shop that specialized in traditional Wano attire. The shop was filled with a dazzling array of kimonos, yukatas, and accessories in various colors and patterns. Silk fabrics hung on display, each intricately embroidered with motifs of cranes, dragons, and flowers.
A shopkeeper, a graceful woman dressed in a pale pink kimono, approached Xpovac as he entered. "Welcome! How can I assist you today?"
"I'm looking for a kimono and some accessories for tonight's festival," Xpovac replied. "Something in yellow and black, if possible."
The shopkeeper nodded and quickly began pulling various garments from the racks. After a few minutes of browsing and trying on different options, Xpovac settled on a striking yellow and black kimono. The fabric was adorned with subtle patterns of lightning bolts that seemed to shimmer in the light, evoking the image of his Zanpakutō's electric motif. He also chose a black sash and a pair of simple wooden sandals to complete the outfit.
For Swampert, Xpovac decided to buy a decorative cloth harness that was also black and yellow, matching his own attire. While Swampert would still appear as a horse to others, the disguise would be made more convincing with the local-styled gear.
After purchasing the clothes, Xpovac glanced at the time—it was just past 2 PM. With hours to spare before the festival began, he rode back to their temporary home to get ready.
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Once they arrived back at the house, Xpovac's first order of business was to get Swampert cleaned up. "Alright, buddy," he said, setting down his newly acquired kimono and preparing a large wooden tub filled with warm water. "Time for a bath."
Swampert, however, had other ideas. He looked at the tub, then at Xpovac, and took a cautious step back. It was ironic, considering Swampert was a Water-type Pokémon who should have no problem with water, but baths had never been his favorite activity.
"Come on, don't be like that," Xpovac coaxed, taking a step closer. "It's just water."
But as soon as Xpovac reached out, Swampert dodged to the side, making a low, playful noise as if challenging his trainer to catch him. What followed was an amusing chase around the yard, with Xpovac trying various tactics to lure Swampert into the tub. At one point, he even attempted to bribe him with snacks, but Swampert saw through the trick and continued to evade capture.
After nearly an hour of chasing and negotiating, Xpovac finally managed to get Swampert into the tub. The big blue Pokémon grumbled and fidgeted as Xpovac scrubbed his scales, but eventually settled down and seemed to enjoy the warm water.
"There we go," Xpovac said with a chuckle. "Wasn't so bad, was it?"
Swampert let out a contented rumble as Xpovac rinsed him off. Once the bath was complete, he dried Swampert's scales with a large towel and helped him into the new harness. It took some time to adjust the straps to fit just right, but once it was done, Swampert looked the part of a well-groomed festival horse.
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With Swampert ready, Xpovac turned his attention to his own preparations. He carefully put on the yellow and black kimono, wrapping the sash around his waist and securing it tightly. Next, he tied his long hair back into a ponytail, making sure it was neat and tidy. For a final touch, he replaced his usual mask with a black one that had silver outlines matching the trim of his kimono.
The whole process took longer than expected, and before he knew it, the time was nearing 7:50 PM. Xpovac stepped outside with Swampert, who stood patiently by his side, his disguise fully active. The cool evening air carried a faint buzz of excitement from the town as people began to gather for the festival.
"Well, buddy," Xpovac said, adjusting the mask on his face, "let's go enjoy ourselves."
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The streets of Wano had transformed into a vibrant celebration. Lanterns hung from every rooftop, casting a warm glow that illuminated the town in hues of red, orange, and gold. The scent of grilled food and sweet treats filled the air, and music echoed through the night as performers played flutes and taiko drums.
Xpovac guided Swampert through the festival grounds, marveling at the various sights and sounds. He noticed children running about with sparklers, laughing as they twirled the crackling lights through the air. In another area, people were playing festival games, trying to win prizes by knocking down bottles or catching goldfish.
As they walked, Xpovac took his time sampling different foods from the stalls—takoyaki, yakitori, and sweet dango on skewers. He also purchased a small wooden mask for Swampert, who wore it on the side of his head like a decorative charm. It blended well with the harness, adding to the illusion of Swampert being a local horse.
The evening wore on, and soon it was time for the lantern ceremony. Xpovac and Swampert found a spot near the river where the townsfolk were gathering, each person holding a small paper lantern. As the lanterns were lit, they were released one by one into the sky, drifting up like glowing stars. The sight was breathtaking—hundreds of lights floating upward, illuminating the night in a display of ethereal beauty.
Xpovac watched in awe, his heart filled with a sense of calm he hadn't felt in a long time. For this one night, the worries and challenges of the outside world seemed distant. The Fire Festival wasn't just a celebration; it was a moment of peace and reflection.
As the fireworks began to light up the sky, Xpovac glanced at Swampert, who was staring up at the colorful explosions with wide eyes. "Worth the struggle, huh?" he said, giving his Pokémon a knowing smile.
Swampert let out a cheerful rumble in agreement.
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