The early morning mist clung to Liyue Harbor as Shinzō made his way through the craftsmen's district, his footsteps echoing on the stone pathways. Blaziken walked beside him, carrying a large wooden crate with ease, the flames at its wrists providing a gentle glow that cut through the pre-dawn darkness.
"This should be the place," Shinzō murmured, consulting a small map provided by the Liyue Commerce Guild. Before him stood a spacious workshop with large windows and a sturdy stone foundation—recently vacated by a glassblower who had retired to the countryside.
Shinzō adjusted the collar of his merchant's attire and nodded to Blaziken. "Let's get set up before our guests arrive."
By the time the sun had fully risen over the harbor, the workshop had been transformed. Workbenches lined the walls, each equipped with specialized tools. In the center stood a peculiar machine Shinzō had designed, combining elements from his world with Teyvat's technology—a prototype Poké Ball fabricator.
"Perfect timing," Shinzō remarked as a knock came at the door. Umbreon's ears perked up, and it moved to a comfortable cushion in the corner, watching with intelligent eyes as Shinzō welcomed his first guest.
Master Zhang, Liyue's premier blacksmith, ducked through the doorway, his muscular frame making the workshop seem smaller. His eyes widened as he took in the unfamiliar equipment.
"Manager Shinzō," he greeted with a respectful nod. "You've certainly been busy."
"The early Qilin catches the cloud," Shinzō replied with the local saying, earning an appreciative chuckle from the blacksmith.
Before they could continue, more guests arrived—Han Wu, a renowned glassblower known for creating Ningguang's ornate screens; Bai Su, a jeweler whose work adorned the necks of Liyue's elite; and three younger craftsmen whose curious expressions betrayed their eagerness.
The final arrivals were perhaps the most surprising: Yun Jin, the famous opera performer who moonlighted as a crafter of exquisite hairpins, and—to Shinzō's mild shock—Xingqiu of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, whose family controlled much of Liyue's silk trade.
"Young Master Xingqiu," Shinzō bowed slightly. "I didn't expect the interest of the Feiyun Commerce Guild in such a... specialized workshop."
Xingqiu's eyes sparkled with mischief and intelligence. "Let's just say I'm here as a cultural observer, Manager Shinzō. The blend of your foreign techniques with Liyue craftsmanship promises to be as fascinating as any novel."
Once all seven craftsmen were seated on cushions arranged in a semicircle, Shinzō stood before them with the presence of a seasoned merchant-teacher. Blaziken positioned itself by the strange machine, ready to assist.
"I've invited you all here because you represent the finest crafting traditions in Liyue," Shinzō began, his voice carrying the perfect mix of respect and authority. "What I'm about to teach you is a technique from my homeland—the creation of devices we call Poké Balls."
He lifted a standard red-and-white Poké Ball from the table, holding it where everyone could see. "This simple sphere has revolutionized the relationship between humans and Pokémon. Today, we begin adapting this technology to Teyvat's materials and crafting traditions."
Master Zhang leaned forward, his professional interest piqued. "You mentioned in your invitation that these devices use no Visions, yet can contain creatures with power comparable to Vision bearers. How is this possible?"
Shinzō smiled, pleased by the direct question. "An excellent starting point, Master Zhang."
He pressed the center button, causing the Poké Ball to expand in his palm. "The mechanism works through a combination of energy conversion and spatial compression. In simple terms, it transforms a Pokémon into energy, then stores that energy in a comfortable pocket dimension within the ball."
Bai Su, the jeweler, raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Energy conversion without a Vision? That contradicts everything we know about elemental manipulation."
"Indeed," Shinzō agreed. "Which is precisely why these will be so valuable in Teyvat. They operate on principles separate from elemental energy—principles I'm prepared to teach you."
He nodded to Blaziken, who activated the machine in the center of the room. It hummed to life, glowing with a soft blue light that caused several craftsmen to shift uncomfortably.
"Don't worry," Shinzō assured them, "this is merely a demonstration model. What you're seeing is the core conversion matrix—the heart of every Poké Ball."
For the next hour, Shinzō methodically explained the basic components: the capture mechanism, the containment field, the comfort system that ensured Pokémon remained healthy inside, and the security protocols that bonded a Poké Ball to its owner.
The craftsmen listened with rapt attention, occasionally asking questions that revealed their specialized interests. The glassblower wanted to know about the transparent upper hemisphere, the jeweler inquired about the energy conductivity of different metals, and Master Zhang was particularly interested in the hinge mechanism.
"Now," Shinzō said after completing the initial explanation, "let's address the elephant in the room. I've been selling imported Poké Balls at what some consider exorbitant prices."
A few craftsmen exchanged knowing glances. The 5,000 Mora price tag for a standard Poké Ball had become notorious throughout Liyue's markets.
"Those prices reflect not just the rarity, but the fact that every ball had to be brought from... very far away," Shinzō continued smoothly. "By establishing local production, we can eventually reduce costs while maintaining quality—a win for everyone in Liyue."
Yun Jin, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "And what do you gain from sharing such valuable knowledge, Manager Shinzō? One rarely finds merchants willing to sacrifice monopoly profits."
Her question carried no accusation, only a performer's instinct for uncovering motivations. Shinzō appreciated her directness.
"A fair question, Miss Yun Jin," he acknowledged with a slight bow. "Three things: First, demand already exceeds my supply capabilities. Second, I retain certain proprietary elements that ensure quality control. And third—" he smiled genuinely "—I believe Pokémon and humans are meant to partner together. More Poké Balls means more partnerships."
Xingqiu nodded appreciatively at the answer. "Enlightened self-interest. My father would approve."
"Now," Shinzō continued, gesturing to the workbenches, "shall we begin the practical portion of our workshop?"
The craftsmen eagerly moved to the stations where components had been laid out. Shinzō had carefully prepared kits containing the basic elements needed for a standard Poké Ball, modified to work with Teyvat's materials.
"We'll start with the outer shell," he instructed. "In my homeland, these were traditionally made from hollowed Apricorns—fruits with naturally strong electromagnetic properties. I've been growing something similar in my greenhouse, but they're still limited. Today, we'll use a combination of these special fruits and local materials."
Master Zhang examined the red and white hemispheres before him. "This metal in the band... it's unlike anything I've worked with."
"It's an alloy I've developed specifically for this purpose," Shinzō explained. "The composition includes a small amount of Cor Lapis for stability in Teyvat's elemental environment."
As the craftsmen began working under Shinzō's guidance, their specialized skills quickly became apparent. The glassblower, Han Wu, shaped the transparent elements with a deftness that surprised even Shinzō. Bai Su's jeweler's precision made her perfect for assembling the miniature components of the capture mechanism.
Master Zhang, meanwhile, struggled with the delicate work but showed remarkable insight into how the mechanical aspects could be improved using Liyue metallurgical techniques.
"Your hinge design is functional," the blacksmith noted, holding up his partially completed ball, "but if you were to incorporate a floating pivot like those used in Liyue ceremonial vessels..."
Shinzō listened with genuine interest as Master Zhang sketched a modified design. "That would increase durability by at least 30%," he agreed, making notes. "This is exactly the kind of adaptation I was hoping for."
By midday, Desert Tyrant had repositioned itself to guard the workshop entrance, occasionally startling passing citizens who weren't yet accustomed to seeing the imposing Tyranitar in Liyue's streets. Inside, Blaziken maintained the energy levels in the demonstration machine, occasionally catching components that slipped from less experienced hands.
Xingqiu worked with surprising competence for someone of his station, his hands steady as he assembled a Poké Ball with artistic flourishes that reflected his literary aesthetics.
"You seem to have some experience with mechanical work, Young Master Xingqiu," Shinzō observed.
The young man laughed lightly. "Let's just say my hobbies extend beyond literature and martial arts. One never knows when unusual skills might enhance a story's authenticity."
As afternoon approached, Shinzō guided the craftsmen through the most challenging part—installing the energy conversion matrix that gave Poké Balls their unique capabilities.
"This is where most attempts fail," he warned them. "The alignment must be perfect, or the ball will either not function or could become unstable."
The workshop fell silent as each craftsman focused intensely on their work. Shinzō moved from station to station, offering guidance and making minute adjustments. When Yun Jin's hands trembled slightly while placing the miniature matrix, Shinzō steadied her wrist.
"Like tuning a fine instrument," he murmured, and the opera performer nodded in understanding, completing the placement perfectly.
By late afternoon, seven prototype Poké Balls sat on the central table—each slightly different, reflecting their creators' personal styles. Master Zhang's had reinforced metal bands and a distinctly angular aesthetic. Yun Jin's featured delicate etchings reminiscent of opera masks around the release button. Xingqiu's bore subtle blue patterns that seemed to flow like water across its surface.
"Remarkable work for a first attempt," Shinzō praised them sincerely. "Now comes the moment of truth—testing."
He reached into his robe and produced a container holding several tiny, slumbering Caterpie—basic Bug-type Pokémon that were perfect for testing capture mechanisms.
"These are among the gentlest Pokémon—ideal for beginners and testing new equipment," he explained, placing one on the table. The small green caterpillar-like creature yawned and blinked sleepily at the assembled craftsmen, who regarded it with varying degrees of fascination and wariness.
"Master Zhang, would you like to test your creation first?" Shinzō offered.
The blacksmith stepped forward, his large hands looking incongruous holding the relatively small Poké Ball. "What's the technique?"
"Aim, press the center button to expand it, and then throw—not too hard," Shinzō instructed. "The ball will do the rest."
With a blacksmith's precision, Master Zhang followed the instructions. His Poké Ball flew through the air, tapped the Caterpie, and opened in a flash of light. The Pokémon transformed into energy and was drawn inside. The ball fell to the table, rocking once, twice...
And burst open, the Caterpie reappearing with a confused expression.
"Almost," Shinzō said encouragingly. "The capture mechanism engaged correctly, but the containment field didn't stabilize. Let's make some adjustments."
For the next hour, they refined their designs based on test results. By the time the sun began to set, three of the seven prototypes had successfully captured and held a Caterpie—Master Zhang's reinforced design, Bai Su's precisely calibrated jeweler's version, and surprisingly, Xingqiu's aesthetically modified ball.
"Young Master Xingqiu," Shinzō said with genuine respect, "your attention to both form and function is impressive."
The young noble smiled modestly. "Perhaps the ball appreciated good aesthetics. Even functional objects should aspire to beauty, don't you think?"
As the workshop concluded, Shinzō presented each craftsman with detailed schematics and a small supply of specialized components. "Consider these prototypes the beginning of our collaboration. I propose a formal arrangement: you refine these designs using your expertise, and The Pokémon House will certify and distribute the results."
Master Zhang stroked his beard thoughtfully. "And the profit arrangement?"
"Sixty percent to the crafter, forty percent to The Pokémon House for certification, distribution, and ongoing technical support," Shinzō proposed smoothly. "Plus exclusive supplier status for your workshop."
The terms were generous by Liyue standards—a fact not lost on the assembled craftsmen, who exchanged impressed glances.
"Furthermore," Shinzō continued, "I'll be offering advanced workshops every week, where we'll explore specialized Poké Balls suited to different environments and Pokémon types."
As the craftsmen gathered their materials and newly created prototypes, Yun Jin approached Shinzō privately. "There's more to these devices than you've shared today," she observed perceptively. "They seem almost... alive in how they respond to their makers."
Shinzō smiled enigmatically. "Very astute, Miss Yun Jin. The relationship between a crafter and their Poké Balls does indeed influence their effectiveness. Perhaps that's why yours almost succeeded despite being your first attempt. Your performer's empathy translated into your work."
She considered this with a thoughtful expression. "I would be interested in exploring that aspect further."
"Then I look forward to seeing you at our advanced workshop," Shinzō replied. "We'll be covering Great Balls next—they have a higher success rate for capturing Pokémon."
As the last of the craftsmen departed, Xingqiu lingered, examining the central machine with undisguised curiosity. "You know," he said conversationally, "my family keeps extensive records of trade goods from across Teyvat and beyond. Never have we encountered anything like Poké Balls or Pokémon."
Shinzō kept his expression neutral as he began tidying the workspace. "The world is vast, Young Master Xingqiu. Many wonders exist beyond Liyue's trading routes."
"Indeed," Xingqiu agreed with a knowing smile. "And some wonders appear quite suddenly, as if from another world entirely."
Before Shinzō could respond, Xingqiu bowed politely. "Whatever their origin, your contributions to Liyue are appreciated. I look forward to seeing how our local crafting traditions might... evolve your designs."
After the young noble departed, Shinzō sank into a chair, with Blaziken gathering beside him.
"Well," he said to his Pokémon companion, "that was certainly interesting. I think Young Master Xingqiu suspects more than he lets on."
Blaziken made a soft chirping sound, the flames at its wrists flickering thoughtfully.
"Yes, you're right," Shinzō agreed, "Better to have the curious nobles as allies than adversaries."
He looked around at the workshop—now officially the first Poké Ball production facility in Teyvat. On the central table sat the three successful prototypes next to his own imported Ultra Ball, the contrast striking yet promising.
"We've just taken a significant step," he told his Pokémon. "Local production means sustainability. Sustainability means Pokémon are here to stay in Teyvat."
Blaziken chirped in agreement, helping gather the remaining components.
As they prepared to leave, Shinzō spotted a folded paper that hadn't been there before. Opening it revealed a detailed message in elegant calligraphy:
"Manager Shinzō,
The Yuehai Pavilion commends your initiative in sharing valuable knowledge with Liyue's craftsmen. Lady Ningguang requests an update on production capabilities and projected market impact at your convenience.
Furthermore, reports of unusual energies similar to your 'Beldum incident' have been detected near the Chasm. Your expertise may be required in the coming days.
—Ganyu, Secretary to the Tianquan"
Shinzō carefully folded the note and tucked it into his robes. "It seems our Poké Ball workshop is just the beginning of today's challenges," he told his companions. "But first, let's stop by The Pokémon House. If we're going to be heading to the Chasm, we'll need Desert Tyrant's strength."
As they exited the workshop, Shinzō glanced back at the space that would soon be producing Liyue's first domestically manufactured Poké Balls. Another milestone achieved—and judging by Ganyu's note, another adventure on the horizon.
The sun was setting over Liyue Harbor, casting long shadows across the pavilions and painting the sky in hues of amber and crimson. In his workshop across town, Master Zhang examined his successful prototype with careful fingers, already sketching modifications that would incorporate traditional Liyue metalwork techniques.
In her private chambers, Yun Jin practiced the precise movements required for Poké Ball assembly while humming an opera melody, finding the rhythm helped steady her hands.
And in the Feiyun Commerce Guild headquarters, Xingqiu added a new entry to his personal journal, titled simply: "The Pokémon Revolution—Day One."
The age of Teyvat-crafted Poké Balls had officially begun.