Catch Feelings, Not Just Pokemon

Standing before Haru and the others was a man in a black suit.

The weight on his shoulders seemed to have bent what was once a proud, straight back, giving his figure a slightly hunched appearance under the soft lighting.

His eyes, though dark and deep-set, couldn't conceal the bloodshot veins across them—traces of age and exhaustion from long, relentless work. It looked like he was in a constant struggle against sleep.

The corners of his mouth drooped slightly, as if even smiling had become a luxury.

Wow, what a textbook example of a wage slave!

Haru had heard all about Larry's image before, but seeing him in person still gave a strong sense of déjà vu.

A member of the Elite Four, yet reduced to such a haggard state… maybe that's just the cost of juggling three jobs.

Thank goodness he didn't have to be part of the grind in this world.

"We're here for a Gym Challenge."

Nemona, of course, didn't care what state her opponent was in. As long as she got to battle—that's all that mattered!

Born a battle maniac, her mind was filled with only two things: victory and domination. That was it.

Then her gaze shifted to Haru.

"Oh right, before we begin, wanna warm up with a battle against me? Last time we only used one Pokémon, I didn't get my fill."

"Next time, for sure."

Haru, who had absolutely no interest in fighting Nemona again so soon, shut that down immediately.

Larry nodded to them both, then turned to Iono.

"And what about you, miss? Here for a Gym challenge too?"

"?"

"I'm your colleague! Iono, the Gym Leader of Levincia! Larry, are you even awake, kora?"

"I'm literally a popular streamer! How could you not—"

Iono had more to say, but her phone suddenly rang, interrupting her.

"Morning, noon, and night—yo yo yo, this is Iono~ Hmm? Dot? What's up?"

"Why aren't you streaming during your usual slot…? Uh, well, there's actually a deeper reason for that."

Meanwhile, Larry—whose eyes had been glazed a moment ago—finally seemed to snap back to reality.

"Oh, right. Yeah, that's a thing."

"Let's get this started. Who's first?"

Technically, Gym Challenge rules required challengers to first complete a test, but it was nearly closing time. Plus, these two were brought in by another Gym Leader—might as well speed things up.

Because in the world of Pokémon, it's not all about battles. There's etiquette and social courtesy too.

---

Though Treasure Eatery was technically just a restaurant, thanks to Larry constantly slacking off there, it had effectively become a makeshift battle arena.

The patrons had grown used to random fights breaking out mid-meal.

Watching Larry's battle tactics while downing rice had actually become part of the restaurant's "special charm."

Rubbing his eyes, Larry pulled a Poké Ball from his pocket.

"The Gym Leader will use three Pokémon total, no mid-battle switching. Challengers have no such limit."

"If all three of my Pokémon are rendered unable to battle, the challenger is declared the winner."

"Also, by orders from higher-ups, I'll be using Terastallization in this challenge."

"If you've got a problem with that, take it up with the people upstairs."

Spoken like someone who technically is his own superior.

But across from him, Haru suddenly grinned.

"How about this—why not go all out? Just a heads-up, I'm really strong."

"…"

Larry shook his head slowly. "Nah. Too much effort. Normal is best. More work? Maybe if I got a raise."

With that, he tossed out his Poké Ball. "Go, Staraptor."

Larry's Staraptor, just like the universally beloved Incineroar, had the Intimidate ability—dropping the opponent's Attack stat upon entry.

Unfortunately, Haru's three Pokémon were two dual-wielding melee types and one special attacker… so Intimidate was kind of wasted.

If Larry had a Loud Voice ability, Haru might have taken him seriously. But with a voice quieter than a nervous virgin whispering to a girl, Larry wasn't exactly built for Intimidation.

But then—suddenly, chaos erupted.

"Black Tiger Heart Strike!"

Just as Haru was about to toss out a ceremonial Poké Ball, he stepped back instinctively—just in time to avoid a blur of motion as a blond man in a green military uniform lunged past his original spot.

"Well now, isn't this interesting! Didn't expect you to dodge my sneak attack. Let me see what you've got."

The man brandished a Poké Ball from his pocket, ready to fight in broad daylight.

"Hand over Mew! Or don't blame me for what happens next."

"Rocket Executive Proton?! What are you doing here?"

Haru recognized him at once, surprised.

As Mew's Trainer, Haru had long expected Team Rocket to come after him—but he hadn't anticipated they'd strike this soon.

Was Giovanni really so confident? Did he think Proton alone could take him down? Or was this just the start?

"Huh, you know who I am? Don't underestimate our intel network. Tracking you down wasn't hard at all."

"Wha—?! Team Rocket?!"

Still on the phone, Iono froze at the name.

She'd encountered Rocket once in Alola—just a scout squad of three bumbling clowns, easily chased off by Lillie.

But this time? This didn't feel like it'd be so simple.

If it was just one executive, they could handle it. But what if this was only the beginning?

"Team Rocket?! What are you involved in now? Why are you facing off with them?"

Dot, still on the call, had heard everything through Iono's mic and was panicking.

Criminal organizations in the Pokémon world were few, but none were more infamous than Team Rocket—for both their cruelty and power.

As Iono's friend and fan, Dot couldn't help but worry for her safety.

Meanwhile, Haru—currently under attack—was perfectly calm.

"Oh? I assume there are more of you Rockets nearby. Why not bring them all out and settle this now?"

"I've been wanting to rip off Sabrina's tights for a while anyway."

"…"

Whoa, what the hell?!

Proton, who was about to throw out a threat, suddenly couldn't find the words.

But Haru had hit the mark. Sabrina really was hiding nearby—and she heard everything.

"What do you mean tights?! Stop harassing other women, you jerk!"

"?"

Dot, still on the phone, was now thoroughly confused.

"Well, whatever. First I'll take you down. Sabrina can handle her own business."

"Go, Raichu!"

"Oh, so we're doing this? Then… Necrozma, prepare for battle!"

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