Pokemon: With Title System

Chapter 84 – Team Rocket's Trio

Thank Arceus he had stopped Lugia before it caused an actual disaster.

Still, the power it had displayed… far exceeded his expectations.

If even a baby Lugia with a Plate could unleash this much force, then what about a full-grown Lugia?

Could it conjure a full-fledged hurricane and wipe out an entire city?

Asahi recalled the murals he had seen in the ruins—the enormous Lugia depicted there.

Maybe… ancient civilizations hadn't exaggerated after all.

But for now, that was just speculation.

He was about to move on when his communicator suddenly rang.

Checking the caller ID, he saw it was Professor Sakuragi.

"Hello, Professor Sakuragi? What's up?"

The professor sounded urgent.

"We just got reports from the Vermilion Weather Institute—there were signs of a developing typhoon near Blueport! They were about to issue an emergency evacuation notice, but I remembered you were there, so I called. Are you okay?!"

Asahi: "…"

"…Asahi? Are you still there?"

After a moment of silence, Asahi replied,

"…Yeah. Uh, you can tell them to cancel the warning. Everything's fine now."

"…Fine? But the readings—"

Sakuragi paused as if realizing something.

"…Wait. Was this… what I think it was?"

"If you're thinking what I think you're thinking… then yes. It was exactly that."

Sakuragi was silent for a long time before cautiously suggesting,

"…Maybe next time, try testing moves in a less populated area? Three cargo ships and a cruise liner just delayed their departure due to the sudden storm."

"…Uh. My bad."

Asahi turned his gaze to Green, who was sitting a little far away, clutching her Happiny tightly.

"Green, are you still scared?"

"I'm trying my best."

Green's eyes were still filled with nervousness as she looked at little Lugia.

Sensing her unease, Lugia curiously studied Green for a moment before extending its wing, seemingly trying to comfort her.

Green was touched by the gesture—until...

She froze. Completely stiff, unmoving.

Seeing this, Asahi sighed and told Lugia to retract its wing.

As Lugia tilted its head in confusion, Asahi patted its head reassuringly. "It's okay, don't worry."

Some things couldn't be forced—Green would have to overcome her fear at her own pace.

With that, Asahi pulled Eevee onto his lap, put on his sunglasses, and reclined on his lounge chair, fully enjoying the holiday vibes.

---

Vermilion City

Even with Lt. Surge gone, Vermilion City remained as lively as ever. In fact, the ongoing Gym Leader Selection Tournament had made it even more bustling.

"…Why am I wasting my time watching a bunch of amateurs struggle against each other?"

Walking out of the Vermilion Gym, Asahi had a look of sheer disappointment on his face.

Fresh off his vacation, he had come here out of curiosity, wanting to see how the Kanto League selected new Gym Leaders.

But after half a day of watching, all he saw were mediocre battles—not a single competitor was even on Blue's level, and Asahi had already defeated him easily.

The Pokémon levels were passable, but when it came to commanding skills, synergy with Pokémon, understanding of move mechanics and abilities—it was all a mess.

"I really hope they don't end up picking a complete amateur… otherwise, Kanto's League is beyond saving," Asahi muttered.

Green nodded in agreement.

Watching those battles made her feel like even she could do it.

From atop Asahi's head, Eevee suddenly woke up, looking around in confusion.

"Buii?"

Kanto's League is beyond saving? What's beyond saving?

"Not your problem—go back to sleep."

Asahi chuckled, lifting Eevee from his head and placing it on his lap.

Last night, Lugia had insisted on sleeping with Asahi, which somehow led to Eevee suffering from insomnia. Now, it was exhausted.

Though, Asahi still wasn't sure how Lugia snuggling up had anything to do with Eevee losing sleep.

"So, where are we heading next? That guy… uh, Bill?" Green asked, trying to recall his name.

Asahi nodded.

"Yeah. I asked Professor Sakuragi, and he said Bill is at a lighthouse near Vermilion City's coast."

"He mentioned that Bill's lighthouse was damaged by an unidentified Pokémon, and he's planning to move back to his Cerulean lab soon."

"So, we better get going."

Just as they were about to leave Vermilion City—

Three figures suddenly jumped out from around the street corner.

"Congratulations, sir and madam! You're today's lucky winners!"

"Our shipping company is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and you two are the 99th couple to pass by this street today! To commemorate this special occasion, we're giving you three VIP tickets for the luxury cruise ship, the S.S. Anne!"

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, nya~"

Each of the three took turns speaking in a sales pitch so polished, Asahi felt like they could become record-breaking TV shopping hosts.

But…

[I literally took down Lt. Surge, yet the S.S. Anne still can't escape Team Rocket's schemes?]

Asahi sighed internally, watching Team Rocket's infamous trio, now disguised as shipping agents, try to scam him.

He had already suspected that they'd be lurking around Vermilion City, especially since Ash was probably in town.

What he didn't expect was for them to run into him directly—and offer him tickets.

The trio, seeing Asahi remain silent, turned toward Green instead.

Green quickly caught on. She glanced at Meowth before covering her mouth in mock surprise and excitement.

"Really? Did we really win?"

Her acting was flawless—Team Rocket didn't suspect a thing.

Jessie dramatically nodded, "Yes! You two are incredibly lucky!"

James chimed in, "And don't worry—there are no hidden fees!"

Meowth was about to add something when Green suddenly crouched down and pinched its face.

"Look, Asahi! It's a talking Meowth!"

Asahi: "???"