Pokemon:Team Rocket

"Mr. Renjiro, these are your Pokémon. They're all in good spirits."

Inside the Pokémon Center on the first floor of the Battle Tower, Nurse Joy smiled gently as she handed over two Poké Balls. Inside were Renjiro's trusted companions—his powerful Beedrill and the elegant Milotic.

Renjiro reached out, his expression calm but focused. "Thank you, Nurse Joy," he said politely, taking the Poké Balls from her gloved hands.

In preparation for his next match, Renjiro had come down to ensure both Beedrill and Milotic were restored to peak condition. After ten consecutive victories, he wasn't about to let fatigue dull their edge.

A murmur spread across the center. Several young trainers and spectators, who had been watching him from afar, whispered excitedly.

[That's Renjiro? I didn't expect him to be so handsome!]

[He's not just strong, he's good-looking too… I wonder if he has a girlfriend?]

[I like him! Should I ask for his contact info?]

[You should go for it! Who's afraid of a little rejection?]

A group of girls giggled near the corner. Summoning her courage, one of them stepped forward, cheeks flushed with nervous energy. "U-um, excuse me, Renjiro… could I maybe get your contact info?"

Renjiro offered her a gentle but firm smile, shaking his head slightly. "I appreciate it, but I already have a girlfriend," he replied.

The girl's face turned bright red as she mumbled a quick thank you and retreated, her friends squealing quietly behind her.

Before long, an hour had passed. The hall filled with spectators, all of them gathered in front of the large screen that projected a live feed from Battle Room No. 3 on the third floor. The air crackled with anticipation—the matchup between the high schooler who had stunned everyone with ten straight wins and a junior professional trainer was moments away.

Just then, the quiet click of high heels echoed across the polished floor. Heads turned as a young woman, graceful and confident, entered the hall. Dressed in a smart suit and sleek heels, she carried an air of authority that made people instinctively move aside.

She walked straight up to Renjiro, stopping a few feet away before extending a hand. "Hello, my name is Ba Xiaoqin. I'm a talent scout."

Renjiro looked at her hand, then at her face, puzzled. "A talent scout?" he echoed, uncertain. He had assumed anyone approaching him now would be an opponent, not a recruiter.

Ba Xiaoqin smiled, her eyes glinting with purpose. "Yes. I'm here because I see something special in you. You probably already know why I came."

Renjiro frowned slightly. "Isn't a talent scout someone who looks for people to turn into celebrities or influencers?"

"Exactly!" Ba Xiaoqin replied, her smile widening. "And you, Renjiro, have everything. Handsome, young, talented… You're made for stardom."

Renjiro blinked in surprise. The pieces fit together now—she hadn't come to battle him at all. "So, you want me to become a celebrity?"

Ba Xiaoqin nodded confidently. "That's right. With our training and connections, you could have millions of fans. Just imagine—your face on posters, your Pokémon on magazine covers, sponsorships, ad campaigns… The world would be yours."

The crowd watching the scene unfold felt a wave of disappointment.

[What? So, is he going to fight or not?]

[I waited for this?! A talent scout? Seriously?]

[Wow. I thought this was going to be the highlight of my day.]

[Ugh, this is so boring now.]

As murmurs of discontent rippled through the spectators, Renjiro's expression darkened. He had come here to test himself, to grow stronger—not to chase fame.

"Sorry," Renjiro said coldly, turning away from Ba Xiaoqin. "I have no interest in becoming a celebrity. I'm here to improve myself, not to be famous. If you're not here to battle, then the door's that way. Please don't waste my time."

He turned to Nurse Joy. "Please arrange my next challenger."

Gasps and cheers erupted from the crowd.

[Good boy! That's the spirit! I support you!]

[Well said! We're here for growth, not glamor!]

[Get outta here, talent scout!]

[Renjiro, I'll be your rival any day!]

Ba Xiaoqin's cheeks flushed with shock—and a hint of fury. Never in her career had anyone refused her so bluntly, much less told her to leave. Wherever she went, she was used to admiration, to being welcomed. But Renjiro? He'd brushed her aside like she was nothing.

Her pride stung, she gritted her teeth. "Okay, fine. You want a battle? I'll give you one!" she snapped. "Let's see how long your attitude lasts after my Pokémon crushes you."

She grabbed a Poké Ball and hurled it onto the field. With a flash of red light, a sleek Swellow emerged, its wings slicing through the air as it let out a fierce cry.

"Swellow!" it called, circling high above.

"This is my partner, Swellow!" Ba Xiaoqin said, her voice filled with confidence. "If you're scared, apologize now. Otherwise, don't blame me if my Swellow doesn't hold back."

Renjiro smirked, his eyes blazing with excitement. "I hope your strength won't disappoint me," he said, his voice steady.

Ba Xiaoqin's Swellow was level 31—impressive, and a clear advantage over Renjiro's Beedrill, whose level was lower and whose Bug/Flying typing was at a disadvantage against Swellow's speed and Flying-type moves.

But Renjiro wasn't intimidated. His Beedrill had already faced tougher foes—a level 51 Salamence, in fact. He knew that in battle, level alone didn't decide victory. Strategy, instinct, and heart mattered just as much.

Meanwhile, in the top office of the Battle Tower, Gan Fengyu, the head judge and a seasoned trainer, watched the scene unfold on the large monitor. He couldn't help but smile.

"This boy's got guts," Gan Fengyu murmured. "Not many young trainers would turn down the lure of fame so easily. Let's see how he handles this challenge."

Back on the battlefield, Renjiro took a deep breath. The arena lights cast long shadows as the two trainers faced off, the crowd silent with anticipation. Every eye was on them, every heart pounding.

Ba Xiaoqin pointed forward dramatically. "Swellow, let's end this quickly! Aerial Ace!"

With a powerful screech, Swellow dove at incredible speed, wings glowing as it aimed straight for Beedrill.

Renjiro reacted instantly. "Beedrill, Agility! Then use Twin Needle—aim for its wing joints!"

Beedrill blurred, its form becoming a streak as it dodged Swellow's first strike with barely a hair's breadth to spare. Then, with practiced precision, it lunged forward, Twin Needle flashing in the light.

The battle had begun—and it was clear this was no ordinary match.

The crowd, who moments ago had been disappointed by the talent scout interruption, was now on the edge of their seats. The tension was palpable. Every movement, every attack, every dodge sent waves of excitement through the hall.

Ba Xiaoqin's face tightened. This wasn't going to be as easy as she'd expected. Renjiro wasn't just brave—he was skilled.

And so, with adrenaline coursing through them and determination burning in their eyes, Renjiro and Ba Xiaoqin's battle raged on—one side fighting for pride, the other to teach a lesson. But only time would tell who would emerge victorious.

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PS: I agree—the battle watches shouldn't display abilities. It makes planning strategies more meaningful!

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