September 8th, Wednesday.
News spread that Natsume-sensei would be holding a signing event in Celadon City.
Officer Jennys from various cities in Kanto arrived on motorcycles, including but not limited to those with dyed hair, a love for speed, and those who wore perfume—each with their own unique style.
What was supposed to be a simple instructor role turned into a massive fan meet-and-greet.
The Jennys from different cities were incredibly enthusiastic, and by the end of the day, Natsume-sensei's limbs were sore from sitting for so long.
Even the injured Officer, leaning on a crutch, arrived with her Arcanine.
"Natsume-sensei, thank you so much!" the Officer bowed deeply.
"It was nothing, really," Natsume said, patting Arcanine's head with a smile.
Arcanine affectionately nuzzled Natsume with its fluffy head.
"If you don't mind... I'd like you to take this little one with you."
The Officer glanced at the Growlithe by Natsume's side and smiled. "With you, I'm sure it'll grow into an amazing Pokémon!"
"Growlithe!"
Growlithe sat proudly at Natsume-sensei's feet, letting out a mighty howl.
Natsume looked down at Growlithe, his expression a bit conflicted.
Just yesterday, he had refused the request to take Growlithe in.
For one, he already had three little ones to take care of at home.
And secondly, given Natsume-sensei's personality, he wasn't confident he could help Growlithe grow stronger.
But today, Growlithe had followed Natsume everywhere, never leaving his side.
Natsume rubbed his temples and sighed. "I'm not exactly great at training Pokémon..."
"If you entrust it to me... it might not get much stronger!"
The Officer paused for a moment, then realized Natsume-sensei was just being modest.
"Becoming stronger is secondary... what matters is that it trusts you so much."
The Officer smiled warmly.
"With your strength, even if you train it casually, it'll surely become a powerful Pokémon!"
Natsume's eyebrow twitched.
It kinda feels like you're cursing me or something!
"Of course... its temperament is too gentle for battles."
The Officer added with a hint of regret, "Even if you refuse... I understand."
Natsume was taken aback and fell into deep thought.
Natsume's philosophy when it came to catching Pokémon was simple: first, they had to be slackers; second, they had to get along with the other little ones.
And third, there had to be mutual trust between the Trainer and the Pokémon.
A gentle Growlithe... might not be such a bad choice after all.
Imagining a home filled with both cats and dogs, Natsume couldn't help but chuckle. "I'll think about it seriously."
The Officer bowed excitedly. "Thank you so much!"
It seemed Growlithe could sense Natsume's thoughts.
Sitting on the ground, it wagged its tail eagerly, looking up at Natsume with a wide grin.
"Growlithe!"
...
In the afternoon, Natsume followed Officer Jenny to pick out his reward for the mission.
Growlithe, wagging its tail, happily trotted along behind them.
Natsume said, "Wait here for me, don't move."
Growlithe immediately lay down, blinking its dark eyes, not moving a muscle.
"It really trusts you," Jenny said with a smile.
"Trust can be a burden sometimes," Natsume-sensei sighed.
Entering the Police Station's storage room, Jenny prepared a check.
"Including additional rewards, it comes to 200,000 Pokémon Coins, plus reimbursement for your round-trip flight ticket."
Jenny smiled. "The Police Station has plenty of move manuals... but the higher-ups wanted to give you something more special as a token of gratitude."
Natsume felt a bit wary. "Money is fine... there's really no need for anything else!"
"You're too kind," Jenny said, pursing her lips.
"This is a glass whistle commonly used by the police... it should be quite useful for a Trainer."
Jenny took out a small wooden box, inside of which was a淡blue, sea-like glass object.
[Blue Flute: A whistle made of blue glass that can cure the Sleep condition. (You're not a Legendary Trainer yet, how can you sleep?)]
Natsume was momentarily stunned.
I feel like this darn system is hinting at something!
In a way, the Blue Flute was a wild battle神器, perfectly countering Hypnosis, almost like a budget version of the Poké Flute.
Though Natsume-sensei was a law-abiding citizen, after fiddling with it for a bit, he accepted it without further hesitation.
The training mission was now complete.
Natsume walked out of the storage room and called out Haunter. "Let's go... we're heading home!"
"Haunter..."
Haunter scratched its head and pointed to Growlithe, who was still lying on the ground.
"Growlithe!"
Seeing Natsume, Growlithe's eyes lit up, and it barked excitedly, but it remained obediently on the ground, grinning widely.
Natsume's heart softened.
He had seriously considered the Officer and Jenny's suggestion.
But letting a Growlithe that yearned to grow stronger follow him...
Might not be the best choice for it.
After some thought, Natsume crouched down and patted Growlithe's head. "I'm heading out."
"Growlithe?" Growlithe let out a soft whine, tilting its head in confusion.
Natsume's figure stretched long in the setting sun.
Growlithe whimpered softly, then lay still, not moving an inch.
The Trio peeked out from around the corner. "Executive, it's still there!"
"Seriously, it's been half an hour... didn't it understand what I said?"
"Growlithe is an incredibly loyal Pokémon," Meowth said, holding up a finger. "Once it chooses a Trainer, it'll never change its mind, meow!"
"That's... that's so touching!" James sniffled, wiping his face with his sleeve.
Jessie crouched on the ground, resting her chin on her hands. "It's so nice... to have someone waiting for you."
Natsume was momentarily stunned, then let out a helpless smile.
Then, he stepped out from the corner and slowly walked over to Growlithe.
"Growlithe!"
Seeing the familiar figure approach, Growlithe's eyes lit up with joy.
Natsume clicked the button, holding the now-enlarged Luxury Ball in his hand.
He crouched down, ruffling Growlithe's warm mane, feeling its hot breath, and a smile slowly spread across his face.
"From now on... we're family!"
"Haunter! (￣▽￣)／"
Haunter happily extended its hand.
Sylveon glanced at Growlithe, thinking of the landlord's sparring partner, and gave a slight nod.
"Squirtle!"
Squirtle adjusted its sunglasses and shot a Water Gun at Growlithe's head.
"Growlithe?" Growlithe was now soaked, looking utterly confused.
"This is the final initiation ritual!"
Natsume laughed, placing the Luxury Ball on Growlithe's head.
"Welcome to the team, Growlithe!"
Growlithe grinned, shaking off the water, and turned into a red light, disappearing into the Luxury Ball.
Thud!
Natsume picked up the Luxury Ball and struck a dramatic pose. "Growlithe, I choose you!"
As the sun set, the Trio couldn't help but smile like proud parents.
"The Executive's evil plan... it worked, meow!" Meowth said excitedly.
"As expected of the Executive, capturing a rare Pokémon so easily!"
The girl with the yellow ponytail, though she didn't understand what the trio was saying, smiled warmly as she watched Natsume-sensei's figure.
The relationship between humans and Pokémon... it was a topic Professor Samuel Oak had always been exploring.
Some saw Pokémon as tools, as data, as wealth.
Others saw them as companions, as friends, as comrades...
But for Natsume-sensei, his relationship with Pokémon was perhaps more like that of family.
"As expected of Natsume-sensei," Yellow said with a gentle smile.
...
Before leaving the Police Station, Natsume and the others were seen off by the Jennys.
"Thank you so much!" Jenny bowed deeply.
The Team Rocket Trio looked awkward, scratching their cheeks in embarrassment.
As they left the Police Station, Jessie put her hands on her hips, looking proud. "Well... we are the charming and mischievous villains, after all!"
"Don't say that... we almost got caught earlier," James complained.
"Either way... we successfully captured Growlithe, meow!" Meowth grinned.
"What a great feeling!"
"Growlithe—!"
Growlithe, imitating the Trio, let out a howl of its own.
Meowth paused, then looked at Growlithe with admiration.
"What's it saying?" Natsume asked curiously.
"It says... it wants to become a hero, just like its mother, meow!"
"That's a wonderful goal!" James crouched down in front of Growlithe.
"Hmm... it looks like it'll grow into a really strong Pokémon!" Jessie said, stroking her chin.
Natsume's mood suddenly became a bit complicated.
A reason to grow stronger, huh...
I just want you all to be slackers...
Why do you all have to be so motivated?
But seeing the determination in Growlithe's eyes, Natsume sighed and glanced at Haunter.
"Haunter?"
"Training is up to you..." Natsume said helplessly.
Haunter grinned, patting Natsume's shoulder confidently.
"Haunter!"
Don't worry, I've got this!
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