[Drawing… Congratulations, Host has obtained the item 'Metal Coat']
"Metal Coat?"
Nozomi repeated the system's notification aloud.
[Metal Coat: An item that allows certain Pokémon to evolve.]
"I know this one."
As a devoted Pokémon fan, Nozomi naturally knew that the Metal Coat was the key item for evolving a Scyther into a Scizor or an Onix into a Steelix. It also had the added effect of boosting Steel-type Pokémon's attack power.
"This lottery result isn't bad at all."
The item he'd drawn this time wasn't as good as last time's, but it wasn't bad either.
The Metal Coat was fairly rare—its scarcity reflected in the rarity of Scizor and Steelix.
Whether Nozomi used it to enhance Metagross's Steel-type moves or saved it for evolving a future Onix or Scyther, it was extremely useful.
While pondering where in Kanto he could catch a Scyther or Onix, the doors of the Pokémon Center burst open. Ash came rushing in, followed by Misty, who was struggling to catch her breath.
Ash's eyes immediately landed on Nozomi. He sprinted over, anxiously asking, "Nozomi, how's Pikachu?!"
"Even though I understand your feelings, you should lower your voice. This is a Pokémon Center, after all."
Seeing many people inside glancing their way, Nozomi couldn't help but feel a little helpless.
Ash was too oblivious, never considering other people's reactions.
Nozomi's reminder made him realize it, and Ash scratched the back of his head, embarrassed, lowering his voice. "Pikachu… it's okay, right?!"
He had run all this way, worried something had happened to Pikachu!
"No, it's fine. There's no danger," Nozomi said. "But be careful in the future—never provoke a group of wild Pokémon."
He knew Ash had his protagonist aura, but that was in the anime. Who knew if the real-world Ash could always escape danger unscathed?
"Okay!" Ash nodded, still feeling shaken.
The memory of being chased by a Spearow still sent chills down his spine.
Luckily, it was all over now.
"By the way, Ash… what are you going to do about Misty's bike?"
Nozomi asked with a smile, noticing Misty holding onto her bicycle, still panting.
"Oh, my bike!" Misty exclaimed.
She had already seen the damage: the front wheel hub was completely broken, the frame twisted and bent. The bike was basically ruined.
"I'll pay for it…" Ash said, head down, looking dejected.
Misty's expression softened slightly—her anger at Ash eased. This reckless guy, who didn't consider others and had taken her bike without permission, was at least responsible!
But before she could be happy for long, Ash quickly added,"But… I don't have any money…"
"What?!"
Hearing that, Misty instantly exploded with anger.
"Don't worry! I'll pay you back slowly!" Ash apologized sincerely.
But it barely dented Misty's rage.
Just as she was about to say more, the Pokémon Center's doors suddenly blew open.
Trainers resting inside were startled; many timid ones panicked and ran for the exits.
Fssss—!
A thick cloud of smoke rolled in, blocking the entrance.
From within the smoke came a burst of boisterous laughter.
"Ha ha ha ha ha!"
"Who's there?" Ash asked instinctively.
Nozomi twitched at the corner of his mouth. The most classic line was coming.
"Who's there?" a male voice called out.
"Since you asked so sincerely," a red-haired woman leaned against a blue-haired man, striking a pose through the smoke.
The blue-haired man held a rose in his mouth. "We'll graciously tell you!"
Prepare for trouble...
...and make it double!
To protect the world from devastation!
To unite all peoples within our nation!
To denounce the evils of truth and love!
To extend our reach to the stars above!
Jessie!
James!
Team Rocket, blasting off at the speed of light!
Surrender now or prepare to fight!
Meowth! That's right. Meowth leapt out from between them with a squeak.
"…"
After reciting their entire speech, the Pokémon Center fell completely silent.
The Team Rocket trio had made their entrance, just like in the story—but their debut seemed less than impressive.
The only sound in the Pokémon Center was the hiss of the smoke bomb.
The trio stood awkwardly—what could they do if no one paid attention to their speech?
Just as they were stuck in their dilemma:
Clap clap clap!
A series of applause broke the uneasy silence.
All eyes turned to Nozomi, clapping his hands. "Nice delivery!"
"Thank you very much!"
Jessie, James, and Meowth bowed in gratitude.
After finishing their thanks, the trio suddenly sprang into action. Jessie and James threw out their Poké Balls together.
"To show our appreciation, hand over your Pokémon! Team Rocket never fails—everyone, surrender your Pokémon immediately!"
"Team Rocket?!"
Many trainers turned pale at the words.
"Run!" someone shouted.
A crowd of trainers bolted toward the exit.
The mere mention of Team Rocket was enough to terrify ordinary trainers!
"Koffing, use Poison Gas to block them!"
In midair, Koffing spewed out a massive cloud of poison, blocking all the trainers at the doorway!
"Pidgey, Hurricane! Scatter the poison gas!"
Finally, some trainers remembered they had Pokémon. They threw out their Poké Balls and shouted orders.
Jessie, seeing this, remained completely unbothered. "Ekans, Poison Sting!"
A flurry of poison needles shot at the newly released Pidgey.
Swish, swish, swish…
The Pidgey was riddled with poison needles and collapsed to the ground!
"Pidgey!"
Its trainer hurriedly scooped up the fallen bird.
Hiss—!
Every trainer who saw this gasped, withdrawing their hands from reaching for their Poké Balls.
"Team Rocket isn't something we can handle! Where's Officer Jenny?" one trainer called.
"Uh… Nozomi, what is Team Rocket?" Ash asked, his question suddenly sounding so out of place amid the trainers' desperate shouts.