"What is it, number two?"
Nozomi asked.
Chairman Hikoji's smile was disarmingly friendly. "Number two, I have a favor I'd like to ask of you."
Nozomi was slightly taken aback. It felt abrupt.
To be asked for help the moment they met—it was unusual.
After all, they barely knew each other. Opening with a request for assistance naturally felt strange.
"May I ask why you're asking me?" Nozomi inquired.
Hikoji seemed to notice the abruptness in his own request. He didn't respond immediately but continued, "You were able to defeat that Onix. That shows me your strength must be considerable, which is why I need your help."
Nozomi felt even stranger at this explanation.
He had only captured an Onix. While it might suggest some skill, it was hardly a definitive measure of strength.
If he were in Hikoji's shoes, Nozomi thought, he wouldn't judge a trainer's abilities solely on capturing an Onix and immediately request their help. A chairman of an association shouldn't make such a rookie mistake.
Clearing his throat, Nozomi said, "I'm sorry, Chairman Hikoji, but I won't be staying in Pewter City for long. I have other matters to attend to. After challenging Pewter Gym, I'll be leaving, so I must decline your request."
Everything about this situation felt strange.
Nozomi wasn't particularly fond of trouble, and since he wasn't lacking money, he saw no reason to go out of his way to help.
"Very well," Hikoji said, seeing the resoluteness in Nozomi's expression, and let it go.
"The reward for capturing the Onix will be transferred to your account tomorrow."
Since the account was linked to his ID card, Nozomi didn't need to provide any additional information.
"Thank you. Goodbye!"
Nozomi didn't linger, quickly leaving the reception room.
Once he had gone, Hikoji squinted at the door for a long moment before picking up the phone on his desk.
"Boss Giovanni? This is Hikoji. The target was wary. The mission failed."
There was a brief silence on the other end.
Then Giovanni's deep voice came through: "Understood. Thank you for your efforts."
Click. The call ended.
Hikoji sat back on the sofa, sipping his tea, a tsk of admiration escaping him.
"Just one tiny flaw, and it was enough for him to notice… he really is cautious."
…
Unaware that his vigilance had just thwarted a Team Rocket plot, Nozomi walked through the bustling streets, shopping for travel supplies.
"First, Pokémon food…"
He browsed through the market carefully.
In this world, Pokémon were essential partners in work, life, and study, making the Pokémon food market enormous.
Brands and varieties were countless.
For instance, across Kanto and the Johto region, the corporate giant Silph Co developed the "Delicious" series, targeting mid-to-low-end markets for various Pokémon types.
Meanwhile, Devon Corporation in Hoenn focused on high-end clientele, creating the "Private" series, tailored to individual Pokémon types' taste preferences and nutritional needs. These were expensive, affordable only to the wealthy.
This time, Nozomi was purchasing raw ingredients for Pokémon food.
His mind was occupied with methods of Pokémon care, naturally including how to prepare Pokémon meals.
It was clear that, even if he never pursued life as a Pokémon trainer, consulting for companies that produced Pokémon food could still earn him a respectable place in this world.
After completing his purchases, Nozomi returned to the Pokémon Center early.
He retrieved his Pokémon from Nurse Joy and headed straight to Pewter City Training Hall, renting a space.
"Come out, everyone!"
Nozomi released his Pokémon.
Metagross was alert as always, while Ivysaur yawned lazily after just waking up.
Eevee wore its usual aloof expression, and Haunter sneakily positioned itself behind Ivysaur, ready to startle it.
Nozomi clapped his hands, drawing the attention of all his Pokémon.
"Everyone, look here!"
He waved at them until they all focused on him.
"There's a lot to do today, but first, I'd like to introduce a new partner!"
Nozomi tossed a Poké Ball into the air, and the massive Onix emerged onto the training field.
Except for Metagross, the unprepared Pokémon were taken aback.
Seeing their surprise, Nozomi reassured them, "Don't be afraid. From now on, Onix will be part of our team."
Turning to Onix, he asked, "Right?"
Onix looked at Nozomi, then at Metagross, and decisively nodded, as if to say, Yes, what you said is correct!
Watching the interaction, the Pokémon quickly relaxed.
Haunter and Ivysaur even approached Onix, circling it curiously.
"There's one more thing," Nozomi said, reaching into his bag and pulling out a moss-covered stone, glancing at Eevee. "Eevee, do you want to evolve?"