Hora turned around to see Officer Jenny walking briskly toward him. Her uniform was dusted with debris, evidence of her having just finished directing the search.
"The Pokémon Center is a League-certified 'Neutral Sanctuary,'" Officer Jenny explained. "Whether it's ordinary citizens, righteous trainers, or even wanderers looking for a temporary place to stay, everyone can receive help here. According to League regulations, no organization or individual is permitted to attack a Pokémon Center. Doing so results in a global League manhunt—this is an unspoken 'red line' respected by all Gym Leaders and major organizations."
"But Team Rocket came anyway," Hora said softly.
Officer Jenny let out a helpless, heavy sigh. "Team Rocket has always ignored League rules. Over the years, they've stolen Pokémon, hijacked supply trucks, and even infiltrated research labs for data. I just didn't expect them to strike a Pokémon Center directly."
"They truly have no bottom line," Hora remarked.
Officer Jenny nodded, her eyes showing a newfound respect for him. "But thanks to you, not only was Team Rocket stopped, but not a single Pokémon was harmed. I've recorded your actions for the League report; I might even be able to apply for a 'League Contribution Award' for you."
"Thank you, Officer Jenny, but I only did what needed to be done," Hora replied, waving his hands modestly.
His current concern wasn't awards; it was how to use the Team Rocket trio to get close to Giovanni and complete his system task. The League's recognition was a lower priority for now.
Just then, Ash walked over, cradling a slightly revitalized Pikachu, with Misty and Lillian following behind.
"Hora! That battle was amazing!" Ash exclaimed, his eyes shining. "Especially when Bulbasaur used Leech Seed while being wrapped by Ekans—turning the tables like that was so cool!"
Hora smiled. "It was mostly Bulbasaur's coordination. Besides, if Officer Jenny hadn't arrived, we might not have held out much longer. Team Rocket's poison tactics are genuinely troublesome when they throw out all the rules."
He shifted the conversation toward the League competition. "By the way, Ash, since you're traveling now, are you planning to enter the Kanto League Conference?"
"Of course!" Ash puffed out his chest. Pikachu chirped a determined "Pika-pika!" in agreement. "I'm aiming to be a Pokémon Master! I'm definitely entering the Kanto League, and I'm going to win the championship!"
Seeing Ash's fiery spirit, Hora felt compelled to offer a reminder. "If you really plan to compete, I suggest you save the Viridian Gym for your very last challenge."
Ash blinked, scratching his head. "Huh? Why? Viridian is right here. Wouldn't it be better to challenge it now? Is the Leader that strong?"
Hora nodded patiently. "You might not know the League structure yet. There are eight major League regions, each holding a season every four years. Any certified trainer can enter. The top eight from each region can then enter the World Coronation Series—a tournament that happens once a decade."
"That is the stage where you get to face people like Leon, the 'Strongest Champion in History.' It's the path to becoming the world's best. But to even enter the regional conference, you first need eight badges. Out of the sixteen Gyms in Kanto, the Viridian Gym Leader, Giovanni, is not an ordinary Leader."
"Giovanni?" Ash repeated the name, feeling it sounded familiar though he couldn't place it.
"He is one of the premier trainers in Kanto; his strength is on par with the Elite Four," Hora said seriously. "You just started your journey. You only have Pikachu. Even if you catch new partners, you need time for levels and chemistry. If you challenge the Viridian Gym now, given your current state, you will lose. Period."
Ash's excitement faded, replaced by a look of realization. "I didn't realize there were so many variables. I never noticed..."
"If you slept less in class and read as much as I did back at the Academy, you'd know," Hora sighed.
Ash scratched his head sheepishly. "Hora, you know me. I see words on a page and I get sleepy. I'm not a top student like you."
Hora didn't refute that. He couldn't. An "Against-the-Odds Master" who relied purely on instinct and raw talent wasn't someone a "straight-A student" like himself could easily compare to.
Ash took a deep breath and nodded firmly. "I get it! Thanks for the tip, Hora! I'll head to Pewter City next to challenge the Rock-type Gym. Once I've cleared the others and gotten stronger, I'll come back to settle things with Leader Giovanni!"
While Ash was mulling over his route, Nurse Joy approached with two Poké Balls and a gentle smile. "Hora, Bulbasaur and Beedrill are all checked out. They were just exhausted. I've given them supplements and energy blocks; they're full of life again."
Hora took the balls and bowed slightly. "Thank you for the trouble, Nurse Joy."
"It's my job," she waved him off. "By the way, are you staying in Viridian for a few days? We have vacant rooms here."
"I was actually going to ask for one," Hora nodded, before adding, "But I need to head out for a bit. I'll be back late to rest, and I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning. I can't stay long."
"What? You're leaving so soon?" Ash interjected, surprised. He had hoped for a battle once Pikachu was 100%.
Hora glanced briefly at Misty and Lillian behind Ash, mentally whispering "Sorry" to his friend.
"I plan to head to Pewter City tomorrow," Hora explained. "I want to challenge the Rock Gym early and get my first badge."
"Is there such a rush?" Ash asked. "Pewter is quite a walk from here, and your Pokémon just fought. Shouldn't you rest another day?"
"No, an early start gives me more time to prepare," Hora replied calmly.
In truth, he wasn't in a rush for the badge. His real target was Brock, who was set to appear in Pewter City. In the original story, Ash won over Brock (with the help of Brock's father) and convinced the Rock-type expert to join his team.
Brock was not only a great cook and a meticulous caretaker; his tactical understanding far exceeded Ash's. If Hora could "poach" Brock first, he would gain a reliable partner and a guide who understood Gym and League politics—essential for his plan to infiltrate Team Rocket.
If he waited for Ash, Ash's "protagonist luck" would inevitably pull Brock into his party. Hora had to leave first to intercept Brock before Ash ever got the chance to meet him.
Misty crossed her arms and pouted. "Honestly, traveling is meant to be enjoyed slowly. Who rushes around like they're working on a deadline?"
Lillian was more supportive. "Everyone has their own pace. If Hora has a plan, leaving early is a good idea. The Pewter Gym is quite a challenge; if you need data on Rock-types, I can lend you my research notes."
"That would be a huge help. Thank you," Hora replied. Establishing a rapport with a researcher like Lillian was always a smart move.
Nurse Joy finalized his check-in and handed over a key. "Room 203 on the second floor. You can head out; just use the key when you get back."
After a quick goodbye to Ash and the others, Hora turned and walked out of the Pokémon Center. The moment he stepped through the door, his calm demeanor vanished. His eyes sharpened as a detailed map appeared in his mind. He had much more important business to attend to before the sun went down.