In a remote forest near New Bark Town, a figure moved quietly through the trees.
This forest was rumored to be home to terrifying Pokémon, so most nearby residents avoided it on purpose.
"Sir, Suicune's location has been confirmed. It's inside this forest," a man in hunter attire reported respectfully to a woman.
The woman looked no older than her early twenties. With short silver hair and a sharp, capable presence, she exuded authority.
After hearing the report, Hunter J finally revealed a faint smile on her cold face.
"Very good. Lock onto Suicune's position as quickly as possible. Team Rocket paid a high price for it."
"Yes!"
Without hesitation, the subordinate contacted the others, and they immediately began a carpet-style search of the forest.
"In this forest?"
Under the guidance of Arcanine, Sam, Ash, Misty, and Brock arrived at the forest's edge.
Just standing outside, Sam could already feel a chilling aura coming from within.
Based on his experience, this place was similar to Viridian Forest—a habitat for powerful Pokémon.
"Ash, Misty, Brock—be careful. This forest looks dangerous," Sam warned.
Not only were there ruthless poachers inside, but wild Pokémon could attack at any moment. They had to stay alert at all times.
"I understand, Brother Sam," Ash replied seriously.
After confirming that the three were ready, Sam led them into the forest.
Deeper inside the forest, chaos was unfolding.
"HELP!!!"
Goh was running frantically, his starter Pokémon close behind him.
Behind them, dozens of Beautifly were in hot pursuit.
Despite their elegant appearance, Beautifly were notoriously aggressive. Once provoked, they attacked relentlessly.
And clearly—Goh had provoked them.
Moments earlier, after entering the forest, he spotted a group of Beautifly. Seeing how cute they looked, he immediately threw a Poké Ball, trying to capture one without even battling.
The result?
A complete disaster.
Not only did he fail, but he enraged the entire group. At the call of one Beautifly, countless others gathered and launched a fierce pursuit, whipping up powerful gusts of wind.
"Did you hear something?" Ash whispered.
Sam shook his head.
"Ash, you're too tense. Even Arcanine hasn't reacted. If there was noise nearby, it would've noticed."
"Relax a little."
"…Okay," Ash nodded.
He was nervous.
After all, this wasn't like dealing with Team Rocket. This time, they were up against real poachers—dangerous people who wouldn't hesitate to harm others.
If he wasn't careful, he could actually get hurt.
If Ash felt this way, Misty and Brock were no different.
Since entering the forest, both of them had been tense and silent. They hadn't loosened their grip on their Poké Balls even once, their palms already damp with sweat.
"Let's take a break," Sam suggested.
He could tell—they were too tense. If they stayed like this, they wouldn't be able to perform properly in battle.
This wasn't an exaggeration. Excessive nervousness could make your limbs stiff and weaken your reactions. For a Trainer, that was a serious flaw.
Sam took a few pieces of chocolate from his backpack and handed them out.
He unwrapped one for himself, popped it into his mouth, and smiled.
"Eat some chocolate. It helps relieve stress."
The three didn't refuse. They needed it.
As the sweetness melted on their tongues, they all let out long breaths.
Their tension eased noticeably.
"Don't worry so much," Sam said with a calm smile.
"As long as I'm here, nothing will happen to you."
He wasn't bragging.
With his current strength, dealing with a group of poachers wasn't difficult at all.
The real reason he brought Ash and the others along wasn't to fight—
It was because of something much simpler.
Ash had a habit of running into Legendary Pokémon.
It sounded superstitious…
But in this world, it worked.
---------------Author---------------
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