After hearing everything from Soyo, Satoshi could barely hold himself back. He wanted desperately to rush straight in and save Garchomp.
Garchomp's scales could produce precious TMs like Scale Shot, Dragon Claw, Swords Dance, and Dragon Dance.
In this world, TMs were incredibly valuable. Each one sold for tens of thousands, even through legitimate channels, due to the complexity of their creation.
But if you made TMs by harming Pokémon, you could bypass that tedious process—just using a simple TM machine was enough.
Days had passed since Garchomp fled the EcoDome. Satoshi couldn't imagine what state it was in now, but since Garchomp was a pseudo-legendary Pokémon, he figured Team Rocket would have a tough time controlling it.
To confirm the intel, Satoshi and Soyo hid nearby, briefly observing the suspicious building.
They didn't need to wait long before evidence delivered itself to their doorstep.
Male Grunt A: "How's that Pokémon coming along?"
Female Grunt A: "It's still rampaging using Outrage, but Dr. Xerosic's collar has it under control, so it won't cause any trouble. But we should hurry and transfer it. That way, we can take credit and maybe even get a promotion."
Black uniforms + Outrage + Control device + Dr. Xerosic… There was no need for guessing—Team Rocket had captured Garchomp.
Calling Officer Jenny probably wouldn't get her here in time either.
Satoshi clenched his fists, frustration building rapidly.
Since that incident, Officer Jenny had given him her contact number, seeing great promise in him.
But under these circumstances, even if they called Officer Jenny, she probably wouldn't arrive in time before Garchomp was moved.
That meant…it was up to him.
[Uuu… I really didn't want you going into such a dangerous place, but your personality is just impossible.]
[Mission: Rescue Garchomp!]
[Reward: Firium Z!]
Looks like I'm really becoming Mr. Special Items now!
Seeing Furiko's mission reward improved Satoshi's mood a little.
But without a Z-Ring, how would he even use it? Not to mention, rescuing Garchomp took priority.
"I have Officer Jenny's number here. Soyo, please call her over. I'll go in alone first to investigate."
Satoshi pulled out his phone, quickly brought up the contact information, and handed it to Soyo, suddenly serious.
But Soyo, face flushed pink, just enjoyed sticking close to him.
Sniff… Sniff… Satoshi's scent alone was already intoxicating.
Her Flabébé tingled all over.
"No. I want to stay with you."
Overflowing with motherly tenderness, Soyo wanted to stay with him until the very end.
Besides, this was the perfect chance to repay Satoshi's kindness from their first meeting—especially since that incident was also connected to Team Rocket.
Satoshi: "Are you okay…? I'll bandage your wounds right away, just hang in there."
Ahh~ Satoshi-kun~♥
As the memory replayed in her mind, Soyo melted softly into nostalgia.
But Satoshi gently ran his fingers through her hair, firmly rejecting her offer.
"Thank you, Soyo, but please stay outside. I'll contact you immediately if anything happens."
His love for Pokémon was his own matter—there was no need to drag sweet, gentle Soyo into danger.
"I…alright."
Hearing this, Soyo raised her head, saw Satoshi's determined gaze, and didn't push further.
Thanks to secretly following him every day, making a duplicate key, and secretly entering his room to indulge in his scent, she knew clearly how stubborn he was.
And besides, she could always secretly follow him again.
Alright then—Super Rookie, move out!
Satoshi's sharp gaze fell upon the two Team Rocket members. Activating a burst of speed like lightning, he dashed straight toward the unsuspecting criminals.
"Elbow strike! Taste my ultimate move!"
"What's that soun—GUHHH!!"
He swung his arm fiercely, landing a powerful elbow directly into one Rocket grunt's stomach. The grunt collapsed, rolling in pain, completely incapacitated.
"Next is the Crabhammer Uppercut taught to me by that card-playing, milk-drinking, screw-removing guy!"
"Wait—GAHHH, THAT HURTS!" Immediately afterward, Satoshi spun around, delivering a mighty punch—his signature Crabhammer Uppercut! The female Rocket grunt took the heavy blow right on her chin and fell unconscious instantly.
"Huh…? Not using Pokémon?"
Watching this, Soyo broke into a nervous sweat. Somehow, she felt that Satoshi's body was becoming increasingly absurd.
If things ever progressed further, would she even survive?
"Hmm? If I use Pokémon, they'll alert the enemy faster. This way, I catch them completely off-guard." Satoshi casually explained while pulling out four Pokéballs. Now came the critical part—no mistakes could be made.
"Come on out, Raichu, Frogadier, Grookey, Combusken!"
"I'm counting on you guys."
"Rai-chu! (Leave it to us!)"
"Koga-koga! (No problem!)"
"Pachi! (Got it!)"
"Yamo! (Let's go!)"
All four Pokémon voiced their resolve, preparing to infiltrate (and dominate) the base.
They didn't hesitate for a second, confident they'd chosen the right trainer—even in such dangerous circumstances.
"Satoshi-kun…♥"
I love him…love him…love him…
Soyo placed a trembling hand over her heart. Her heartbeat raced faster, pounding as if it wanted to burst from her chest.
But sadly, Satoshi immediately ran off, disappearing into the building, leaving Soyo behind.
"Speaking of which, if it's against criminals, causing a few casualties shouldn't matter, right? Team Rocket members would probably be happy to give their lives for their beloved organization, wouldn't they?"
Thinking about this, Nagasaki Soyo's deep blue eyes lost all trace of brightness. She reached into her pocket, gripping several Pokéballs, a gentle, heartwarming smile spreading across her lips—only a faint hesitation lingered in her heart.
No…wait. I have to consider Satoshi's feelings too. If I eliminate them, would he accept me? Ah, this is so complicated.
...
Frowning slightly, Satoshi dashed into the building, carefully surveying his surroundings. Immediately, two things became clear to him:
First, there weren't many guards inside this hideout. Second, someone was clearly slacking—despite Frogadier having already destroyed the security cameras with Water Pulse, no alarms had sounded.
Just a few Venonat, Houndour, Graveler, Spearow, and scattered Team Rocket members on patrol—nothing too troublesome.
"Frogadier, Water Pulse! Raichu, Thunderbolt! Grookey, Grassy Glide! Combusken, Flamethrower!"