Handsome Researcher(Rei Akagi): "The baby Kangaskhan was playing around and accidentally ate a poisonous mushroom. In her panic, the Kangaskhan mother thought this Rattata was the culprit and accidentally injured it during the chaos."
Handsome Researcher: "Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, she asked me to thank you on her behalf."
Red followed Rei Akagi's gaze and turned his head.
He saw Kangaskhan looking at him with gratitude and apology in her eyes. She solemnly bowed toward him, then reached into her pouch and took out a gleaming, claw-shaped item, gently placing it in Red's hand.
"Red obtained the Quick Claw!"
"Red placed the Quick Claw in the Items Pocket."
A battle item!
Red cried out in delight.
"Triggering a hidden event actually gives such an awesome reward!"
Handsome Researcher: "Alright then, hot-blooded young man! I'll take responsibility for escorting this lost girl home safely. Continue your adventure—the League challenge awaits you!"
The Researcher Baturned around and spoke to Yellow with a gentle yet slightly stern tone.
Handsome Researcher: "Entering such a dangerous forest alone without any Pokémon partners is very risky. You shouldn't be so reckless next time."
Yellow nodded obediently and stood behind the researcher.
But her gaze continued to follow Red's departing figure, filled with reluctance and admiration.
"Everyone showed up!"
Looking at the scene on the screen, Red spoke in a cheerful tone, with a hint of pride as he turned to the friends sitting on the sofa.
Green crossed his arms, too lazy to respond to Red's belated realization.
Blue simply rolled her eyes dramatically.
Meanwhile, Yellow quickly lowered her head, hiding the blush spreading across her cheeks again, her fingers unconsciously twisting the corner of her clothes.
"Hehe…"
Completely unaware, Red continued controlling his energetic in-game character, pointing toward the forest exit.
"Let's go! Destination—Pewter City!"
"Ahem."
An intentional throat-clearing interrupted Red's heroic declaration.
It was Green.
Red looked at him in confusion, only to see Green raise a hand and point outside the window.
Golden particles of sunlight quietly drifted in. Outside, everything looked peaceful and calm.
"It's time to rest."
Green's voice was concise.
"Ah, is it that late already?"
Red blinked and checked the in-game clock on the screen, finally realizing how much time had passed.
"Alright… we'll continue tomorrow."
Reluctantly, he opened the Pokédex and saved the game.
"No. I'm going to the Gym tomorrow to deal with some things."
Green replied expressionlessly, effectively canceling tomorrow's plan.
"Go ahead then."
Red shrugged indifferently.
"It's not like the game can't be played without you."
A visible vein mark instantly appeared on Green's forehead. Just as the atmosphere was about to turn awkward—
"Red…"
Yellow spoke up softly in reminder.
"Don't you have training tomorrow…?"
"Ah! Right!"
Only then did Red remember.
"Then the day after tomorrow! Same time, same place!"
"That won't work either."
Blue spoke calmly while admiring her freshly painted nails.
"I'm going to Saffron City. Sabrina asked me to go shopping with her. Let's do it this weekend."
Red opened his mouth to protest, but Blue silenced him with a single glare.
Alright then… considering you helped me find so many items. Definitely not because I'm afraid of arguing…
As the sun set, the four of them left the research institute on foot.
Meanwhile…
"Stop playing around. I happen to have time today, so I'll take you to get registered."
After finishing a game promotion proposal, Rei Akagi grabbed Gastly—whose big face was practically stuck to the television screen.
Ignoring its struggles, he plopped it on his head like a sun hat and stepped outside under the scorching sunlight.
Unlike the rules in the games, the real world had strict regulations regarding Pokémon capture. He needed to bring Gastly to the League to officially register it.
If a captured Pokémon wasn't registered with the League for a long time, the trainer could face serious legal penalties if discovered.
Eterna City Pokémon Center
In a good mood, Rei Akagi energetically greeted the receptionist.
"Good afternoon, Nurse Joy!"
So—so handsome!
Sunlight fell across his handsome profile, almost as if outlining him with a golden glow.
For some reason, Nurse Joy felt her cheeks heat up slightly.
Noticing her reaction, Rei Akagi hesitated.
"Miss Joy?"
"Huh? Yes!"
She instantly displayed impeccable professionalism, folding her hands in front of her and suppressing the ripple in her heart before revealing a gentle, standard smile.
"Welcome. How may I assist you?"
"This is Gastly, the Pokémon I've formed a bond with. I came to register it in the League system—"
Rei Akagi suddenly stopped mid-sentence.
He turned around in place and even crouched down to tap his own shadow.
But Gastly was nowhere to be seen.
"Huh? Where did my huge Gastly go?"
"Gaaastly!"
With a mischievous cry, Gastly suddenly appeared behind Nurse Joy, baring its eerie fangs as wisps of blue ghost-flame floated around it.
"Ah!"
Nurse Joy jumped in fright, and the nearby Chansey puffed up its cheeks angrily and placed its hands on its hips.
"Lucky—!"
"Sorry! Gastly caused trouble again."
Rei Akagi reacted quickly, grabbing the cackling Gastly and giving it a light chop on the head before bowing apologetically.
"It's alright. Please come this way."
Nurse Joy quickly regained her composure and led him into a back room, stopping beside a machine.
The machine was square and metallic, resembling a precise metal platform. Six circular slots were embedded on top, while a small control screen was mounted on the front.
Isn't this the Pokémon Center healing machine from the games?
Rei Akagi resisted the urge to complain. He took the Moon Ball from his waist, recalled Gastly, and handed the Poké Ball to Nurse Joy.
"To prevent poaching or malicious activity, we need to confirm the legality of the Pokémon's origin and check for signs of coercion or abuse. Thank you for your understanding."
With practiced efficiency, Nurse Joy placed the Moon Ball into one of the slots.
She pressed the start button.
A familiar melody filled the room.
Dun↑
Dun↑
Dun↑ De↓ Dun↑
Alright. Case closed.
This was definitely the Pokémon healing machine from the games.
"There are no issues at all. Here is your Poké Ball."
After reviewing the report, Nurse Joy handed the Moon Ball back.
"If you intend to collect Gym Badges and participate in the Sinnoh League Conference, please first visit the League Battle Center for verification. Once you officially become a Pokémon Trainer, you'll receive free healing services at Pokémon Centers and a 20% discount on purchases."
"Thank you for your help, Nurse Joy."
Rei Akagi accepted the Moon Ball.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Gastly secretly popping out of the ball again.
Raising an eyebrow, he grabbed it and pushed it toward his shadow.
Unable to resist the "ghost dad's" suppression, Gastly pretended to drown, making bubbling noises before slowly sinking back into the shadow.
After confirming Gastly had finally settled down, Rei Akagi quickly left the Pokémon Center—under Nurse Joy's slightly reluctant gaze.
Sigh… being handsome really is a sin.
"Gaaastly! (Battle!)"
The moment they stepped outside, Gastly burst out of the shadow again, mouth wide open with its bright red tongue hanging out as it bounced excitedly in the air.
Rei Akagi understood immediately.
"You want to go to the League Battle Center to watch some battles? Sure. I don't have anything else to do right now anyway."
"Gaaastly!"
"Hey! Gastly, slow down—you'll crash into someone!"
"Gaaastly!"
"Oh right. You're gas. Never mind."
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Sagamaster789