"Pokémon! Launch!"
Red skillfully opened the Pokédex and connected it to the large television screen.
The familiar startup sound effect echoed through the room.
Same time.
Same place.
Although Green, Blue, and Yellow didn't say anything, their bodies were very honest—they all leaned against the sofa, faint anticipation hidden in their eyes.
The familiar opening animation flashed by as Red loaded the save file.
The screen flickered.
Gentle forest music began to flow as Red appeared once again at the lush edge of Viridian Forest.
On screen, Red immediately performed a backflip before tossing out two Poké Balls.
"Come out and stretch your legs—Charmeleon! Poliwhirl!"
Charmeleon ran around wildly as if full of energy, while Poliwhirl stood beside Red with its arms folded, carrying the cool demeanor of a martial arts master.
After not touching the game for two or three days, Red controlled Red as he hopped around along the forest paths, battling nearby trainers to get back into rhythm.
Charmeleon chased after Pidgey, while Poliwhirl cleared rocks blocking the path with precise Brick Breaks.
Leaving the tranquil forest trail behind, the view suddenly opened up.
The music seamlessly shifted to the deep, steady overworld theme as a city built from gray-white stone appeared on the screen—ancient and dignified.
"Pewter City"
"A City of Gray Stone — Built on Ancient Foundations."
The message appeared quietly.
Passing neat terraced fields and gardens carefully maintained by gardeners, Red first headed to the Pokémon Center to rest his team.
As a large city that housed the Pokémon Museum, Pewter City was noticeably more bustling.
Pedestrians filled the streets, and the lively noise of everyday life filled the air.
Red didn't rush to explore the town this time.
Instead, he decided to challenge the Gym first.
After all, if he happened to run into Green again and hadn't beaten the Gym yet, he'd never hear the end of it.
"The Pewter City Gym Leader is Brock. Haven't talked to him in a while."
Red controlled his character toward the Gym while speaking nostalgically.
"But he's really someone you can rely on! I'm looking forward to battling him!"
"Yeah…"
Green recalled the dark-skinned young man who always kept his eyes half-closed and nodded in agreement.
"A man as solid as bedrock."
As someone who also carried heavy responsibilities as both a Breeder and a Gym Leader, Brock also had to take care of many younger siblings. Green had considerable respect for him.
However—
The moment Red stepped through the Gym doors, their expectations were immediately doused with cold water.
At the entrance, a stern-looking man stopped him.
Stern Man:
"Hello, challenger! The Gym Leader recommends that challengers bring at least three Pokémon partners before attempting the challenge. As a rookie Gym evaluation, the Gym Leader will use a team of three Pokémon."
Red originally intended to ignore the advice.
But suddenly, the memory of his earlier battle with Green flashed through his mind.
He shuddered.
"…Alright, alright. Better play it safe. Let's go catch another Pokémon first…"
Reluctantly, Red controlled Red to turn around and leave.
At the same time, he fell into thought.
Right now his team only had Charmeleon and Poliwhirl.
Who should be the third member?
"Go catch a Jigglypuff! Or maybe a Ditto!"
Blue suggested enthusiastically.
"I remember seeing them near a stream somewhere in Viridian Forest!"
Yellow seemed tempted as well, her eyes sparkling.
Only Green remained leaning back with folded arms, looking indifferent.
As Red wandered aimlessly through the streets, he suddenly ran into a large protest crowd carrying signs.
The crowd stormed past him angrily.
Red's curiosity was instantly piqued.
He sneakily slipped into the group and started eavesdropping.
Experience told him—
There was definitely something good going on.
"Wait!"
"You little brat!"
"Where did it run off to?"
"…"
Red followed while listening carefully.
Suddenly—he tripped over something.
Looking down, he realized he had stepped on a wanted poster, the culprit responsible for the public outrage.
He picked it up.
It was a large photo.
The picture showed an Electric Mouse Pokémon staring innocently with round eyes.
Below the photo was the caption:
"Pikachu↑"
"A mischievous Electric-type mouse. Whoever manages to catch it will receive a generous reward."
—Pewter City Commercial Street
"It's Pikachu!"
Yellow cried out excitedly.
She quickly realized her voice had been too loud and her cheeks instantly turned bright red.
This scene pulled Red straight into his memories.
Wasn't this the moment when he first met Pika?
It was exactly the same!
"Brother Rei Akagi even recreated this perfectly in the game!"
Red laughed in amazement.
"Pika?"
Hearing Yellow call its name, the real Pikachu that had been playing outside the room ran in immediately.
After realizing nothing was wrong, it tilted its head in confusion and lightly jumped onto Red's shoulder.
"Pika, we were just talking about you. Look."
Red grinned as he pointed at the television screen.
On screen—
Red had already followed the angry crowd and cornered a small Pikachu against a wall.
"You keep messing up everything in the shops! We absolutely can't forgive you!"
"You've got nowhere left to run, you little troublemaker!"
"Everyone—grab it!"
"…"
The Pikachu trapped in the corner glared defiantly at the surrounding crowd, completely fearless.
"Pika? Pika!"
The real Pikachu suddenly reacted.
It jumped onto Red's head and started scolding him by pulling the highest tuft of his hair with its tiny paws—apparently reminding him that he once helped chase it back then.
"Pika! Pikachu!"
"Ahhh! That hurts! Don't pull my hair, Pika!"
Red grimaced in pain.
While Red struggled with the Pikachu on his head—
The Pikachu in the game moved.
A flash of light—
It became a blur.
Bang! Bang!
It stepped precisely on the faces of the two people in front, using them as leverage before vaulting over the crowd in a single leap.
Not only that—
It even casually grabbed a Berry from a nearby fruit stall, humming an off-key "Pika Pika" tune while completely ignoring the pursuers.
Just then—
Someone seized the opportunity.
A net dropped from above and trapped Pikachu perfectly.
Yet Pikachu showed no panic.
Instead, it arched its body.
Crackle—!
Brilliant golden lightning exploded outward.
The powerful electricity surged through the surrounding crowd indiscriminately.
Even Red, who had merely been watching from the sidelines, was shocked until his hair stood straight up.
People collapsed everywhere, groaning.
Meanwhile, Pikachu casually pushed the net aside and continued nibbling its Berry.
Red finally managed to pull the Pikachu off his head.
Watching this scene, he grinned.
"Time for the protagonist to make his entrance!"
In the game, Red struggled back to his feet and stepped forward dramatically, throwing a Poké Ball.
"Go! Charmeleon!"
Charmeleon appeared in a flash.
It raised its head and unleashed a burst of blazing fire into the air—declaring its presence with overwhelming flair.
The previously angry townspeople instantly transformed into spectators, gathering around to watch the upcoming battle.
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