↑ [Handsome Researcher: The baby Kangaskhan got playful and accidentally ate a highly poisonous mushroom.] [Handsome Researcher: In her panic, mother Kangaskhan mistakenly thought this little Rattata was responsible.
In the confusion, she accidentally injured it.] [Handsome Researcher: Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, she asked me to thank you on her behalf.] Little Red followed Gray’s gaze and turned around.
Kangaskhan’s eyes were filled with gratitude and guilt.
With great solemnity, she bowed deeply toward Little Red.
Then she reached into her pouch and carefully pulled out a gleaming item shaped like a sharp claw.
It shimmered under the forest light as she gently placed it into Little Red’s hand.
[Red obtained the Quick Claw!] [Red put the Quick Claw into the Items Pocket.] “A battle item!” Red exclaimed excitedly.
“Triggering a hidden event actually gives rewards this good?!” [Handsome Researcher: Alright, passionate young man!
I’ll take responsibility for safely escorting this lost girl home.] [Handsome Researcher: Continue your adventure.
The League challenge is waiting for you!] The Handsome Researcher turned around.
His expression became gentle yet slightly stern as he looked at Yellow.
[Handsome Researcher: Venturing alone into a dangerous forest without a Pokémon partner is extremely risky behavior.
You mustn’t be this reckless again.] Little Yellow obediently nodded and stepped behind the researcher.
Yet her eyes never left Little Red.
They followed his figure the entire time.
Filled with reluctance.
Filled with admiration.
“Everyone showed up after all!” Red looked at the scene on the screen.
His tone was cheerful and carried a trace of pride as he turned toward his friends on the sofa.
Blue folded his arms.
He could not even be bothered responding to Red’s belated realization.
Green rolled her eyes dramatically.
As for Yellow…
She quickly lowered her head.
Trying to hide the blush that had once again spread across her cheeks.
Her fingers unconsciously twisted the corner of her clothes.
“Hehe…” Completely oblivious, Red controlled the energetic Little Red and pointed toward the forest exit.
“Let’s go!” “Next destination…” “Pewter City!” “Ahem.” A deliberate cough interrupted his heroic declaration.
It was Blue.
Red looked at him in confusion.
Blue simply raised a hand and pointed toward the window.
Golden sunlight had quietly begun streaming inside.
Outside was a peaceful and tranquil evening scene.
“It’s time to rest.” Blue’s words were simple and direct.
“Huh?
It’s already that late?” Red blinked.
He glanced at the in-game clock.
Only then did he realize just how much time had passed.
“Alright…” “We’ll continue tomorrow.” Reluctantly, he opened the Pokédex menu and saved the game.
“No.” Blue immediately rejected the proposal.
“I need to visit the Gym tomorrow.” “There are some things I need to handle.” Just like that, tomorrow’s gaming session was declared canceled.
“Then go.” Red shrugged carelessly.
“It’s not like the game can’t be played without you.” A prominent vein instantly appeared on Blue’s forehead.
The atmosphere was rapidly becoming dangerous.
Just then— “Red…” Yellow hurriedly spoke up.
Her voice was soft and gentle.
“Aren’t you supposed to be training tomorrow…?” “Ah!” Red suddenly remembered.
“Right!” “Then the day after tomorrow!” “Same time, same place!” “We meet here again!” “The day after tomorrow doesn’t work either.” Green casually interrupted while admiring her freshly painted nails.
“Sabrina invited me shopping in Saffron City.” “Let’s do it on the weekend.” Red was about to object.
Then Green shot him a glance.
He immediately swallowed his words.
Fine.
Considering she had helped him discover so many hidden items…
Definitely not because he was afraid of arguing with her.
Absolutely not.
As the sun slowly set, the four of them left Professor Oak’s laboratory together on foot.
…
Meanwhile.
“Stop playing.” “I happen to have some free time today, so let’s go register you.” After finishing the latest game promotion plans, Gray reached over and scooped up Gastly.
The Pokémon’s enormous face was practically pressed against the television screen.
Ignoring its struggle, Gray placed it on his head like a sun hat and stepped out beneath the scorching afternoon sun.
Unlike the mechanics in the games he remembered, Pokémon ownership in the real world was subject to strict regulations.
He needed to officially register Gastly.
If someone captured a Pokémon and failed to report it to the League for an extended period of time, they could potentially face legal consequences if discovered.
Including imprisonment.
….
Imperia City Pokémon Center.
Gray was in an excellent mood.
The moment he entered, he energetically greeted the nurse on duty.
“Good afternoon, Nurse Joy!” So handsome!
The sunlight illuminated his handsome profile.
It almost looked as though a golden halo had been painted around him.
For some inexplicable reason, Nurse Joy felt her cheeks warming.
A faint blush appeared.
Noticing her unusual reaction, Gray hesitated.
“Nurse Joy?” “Huh?
Yes!” Nurse Joy immediately displayed extraordinary professional composure.
Placing her hands neatly before her, she suppressed the disturbance in her heart and revealed a perfectly gentle smile.
“Welcome.” “How may I help you today?” “This is Gastly, the Pokémon that formed a bond with me.” “I’m here to register it with the League system…” Halfway through his sentence, Gray suddenly stopped.
He spun around once.
Then crouched down and even tapped his own shadow.
Yet he still failed to locate Gastly.
“Huh?” “Where did my enormous Gastly go?” “Gastly!” Accompanied by a mischievous cry, Gastly suddenly emerged behind Nurse Joy.
Its mouth stretched wide open, exposing rows of eerie fangs.
Several wisps of ghostly Green flames floated around it.
“Ah!” Nurse Joy jumped in fright.
Even the nearby Chansey puffed up its cheeks and placed its hands on its hips angrily.
“Chaansey!” “Sorry!” “Gastly’s causing trouble again.” Gray reacted instantly.
He grabbed the laughing Gastly before it could escape and lightly chopped it on the head.
Then he bowed apologetically toward Nurse Joy and Chansey.
“It’s alright.” Nurse Joy quickly regained her composure.
“Please follow me.” With a gentle smile, she led him deeper into the facility and stopped before a large machine.
The machine was square and metallic.
Its shape resembled a sophisticated industrial stove.
Six circular slots were embedded in the top.
A small control screen occupied the front.
Gray stared.
Isn’t this literally the Pokémon healing machine from the games?
Suppressing the urge to complain, he removed the Moon Ball from his waist, recalled Gastly, and handed the Poké Ball over.
“In order to prevent poaching and illegal ownership, we need to verify the legitimacy of a Pokémon’s origin and determine whether there are signs of abuse or mistreatment.” “I hope you understand.” Nurse Joy expertly inserted the Moon Ball into one of the slots.
Then she pressed the activation button.
A familiar melody immediately began playing.
A melody so familiar that it brought an overwhelming sense of comfort.
Ding↑ Ding↑ Ding↑ Duh↓ Ding↑ Confirmed.
Absolutely confirmed.
Everyone.
This was the Pokémon Center healing machine.
No doubt about it.
“There are no problems whatsoever.” Nurse Joy carefully reviewed the report before returning the Moon Ball.
“Please take your Poké Ball.” “If you intend to collect Gym Badges and participate in the Huaxia League Conference, you’ll first need to complete battle verification at the League Battle Center.” “After officially becoming a Trainer, you’ll gain access to free Pokémon Center treatment services and receive a twenty percent discount on purchases.” “Thank you for your help, Nurse Joy.” Gray accepted the Moon Ball.
Then his eyebrow twitched.
Beside him, Gastly had somehow released itself from the Poké Ball without permission.
Sneaking around again.
Without hesitation, Gray grabbed it and shoved it directly toward his shadow.
Gastly was completely incapable of resisting the oppression of its ghost father.
It immediately pretended to be drowning.
“Blu blub blub…” Making strange bubbling noises.
Eventually, it sank into the shadow.
After confirming that Gastly had finally stopped causing trouble, Gray quickly left the Pokémon Center.
Behind him, Nurse Joy watched with obvious reluctance.
Sigh.
Being handsome really was a burden.
“Gastly!
(Battle!)” The moment they stepped outside, Gastly shot out of the shadow again.
Its mouth stretched wide.
Its bright red tongue dangled out as it excitedly floated up and down in the air, gesturing frantically toward Gray.
Gray quickly understood.
“You want to visit the League Battle Center and watch some battles?” “Fine.
It’s not like I have anything else to do right now.” “Gast!” “Hey!
Slow down!” “Be careful not to crash into someone!” “Gast!” “Oh.
Right.” “You’re made of gas.” “Never mind then.” (End of Chapter)