Led by Plumeria, Ash and his group arrived at the kindergarten where she worked.
As soon as Plumeria and Sylveon appeared, the children who had been playing in the sand rushed over excitedly and surrounded them.
It was obvious that Plumeria was very popular here.
However, the moment the children noticed Pikachu and Froakie, their attention shifted instantly.
They ran toward Ash’s Pokémon with sparkling eyes, reaching out their small hands without hesitation.
Startled by the sudden enthusiasm, Pikachu quickly retreated and climbed onto Ash’s shoulder.
…
On a tree not far away.
The Team Rocket trio hid among the branches, each holding a telescope as they observed the situation in the kindergarten.
James adjusted his view and said, “Those brats are actually visiting a kindergarten.”
Jessie frowned slightly.
“They really know how to take it easy.”
Meowth, however, was completely focused on Sylveon.
His eyes had already turned into heart shapes.
“That Sylveon is so cute, meow.”
Jessie immediately smacked him on the head.
“Get a grip.
You’re embarrassing Team Rocket.”
“Wobbuffet.”
Wobbuffet popped out and echoed her sentiment.
Meowth straightened up, though only for a moment.
“You’re right.
This time, our target will be Sylveon.”
Before he could finish, he lost his footing and fell straight out of the tree.
Jessie held her forehead.
“He’s hopeless.”
James, however, nodded thoughtfully.
“Still, he has a point.
If we can capture both Pikachu and Sylveon and present them to the boss, it will be a major achievement.”
Jessie’s expression turned sly.
“Then let’s begin.”
…
Inside the kindergarten.
Ash and the others released their Pokémon, and the children immediately gathered around them.
Their curiosity was endless, and they eagerly tried to interact with every Pokémon they saw.
Only one child, Randy, stayed at a distance.
He seemed hesitant and slightly afraid, quietly watching from afar.
However, Ash could clearly sense through his Aura that the boy actually liked Pokémon.
After asking around, Ash learned that Randy had once tried to approach a Jumpluff, but had been blown away by Fairy Wind, leaving him frightened.
Ash recalled the situation.
That Jumpluff had not been rejecting the boy but had been trying to drive away a Beedrill nearby, which had led to a misunderstanding.
Ash wanted to help resolve this, but Randy’s fear was deeply rooted.
For now, he could only wait for an opportunity.
Before long, that opportunity arrived.
A truck drove directly into the kindergarten.
The container at the back opened, revealing a colorful interior decorated with cheerful drawings.
Jessie had changed into a lively outfit with twin tails, smiling brightly.
“Hello, children.”
Meowth, disguised as a Cubchoo, held several yellow balls and shouted, “Please enjoy our wonderful performance.”
They began performing a simple juggling act, attracting the children’s attention.
The kindergarten director looked puzzled.
“Did you invite performers today?”
Plumeria shook her head.
“No.”
She was just as confused.
“We’re volunteers here to bring joy to the children.”
Team Rocket continued their act flawlessly.
Ash did not expose them immediately.
Instead, he decided to make use of their presence.
Through Aura, he informed Pikachu of their identities and quickly formed a plan.
Froakie would hide nearby with Annihilape’s Poké Ball.
Team Rocket would proceed with their capture attempt, and during the chaos, Randy would have a chance to overcome his fear.
Bonnie would remain inside the vehicle as a key part of the plan.
After everything was set, Ash cooperated with the performance.
When Team Rocket released a smoke bomb, Ash pulled Serena and jumped aside.
Pikachu and Sylveon deliberately allowed themselves to be captured.
Without checking carefully, Team Rocket quickly loaded their targets, started the truck, and sped away in one smooth motion.
Less than twenty minutes later, Bonnie returned with Pikachu and Sylveon.
At the same time, Randy’s fear had finally been resolved.
…
A few kilometers away, inside Team Rocket’s truck.
Jessie, James, and Meowth were now trapped inside the same glass containers they had prepared earlier.
Their bodies were covered in bruises, clearly the result of Annihilape’s retaliation.
…
After bidding farewell to the children and Plumeria, Ash and his group resumed their journey.
Rumble.
A low thunder echoed across the sky.
Dark clouds gathered rapidly, and heavy rain began to pour down.
The group ran toward the nearest structure for shelter, avoiding trees due to the lightning.
Soon, they arrived at a large, aged castle.
The building was grand but worn, its walls covered with creeping vines.
Under the dim light and stormy weather, it gave off an eerie atmosphere.
Creak.
As they approached, the door slowly opened on its own.
A flash of lightning illuminated the surroundings, followed by a loud thunderclap that startled Bonnie, causing her to stumble forward and push the door open further.
“The door is open.”
She peeked inside.
“Is anyone here?”
Receiving no response, she stepped in without hesitation.
“Bonnie, wait,” Clemont called out anxiously.
But she ignored him and continued inside, calling out, “Excuse us, we would like to take shelter from the rain.”
There was still no answer.
Serena looked around uneasily.
“It doesn’t seem like anyone lives here.”
Ash extended his Aura to scan the surroundings.
After a brief moment, he said, “There are no humans here, but there is a presence.
Something… unusual.”
He could clearly sense a Pokémon’s Aura, one that carried a Psychic type signature.
Serena instinctively asked, “Could it be something dangerous?”