“Meowth that can speak human language… that’s so rare.
Shouldn’t we catch it?” Lorelei said, looking visibly tempted.
“Catch it?” Aaron froze for a moment.
“Of course.
A Meowth that can speak human language would likely also be fluent in Pokémon speech.
It would make an excellent translator, strengthening the bond between trainers and Pokémon,” Lorelei said as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“Right…” Aaron suddenly came to his senses.
How had he forgotten something so obvious?
Not just trainers—especially researchers like him—during research, the hardest part was always accurately understanding what Pokémon were trying to express.
“Ninetales, use Iron Tail on that Meowth,” Aaron decisively issued the command.
Ninetales, who had been happily playing with Lorelei’s Ninetales, was momentarily stunned when it heard Aaron’s order.
Then, as a perfectly trained Pokémon, it immediately obeyed.
It darted toward the Meowth, which was already planning to set off and make a name for itself in the world, and its nine snowy tails flashed with a silvery glow as they whipped down in rapid succession.
Before Meowth could even react, it was struck nine times in a row and its eyes turned into spirals as it collapsed, thinking only one thing: “I hate that feeling!”
Aaron reacted quickly, throwing a Poké Ball straight at Meowth.
It hit perfectly, bounced once on the ground, and then came to a steady stop.
“Capture successful.” Aaron snapped his fingers in satisfaction, excitement clear on his face.
He silently cursed himself for being too influenced by his past life’s anime—he had instinctively treated Meowth like a human rather than a Pokémon.
He also felt that Team Rocket’s trio wasn’t that bad, which made him momentarily forget to capture it.
But now, whatever.
If it was useful to him, then he would take it first.
As for what to do with Meowth afterward—someone who had watched countless episodes of Pokémon already understood this cat’s nature all too well.
However, Aaron’s satisfaction didn’t last long before a sharp pain hit his ear.
Lorelei was glaring at him, her beautiful eyes wide.
“Aaron, who was it that told me stealing kills is shameful?”
“This… this…” Aaron laughed awkwardly.
After her reminder, he had decisively captured it—but while it was the correct decision, it did seem like Lorelei had been the one who intended to capture it first.
So technically, he had stolen it.
“Lorelei, just say it.
Punish me however you want.
I’ll accept it—even kneeling on a durian is fine,” Aaron said firmly.
“Since you said so, then you’ll be my assistant for a month.
Until the Champion Challenge Tournament begins, you’ll act as my dedicated Pokémon breeder.
Also, tomorrow I’m giving a lecture at the Pokémon Research School—you’ll write my speech for me,” Lorelei said, finally letting go of his ear.
“Being a breeder is fine, but Lorelei, writing your speech for you is going too far.
That’s basically being your ghostwriter,” Aaron complained while rubbing his ear.
My grandmother is a professor at that school, and I studied there too, so I count as half an alumna.
She asked me to give a model graduate lecture.
But what can a Pokémon Professor even teach?
It’s all just about feeling Pokémon’s heart, becoming one with them, becoming ice and water.
I can’t say that out loud, so I need you to write a speech to get me through it.
And you better write it well—if it’s bad, I’ll have Lapras freeze you,” Lorelei threatened fiercely.
“This is abuse.
I’m reporting you to the League,” Aaron said.
“Go ahead.
Once I become Champion, I can openly bully you and no one will say anything,” Lorelei said smugly.
“You won’t make it,” Aaron said coldly, pouring a bucket of ice water over her confidence.
“Hm?” Lorelei’s gaze sharpened.
Her hand shot out again, but Aaron had already stepped aside.
“Same trick won’t work twice on me.”
With that, Aaron picked up the Poké Ball containing Meowth and walked over to a nearby fried chicken shop.
He bought several pieces of fried chicken, then released Meowth.
“Hey?
Who are you?
Why did you attack me?” Meowth shouted immediately upon emerging.
“Because you’re a Pokémon, and I’m going to capture you.
From now on, I’m your Trainer—your master.
You’d better behave,” Aaron said.
“No way!
I’m going to become the greatest villain in the world, meow!
I will never obey human commands!” Meowth declared disdainfully, turning to leave.
Unlike the game, where only trainers can release Pokémon, in this world Pokémon could also leave their trainers.
Just like in the original story, Ash’s Chikorita once ran away out of jealousy and nearly ended their bond for good.
In this world, the rules generally favored humans.
Once a Pokémon was captured, it would instinctively obey its trainer to a certain extent.
For humans, a Pokémon was only part of their journey—but for many Pokémon, their trainer was their entire world.
However, for special Pokémon, it was different.
For them, the relationship was mutual.
And Meowth was especially unique—one of the very few Pokémon, aside from the Slowking of the Orange Islands, capable of speaking human language.
But Aaron had already prepared for this.
He pulled out a piece of fragrant roast chicken and blew lightly on it.
The aroma drifted out instantly, and Meowth, who had been resolute a moment ago, stopped in its tracks.
“This was originally for my Pokémon.
“My roast chicken!
Mine!
No!” Meowth shouted, unable to resist as it lunged forward.
But it had forgotten about Ninetales—who lazily lifted its head and flicked out a shard of ice, sending Meowth flying.
“Meow!”
Though it was hit, Meowth—one of Team Rocket’s future trio members—had a famously tough body.
It quickly got back up, staring longingly at the chicken.
It no longer dared to snatch it—but begging?
That was absolutely on the table.
For food, dignity meant nothing to Meowth.
In its world, that concept didn’t even exist.
You don’t talk dignity to a cat.
Are you joking?
“Be my Pokémon and help me translate what other Pokémon say, and I’ll give you roasted chicken every day, a warm bed, and comfortable baths,” Aaron said, dangling the chicken in front of it.
Every day?
Roasted chicken?
Is that even a life a cat can live?
That’s practically paradise!
Meowth’s eyes glowed green.
Its paws unconsciously reached forward—but just before touching it, it stopped itself.
Its inner voice screamed: Meowth, what are you doing?
You’re supposed to become the greatest villain!
But… that’s roasted chicken…
Two voices fought inside its head—ideal versus reality.
“Fine.
If you don’t want it, I’ll eat it myself,” Aaron said, bringing the chicken toward his mouth.
“Wait!
I’ll be your Pokémon!
You’re my master now!” Meowth blurted out immediately.
“Deal,” Aaron said with a sly smile.
Gotcha.
With that personality, I knew I could get you.
Meowth quickly devoured the fried chicken Aaron gave it, thinking smugly: Foolish human, you think a single roast chicken can truly capture me?
I’ll eat your food, sleep in your place, and leave tomorrow so you can’t even find me!
That’s what a true villain would do!
Hmm… but this chicken is really good.
Maybe I’ll leave the day after tomorrow instead.