Mr. Fuji frowned at his granddaughter's question, the lines in his weathered face deepening. He didn't answer right away; instead, he turned and walked a few paces toward the window, gaze fixed somewhere far beyond the park and the little town.
When he did speak, his voice carried a weight of years.
"For now," he said slowly, "I still think the Viridian Power is superior."
Lena tilted her head. "Even after seeing what Ethan can do?"
Fuji's hands clasped behind his back. "Ethan's gift… it's not simply the ability to judge the number of repetitions a move needs. I believe it's something more—he can see, at a glance, a Pokémon's abilities and potential. That's how he knows instantly what moves they can learn… and what they cannot. That's why his training plans are so precise, even specifying the exact number of times to practice a move. He must be seeing something the rest of us can't."
He turned back to face her. "It's an extraordinary gift. With it, he could maximize the potential of any Pokémon."
Lena's brow furrowed. "Isn't that even better? You've said the Viridian Power can heal, understand, and strengthen Pokémon. But if Ethan's ability can bring out every ounce of a Pokémon's potential… isn't that more valuable?"
Fuji shook his head. "If you'd seen the user of the Viridian Power, you wouldn't say so. Beyond what I told you last night, it can also push Pokémon past the natural limits of their species. My old friend used it to raise a Beedrill so powerful it's still the strongest I've ever seen."
Lena's eyes widened at that. She knew her grandfather's knowledge of Pokémon was unmatched. If he said a Beedrill was powerful, it meant legendary.
"What a pity," she sighed. "I was hoping Ethan's ability might even surpass your friend's—that maybe I'd have a friend who could become a Pokémon Master one day."
Fuji's eyes softened, and a faint smile touched his lips. "Lena, perhaps I've been too quick to judge. I watched Ethan all morning. He might yet surprise me. Strength alone doesn't win battles—command does, too. And his command ability…" He shook his head with quiet admiration. "Outstanding."
By the time they returned to the Pokémon House, the volunteers were already bustling in the kitchen, preparing lunch for the Pokémon. The smell of food filled the air.
"Grandpa," Lena said after helping serve, "I'm going to look for Charmander's Poké Ball."
Fuji waved absently as he stroked a sleepy Psyduck, his mind already elsewhere.
Half an hour passed. Then an hour.
Fuji eventually realized Lena had not returned.
"Has anyone seen Lena?" he asked the volunteers.
They shook their heads.
A creeping unease settled in his chest. He made his way toward the storage room where the Poké Balls were kept, pushing open the door—only to find it empty.
On the table lay a single envelope. Embossed on the front, in sharp crimson, was a large letter R.
Night fell.
Ethan and Charmander returned to the Pokémon House just in time for dinner.
"Charmander," Ethan said casually as they took their seats, "no sneaking out to train tonight. Rest is just as important as hard work—push too hard, and you'll burn out before you're strong enough. We've got time."
"Rua~" Charmander mumbled around a mouthful of food, nodding.
Ethan smiled inwardly. Over-reminding would only spark rebellion; one firm reminder was enough.
Still, something tugged at him. He realized he hadn't seen Mr. Fuji or Lena since the afternoon.
Turning to the nearest volunteer, a young woman named Xiaoya, he asked, "Where's Grandpa Fuji? And Lena?"
Xiaoya hesitated. "Mr. Fuji's been in his office all afternoon. He locked the door, told us not to disturb him. He seemed… upset. As for Lena—after lunch, she said something about finding Charmander's Poké Ball, and we haven't seen her since."
Ethan's brow creased. That's not good.
Charmander looked up sharply at the mention of his Poké Ball.
Minutes later, Ethan was wheeling toward Fuji's office, Charmander at his heels.
He knocked softly, then eased the door open.
Fuji stood by the window, lost in thought, the moonlight etching his profile in pale silver. He didn't seem to notice Ethan until the younger man spoke.
"Grandpa Fuji?"
Fuji turned, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Ethan. Is something the matter?"
"I heard you've been in here all day without dinner. I wanted to check on you—and see if there's anything I can do."
As Ethan spoke, his eyes fell to the desk. There, half-hidden beneath a few papers, was an envelope bearing a familiar red R.
Team Rocket.
A flash of cold suspicion shot through him. "Did they take Lena?" he asked bluntly.
Fuji's smile faltered. "How did you—?"
Ethan's voice dropped. "My parents died because of them." The bitterness in his tone was as real as it was convincing.
Charmander's tail flame wavered, his eyes soft with concern.
Ethan forced a faint smile for him. "I'm fine, buddy." He looked back at Fuji. "If you need help, tell me. Please."
Fuji studied him for a long moment before finally speaking.
"You're right. Team Rocket kidnapped Lena. They want some of my old research—something I destroyed long ago. They gave me five days to decide. If I don't go to their meeting spot, they said I'll never see her again. And they've threatened to kill me if I contact the police. Ethan… what should I do?"
Ethan's eyes hardened. "Leave it to me. I'll go in your place. I'll bring Lena back."
Fuji's eyes widened. "You? Can you really—?"
"I can," Ethan said firmly. "But I'll need Charmander's Poké Ball."
"Rua~!" Charmander cried, stepping forward without hesitation.
Fuji's expression clouded. "I'm afraid it's with Lena. I checked earlier—the storage spot was empty."
For a heartbeat, Ethan's thoughts raced. The Poké Ball would boost Charmander's intimacy with him by thirty points—enough to unlock the system's first reward. But if it was with Lena, then rescuing her was no longer just about her safety.
He masked his calculations behind a calm smile. "Then I'll just have to go get it—and her."
Fuji studied him, then nodded slowly. "Be careful, Ethan."
Ethan patted his chest. "We'll bring her back. Right, Charmander?"
"Rua~!"
That night, as they left the office, Ethan crouched down to meet Charmander's eyes.
"Rest well tonight. The next few days are going to be hard training. Do you have confidence?"
"Rua~!"
Ethan's smile was fierce. "Good. You're the super genius I chose—don't forget it."