Since the EcoDome was built, most trainers had shifted toward safer Pokémon-catching methods. Ironically, this had actually increased the presence of poachers and Team Rocket members in the wild.
After all, it was easier to act unnoticed when fewer trainers ventured into dangerous territory. Confronting Officer Jenny was too risky.
Officer Jenny belonged to a vast police family, spread throughout the world. Nobody willingly tangled with them, especially given their legendary canine Pokémon like Arcanine and Herdier, which made escape nearly impossible.
Yet now, poachers—or perhaps Team Rocket—had appeared right near him.
Satoshi strained his ears, catching faint monkey cries mingled with an adult man's voice. He had excellent hearing—probably due to his enhanced physical abilities—but Sakiko seemed oblivious.
Carefully investigating the area, Satoshi soon pinpointed their location.
A flash of green—it was Grookey, alongside a Shiftry and Mightyena, and the trainer commanding them.
This looks bad…
His available Pokémon were Froakie and Raichu.
He didn't even consider involving Sakiko. Dragging her into this situation was out of the question.
The issue was clear: both Froakie and Raichu were at a severe disadvantage against Shiftry. At best, he could rely on Iron Tail and Quick Attack.
Extremely unfavorable conditions!
"What's wrong?" Noticing his grave expression, Sakiko grew uneasy. Following his gaze, her heart nearly stopped, eyes widening with fear. Her hand flew to her mouth as dread flooded her veins.
"Grrrr!"
Mightyena lunged at Grookey with shocking speed, pinning it to the ground and sinking its teeth deep into its body, holding it in place.
"Pachi… pachi…"
Grookey cried out in pain, struggling desperately, but Mightyena's jaw was locked like an iron trap.
If that had been Gardevoir instead, I couldn't bear to watch.
Satoshi grimaced, instinctively stepping forward. Sakiko immediately grabbed his hand, halting him.
"Wait, don't go!"
"Huh?"
"That's Team Rocket… Let's leave first!"
Given that her father had been attacked by Team Rocket before, Sakiko easily recognized them. Despite her pride demanding revenge, she knew she wasn't strong enough now—she'd need her Pokémon left at home first.
[Yeah, Satodear, let's just head back. No need to get involved in this!]
[Mission: Choose to escape. Reward: Acrobatics]
Seriously, Furiko? Why is your system so cowardly?!
Satoshi inwardly complained. A proper system should've encouraged him to defeat Team Rocket and save Grookey.
But this system was ridiculously unambitious.
[But… I'm just worried about you! ┬＿┬]
Grookey continued struggling beneath Mightyena's relentless grip. Nearby, numerous weaker Pokémon lay injured around Shiftry.
Sakiko and Furiko both urged retreat, but Satoshi had no intention of running away. He clenched his fists, determination solidifying within him.
Not even his own safety or Furiko's rewards could dissuade him now.
He'd heard about Paldea—after defeating wild Pokémon, trainers gathered materials used to craft TMs. Such practices weren't officially allowed in Kanto.
Imagining captured Pokémon being exploited like that…
"I'm sorry, Sakiko. Call Officer Jenny quickly," Satoshi said firmly, shaking free of Sakiko's grip. He glanced back, his intense, earnest gaze leaving her momentarily spellbound.
"I can't just leave them behind!" His words, though soft, rang resolute like tempered steel. Without waiting for a reply, he dashed forward, quickly disappearing among the trees. His final words echoed in the air, lingering behind him.
He's so dazzling…
Sakiko's amber eyes widened in awe.
[Sigh… I still think retreat is wiser. Are you stupid?]
[Mission: Defeat Team Rocket. Reward: Electroweb]
The enemies weren't far. Satoshi quickly released Froakie to join Raichu by his side.
"Raichu, use [Iron Tail]! Froakie, [Water Pulse]! Target Mightyena!"
Instantly, he commanded both Pokémon. With Shiftry's strength still unknown, defeating Mightyena first and rescuing Grookey was the priority.
"Rai… Rai!"
Raichu's tail shimmered with metallic energy as it swiftly slammed Mightyena.
"Grrrr!"
Mightyena howled in pain, staggering from the heavy strike.
"Kero! Kero!"
Immediately, Froakie launched a swirling ball of water straight toward Mightyena.
Like a surging wave, [Water Pulse] hit Mightyena dead-on.
"Yelp!"
Mightyena flew backward, crashing heavily to the ground, dazed and wounded.
"What?! Who the hell—just some kid?"
The Team Rocket grunt shielded his eyes from the dust kicked up by the attacks, struggling to see clearly. Through the haze, he barely made out Satoshi standing with Raichu and Froakie.
[Satodear, I must warn you: That Shiftry is incredibly powerful. According to my scans, it's roughly Gym Leader-level. You need to be careful!]
No worries. I'm unbeatable!
I will win!
At this point, whether his opponent was Gym Leader-level, Elite Four, or even Champion-level didn't matter.
He had to win and rescue these Pokémon.
Raising a fist, Satoshi's aura surged fiercely.
"I'm Satoshi from Pallet Town, and I'll be the one to defeat you!"