"Satoshi, Sakiko, thank you both for your cooperation."
Some time later, Officer Jenny arrived at the scene.
She had come quickly, flying directly here atop her majestic Pidgeot.
The moment he saw Pidgeot, Satoshi felt a rush of excitement.
He'd heard that in the Galar region, Flying Taxis using Corviknight took passengers across various towns. Recently, Kanto had also experimented with a similar service using Pidgeot, although progress had stalled due to issues with Fearow.
Honestly, I really want to try riding on a Pidgeot someday!
Besides, he also wanted to catch one to boost his team's strength.
The recent battle made him painfully aware of how troublesome it was to lack a flying Pokémon. Without a reliable airborne fighter, battles against flying foes became a huge headache—especially since, in this world, moves guaranteed to hit didn't always connect!
Take the supposedly "guaranteed-hit" move [Aerial Ace]: unless he found a perfect opening, how could he ever hit an enemy soaring high in the sky?
Even a Pseudo-Flying type like Garchomp—though its method of flight was rather abstract—would do.
I really want a Roaring Moon…
Satoshi sighed inwardly, bandaging his wounds carefully.
Roaring Moon, the only true "god" of the Scarlet and Violet era—he wished desperately that he had one.
It could fly, it could fight, it could support—how could any Pokémon be so impossibly cool?
Almost as cool as Incineroar!
"Thank you for your hard work, Officer Jenny," Sakiko politely bowed, her refined manners impeccable. Even as a former heiress, she couldn't neglect etiquette in a situation like this.
"You two worked hard as well," Officer Jenny nodded warmly, pulling out her phone. "By the way, could both of you take out your phones?"
"Huh?" ×2
Confused, they tilted their heads simultaneously but complied.
"Recently, the Pokémon League has established a reward program to encourage trainers. High schoolers who help apprehend Team Rocket members can receive points."
Officer Jenny swiftly explained.
Recently, with Team Rocket committing crimes across various cities, the League had introduced supportive measures—such as forming official security teams from strong trainer groups.
Listening casually, Satoshi gathered it was something similar to civil service benefits.
Judging from Officer Jenny's tone, she seemed interested in recruiting the two of them.
Unfortunately, Satoshi wasn't interested—he aimed to become a Pokémon Master; he couldn't stop here.
But the desire to defeat Team Rocket had already taken root within his heart.
And to battle Giovanni himself…
Imagining that moment, Satoshi smiled slightly.
For their bravery today, both received 3,000 points each.
Qualification for the High School Pokémon League required 5,000 points for singles or 15,000 points for teams, along with achieving certain competitive milestones.
Currently, Satoshi had accumulated 4,500 points, nearing single-entry qualification.
However, he had absolutely no intention of competing alone.
After all, Pokémon battles are for life! How could I ever abandon you guys?
Tomori… Anon… Taki… Soyo…
I'll never leave you behind! We'll always be together!
The battle-obsessed Satoshi was already hopelessly attached to this group!
"If either of you decides to become a police officer, you can always contact me. I'll take my leave now."
With everything settled, Officer Jenny mounted her Pidgeot and soared off into the distance.
"Ah…" Sakiko sighed softly, watching Officer Jenny disappear, a shadow flickering briefly across her face.
"Are you sure it's okay not to say anything?" Satoshi turned to her, concerned.
He'd already realized she was likely facing difficulties in life. A government job could greatly improve her quality of life compared to her current customer service position.
"Maybe next time. I haven't decided yet."
Sakiko shook her head quietly.
Originally, she had intended to speak up, but deep down she still clung to her dream of becoming a Pokémon trainer—otherwise, she wouldn't have enrolled in the battle division.
And also…
She was increasingly curious about the boy standing beside her.
But that was something Sakiko would absolutely never reveal.
Help… My cheerful, energetic childhood friend completely forgot about me?!
If he remembers now, how am I supposed to respond?!
…No, the weak me is already gone. Stop thinking nonsense.
Inwardly conflicted, Sakiko awkwardly struggled to say anything more.
"I should go tend to Grookey now, Sakiko. You can head back first—I'll probably stay here overnight."
Not noticing her turmoil, Satoshi turned his attention to the severely wounded Grookey, carefully clutching the [Full Restore] and bandages he'd requested from Officer Jenny earlier.
Grookey's battered body made it hard to imagine how much it had suffered. Even after thoroughly spraying it with medicine, its wounds refused to fully heal.
"I'll help too. After all, I was the one who brought up Grookey—at least let me see this through to the end."
Gathering her courage, Sakiko firmly took the bandages from Satoshi's hands.
Today's events had already far exceeded her imagination, but as a former heiress, Sakiko had no intention of leaving favors unpaid.
"Thanks~ You really are kind, Sakiko. Without you, I probably would've been in trouble," Satoshi smiled brightly, continuing to spray medicine gently on Grookey.
"You're welcome." Avoiding his piercing gaze, Sakiko lowered her head, feeling her cheeks grow warm under his cheerful smile.
Right now, Sakiko's opinion of Satoshi was quite clear.
Yet there was still so much she wanted to ask him, such as…
"Satoshi… Have you ever heard of a Pokémon called 'Harukakage'?" Sakiko carefully bandaged Grookey, her expression suddenly serious.
"Hm? Nope. Is it a Pokémon?"
"Yes, but… forget I ever asked. And don't mention this to anyone else."
"Oh…"
What on earth is 'Harukakage'?! Is it some Pokémon I don't know? Or is it a nickname Sakiko made up?
Hearing her confirm it was indeed a Pokémon, Satoshi felt utterly bewildered, about to start racking his brain for any Pokémon matching that description—
—but he didn't get the chance.
"Pachi… pachi…"
Grookey, who had been asleep, finally stirred, slowly opening its eyes.
Though still weak, it managed to remain conscious this time instead of immediately passing out again.
"Are you alright, Grookey? Don't move around, your wounds will heal soon," Satoshi comforted it, gently stroking its head.
"Pachi~wu… pachi…" Grookey's eyes shone faintly, attempting to mimic Satoshi's gesture by reaching up to touch his head—but pain quickly overwhelmed it, causing it to collapse weakly again.
"Don't push yourself."
"Pachi…"
Smiling warmly, Satoshi continued caring for Grookey, radiating a reassuring aura.
Seeing this gentle exchange, Sakiko couldn't help thinking:
He's so dazzling…
Their quiet caregiving continued late into the night.
"This should do it… Good night, Sakiko."
When night fell, Satoshi carefully draped his jacket over the sleeping Sakiko before curling up with Raichu and Froakie, drifting off himself.
...
At dawn, soft sunlight filtered through the leaves, gently waking Sakiko. A breeze brushed her face, playing lightly with her hair.
"Hmm…?"
Noticing the jacket covering her, she glanced aside and saw Satoshi sleeping in just a short-sleeve shirt, cuddling his Pokémon close.
Sakiko sighed quietly, feeling exasperated.
"You really do put everyone else first, don't you…"
Despite becoming accustomed to the cold due to her difficult circumstances, he'd still covered her and slept unprotected.
A hopeless guy…
Curiosity briefly overcame her.
Sniff sniff~
"It smells so nice… Hm?"
She subconsciously inhaled the fresh scent from Satoshi's jacket, then blushing furiously, quickly placed it back next to him.
What am I even doing?!