*Boom!*
A bolt of lightning split across the sky as the weather suddenly turned dark.
It looked like rain was coming. The girl pushing her bicycle glanced up at the sky with worry, then turned to the unmoved Natsu and asked again:
"Um, do you know where the nearest Pokémon Center is?"
Natsu still said nothing, his eyes distant as if lost in thought.
Seeing this, Misty froze for a mont.
The young man before her had a fair, clean look and a gentle face—he didn't seem like the type to be difficult to talk to.
"Um…"
When she spoke for the third ti, Natsu finally snapped back to reality.
"Whose kid are you?"
He looked down at Misty as if he didn't recognize her at all, treating her like so random ten-year-old girl.
"…"
Misty was stunned. That was the last thing she expected him to say.
"I just wanted to ask for directions. My na is Mi—"
"Wait!"
She started to introduce herself, but Natsu suddenly raised a hand to stop her.
"Don't tell your na yet."
"Huh?"
Confused, Misty watched as this strange older boy pulled out a pen and paper.
Natsu studied her closely, jotting sothing down.
Yes, the hair color matched Misty's. The hairstyle matched Misty's.
Oh heavens, even her face was exactly like Misty's!
After his *analysis*, Natsu wrote down his conclusion: *this girl was Misty*.
"System, I've successfully identified the girl before . She's one of the main cast. This is practically a research topic—a huge breakthrough!"
*Ding!*
[Unranked: Self Defined]
[Reward] 1 Pokédollar
Feeling the single pokedollar appear in his bag, Natsu spread his hands helplessly.
Another wasted effort today.
It seed the system had little appreciation for his self-made *research subjects*.
Over the years, Natsu had tried creating his own topics, hoping for rewards.
But clearly, his research instincts weren't sharp.
Aside from the Rotom developnt projects, which were rated B or C level and had earned him so rewards, everything else—like *Can Grass-type Pokémon achieve self-sufficiency?* or *Can three Diglett pretend to be a Dugtrio in battle?*—
All were judged by the system as worthless failures.
And such failed topics only ever awarded one coin.
"You're really weird… what are you doing?"
Misty watched his constantly changing expression and muttering to himself. Nervous, she stepped back, staring at him with suspicion.
Was he possessed by a Ghost-type Pokémon?
*Chuuuu!*
Suddenly, a violent crackle of electricity erupted from the forest nearby, pulling both of their attention.
"Could it be a Pokémon?"
Misty murmured as she looked in that direction.
Beside her, Natsu's face twisted with alarm. He slapped his forehead.
This was bad!
Misty had already t him here. She hadn't encountered Ash yet. If she didn't lose her bike, Ash might not make it in ti to bring Pikachu to the Pokémon Center.
*What if Pikachu died?!*
A wave of panic surged through him.
Pikachu wasn't just Ash's first Pokémon—it was also an S-rank research subject!
"I know where the Pokémon Center is! I'll take you there!"
Natsu quickly regained his composure. Grabbing Misty's hand, he sprinted in the direction of the sound.
*Pika…CHU!*
On the forest path, dozens of Spearow had been scared off by the powerful electric current, leaving Ash alone, scorched and clutching his unconscious Pikachu, crying out in despair.
Pikachu had fought to protect him, taking heavy damage from the Spearow in the process.
*Boom!*
A clap of thunder rolled across the sky as a drizzle began, quickly turning into a torrential downpour.
*Plop!*
Warm raindrops fell on Pikachu's cheeks, and his red electric sacs flickered faintly with sparks.
Dazed, Pikachu slowly cracked open one eye, faintly hearing Ash's choked voice:
"Pikachu, please don't die! I'll get you to the Pokémon Center for treatnt!"
Cradling the weakened Pikachu, Ash stood, preparing to run on foot toward the Pokémon Center.
Just then, a voice called from behind:
"Ash!"
It was Natsu. Filled with hope, Ash turned to see him running from a short distance away.
Natsu, being a Pokémon researcher, would surely be able to assess Pikachu's injuries—maybe even have so healing spray on him!
Ash ran eagerly toward Natsu.
"Spray? Oh! I forgot to bring it."
When Ash asked, Natsu froze for a mont, then scratched his head sheepishly.
Everyone's first trip is like this.
"Then what do we do? The Pokémon Center seems so far away."
Ash's face fell in visible disappointnt.
Seeing this, Natsu patted his shoulder to reassure him:
"Don't worry, Ash. It's only a minor fatal injury."
"A minor… what does that even an?!"
Ash's fear only grew at Natsu's words.
"I'm sorry, Pikachu… I didn't take care of you properly."
Looking down, Ash blad himself as he gazed at Pikachu.
*Pika… Chu…*
Pikachu murmured faintly, as if responding to Ash.
Seeing this small mont of affection, Natsu nodded with satisfaction.
It seed that in the days to co, Ash and Pikachu's bond would strengthen considerably.
And his research could finally begin!
Ash held Pikachu and prepared to dash forward, only to be stopped again by Natsu.
"I think this young lady will be happy to lend you her bicycle."
Following Natsu's gesture, Ash paused.
He realized a girl was approaching, pushing her bicycle.
"Huh? ?"
Seeing their eyes on her, Misty froze for a few seconds.
"Anyway, thank you!"
Without hesitation, Ash leapt onto Misty's bike and pedaled off as if flying.
Seeing her bicycle taken, Misty panicked.
"Hey! That's—hey!"
Before she could finish, Natsu didn't hesitate. With a swift motion, he slapped a thick stack of bills into her hands.
"Deposit!"
He said with authority, then activated flight mode on his Rotom Phone, following Ash in a blur until he disappeared from sight.
Misty stood there, holding her umbrella, stunned by the sudden chain of events.
Looking down, she noticed the thick stack of bills in her hands.
They were all 1,000-pokedollar notes.
Enough to buy several bicycles.
Suspicious, she began counting—and soon froze in disbelief.
Except for the top note, which was a 1,000-pokedollar bill, the rest were all 1-pokedollar bills.
Forget buying several bicycles—even buying a single wheel wouldn't be covered.
In the downpour, a flush of red ran clearly across the girl's face.
Misty was blushing.
"You two shaless thieves! Stop right there!"
She tossed her umbrella aside and, like a fierce Gyarados, charged through the rain toward Natsu and Ash.
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