I Have Caught a Pokémon

Dragging his exhausted body, Natsui arrived at the Cinnabar Island Pokémon Center.

After leaving his Pokémon with Nurse Joy, and once their treatment was complete, he returned to the Sakuragi Laboratory.

Along the way, everything was chaos.

Due to the explosion at the power plant, as Professor Sakuragi had told him over the phone, a large area near the Sakuragi Laboratory had been left without power, severely affecting traffic, restaurants, and work.

He even saw Officer Jenny, with a Growlithe, directing traffic in the middle of the street.

But luckily, key buildings like the Sakuragi Laboratory and the Pokémon Center had their own backup power sources and, for the time being, would continue to operate.

Upon seeing Professor Sakuragi, Natsui briefly told him what had happened, and when the professor heard that he had encountered Zapdos, he rose from his chair, astonished.

"Y‑You encountered the Legendary Pokémon Zapdos!?"

Seeing Natsui nod, Professor Sakuragi quickly calmed down and continued: "So that was who was causing the constant power outages at the lab. But since there was an explosion, I don't think that Zapdos will reappear. As for the generator room, I'll call the power company right away so they can send someone to repair it and replace the units."

"Well, the thing is…" Natsui scratched his head, "I also happened to catch Zapdos."

"What?!" Professor Sakuragi nearly choked on his own saliva. He coughed a couple of times, wearing an expression of complete disbelief, "You're saying you caught it!?"

"That's right." Natsui pulled out the Poké Ball containing Zapdos and shook it in front of Professor Sakuragi to prove he wasn't lying. "But to avoid unnecessary trouble, I'd appreciate it if you kept it a secret, Professor."

Professor Sakuragi took a deep breath to calm himself and nodded. He too knew it was something not to be disclosed: "Don't worry. I'll keep my mouth shut until you decide to reveal it yourself."

At that moment, Natsui asked cautiously: "Excuse me, Professor, when a trainer has more than six Pokémon, any new ones they catch are sent to the lab, right? I was wondering if there's a way to change that setting."

Upon hearing Natsui's question, Professor Sakuragi smiled: "What's the matter? Aren't six Pokémon enough for you?"

"In a normal situation, of course it's enough," said Natsui, pointing to the Poké Ball in his hand. "But in a case like this, it's not convenient for me to leave it elsewhere, so I have to carry it with me. Taking up a slot really limits my options in regular battles."

Professor Sakuragi immediately understood: "You don't want to use Zapdos as a regular battler, do you?"

"Exactly," Natsui explained. "For me, Kirlia and Ivysaur are my main cards, while a Legendary Pokémon like Zapdos, drawing so much attention, is like an ace up my sleeve. Switching between what I show and what I conceal is the best way to catch an opponent off guard and secure victory."

"I see, I understand your line of thinking. That's a very prudent strategy," said Professor Sakuragi, extending his hand toward Natsui. "Here, give me your Pokédex."

He handed the Pokédex to Professor Sakuragi, who connected it to his computer. After typing for a bit, he returned it to Natsui.

"All set. I've modified your permissions and increased your Poké Ball carrying limit from 6 to 12. That way, besides your six usual Pokémon, if you catch another rare Pokémon in the future, you won't have to worry about it being sent away unexpectedly."

In the afternoon, at Sakuragi Park.

Natsui opened the Poké Ball and released Zapdos.

Since the place was still closed to the public, he didn't have to worry about anyone seeing Zapdos and causing a commotion.

Zapdos flapped its wings, watching Natsui from above.

Natsui smiled: "I know you're not happy about being defeated by weaker Pokémon, and on top of that outnumbered. But don't worry, in time, you'll come around!"

Zapdos lifted its head, exuding an air of disdain.

Natsui didn't mind its attitude: "I don't care if you don't want to listen to me, but as my Pokémon, you have to accept it. And since you're so strong, you'll be their training partner!"

With that, and without waiting for Zapdos's response, he yelled to his other Pokémon: "All right, attack together, now!"

With a furious cry, an intense electrical light suddenly flashed throughout Sakuragi Park.

…

After a day of rest, Natsui slung his backpack over his shoulder and, along with several of his Pokémon, left the Sakuragi Laboratory. Just as he was heading to the next city with a gym, he heard someone calling his name.

He turned around and saw Ash, Misty, and Brock.

Could it be fate? The three had ended up traveling together, just like in the show!

"You made it to Cinnabar City so fast?" said Natsui with a smile as they approached. "And now, are you going to challenge the Cinnabar Gym?"

Ash rubbed his nose and, with an air of confidence, opened his jacket to show Natsui the three badges hanging inside.

"The Boulder Badge, the Cascade Badge, and the Orange League Badge?" said Natsui, surprised. "You also got three badges in just a few days? That's incredible speed!"

"That's nothing!" laughed Ash. "My goal is to become a Pokémon Master, so getting three badges isn't that hard, you know?"

"You're amazing…" said Misty beside him, frowning. "You only got those badges because you felt sorry for us and we didn't battle seriously."

Brock nodded in agreement: "That's right. Sometimes it's better to be a bit more modest."

Right after bragging, his two companions revealed the truth. A hint of embarrassment appeared on Ash's face, but he laughed it off, not dwelling on it.

Misty, with her hands behind her back, approached Natsui to greet him.

Perhaps she didn't even realize it herself, but her tone had less of her usual sass and a touch more shyness and happiness.

Natsui gave her a radiant smile: "It's only been two days, Misty, but you look even more beautiful than before."

Beside him, Brock also extended his right hand to Natsui.

"I haven't properly introduced myself. I'm Brock. A few days ago I left my position as Gym Leader and began traveling with Ash and Misty. Now, my goal is to become the best Pokémon Breeder."

"That's a great aspiration. Although I think being a Pokémon Doctor would also be an excellent choice for you," said Natsui as he shook his hand. Then, changing the subject, he asked: "Pardon my boldness, Brock, but are you really only fifteen? You seem even older than me."