Pokemon: Helping Pokemon Pays Off

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Although Hoshino had plans to establish a Yorozuya (Odd Jobs business), he didn't have the capability to do so just yet. After all, he was human, and it was difficult to gain the trust of ordinary Pokémon.

Moreover, to get the business up and running, he'd first need to build a reputation. Only then would Pokémon come seeking help, and that would likely take quite some time.

There was also the issue of manpower. Other Yorozuya had the classic trio-plus-a-dog combination, but he couldn't even gather that many people—let alone enough Pokémon.

"Maybe I could hire Pokémon to work part-time?"

This thought suddenly popped into Hoshino's mind, but he quickly dismissed it. He couldn't even afford his rent—where would he get the money to pay employees?

It'd be easier to just rely on his own Pokémon. As long as he gave them a little pocket money to have fun around Kabukicho, that'd be more than enough. Much less hassle. So… does that mean he still needed to catch more Pokémon?

"My head hurts. Why is reality so harsh?"

It felt just like starting a business from scratch—extremely difficult. But if he succeeded, the rewards would be nothing short of terrifying.

"Is there a way to quickly find troubled Pokémon while also spreading my reputation fast?"

Hoshino muttered, his gaze subconsciously drifting toward the floor—or rather, to the first floor below.

A place like an izakaya should have plenty of people drowning their sorrows in alcohol. As long as I look for someone sitting alone at the bar, chances are I'll find a good target.

Besides, this is also a great place for information exchange. Drinking always comes with chatting, making it a perfect spot to spread the name of my odd-jobs agency!

"Boss Slowking, I'll have to count on you!"

"Cyzli~?"

…

At 6 PM, Hoshino got ready to stake out his spot, finally witnessing Kabukichō waking up from its slumber.

More and more Pokémon began arriving from afar. Shops along the streets lit up their signs one after another, opening their doors in preparation for the night's business.

As soon as Slowking unlocked the izakaya's entrance, he spotted someone waiting outside and asked curiously, "What are you doing here?"

"Drinking and eating."

"Do you have money?"

"I can put it on a tab, can't I?"

"I'll give you at most a one-month tab. Including yesterday's bill, if you don't pay up by then, I'll have a Ceruledge take your kidneys. Got it?"

"…Got it."

Hoshino's mouth twitched. This guy really had the nerve to say something so terrifying with that vacant expression. But a month was enough. As long as he land a few jobs, he will be able to pay it off.

Stepping inside, he saw that he and Cyclizar were the first customers of the night. The only other presence was Ceruledge, wiping down tables while briefly glancing over at them.

"Still has that scary gaze…"

Hoshino figured this guy had a story, but it was probably best not to get too close for now.

Taking a seat at the bar with Cyclizar, he called out, "Slowking Boss, warm up two bowls of sake for us, and get two plates of spiced broad beans."

"No booze for kids!"

"Then just give us some snacks that go well with drinks—something filling. And two glasses of room-temperature Moomoo Milk."

"What do you take this place for?!"

Despite his grumbling, Slowking still went ahead to prepare the order. After all, every customer deserved service.

While waiting, Cyclizar's eyes were fixated on the Slowpoke mascot behind the bar, its tail swaying lazily.

This little guy found it amusing and tried to smack it with its paw—only to miss. Undeterred, it kept trying, but every time, the Slowpoke's tail just happened to swing out of reach.

"I know its tail looks tasty, but don't actually take a bite."

Hoshino reminded it with a chuckle. Just then, the izakaya's door swung open, and a Pokémon walked in—a small, bipedal fox with golden-yellow fur, fluffy white tufts around her neck, and a long, bushy tail with a twig stuck in it.

"A Braixen? So cute…"

Hoshino's eyes lit up. He had a soft spot for these girly, little-sister-like Pokémon. They seemed perfect for cuddling while sleeping, triggering a protective instinct.

"Braix~"

Braixen let out a soft cry, likely greeting with an "Alola~." But she seemed a bit downcast. Even when someone gave her a strange look, she only glanced back briefly, not bothering to react.

After stepping inside, she scanned the room as if searching for someone. But both Slowking and Ceruledge were in the back preparing dinner, leaving the front unattended.

Seeing Braixen lower her head slightly, looking even more dejected, Hoshino frowned but quickly relaxed, resting his arm on the counter as he spoke casually, "You're a customer, right? Slowpoke Boss is in the back. Just call out if you need something."

"Braix…"

Hearing him speak, Braixen finally noticed him properly—and realized something was off. A human? Why is there a human here?

Hoshino coughed lightly, adjusted his expression, and greeted with a smile, "Alola~ I just moved in yesterday. I live upstairs."

"Brai~"

Braixen responded quietly, lowering her guard slightly. After all, if he lived here, he must have a good relationship with Slowking.

Seeing this, Hoshino maintained his friendly smile, hoping to ease her wariness further. Then, in a soft voice, he asked, "You seem troubled. This izakaya is a place where humans and Pokémon can share their daily worries. Why not talk about it? Maybe I can help."

Braixen hesitated, unsure of what to make of this human. But since he asked so directly… After a moment's thought, she decided to share her troubles.

After all, humans couldn't understand Pokémon speech, making them pretty good listeners…

Just as Braixen was about to settle in at the bar and start talking, Slowking floated in from the back, carrying several plates with psychic power. He placed them in front of Hoshino before noticing Braixen.

"Slow~"

"Braixen~"

Braixen greeted Slowking, but then hesitated to continue speaking.

Hoshino, meanwhile, nudged Cyclizar to stop messing with Slowpoke's tail and get ready to eat. As he started his meal, he casually said to Slowking, "Hey, when you guys talk, could at least one of you use human language? Let me listen in."

"Humans are such a hassle! Just eat your food instead of talking so much!"

Slowking didn't refuse, though. After complaining, he turned back to Braixen and asked with a hint of concern, "Haven't seen you in days. Something happen? You don't seem like yourself."

"Braix…"

"You're quitting your job?"

"br…"

"I see. Your so-called Trainer finally remembered you were in the backyard? Shouldn't you be happy about that?"

Braixen's expression stiffened slightly at Slowking's words. she looked like she had something to say, but after a long silence, she only forced a small smile and nodded.

"…I see."

Slowking seemed to pick up on something but didn't press further. He simply popped a lollipop into his mouth, turned his head away, and said, "Be careful on your way back. Drop by sometime. Don't let this place get too quiet."

Braixen nodded, then softly murmured, "Braixen…"

"You want to stay and help out one last time tonight? Fine. But since you're quitting, there's no pay. Get to work."

"Braix!"

Hearing this, Braixen instantly perked up. Her earlier gloom vanished, as if she wanted to cherish this last shift.

Hoshino, who had been listening in, remained expressionless as he ate, casually asking, "One of your employees?"

Slowking, just as indifferent, bit down on his lollipop and answered, "Something like that. Worked here for two and a half years. Didn't come every day, sometimes showed up with injuries… Haven't seen her for the past half month. Thought something happened, but she looks fine now."

"Looks fine, huh…"

Hoshino glanced at Braixen, now in a maid outfit, happily greeting a newly arrived Machoke and Gurdurr. She certainly looked energetic—no arguing that.

Having finished his meal, he patted Cyclizar—who had inhaled his food at lightning speed and was already back to smacking Slowpoke's tail. "Let's go. Gotta rest early. We're heading to Nai-chan's place in the morning."

"Cycli~"

Cyclizar stopped playing around and followed him out. But just as they reached the door, Slowking, still expressionless, spoke calmly, "I don't know what you're planning, but don't meddle in things that don't concern you. Especially as a human—you'll attract trouble easily."

"What would I even do…"

Hoshino turned back with a smirk. "I just want to get some sleep early."