POKEMON : THE WAY OF PERCEPTION

"Did you hear what the Professor and the little devil were talking about just now?" While Ash and the others were busy on the beach, three sneaky figures emerged from the lighthouse. The speaker was none other than Jessie.

"Hmm... a massive Dragonite, more than 100 meters tall. That's truly a giant Pokémon unlike anything we've ever seen or heard about!" James said, his excitement evident.

"If we can capture this giant Dragonite and present it to the boss, it'll be a dream come true—promotions, raises, and maybe even becoming Executives!" Meowth added, his eyes sparkling as he imagined their bright future.

"But... is capturing such a massive Dragonite really that simple?" James questioned, his initial excitement giving way to doubt. "With our current strength, we might not stand a chance."

"That doesn't matter, meow!" Meowth countered, wagging a claw at James. "We may lack strength, but we can use the power of technology, meow!"

"The power of technology?" Jessie and James exchanged glances before focusing on Meowth.

"Exactly, meow!" Meowth chuckled confidently. "I developed a special trap using the money we earned from part-time jobs. I originally intended to use it on Pikachu, but this opportunity is far better. We'll put it to good use!"

"What?!" Jessie's face twisted in anger. She grabbed Meowth by the scruff and pulled him close. "You spent all the money we worked so hard to earn?!"

"This... this was unavoidable, meow!" Meowth stammered, swallowing nervously.

"You'd better have a good reason!" Jessie demanded, her grip tightening.

"Believe me, meow! My invention will work perfectly. We'll definitely capture the giant Dragonite, and the boss will reward us handsomely. He'll even reimburse the expenses, meow!" Meowth pleaded, painting a rosy picture to calm Jessie.

"Well... what you're saying makes sense." Jessie finally released him, much to Meowth's relief.

"Are you sure this will work?" James asked skeptically, sensing an ominous vibe.

"Of course it will, meow!" Meowth snapped, not wanting Jessie's temper to flare again. "Trust in the power of science! Science is amazing, meow!"

"Fine..." James relented, though he couldn't shake his unease.

---

By 5 PM, Ash called off the Pokémon training. "Alright, everyone, let's take a break," he announced.

"Pika, Pika—!" Pikachu signaled the other Pokémon to gather. Responding to Pikachu's call, they stopped their activities and assembled.

Among all the Pokémon, Pikachu commanded the most respect—not only because it was Ash's first Pokémon, but also because it was the strongest of the group.

"Great work today, everyone!" Ash praised the five Pokémon with a smile. "Especially Bulbasaur and Charmander—though you're both new, you've already kept up with the others. That deserves recognition!"

"Bulba—!"

"Char!"

Bulbasaur and Charmander glowed with pride, and Pikachu, along with the other Pokémon, nodded in approval.

Both new additions had only recently joined Ash's team—Bulbasaur the day before and Charmander just that morning. Yet, their determination and perseverance had allowed them to adapt quickly to Ash's training routine.

After the training session, Ash led the Pokémon back to the camp, where Brock had prepared a nutritious and delicious meal tailored to each Pokémon's taste. Watching the Pokémon devour their food brought a satisfied smile to Brock's face.

"I wonder if Professor Bill has eaten yet," Ash mused aloud after dinner.

"Given how researchers like Professor Oak often forget to eat or sleep while working, he probably hasn't," Ash concluded.

"Then he'll have the chance to try my cooking," Brock said with a grin, packing up a meal to take to the professor.

---

Back at the lighthouse, Ash and his friends rang the doorbell. The door opened automatically, but Professor Bill didn't immediately respond.

The group entered, and soon Bill emerged from his research room, looking at the clock. "I didn't realize it was so late..."

"Professor Bill, we brought you dinner. We thought you might not have eaten yet," Brock said, handing over the meal.

"You're a lifesaver!" Bill exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. He had been about to settle for instant noodles but now had a delicious meal instead.

"This is incredible!" Bill praised as he ate. "It may not be as fancy as a gourmet restaurant, but the taste is absolutely perfect!"

Brock beamed at the compliment. For him, nothing was more fulfilling than seeing others enjoy his cooking.

After dinner, Bill announced, "It's time to prepare for the experiment. Let's head to the lighthouse."

---

The lighthouse's lights rotated above as the group climbed to the top platform, where the cool sea breeze was stronger at night. Misty, wearing light clothing, shivered slightly from the chill.

"Here, take this," Ash said, draping his coat over Misty's shoulders. She blushed but didn't protest.

"Professor Bill, could you share more about Pokémon with us?" Brock asked eagerly. As an aspiring Pokémon Breeder, he had many questions.

"Of course. What would you like to know?" Bill replied, happy to share his knowledge.

While Brock asked about breeding techniques, Ash and Misty listened attentively, realizing how much they could learn from the professor's expertise.

Bill's insights not only deepened their understanding but also strengthened their bond as a team, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.