After organizing the exercise tasks, Officer Jenny saluted and left.
The rather confused Growlithe, cradled in Teacher Luke's arms, slowly opened its dark eyes and began to look around inquisitively.
Luke couldn't help but think of the famous dog breed from before his arrival in this world—
Much like Teacher Luke, it had thick, dark circles under its eyes, as if it held an inexhaustible wellspring of energy, and no one could ever quite fathom what was going on in its mind.
Husky!
"It's not every day you see a Husky in the police dog world," Luke mused while looking down at Growlithe, his words filled with emotion.
"Ao wu!" Growlithe let out a bark, which wasn't very fierce at all.
"It's saying, 'Let me go, meow!'" Meowth translated.
"Huh? Can you understand Pokémon?" Yellow of Viridian Forest asked, looking astonished at the "eccentric" man in a trench coat and hat.
Meowth was caught off guard, but James, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, quickly said, "He guessed it!"
"Yeah, I can guess, meow, by looking at their facial expressions!" Meowth said with an awkward smile.
"I can also more or less sense Pokémon's thoughts, but I translate them through their expressions," Luke explained.
Yellow's eyes crinkled into crescents as she smiled. "I have to say, you're really amazing!"
Meowth, hidden beneath his windbreaker, scratched his reddened cheeks.
This kid seems to be quite impressed with me!
"Let you go?" Luke looked down at Growlithe and smirked. "You're a dog; please behave yourself!"
"Ao wu…" Growlithe grumbled, tapping its little feet on the ground and sticking out its tongue.
Yellow of Viridian Forest pursed his lips and chuckled.
Teacher Luke really knew how to play his role to the hilt!
The Team Rocket Trio's eyes shone.
As expected of the Executive, they thought, he had a knack for handling these kinds of situations!
In the afternoon, the skies turned cloudy.
With all the preparations in place, the search and rescue team was ready to go.
James peered out of the window sill from an abandoned building and couldn't help but shudder.
"There are so many police officers... it's pretty intimidating!"
Yellow of Viridian Forest, dressed in Team Rocket attire, snapped a selfie and posted it in the group chat.
Yellow: Participating in the exercise with Teacher Luke today! Feeling quite nervous! [Picture]
Erika replied with a smile, "Please be safe!"
"Surprisingly, the uniform suits you well. (Laughs)," Green remarked.
Lance inquired, "Is Teacher Luke there too?"
After a short while, Yellow shared a picture of Teacher Luke, who was sitting on a sofa. The man, dressed in a dark uniform, had deep, enigmatic eyes. He was accompanied by a poised Sylveon in his arms, Haunter floating around with glee, and Squirtle donning sunglasses with a stern expression.
They all looked like villains!
Sabrina was slightly taken aback.
She couldn't help but think that Teacher Luke, in this attire, seemed more fitting for the role of Executive than her predecessor!
Of course, this was just a filter used through Teacher Luke's perspective.
Sylveon was snoozing, and Squirtle appeared remorseful. Meanwhile, Haunter floated about excitedly, seeming completely oblivious to the fact that they were playing the role of kidnappers.
"It seems that I don't quite measure up to Boss Giovanni's aura..." Luke sighed as he rubbed his temples.
Jessie and James were also decked out in Team Rocket uniforms, looking rather pleased with themselves.
Luke provided some instructions: "This is a three-story building. In the end, you'll let them break in and rescue Growlithe. Pay attention to your acting. Make sure it's dark and sinister; show off your villainous side, cunning and ruthless... Understand?"
"Understood!" the trio saluted.
"As for the acting," Jessie chimed in, "I, Jessie, am a famous actress, oh hoho!"
"Here we go again, meow," Meowth sighed.
"After all, Jessie easily gets carried away when it comes to acting..." James said with a hint of embarrassment.
Teacher Luke was caught off guard.
To be honest, it was quite evident that Jessie had a deep passion for acting.
If there was ever a movie to be made in the future... inviting Jessie to participate might not be such a bad idea...
"Okay, go and guard the building."
With his hands behind his back, Luke stood beside the window sill and spoke with a serious tone, "Team Rocket's ambitions mustn't falter here!"
The trio was momentarily taken aback but then spotted a silhouette of Master Giovanni, and tears welled up in their eyes as they replied, "Yes!"
In Teacher Luke's heart, feelings of shame and pride were mingled.
Yet, this was all part of a practice exercise.
Gradually, Luke's expression grew more solemn as he thought to himself:
The sense of justice sure feels amazing, even if only for a brief moment!
Outside the abandoned building, accompanied by Miss Joy, an operator who needed crutches limped forward to join the team.
"Are you alright?" Officer Jenny asked the operator with a concerned look.
The operator laughed heartily, wincing due to the wound and breathing in pain, and said, "How could I not come when Teacher Luke is here!"
During this moment, the usually restless Arcanine suddenly froze.
The operator took a step forward, gently cradled Arcanine's head, and with a slight smile, said, "Just remember to watch Teacher Luke's videos together... our idol is right here..."
"When you're in the exercise, Arcanine, make sure to give Teacher Luke a beating and get an autograph for me!"
Arcanine whimpered and vigorously nodded in agreement.
Officer Jenny wore a faint smile and raised her walkie-talkie, saying, "Commence the exercise!"
The search and rescue team lined up in formation, cautiously entering the abandoned building. Arcanine took a quivering step forward, baring its teeth and following the team slowly.
In the abandoned building, one of the floors, Yellow, gripping the desk, uttered lines in an overly dramatic tone, "Kuku, Kuku... You don't think you can just waltz in here and rescue Growlithe..."
"More emotion, more villainous!" Jessie called out into the microphone.
Performing like this... it's quite challenging!
Yellow wiped the sweat from her brow, her face flushed, and with all her might, he yelled, "Anyway, anyway! If you want to save someone, you'll have to go through me first!"
"Bravo!" Jessie exclaimed, "Little miss, you're a natural talent as a villain!"
"Hehe, it's like this..." Yellow sheepishly scratched her head.
Officer Jenny had a serious expression as she gave orders, "Explosive units, move forward, and be on the lookout for Butterfree's String Shot!"
The room was rather narrow, and Butterfree used String Shot to entangle the entire floor, creating significant obstacles.
"Arcanine, use Flamethrower!" Officer Jenny encouraged Arcanine.
Arcanine showed its bared teeth and trembled, but in the end, it just rolled beads of sweat.
Officer Jenny let out a quiet sigh.
Overcoming its fears isn't going to be easy...
Five minutes later, other Growlithe's flames cleared away the silk threads.
Yellow received the instruction and put on a perfunctory performance, "Aiya! This Arcanine is really strong! I'm down!"
With that, Yellow staggered and fell onto Pikachu.
"Pika!" Pikachu also stuck its tongue out and played dead quite convincingly.
Teacher Luke, who was on the third floor, watched this scene through the monitor and couldn't help but feel a bit speechless.
Having a good skin actor would be so helpful right now.
Yellow's acting skills were seriously lacking!
"Everyone, keep moving forward!"
Inside the abandoned building, second floor.
"It's quite unexpected that you managed to reach this far."
James, holding a rose, spoke indifferently, "You truly live up to your reputation as an investigator of the Alliance."
"Come on, we have to give it our all!" Jessie grinned slyly.
Three minutes later...
James lay on the floor as if he were a lifeless corpse and whispered, "Jessie... do you think we're performing well enough?"
Jessie, lying on the floor, didn't move a muscle.
"Jessie, you have something to say!" James grew anxious.
Dutifully playing the role of a lifeless body, Jessie felt a strong sense of duty.
Even in the role of a corpse, I, Jessie, will be the star of the show!
Inside the abandoned building, third floor.
The sound of chaotic footsteps echoed throughout.
Officer Jenny cautiously pushed open the door, and the operators filed into the room.
The sun streamed in, casting a spotlight on the man. Even the dust particles seemed to dance in the sunlight.
With his hands behind his back, the man turned slowly, emitting a commanding presence that weighed down on everyone in the room.
"Surprisingly, not even my capable operatives could stop you," Teacher Luke said, his expression grave. "I must say, Ms. Officer Jenny, you've truly impressed me."
Officer Jenny's face turned crimson.
Why does it seem like she's expecting something?
Luke shook his head and sneered, saying, "Carry on, Squirtle. Show them your strength."
Squirtle rallied and unleashed a powerful Water Gun, despite the operators raising their explosion-proof shields. A couple of them were pushed back against the wall by the force of the water jet. The building trembled, and debris rained down from the walls.
Luke was momentarily bewildered, and he muttered in a hushed tone, "Didn't I tell you to use your smallest amount of power?"
Squirtle, too, found himself perplexed. Isn't this considered a small amount of power?
Officer Jenny's green hair hung limply over her forehead, and her skirt clung to her wet body. Gritting her teeth, she looked at Arcanine beside her and urged, "You can do it..."
Arcanine, however, took a few hesitant steps backward. It seemed that a new fear had formed in the face of this Squirtle's powerful attack.
Awkwardly, Luke scratched his head. If Arcanine refuses to fight, this scene can't be executed as planned.
Just as the situation seemed to be falling apart, the chubby Growlithe, previously held by Teacher Luke, suddenly wriggled free and bared its teeth, lunging at Teacher Luke.
Fortunately, Haunter intervened in time, placing a reassuring hand on Growlithe's head and signaling to Luke with his eyes, "My master is amazing!"
However, the next moment, Haunter was chomped by Growlithe. His face turned ghostly pale.
"Haunter, please stop pretending. Growlithe hasn't learned the move Bite yet," Luke sighed with exasperation.
Haunter hesitated, scratching his head, then quickly resumed a menacing expression.
Just at that moment, Arcanine sprang into action. Like a gust of wind, its orange figure dashed forward. Baring its teeth and enveloped in flames, it lunged at Haunter.
Everyone present was taken aback, their faces showing a mix of surprise and excitement. Could Arcanine actually be ready to fight again?
"Squirtle, use Protect!" Luke ordered, and Squirtle, with determination, jumped in front of Luke, erecting a protective barrier that effortlessly absorbed Arcanine's charge.
Luke lifted his head with an evil grin, and in a classic villainous three-stage laugh, he said, "Hahaha! If you want to rescue Growlithe, you'll have to show me a battle certificate!"
Arcanine's flames intensified, and its fiery mane blazed like an inferno. With its spirit reignited, Arcanine launched another swift attack at Squirtle.
Driven by the need to protect its offspring, Arcanine had once again awakened its fighting spirit.
Officer Jenny took a deep breath and issued a firm command, "Everyone, support Arcanine!"
"Affirmative!"
Teacher Luke's expression changed slightly. Miss Officer Jenny seemed to be taking the role-play a bit too seriously.
But there was no backing out now. He had to see this through to the end with Miss Officer Jenny.
"In that case," Luke tossed a Poké Ball with a sneer and declared, "Everyone, join the battle!"
Sylveon eagerly rushed into the midst of the skirmish, as if its head were constantly displaying an [EXP Boost] notification...
Haunter, freed from its Substitute, grinned mischievously and unleashed various status conditions with ease...
Luke mused to himself in amazement, "This is... being a villain seems to be quite addictive!"
In the midst of the melee, James, who was dragging the still-role-playing Jessie's "corpse," made it to the third floor and exclaimed, "Seriously?"
This was just a practice drill, yet both sides were taking it so seriously!
Yellow from Viridian Forest also reached the third floor, fully immersed in the drama, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He shouted, "Oh! Boss, I'm here to help!"
With that, Yellow from Viridian Forest led a group of Pokémon who were equally enthusiastic, and they all rushed into the chaos with cries of "Wow, yeah!"
"ao wu ——!!"
As Arcanine continued to battle, it raised its head and let out a resounding roar.
Officer Jenny, witnessing Arcanine's renewed determination, felt a heavy weight lift from her heart. It was true; if it was Teacher Luke, anything was possible.
Just as Arcanine charged...
The trio couldn't dodge and was sent hurtling out of the window, like shining meteors in the sky.
"What an unexpected turn of events!"
"Woo, whisper!"
The battle was drawing to a close. Teacher Luke called back the little critters who had been battling, and, through gritted teeth, he declared, "You got lucky this time. My Pokémon are exhausted."
Inside its Poké Ball, Sylveon tilted its head in confusion.
"I'm trying to go all out... Why am I running out of energy?!"
Seeing that Teacher Luke had given up the fight, Officer Jenny took a step forward and declared, "Accept the consequences of justice!"
Luke furrowed his brow.
Did you have to do that just when you took your coat off? Now it's wet?
Ah well, no use dwelling on that!
At that moment, the imposing two-meter-tall Arcanine began to approach Luke step by step.
Teacher Luke hesitated for a moment and nervously said, "It's just a practice, don't get carried away!"
Amidst friendly laughter, Arcanine extended its tongue and affectionately licked Teacher Luke's cheek.
A warm sensation spread across his face. Luke paused for a moment and looked up at Arcanine, giving a slight smile.
"It's good to see you doing well."
Meanwhile, Growlithe lay beside Teacher Luke, rolling with happiness at the heartwarming scene.
Yellow observed this with a soft smile.
Teacher Luke has the same spark as Red. Maybe that's why he's so exceptional!
As dusk descended, the setting sun cast its golden light upon Arcanine's majestic mane. Growlithe, acting like a mother, gazed at the sunset and emitted a contented growl:
"ao wu ——!!!"
Officer Jenny, with a smile on her face, approached the intercom and announced, "Mission accomplished...perfectly!"
The operators who had been eagerly awaiting outside the building erupted in jubilant cheers.
This signified that Arcanine, now fully recovered from its injuries, would soon be able to rejoin the team!
The operator who had previously used a cane jubilantly cast it aside and clenched his fists.
"Fantastic! I knew it!"
"Because he's Teacher Luke!"
The Team Rocket trio, perched on treetops deep in the forest, heard the cheers in the distance and felt a sense of wonder.
"Even though I don't know why..." Meowth murmured to himself, "But..."
"What an incredible feeling!"
...
"At last, the mission is complete..."
Luke gazed at the setting sun and mumbled to himself.
"Those three... they should be alright."
Officer Jenny observed Teacher Luke's profile, her heart stirred.
Placed on a pedestal, never once had he let anyone down...
Being a fan of Teacher Luke was truly a stroke of luck!
Officer Jenny smiled and saluted, "Teacher Luke, thank you so much!"
"No problem at all," Luke replied. He then coughed lightly and retrieved the crumpled plane ticket from his pocket.
"When can I get my plane ticket reimbursed?"
Officer Jenny was momentarily taken aback and then chuckled.
"It will certainly be reimbursed, but there are two more matters..."
"Reimbursement for travel expenses is negotiable, I'm all ears! It's the least I can do."
Officer Jenny smiled and explained, "The first matter is organizing a signing event. Many of our police officers are your fans!"
"Sure, that's doable. What's the other matter?"
"The second one pertains to this little fellow..."
Officer Jenny looked down at the chubby-eyed Growlithe and continued softly, "To be honest... it's too gentle to be a police dog."
"In fact, we are currently looking for a trustworthy Trainer for it..."
Officer Jenny gazed at Luke with intensity.
"Teacher Luke, what do you think?"
"ao wu?"
Growlithe blinked, rubbing its cheeks against Luke's feet, seemingly confused by the conversation.
Teacher Luke hesitated, feeling conflicted.
I came all this way to fulfill the fans' wishes...
And now you're planning to throw me into this challenge?
You certainly are something, Miss Officer Jenny!