Night.
Hoenn Region, Rustboro City.
"Every time I head out, I come back feeling utterly drained," Johan sighed, walking toward a brightly lit café not far away.
"At least tomorrow, I can sleep in again," he added with a hint of relief.
In contrast, Gengar's expression was entirely different, full of seriousness.
"Ka-kah!"
Tomorrow is the day to train hard!
It hadn't forgotten that two of the most challenging gyms in Kanto were still waiting for them. Gengar was determined not to slack off or embarrass Johan.
Ding-dong!
As Johan pushed open the café door, a soft chime from a Chimecho-like bell rang out.
"Welcome!"
Three familiar voices greeted him in unison.
Wearing their waiter uniforms, Meowth, Jessie, and James hurried over.
"Johan-sensei?!"
When they recognized their visitor, surprise gave way to delight.
"Here, these are for you," Johan said with a smile, handing out the gifts he'd brought for them:
A spade for James,An apron for Jessie,A classic CD for Meowth,And a straw hat for Wobbuffet.
"Gifts? For us?!"
Tears of gratitude welled up in their eyes as they hugged each other tightly.
"Our leader handles everything in the Hoenn branch on his own, yet he still thinks of bringing us gifts. It's just..."
"So touching!" ×3
Honestly, despite all they'd been through—especially James, who ran away from a wealthy family and often had to go hungry—this was the first time anyone had given them presents.
Even something so small meant the world to them.
"Wobba!" Wobbuffet saluted with tears streaming down its face.
Johan chuckled. "Alright, alright. Stop crying, you three."
Looking at the Team Rocket trio and Wobbuffet, he couldn't help but smile.
For all their antics, the trio had genuinely good hearts.
In the original story, though they frequently clashed with Ash and Pikachu, they were known to join forces against a common enemy when they saw something truly unjust.
"By the way," Johan began, tapping on the counter to get their attention, "there's something I'd like to discuss with you all."
"Johan-sensei, just tell us what to do! We'll do our best!" James declared earnestly, wiping away his tears.
"Yeah! Want us to capture a Pokémon? We'll..."
Before Jessie could finish, Meowth and James clamped their hands over her mouth.
"Just say the word, meow!" Meowth said with a forced grin.
Johan sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Build me a Gundam."
James: "Huh?"
Jessie: "What's a Gundam?"
Meowth: "We'll get it done, meow!"
"Wobba! ∠(°ゝ°)"
"You're all so easily distracted." Johan chuckled, shaking his head.
He then explained his idea to produce a show, outlining a rough plan.
"Me? Acting?!" Jessie shot up from her seat, ecstatic.
Jessie had always dreamed of becoming a star. In her mind, the triumphant return of "Jessalina" was finally here!
"And you'll be the lead actress," Johan added nonchalantly.
Meanwhile, he chose Meowth over a Persian for one critical role. While Meowth's small stature was less imposing, its personality and colorful backstory—especially its unrequited love—made it the perfect fit.
The project, now officially titled Meowth and Pichu, would star Meowth and Jessie, with James taking on the role of director.
All three were visibly excited. It was clear this opportunity to star in a production resonated with them more than their usual antics running a café.
Friday. Clear skies.
After his brief stint in Kanto, Johan returned to his peaceful, laid-back routine in Rustboro City.
At the Academy Courtyard.
Johan reclined lazily in a deck chair, basking in the warm sunlight, one hand stroking Vulpix's soft fur while the other toyed with the Pokédex that Professor Oak had gifted him.
Pokédex: Created personally by Professor Oak, this Pokédex contains a wealth of detailed Pokémon information. It also functions as a phone, gaming console, and navigation device (trust me, you don't need this).
Johan raised an eyebrow. The Pokédex's self-description amused him.
Later that day, Johan's plans to enjoy a quiet afternoon were interrupted by an unexpected development:
Galar Region visitor incoming!
At the Principal's Office.
Sounds of scuffling and crashing filled the air as Johan approached.
Opening the door, he wasn't surprised to see the principal being "gently massaged" by his Pangoro.
But what caught his attention was the dark-skinned girl standing nearby.
With her gray hair tied back in a black-and-orange headband, a sleeveless outfit revealing her muscular frame, and bare feet, the girl was unmistakably Bea—Galar's prodigy in martial arts!
Before Johan could say a word, Bea noticed him.
Her eyes lit up as she turned and bowed deeply.
"Please teach me!" she exclaimed.
Johan blinked. Teach her?
But before he could respond, Bea leapt into a fighting stance, her eyes sharp as a blade.
Johan suddenly felt very nervous.
Wham!
Bea's first attack was a roundhouse kick aimed squarely at him. Johan instinctively sidestepped.
Her foot collided with the doorframe, leaving deep cracks.
Doesn't that hurt?! Johan winced.
But Bea's eyes shone even brighter as she pressed forward, throwing a heavy punch.
Realizing there was no way to talk her down, Johan closed his eyes and activated his aura powers.
To her astonishment, Johan avoided her strike with seemingly effortless precision, keeping his calm composure.
Bea froze.
In Johan, she saw the aura of a true martial arts master—a presence reminiscent of her father's teacher, Mustard.
Her respect for him deepened.
But just as she prepared to unleash her most powerful move, Johan calmly said:
"Want some sweets?"
Bea stopped in her tracks.
A soft blush spread across her face as she murmured, "C-can I?"
At the Café.
Watching Bea's hesitant first bite into a slice of cake, Johan relaxed.
"How is it?" he asked.
"...Delicious," she whispered, her cheeks red.
Johan leaned back, relieved.
And thus, the storm was calmed—for now.
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Powerstones?
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