Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

"If you're going to fight, then fight! Why all the nonsense?"

"In the old days, humph, why even bother with conditions? We'd just seize the opportunity and fight! Once we'd taken them down, then we could talk all we wanted!"

The two henchmen, a man and a woman, nodded quickly.

"That's right! Our Vermilion Gym's style has always been straightforward; we'd rather fight than argue!"

"Exactly! Who can beat the Rockets when it comes to dirty tricks!"

Ma Zhishi nodded in satisfaction.

"Call the police."

He was concise and to the point.

"For example, today the Vermilion City Gym arrested a Team Rocket remnant suspected of fraud, intimidation, and attempting to corrupt League officials with illegal gains. He was caught red-handed. Oh, by the way."

He stroked his chin and added.

"To emphasize, the Vermilion Gym Leader, faced with their arrogance and shameless bribery, righteously and resolutely refused."

"Then the criminal gang became enraged and attacked, and I engaged in a fierce fight with them."

"He was cunning and treacherous. I fought him with all my might but was no match for him... uh, no, it was a fierce battle that I fought and finally managed to defeat him, though I was seriously injured!"

"You guys can make up the details, make it as terrible as possible, so we can fleece the league later."

The woman with the big waves in her hair lit up and instantly understood.

"Understood! Don't worry, boss, I guarantee the plot will be thrilling and deeply moving!"

He then went to get the communicator.

He kicked Kuroki twice more to make sure he was really unconscious.

Ma Zhishi then said disdainfully.

"A mere regional manager for the Rockets, yet he speaks with such arrogance!"

"Restore our prestige? You make it sound like our dojo is about to go bankrupt!"

"That's right, that's right."

"Lei Lei!"

The man with the buzz cut looked at the disheveled Kuroki on the ground and couldn't help but complain.

"If they were really that capable, why don't they make their leader the head of the club? Bah!"

"All you do is make empty promises! You just want to poach us because you're so capable and in such a good position!"

"This is a time of severe crackdown; anyone who dares to show their face is courting death!"

The younger brother who went to call the police had already ended his call and ran back.

He had a hint of excitement on his face.

"Boss, Miss Officer Jenny said she'll be there right after their meeting. She praised us for our high level of vigilance, saying it's a typical case of meritorious service during the crackdown, and she'll recommend us for commendation!"

"Request for commendation? You all speak up..."

Looking at the empty space, Ma Xueshi's eyes showed a thoughtful expression.

The two henchmen immediately held their breath and looked at him.

"...With such a great achievement, could we ask the league to reinstall the trash cans in our gym?"

He paused, and seeing that his younger brother did not answer immediately, he added as a second choice.

"If that doesn't work... you can put it at the entrance!"

"Boss!"

The crew-cut man, who considered himself the strategist of the dojo, suddenly slapped his thigh, his eyes gleaming.

"I've already thoroughly studied the cases of previous failed applications! This time, I have a brilliant idea!"

"Oh? Tell me quickly!"

Mascherano became interested.

“We can do this,” the man with the buzz cut leaned closer, lowering his voice as if sharing some secret, “We can put small gifts in those trash cans regularly and in fixed quantities.”

"For example, a healing item that's only half full but can still be sprayed a couple of times, a regular Poké Ball that's a bit worn but still usable, or a common berry available on the market, or even a type advantage/disadvantage tip card... These things aren't expensive, but they're useful!"

"Challengers, especially new trainers, will pass by, see what's going on, and think, 'Hey, I need this,' and just grab it."

"If they accept a bribe, they're beholden to it; how dare they report our garbage bins?"

"Over time, won't our reputation grow? Maybe the League will even award us a banner for 'Model Gym for Caring for New Trainers' or 'Civilized and Friendly Featured Attraction in Vermilion City'!"

As Ma Zhishi listened, his brows gradually relaxed, and his eyes slowly brightened.

He suddenly slapped his younger brother on the shoulder, making the latter grimace with a wide smile.

"Good lad! You're really something! I knew you'd been smart since you were a kid!"

"Let's...do it this way!"

......

Koba City.

Pokémon Center.

Brock, who had been rejected by Nurse Joy again, was sitting on a bench in the rest area with Ash and Misty.

Lt. Surge's spray is remarkably effective, greatly relieving Pikachu's burning and numbness.

However, the exhaustion and damage caused by that level of combat are far beyond what topical medications can completely cure.

A comprehensive treatment at a professional Pokémon Center is the safest option.

"Miss Joey said it will take about twenty more minutes."

Xiao Gang looked at the indicator light on the door of the treatment room not far away and said.

"Hmm, this is a good opportunity for Pikachu to rest."

Before the three could catch their breath, a voice with its usual air of superiority interrupted.

"Hey, who do we have here sitting so disheveled waiting for treatment? Isn't this Xiao Zhi?"

The three of them turned to look.

Gary steadied his breathing, one hand in his pocket, the other casually tossing a Poké Ball, leaning against the wall, trying to maintain his cool demeanor.

After finishing a long phone call.

I also picked up something along the way.

He just happened to see Ash lead a charred Pikachu into the Pokémon Center.

His heart was still pounding as he chased after Ash to mock him.

After catching his breath, Xiao Mao said.

"Just came from the Vermilion City Gym, huh? I just saw Pikachu's appearance... It suffered a pretty crushing defeat, didn't it?"

"But that makes sense. Using Pikachu to challenge a Gym Leader who specializes in Electric-type Pokémon, and whose main force is an evolved Raichu... even if you're the best in Pallet Town, you can't do it!"

Ash opened his mouth, but before he could speak.

Xiao Mao on the other end has already started talking non-stop.

"I'm telling you, you've been on your trip for a while now."

"Haven't you learned even the most basic information gathering and analysis before a battle?"

"Lt. Surge of the Vermilion City Gym is tough and direct, and his favorite battle style is to overwhelm opponents with powerful electric shocks."

"His ace Raichu is trained to maximize its special attack. Its signature Thunderbolt and Thunder are among the most powerful in Kanto Gym Leaders."

Xiao Mao knew it all like the back of his hand, clearly having done his homework.

"Not to mention that its Raichu also has the characteristics of a lightning rod."

"Attributes, evolution, traits... you're not gaining any advantage at all, you're just heading straight for the disadvantages!"

Xiaoxia, who was standing nearby, felt indignant and wanted to defend Xiaozhi.

But Xiao Gang seemed thoughtful, feeling that although Xiao Mao's words were direct, they were indeed based on experience.

“What you said makes a lot of sense, but…”

Ash slowly took something out of his pocket and handed it to Gary.

"...I think I won."

Quiet.

Xiao Mao's smug expression froze instantly.

His gaze was fixed intently on Ash's palm.

There, a badge shaped like the rising sun, shimmering with an orange-yellow glow under the lights of the Pokémon Center, lies quietly.

Orange badge.

99% new.

No signs of use.

"?!"

Xiao Zhi won in the time it took him to make a phone call?

Half an hour has passed?!

"You... beat Lt. Surge? And with Pikachu?"

Information about Lt. Surge and the Vermilion Dojo flashed through Shigeru's mind.

Those descriptions of him as "strong and tough," "a killer of newcomers," and "a lover of trash cans" are not unfounded!

Xiao Zhi nodded affirmatively.

"It was tough, but Pikachu and I definitely won!"