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Early the next morning, the three companions rose with the dawn and made their way to the Pokémon Center's restaurant for breakfast. The morning air was crisp and fresh as they settled at their usual table.
Brock had thoughtfully prepared special food designed specifically for baby Pokémon like Togepi. The small, egg-shaped Pokémon seemed delighted with the meal, happily enjoying it alongside Pikachu and Jigglypuff at the table. Its cheerful chirping filled the air as it ate.
Jigglypuff had become completely attached to their group by now. The round, pink Pokémon ate and drank with the three trainers as if it had always been part of their team. However, the trio had grown so accustomed to its presence that they barely paid attention to this new development.
The peaceful morning atmosphere was suddenly interrupted when the Pokémon Center's automatic doors slid open with a soft hiss. A middle-aged man wearing an expensive suit entered, his considerable belly straining against the fabric. His presence immediately commanded attention.
Several bodyguards followed closely behind him. Each guard on his left and right carried a black briefcase, their movements precise and professional. The entire group moved with an air of authority that seemed to fill the room.
As the man walked through the center, his imposing presence created an invisible barrier around him. Other trainers and visitors unconsciously stepped aside, clearing a path as if sensing some unspoken threat. The suited man led his entourage toward the restaurant area, completely ignoring the uncomfortable stares of those around him.
The bodyguards quickly surveyed the restaurant, their trained eyes scanning every corner and table. After a brief moment, their gaze settled on Ash and his friends. They leaned in close to their employer, whispering something into his ear in hushed, urgent tones.
Upon hearing their report, the man in the suit turned his attention toward Ash's table. His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied the young trainer, then he began walking purposefully in their direction, his expensive shoes clicking against the polished floor.
"Huh?" Brock noticed the approaching group first, his eyebrows furrowing with concern. Misty also became aware of the situation, and both of them grew visibly nervous as the intimidating group drew closer.
"Ahem! Hehe!" The suited man cleared his throat loudly as he and his bodyguards surrounded Ash's table, creating an almost threatening semicircle around the young trainers.
The atmosphere grew tense for a moment, with the bodyguards maintaining their stern expressions. Then, without warning, the man's demeanor completely transformed. His face broke into an exaggerated smile, so wide and artificial that it looked almost painful. He began rubbing his hands together in an overly familiar gesture.
"Are you Mr. Ash?" The man's voice dripped with false sweetness, his flattering tone so excessive that it left all three friends completely stunned and unsure how to respond.
"What do you want?" Ash asked cautiously, glancing at the stranger with suspicion. He had never seen this man before and couldn't imagine what business he might have with him.
"Haha! I've heard your name mentioned many times before," the man continued with his excessive flattery. "I was told that you're an incredibly skilled trainer. Now that I see you in person, I can tell those reports were absolutely true! You truly are extraordinary!"
Ash's frown deepened as he listened to the man's words. His first impression was that this person seemed slippery and untrustworthy. Despite the wide smile plastered across the man's face, something about him made Ash feel deeply uncomfortable, as if there was something sinister lurking beneath the surface.
"Excuse me, but what exactly do you want from me?" Ash asked directly, his patience already wearing thin.
"Haha! Please, allow me to properly introduce myself," the man said, his tone becoming slightly more serious while maintaining that unsettling smile. "My name is Honda, and I'm currently the person in charge of the environmental protection project here in Gringey City."
He paused dramatically, as if expecting recognition or applause. When none came, he continued, "I've heard that you're an exceptionally powerful trainer, so I was hoping you might be able to help me with a particular problem I'm facing."
"What kind of problem?" Ash asked hesitantly, still unsure about this stranger's true intentions. He couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right about this whole situation.
"Well, you see, we're currently working on a major environmental protection and development project for Gringey City," Honda explained, gesturing broadly with his hands. "Unfortunately, we've recently encountered some significant troubles that require the expertise of a skilled trainer like yourself."
"I'm just a trainer," Ash replied carefully. "I'm afraid I wouldn't be much help with environmental projects and city planning."
His response was deliberately distant. Beyond the fact that he genuinely didn't think he could be useful for such work, he continued to feel increasingly uncomfortable around this Honda character, despite the man's persistent friendly facade.
"Actually, this particular matter does require help from someone with your specific skills as a trainer!" Honda insisted, his smile growing even wider if that was possible.
"You see, as part of our comprehensive city environmental protection plan, we're also redesigning and upgrading the entire municipal sewer system," he continued, his tone becoming more businesslike. "However, there's a colony of Grimer living in those sewers that won't allow our construction workers and employees to enter safely."
Honda's expression grew more serious as he explained the situation further. "At the same time, these Grimer frequently leave the sewer system and come up to the surface streets, where they contaminate and pollute the urban environment. In order to ensure the smooth progress of our environmental protection plan, we absolutely must drive away these troublesome Grimer."
As Honda revealed his true purpose, Ash's frown deepened considerably. Now he understood exactly what this man was asking of him. Honda wanted him to use his Pokémon to defeat and forcibly remove the Grimer from their current home.
"I'm sorry, but I can't help you with this matter," Ash said firmly, his decision made without needing to think about it any further.
The situation was clear to him now. These Grimer had originally lost their natural habitat due to previous environmental cleanup efforts. Later, Officer Jenny had worked hard to find them a suitable place to live in the city's sewer system, which had seemed like a reasonable compromise that allowed both the Pokémon and the humans to coexist peacefully.
But now Honda was demanding that these Pokémon be driven away from even this refuge, leaving them with nowhere to go. Ash would never agree to such a cruel request, especially considering that these Grimer were essentially the younger siblings of his own Muk, who had once lived in similar conditions.
"Wait, wait! Please don't refuse so quickly," Honda said urgently, his composure beginning to crack slightly. "I promise I won't treat you poorly for your help. As long as you're willing to assist us, I'll make sure you're compensated very generously! In fact, I've brought a deposit with me today!"
Honda snapped his fingers sharply, and immediately the bodyguards beside him stepped forward. They quickly opened the two black briefcases they had been carrying, revealing the contents to everyone in the restaurant.
The cases were packed full of crisp banknotes, stacked neatly and professionally. The sight of so much money at once caused several other patrons in the restaurant to stare openly, their eyes wide with amazement. Such a large sum of cash was undeniably impressive and tempting to most people.
However, Ash's expression remained unchanged. He slowly raised his head and looked directly at Honda with cold, unwavering eyes.
"I think I've made myself clear enough," Ash said in a voice that was calm but carried an unmistakable edge of steel. "Please don't disturb us while we're trying to eat our breakfast."
When Honda met Ash's direct gaze, his confident expression faltered noticeably. He hadn't expected a trainer who appeared to be only in his early teens to possess such intense presence and determination. The young man's eyes held a strength and resolve that was genuinely intimidating.
The other people in the restaurant, despite being surrounded by Honda's numerous intimidating bodyguards, barely dared to glance in their direction. Yet this young trainer sitting before him showed absolutely no fear whatsoever. In fact, Honda found himself feeling somewhat frightened by the unwavering intensity in Ash's eyes.
"Well... I see," Honda stammered, his smooth confidence crumbling. "In that case, I won't try to force you. However, if you happen to change your mind about this matter, please contact me immediately. Here's my business card with all my information."
Honda felt genuinely embarrassed by the rejection. He had been certain this would be an easy negotiation, expecting that a young trainer would jump at the chance for such easy money. But seeing that Ash didn't even glance at the substantial cash payment, he realized his approach had completely failed.
After all, he reminded himself, this young man was considered a hero in the city after recent events. Honda didn't dare try anything too aggressive or underhanded while they were in such a public place with so many witnesses around.
After placing his business card on the table, Honda turned away and walked out of the restaurant with his bodyguards following behind him. Ash didn't even bother to look at the card. Without a moment's hesitation, he picked it up and tossed it directly into the nearest trash can.
Brock and Misty continued eating their breakfast without commenting on the strange encounter. After hearing Honda's explanation of what he wanted, they both felt exactly the same way Ash did about the situation. The request was unreasonable and cruel to the Pokémon involved.
Meanwhile, outside the Pokémon Center, Honda sat in the back seat of his expensive car. His expression had transformed completely from the friendly, flattering mask he had worn inside. Now his face was dark and gloomy as he twisted the large ring on his finger, a nervous habit that revealed his true nature.
"Arrogant little brat," Honda muttered under his breath, his voice filled with venom. "I don't believe we can't deal with those disgusting Grimer without your help."
His words revealed the truth that Ash had instinctively sensed. The personality Honda displayed to the public was completely different from his real character, which was far more selfish and cruel than his polite facade suggested.
Honda's car quickly transported him back to his company's headquarters. He made his way up to his private office, eager to begin planning alternative methods for dealing with the Grimer problem. However, when he opened the door to his office, he was shocked to discover two mysterious figures already sitting inside, waiting for him.
"Who... who are you?" Honda demanded, his voice shaking with surprise and growing alarm.
The bodyguards who had accompanied him immediately rushed forward when they saw the intruders, ready to protect their employer. However, before they could reach the mysterious visitors, a sudden burst of blue psychic energy filled the room like rippling waves.
The bodyguards stopped mid-stride, their eyes becoming glazed and vacant. One by one, they collapsed to the floor, completely paralyzed by the powerful psychic attack that had overwhelmed their minds.
Honda stared at the scene in complete shock, his face pale with terror as he realized he was now completely defenseless against these unknown intruders.
"Hmph! Please don't do anything rash, Mr. Honda," one of the mysterious figures said calmly, their voice carrying an undertone of threat despite the polite words. "We simply want to have a civilized conversation with you."