The round pink puffball before them had a curly forelock, big azure eyes, and twitching cat-like ears.
"Jigglypuff! (o｀ε′o)"
Jigglypuff puffed its cheeks, inflating like an angry balloon.
Natsume hastily raised his hands:
"Easy there, Jigglypuff! Let's talk this out!"
Though he didn't know why it was here,
it must've tailed Ash into the studio.
After hearing Ash's awful singing voice, Jigglypuff, a 'singer' with a willful and capricious personality, couldn't help but feel a little angry.
"Jigglypuff!"
Jigglypuff puffed its cheeks and bounced onto the control panel.
"Gengar? ('-')ノ)`-')"
Gengar was shoved aside by Jigglypuff's tiny hands pressing against its face, forced to relinquish its spot.
Under Natsume's curious gaze, Jigglypuff aimed at the microphone and shouted toward Ash and the others in the recording booth:
"Jigglypuff!(`^′)"
Inside the booth, Jessie and James turned to Meowth:
"What's that guy saying?"
"It says we sound terrible and need a professional to teach us, meow!"
After translating, Meowth angrily brandished its claws at Jigglypuff:
"Are you looking down on Meowth?!"
Jigglypuff grew even angrier, its plump body turning red:
"Jigglypuff!"
Immediately, Jigglypuff leaped off the control panel, pattering into the recording booth and swinging a Double Slap at Meowth.
"Jigglypuff!"
"Meow, that hurts! (￣ε(#￣)Σ"
Meowth, helpless against the slaps, clutched its reddened cheeks and whimpered:
"Ugh, Meowth isn't great at battling!"
Jessie clenched her fists in fury: "This bratty little one—Wobbuffet, teach it a lesson!"
James quickly wrapped his arms around Jessie's waist, laughing nervously to defuse the tension:
"Come on, come on! We're all here to help the Executive. Let's not cause trouble!"
"This guy… was also invited by the Executive?" Jessie paused, thoughtful. "Huh, now that I think about it, it is a good singer…"
Ash, spotting Jigglypuff, spoke with a hint of delight: "Jigglypuff, long time no see!"
"Jigglypuff!" Jigglypuff grinned, nudging Pikachu aside and holding the microphone up to Ash.
Pikachu stood on its hind legs, scratching its ear with an innocent expression.
"Pikachu?"
Ash glanced at Jigglypuff, then at the microphone, and grinned:
"Are you here to teach me how to sing?"
"Jigglypuff!" Jigglypuff nodded cheerfully.
"Great! With everyone's help, I'll definitely nail these vocals!" Ash declared, full of determination.
Natsume scratched his head in confusion.
Jigglypuff… teaching Ash to sing?
Wouldn't that mean everyone here would get hypnotized?!
Still, Jigglypuff meant well, and it was one of the Pokémon world's top vocalists…
Natsume cleared his throat. "Rotom, start the recording later."
"System Overload… (O_o?)" The Rotom Pokédex's screen displayed a question mark.
"Last time, you recorded Gengar's Perish Song, right?"
Natsume said, "This time, maybe we can capture Jigglypuff's Lullaby too."
Rotom suddenly understood, replying in an electronic warble: "B↑u↓t↑ I↓ s↑t↓i↑l↓l p↑r↓e↑f↓e↑r↓ t↑h↓i↑s↓ s↑t↓y↑l↓e~?"
"Turn off that creepy effect right now!"
Inside the booth, Meowth refused to let Jigglypuff steal its role as instructor.
If this kept up… the album might feature Jigglypuff's Song instead of Meowth's Song!
"Meowth won't allow this!"
Meowth swung Fury Swipes, clashing with Jigglypuff's Double Slap in a blur of afterimages.
The scene resembled nothing so much as two cats brawling.
However, Meowth's combat ability fluctuated wildly - weaker against weaker opponents - and ultimately proved no match for Jigglypuff.
"Meowrgh!" Meowth rubbed its reddened cheeks again. "Fine... let's collaborate! Meowth will also teach the twerp!"
"Jigglypuff~"
Jigglypuff basked in the attention, holding its microphone aloft with pride.
Outside the recording booth...
Natsume produced an eye mask from somewhere, put it on, and reclined in his office chair lazily:
"Gengar, I'm taking a nap. We'll have lunch when I wake up."
"Gengar?" Gengar looked thoroughly confused.
This particular Jigglypuff had a 100% hypnotic success rate with its singing and loved pulling out markers to doodle on sleeping faces.
If Jigglypuff's Lullaby was unavoidable, he might as well enjoy it.
Mask in place and arms pillowing his head, Natsume yawned.
At worst, he'd wash his face after waking and continue training Ash.
With both Jigglypuff and Meowth - two singing legends - present, even that dense kid should pick up something...
As he pondered this, a soft melody drifted to his ears.
Unlike Ash's singing, this was feather-light, like moonlight dancing on a lake's surface, casting silver ripples.
"Puff puff-puff-puff, puff-lii, puff puff-lii puff"
Microphone in hand, Jigglypuff closed its eyes, completely immersed in its song.
This was Natsume's first time experiencing Jigglypuff's lullaby firsthand. His weariness gradually melted away as his body surrendered to sleep.
"This is actually..." Natsume rubbed his eyes drowsily, "a godsend for insomniacs..."
"R-recording in progress, rotom..."
The Rotom Pokédex wobbled unsteadily before collapsing onto the console, blowing a snot bubble.
"Gengar Gengar"
Even in sleep, Gengar's mouth curved in a grin as it sang along with Jigglypuff's tune.
This was clearly the move Sleep Talk.
Fortunately, the singing was too quiet for Perish Song to activate, leaving Jigglypuff's performance uninterrupted.
"Puff puff-puff-puff, puff-lii, puff puff-lii puff"
The song continued, Jigglypuff standing center stage like a performer taking their final bow.
Yet the expected applause never came.
Jigglypuff looked around at the sprawled, snoring crowd, took a deep breath, and puffed its cheeks in outrage.
"Jigglypuff! (`~′)"
Pop!
Jigglypuff uncapped its marker with a flourish and hopped angrily over to Ash's side.
"Pikachu... I won the Championship..." Ash mumbled in his sleep, drooling.
"Pika... chu~" Pikachu lay curled against Ash, murmuring his name.
Scritch-scratch!
Jigglypuff rapidly covered Ash and Pikachu's faces with doodles.
Then it leaped over to the sleeping Team Rocket trio, scribbling furiously.
Finally, Jigglypuff marched outside the recording booth—
"Jigglypuff! Σ(°Д°;"
Utter disbelief covered its face.
Before it stood a yawning black-haired young man... and a Gengar munching on a berry.
"On second thought, washing my face seemed like too much trouble."
With his last shred of consciousness, he'd stuffed a Chesto Berry into his mouth and swallowed it whole.
Natsume offered Jigglypuff an apologetic smile:
"If you're still upset, feel free to keep doodling on Ash and the others... but spare me, okay?"
Chesto Berries could cure sleep conditions - more importantly, they were essentially just chestnuts!
The roasted chestnuts at Natsume's place a few days ago had used these very berries, which Gengar always carried!
"Gengar~ (￣～￣)" Gengar held up a chestnut, then offered it to Jigglypuff.
Jigglypuff stared blankly at Natsume... then burst into a radiant smile:
"Jigglypuff!"
Its greatest dream was finding a friend who could stay awake through its entire song.
For this dream, Jigglypuff had wandered far and long.
But today, that dream finally came true!
"Jigglypuff~" It rose onto tiptoe and spun happily... then froze.
Natsume yawned again, his expression complicated:
"This hypnotic effect... even a Chesto Berry can't fully counter it?"
I should have known!
Jigglypuff could put superhumans to sleep... I didn't take enough this time!
With that, Natsume slumped back into his office chair for a comfortable nap—
"Zzz~~"
Jigglypuff looked thunderstruck, clutching its head and shaking violently:
"JIGGLYPUFF!! (〃＞皿＜)"
...
When he awoke again, dusk had fallen outside the office.
Natsume felt completely refreshed. Standing before the restroom mirror, he locked eyes with Gengar—both their faces covered in doodles.
"Gengar!" Gengar covered its mouth with its short hands, snickering mischievously.
"You're laughing at me?" Natsume grinned. "Look at yourself first!"
Even with the doodles, nothing could diminish Natsume's natural good looks.
This flawless handsomeness, unshaken by any circumstance—
Was the very embodiment of the modern reader.
Back in the recording booth, Jigglypuff had cooled off, sitting on the table, sheet music in hand, tiny feet swinging.
"Jigglypuff~"
"It says it's confident it can teach the twerp, meow."
"Just... no more singing moves, okay?"
James chuckled nervously. "Stick to technique! Meowth can translate for the twerp!"
"Yeah! It ruined my perfect makeup!" Jessie huffed.
"Jigglypuff!?(`^′)"
Just as sparks flew between Jessie and Jigglypuff—
Natsume walked in, arms laden with takeout boxes.
"Food's here. One each." He set them down. "No stealing the Pokémon's Pokéblocks—Jigglypuff gets its share too!"
The meals were standard Jubilife TV staff lunches—three dishes and soup, decent enough.
The Pokéblocks, however, were handmade by Natsume himself, blended with Sweet Honey and rare berries, gleaming temptingly with rich color and aroma.
Gulp—
Jessie and James swallowed hard, eyes darting to Meowth, who was already digging in.
"Meowth! You always eat the staff meals!" Jessie hissed.
"What's the big deal? Meowth is a Pokémon, meow." Meowth popped another Pokéblock into its mouth, bliss written all over its face.
"Jigglypuff~?"
Jigglypuff chewed its Pokéblock, eyes crinkling into crescent moons as it hummed, tiny feet swaying.
"Togepi doo-ee! ヽ(￣▽￣)ノ"
Togepi wobbled over, arms wrapped around a giant bottle of cola, offering it to Jigglypuff.
Jigglypuff blinked, then "hmph!"-ed and turned away—only to sneak a glance back before nudging a paper cup closer with its foot.
"Togepi~" With a flick of its finger, Togepi used Confusion to pour the cola neatly into the cup.
Not long after...
"Jigglypuff!(￣▽￣)*"
Jigglypuff was clinking cups with Togepi like old pals.
Natsume: "We've only got two days to teach Ash this song. Time's tight."
"But with Jigglypuff and Meowth working together, even a lost cause can turn miraculous!" He smiled.
"Oh, you flatter me, meow~" Meowth waved a bashful paw.
"Jigglypuff!" Jigglypuff puffed up, pride radiating.
"Wait, lost cause... means me?"
Ash pointed at himself, bewildered.
Natsume coughed. "A-anyway! Let's make every second count—we're rehearsing tonight too."
Team Rocket trio: "Leave it to us!"
Even Jigglypuff raised its mic in agreement: "Jigglypuff!"
"Togepi!"
Togepi hugged the cola bottle while Gengar quietly pocketed the leftover soda.
Waste not—gotta think of the Trainer's wallet...
"Gengar~" It flashed a sharp-toothed grin.
Oh, right. Later, I should ask Jigglypuff for singing tips.
Gengar's got pipes too!
...
Night fell. Over Jubilife City's skyline, a few Drifblim drifted past.
Sinnoh's winters were long, summers short—most power came from coal and wind.
Those Drifblim had floated in from nearby Floaroma Town, where white windmills spun in endless rows.
By the time Murkrow took to the darkened skies, Jubilife TV was closing for the night.
Inside the booth, Ash finally hit the right notes.
James: "OHHHHH!"
"Told ya you had it in you, twerp!" Jessie grinned.
"Meowth watched this twerp grow up, meow... "
Meowth wiped its eyes, too moved to continue.
Natsume massaged his temples.
"That's just the notes... We're nowhere near done."
Maybe Ash wasn't the right pick for vocals?
But they still had to film the MV back in Pallet Town—
Following the original script, Natsume planned to feature Ash's Pidgeot too.
Well, Pidgeot roosted in Professor Oak's backyard anyway. Can't run from that commitment.
Ash exhaled, crumpled sheet music in his sweaty grip.
Sure, this was harder than battles or training.
But everyone believed in him. Everyone was helping.
And becoming a Pokémon Master—that was his dream...
"Jigglypuff, Meowth, let's keep training!" Ash pumped a fist.
"Jigglypuff~" Jigglypuff waved its tiny arms, beaming.
"It says it's very pleased with this student, meow!"
Meowth crossed its arms, nodding sagely.
Natsume glanced around, smiling faintly.
Seems when BW Productions releases the album, we'll need to include Jigglypuff's Song too.
The recording won't match the live version's magic.
But marketing it as "insomnia relief" should sell well.
Though what really matters is Jigglypuff's own wish—to share its voice.
Natsume surveyed the room.
"Let's call it a night. I'm treating everyone to late-night snacks in Sandgem Town."
Instantly, the day's exhaustion vanished.
Ash and Team Rocket threw their arms up:
"FEELIN' GOOD~~!"
"Wobbuffet!"
"Damn Twerp, stop stealing the lines!!"
...
Over the next two days, Natsume stayed on as producer.
Aside from Rotom's growing obsession with autotune—
Gengar seemed to have taken singing lessons from Jigglypuff, mastering Perish Song with eerie finesse...
Natsume stared at Jigglypuff, now lying flat on the floor, tongue out, playing dead.
Look what you've done to the poor thing!
Under Meowth and Jigglypuff's tutelage, Ash improved drastically.
At the very least, he could now sing the melody without accompaniment.
In the group chat, Natsume uploaded a clip of Ash's practice. Reactions poured in.
"Wait, that's... actually good?" Auntie Lorelei blinked.
"I always thought Ash was tone-deaf," Brock mused. "Guess he's got talent."
Lt. Surge laughed. "When he challenged my gym, I knew he had musician potential!"
Natsume considered this.
Not entirely wrong.
Ash did attract Jigglypuff and Meloetta—maybe musical talent complemented his bond with Pokémon?
Either way, the MV was finally on track.
Next steps: hire a band, record the track, then film scenes back in Pallet Town.
Natsume checked his notes.
"Now... to negotiate with the band."
...
March 16th, Tuesday.
Jubilife TV suddenly found itself hosting unexpected guests.
Staff members eyed the group of punk-rock youths with curiosity, murmuring:
"Another recording program?"
"No, I think Natsume-sensei invited them."
Then, someone gasped.
"That's—the lead singer of Poison Notes, Miss Roxie!"
"Tch..."
A petite, white-haired loli shuffled in, drowning in an oversized hoodie with only her fingertips peeking out from the sleeves. Studded boots clacked against the floor as she adjusted the dark purple guitar case slung across her back.
Ignoring the whispers, she clicked her tongue and fiddled with the cherry hairpin on her spiky ponytail, her tone dripping with annoyance.
"So. Where is this Natsume-sensei?"
"He's waiting in the recording studio," the bassist muttered. "He's a musician himself—and a legendary Poison-type expert."
"Ohhh?"
The white-haired loli narrowed her eyes, shark-like teeth glinting as she smirked.
"Poison-type expert, huh?"
With a sharp flick of her wrist, she adjusted her guitar case.
"Let's go."
Her expression was equal parts fierce and oddly cute.
"Show me what this so-called expert is made of!"