Pokemon: With Title System

Chapter 57: I, Asahi, Love to Help Others

[Pokémon: Mudkip (♂)

Type: Water

Ability: Torrent

Friendship: Trust

Level: LV5 (Beginner)

Moves: Tackle, Growl, Water Gun, Mud-Slap, Take Down

Held Item: None]

Asahi took out an energy cube and handed it to Mudkip.

"Ye?"

Mudkip sniffed the delicious treat, swallowed it in one bite, and then rubbed its head affectionately against Asahi's arm.

Looking at the obedient Mudkip, Asahi couldn't help but think of his scheming Magikarp, feeling a deep sigh...

Why is the difference between Pokémon so vast?

Magikarp, why can't you learn from Mudkip and save me some trouble!

...

Having acquired such a spirited Mudkip and successfully securing a collaboration with the Devon Corporation, Asahi felt a double dose of happiness.

Gary was the first to bid farewell, claiming he didn't want his girlfriends waiting outside for him.

Before leaving, he specifically challenged Asahi to a future battle, saying he hoped they could spar in a Pokémon match someday.

Watching Gary's departing figure, Asahi sighed.

"Was it really worth holding a grudge over a single truthful comment…?"

But since Gary was willingly inviting a beatdown, Asahi decided he might as well oblige.

Patting Mudkip's head, he said, "You've got to grow up fast so the next time we meet, you can really amaze everyone!"

"Ye!"

Mudkip cried out enthusiastically.

...

After Gary left, Asahi handed the meteorite back to Steven for research.

Unfortunately, Steven's analysis was limited by the equipment available.

"It's a pity. The tools here aren't sufficient; I can only analyze it this much by eye," Steven said regretfully, returning the meteorite to Asahi.

"Although it may not be comprehensive, this should suffice for now. But research takes time. I still need to return to Hoenn to handle matters there. While Kanto is troubled by Team Rocket, we in Hoenn have our own headaches with Team Magma and Team Aqua."

Mentioning Team Magma and Team Aqua visibly stressed Steven.

Asahi nodded in understanding.

Compared to Team Rocket, who were purely malicious, the so-called "idealistic" extremists of Team Magma and Team Aqua were far more maddening.

After all, who could comprehend their logic?

What normal person would want to awaken Kyogre to flood the land?

That's borderline anti-humanity.

"When you eventually figure out the meteorite's composition, be sure to let me know," Steven said before leaving.

With the deal done and the competition prizes distributed, Steven hurried back to Hoenn.

Recently, there had been rumors that Team Aqua had set their sights on a Devon Corporation project, so Steven needed to act quickly.

Watching Steven leave in such a rush, Asahi opened his mouth to speak but hesitated.

He really wanted to admit he had no idea how to analyze the meteorite, but to maintain his persona as a researcher, he chose to stay silent.

"Well, guess I'll have to figure it out myself!"

...

With Steven gone, the room now held only Asahi and Green.

Turning to her, Asahi asked, "Are you alright?"

Hearing his question, Green's hand, which had been stroking Torchic, paused slightly before replying, "I'm fine."

"You didn't seem fine earlier in the arena," Asahi remarked.

Green's body tensed momentarily but quickly relaxed again. "You noticed, huh…?"

"What's going on? Can you tell me?"

Although Asahi knew Green had ornithophobia (fear of bird Pokémon), it was better for her to bring it up herself.

Green didn't hold back. She recounted how she had been kidnapped by bird Pokémon as a child, which led to her deep-seated fear of them.

"I always tried to convince myself that I'd overcome my fear of bird Pokémon… but it seems I can't."

After speaking, Green pulled out her newly issued International Police badge, reluctantly placing it on the table in front of Asahi.

"I should resign. In my condition, I'm not fit to stay in the International Police."

Asahi picked up her badge, and under Green's puzzled gaze, he tossed it back to her.

"I don't approve of your resignation. I've finally found such an excellent subordinate; there's no way I'm letting you leave so easily."

"Just a fear of birds? We'll deal with it!" Asahi declared with a wave of his hand.

Hearing this, Green was moved—until she saw Asahi summon his Gardevoir.

"What are you planning to do?" Green asked, confused.

"Therapy, of course. Gardevoir, help us out."

Gardevoir, still sulking over a previous incident where it had been made to copy texts, initially ignored Asahi.

However, after hearing Green's situation through telepathy, Gardevoir set aside its grudge and approached Green.

Placing its hand on her forehead, Gardevoir's eyes glowed blue as it activated its psychic powers.

Asahi explained from the side:

"My Gardevoir has a real talent for healing psychological trauma. In the past, it treated all the emotional wounds of the wild Pokémon rescued from poachers in the Safari Zone."

Green felt doubtful. Could this really work?

Treating humans and treating Pokémon were completely different, weren't they?

Sensing her skepticism, Asahi smiled.

"Don't worry. The human mind is only slightly more complex than a Pokémon's. In some ways, humans are just another kind of Pokémon."

Green wasn't entirely convinced.

Five minutes later, Gardevoir's eyes returned to their original red hue. It withdrew its hand, nodded to Asahi, and stepped back.

Through telepathy, Asahi learned the results.

"Good news! There's no major damage, just some psychological scars. We can address it with desensitization therapy."

"Desensitization?"

Unfamiliar with the term, Green felt uneasy.

"Exactly. In simple terms, it means facing your fear head-on. Start with something manageable and gradually increase exposure until the fear is completely gone."

"You want me to interact with bird Pokémon?"

Just hearing this made Green feel anxious.

"Yes."

Her hand trembled slightly, but Green reluctantly asked, "Isn't there another way?"

Asahi didn't answer directly.

"I know the process is painful, but the future is bright. For the sake of what's ahead… I believe in you, Green!"

"...Thank you."

Moved to tears by Asahi's encouragement, Green resolved to push through.

Asahi, seeing her determination, felt delighted. Today was another day of doing good deeds.

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