Provocation

Since Yuga's encounter with Muya at the abandoned factory, Muya hadn't visited YoYo Day Care again. This break of a week, to some extent, had relieved Yuga.

On this particular day, Yuga was in the Ecopark, crafting Beautie Pokéblocks with Audino, aiming to deliver them promptly to the Sootopolis Gym.

Due to the confidentiality of the Beautie formula, Yuga didn't take Audino to the new shop's workspace.

Wigglytuff was also actively assisting Yuga and, unnoticed by Yuga, sparking small conflicts with Audino here and there.

"Dear, dear, someone is looking for you outside!" Just then, Chatot flew over, shouting to Yuga.

Yuga paused his work, looked up, and asked, "Who's looking for me?"

Chatot perched on Yuga's shoulder, shook its head, and said, "I don't know, some bald middle-aged man."

A bald middle-aged man? Who could that be!

"Let me check!"

Saying this, Yuga stood up, preparing to leave the Ecopark, instructing Audino and Wigglytuff to continue making the Pokéblocks.

As soon as Yuga entered the shop, he spotted Edward, sitting leisurely, sipping tea.

So, it was him!

No wonder Chatot referred to him as bald. Although Edward usually wore a hat that concealed his baldness, Yuga had long noticed his bald spot.

As for how Chatot could tell, well, it had the ability to spot sharp details.

Even though Chatot might not excel in everything, its eyesight was exceptional.

Seeing Yuga's arrival, Edward greeted him with a smile, "Ah, Mr. Shimizu, you've finally come! You've made me wait!"

Yuga asked with a straight face, "I don't recall any acquaintance between Mr. Edward and me. May I ask what business you have with me?"

Edward immediately put on a stern face upon hearing Yuga's words and said, "Oh, come on! We're going to do business in the same area in the future. There will be plenty of interactions. We should communicate!"

"I don't believe we have anything to discuss," Yuga replied coldly. In his mind, he added, "If you're here to cause trouble, I won't hold back."

Yuga's lack of courtesy left Edward struggling to maintain his smile.

Edward clenched his fists, cleared his throat, and continued, "You're still young, and in business, interpersonal relationships are crucial. A person who only focuses on their work won't get far."

(_)

Yuga felt like rolling his eyes at Edward's words. "If I wanted to build relationships, I wouldn't choose you. Do you really not understand our situation?"

Before Yuga could respond, Edward continued, "Even though you have exceptional Pokémon like Trapinch and Gligar, look at your place. It's so shabby. If I were a customer, I wouldn't step inside!"

Yuga needed no further explanation!

It was a challenge!

Yuga was about to speak when Chatot swooped in and began scolding Edward.

"Hey, hey, baldy! Who are you calling shabby? Take a good look at yourself! Besides, we may be shabby here, but it's because of you standing here that we even look shabby!"

Chatot "pffed" sharply and successfully used Gust by flapping its wings to blow Edward's hat off. Everyone in the shop, including the customers, witnessed Edward's shiny bald head.

Trembling, Edward pointed at Chatot and stammered, "M-Mr. Shimizu, y-y-y-you... You let your bird be so... insolent!"

What do you mean by "my bird being insolent"? What did my bird do to you? Be clear!

Yuga smiled and said, "Mr. Edward, it's just an unruly Pokémon. There's no need to lower yourself to its level."

Yuga couldn't help but feel refreshed by Chatot's outburst. It was even more satisfying than if he had scolded Edward himself.

Hmm, this annoying bird has its uses!

Watching Edward struggle to put his hat back on, Yuga couldn't help but want to laugh.

Finally managing to pick up his hat from the ground and place it back on his head, Edward angrily pointed at both Yuga and Chatot, saying, "You two... You're cut from the same cloth!"

As Edward spoke and took a step back, he suddenly felt like he bumped into something!

"Tsk, what bad luck!"

A disdainful voice came from behind Edward. Yuga was surprised to see her again!

Yes, the person Edward had bumped into was none other than Muya, who had been missing for over a week!

"What are you looking at? Watch out, or I'll gouge your eyeballs!" Muya, with a sharp look in her eyes, said menacingly.

Edward, shaken by Muya's sharp gaze, shivered and retorted, "Hmph, a little brat like you, don't you know how to respect your elders?"

"Huh, elders? You think you qualify?" Muya sneered and walked past Edward.

Already irritated by Chatot earlier, Edward's mental fortitude was reaching its limit. He gave a malicious order to his subordinates, "Capture this little brat for me!"

Upon hearing Edward's command, his subordinates immediately moved to surround Muya.

Seeing this scene, Yuga had initially thought of saying, "Hey, hey, this is my shop. If you want to fight, take it outside." But he quickly changed his mind. He realized that tangling with this formidable sorceress wasn't a good idea. Being drained dry by her wouldn't be worth it!

Initially, the other customers in the shop had considered intervening to be heroes and save the beauty, as Muya was indeed an attractive young woman. However, shortly after, they saw a Gengar suddenly appear next to Muya. With its powerful Psychic abilities, Gengar instantly captured everyone, including Edward, and threw them out like Poké Balls.

Witnessing this, those who had thought about playing heroes couldn't help but shudder.

Ghost-type trainers were not to be trifled with!

Muya, freed from the encirclement, walked back to her usual spot and asked Yuga, "What's going on here? Why is everyone allowed inside?"