Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command! [6]
They were a long-standing and numerous group, with their origins tracing back to the forests of Kanto, especially around Viridian Forest.
Back then, the League had just been established, and for the first time, Trainers were becoming a respected profession. This ignited a wave of "Trainer" culture across Kanto.
But technology at the time was limited; Poké Balls had to be crafted by specialist artisans, and training methods were still developing, making becoming a Trainer costly.
Many young dreamers were left standing outside the door to a Trainer's life.
Just as nothing could stop a man from venturing to the sea, nothing in the Pokémon world could stop young people from wanting to become Trainers.
Undeterred, these dreamers turned to Bug-type Pokémon—creatures that were low on attack power, posed little danger, and were relatively easy to raise.
In groups of threes and fives, with straw hats on their heads and bug-catching nets in hand, these youngsters began gathering at forest edges, catching and training Bug-types. Thus, the Bug Catcher group was born.
With the League's influence expanding, Bug Catchers soon spread across the world.
Today, you could find them in Johto, Hoenn, Kalos—you name it.
Even though capturing Pokémon had since become affordable, Bug Catchers hadn't faded into history. Instead, they'd grown as a cultural symbol, encouraged by the League to offer battle experience to rookie Trainers and spare change for their wallets.
What a sense of purpose.
The spirit of selfless contribution, indeed.
"So," Luo Yuan asked, hands in his pockets, exuding an aura of casual confidence, "what can I do for you?"
The Bug Catchers, who had seemed so determined a moment ago, faltered, feeling an involuntary shiver at his presence. Memories of their pocket money drained by Trainers flashed through their minds, sapping some of their confidence. They exchanged unsure glances, mumbling without meeting his gaze.
Finally, the lead Bug Catcher managed to gather his courage.
Pointing to Dratini, who was curled up at Luo Yuan's feet, he declared, "That Dratini—we saw it first!"
His gaze was stubborn, full of determination.
With his friends behind him echoing his words, their voices a mix of frustration and resolve:
"That's right! We've been chasing that Dratini for two days now."
"We used up so many Poké Balls on it!"
"We even got chased by a Raticate for half a day just to get close!"
Each added their own part to the story, emphasizing the effort they'd put in. They were essentially saying Dratini was rightfully theirs.
Luo Yuan listened, then looked down at Dratini, who was visibly shaken from days of evading this group.
Beside him, Misty clenched her fists, unable to hide her irritation. "You..."
"It's fine," Luo Yuan interjected, waving her off.
Glancing around at the Bug Catchers, he smiled slightly. "There aren't any League rules saying whoever finds a Pokémon first owns it."
"There aren't, but—"
"No 'but,'" Luo Yuan cut off the leader. "Dratini's already mine, captured and protected by League laws."
The Bug Catchers fell silent, yet their expressions remained defiant.
"Doesn't look like you're willing to let this go." Luo Yuan smirked.
He had a special fondness for those who hadn't yet faced reality's hard truths.
"Well, I'll give you a chance. If you're not satisfied, let's settle it the traditional way—with a battle. If you win…"
"We get Dratini?" one of them asked, his eyes hopeful.
Luo Yuan rolled his eyes, still scratching Dratini's head. "In your dreams."
"Dratini's off the table. But if you win, I'll replace every Poké Ball you used up chasing it."
"But if you lose…" Luo Yuan's eyes gleamed with challenge. "According to League tradition, you'll have to hand over all the pocket money you've got on you."
"Make a choice."
Though his smile was friendly, a chill ran down their spines. This was the age-old fear etched into every Bug Catcher's DNA—the dread of rookie Trainers.
Breaking out of their shock, the Bug Catchers huddled to discuss Luo Yuan's offer.
Even if they weren't thrilled with the deal, they understood deep down that Dratini was probably a lost cause. But Luo Yuan's proposal held a tempting upside—getting their money back for all those wasted Poké Balls.
They glanced at Luo Yuan, the Dratini in his arms, and Charmander, who was absentmindedly playing with rocks nearby. Finally, after several minutes, the leader stood firm.
"We'll battle you!"
He was none other than Yūjiro, the most respected leader among Viridian Forest's Bug Catchers, the only one to have both a Venonat and a Pinsir.
And today, he would not back down!
"Perfect. Let's begin. Misty, would you mind acting as referee?"
"Got it!"
At her nod, they all took positions.
There, by the lake in Viridian Forest, the battle was set to begin!
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T/N: im runnig out of graps (sad emoji)