Chapter 291

Wednesday, December 16

It was a clear day, and the Pokémon Company's promotional plan was progressing without a hitch. Oleana, ever meticulous, had arranged everything, down to the smallest detail.

She called Luke, her tone precise as always. "We've stationed professional security personnel near the rental venue, so you can proceed with peace of mind."

"Uh…" Luke hesitated, lost in thought. On one hand, any 'weak' security wouldn't stand a chance against Gengar; on the other, any 'strong' ones might end up putting him in a tougher spot if something really did go wrong. He then recalled Mr. Giovanni's approach to security—bodyguards on duty like Olympic lifeguards, mostly for show.

He nodded. "Which security company did you choose?"

Oleana adjusted her thin-rimmed glasses. "An expert, actually. She didn't ask for any upfront compensation." Oleana's voice was cool, businesslike. "From previous clients' feedback, her professionalism is exceptionally high. Her rate adjusts based on difficulty, and if she oversteps any boundaries, we have legal recourse and wouldn't be obligated to pay."

Luke blinked in surprise. "So, she'd do the job and take on the risk of not getting paid if things go south?"

Oleana cleared her throat. "Precisely. This particular assignment will be handled by a ninja from Fuchsia City, with a perfect rating so far."

A ninja with a perfect rating? Luke's curiosity piqued, and a wry smile crossed his face. "This… is going to be interesting."

...

As the Gym Leader of Fuchsia City, Janine's path was anything but traditional. Unlike the covert life expected of a ninja, Janine's name had gained a measure of fame. Normally, fame would be a hindrance to someone in her line of work, yet the tough economic climate had even ninjas looking for alternative income streams.

Janine had become known for her versatility. She'd done everything from disaster prevention training for Goldenrod City's Art Museum to a high-security commission at the Pewter Museum, where she'd worked alongside Brock. It was clear: Janine was a highly trained, formidable young woman who had to grow up fast. With her father, Koga, off on his own mysterious journey, Janine had been thrust into running the family's affairs long before she might have chosen.

As Luke considered Janine's background, he found himself murmuring, "What a sad girl…"

He couldn't shake the idea that Janine had likely taken up the Fuchsia Gym's Badge as well. Though he wasn't eager to face her, he also doubted she'd go out of her way for a fight, especially when time was money.

He nodded to Oleana. "I understand. I'll be there."

All things considered, Luke thought it might be best to hope for a peaceful event—after all, it wasn't every day he'd have a ninja as a bodyguard.

...

News of The Pokémon Company's upcoming promotional event in Saffron City had spread like wildfire among fans. Despite its brief history, this new game had made waves, thanks to its stellar quality, engaging story, and innovative gameplay. Each title from The Pokémon Company seemed to bring something fresh, capturing players' attention in ways that even industry titans like Devon Corp. hadn't managed.

As chatter filled forums and fan groups, excitement centered around an in-person lottery event. Prizes included Teacher Luke's signature and a coveted gold UR card—the pinnacle of Pokémon Trading Card Game collectibles. This stirred up passionate responses from fans:

"Don't even think about grabbing it from me! That card is mine!" "Wait, why is Teacher Luke's signature a big deal?"

The atmosphere was electric as fans gathered in Saffron City for the mini-launch. Overlooking the scene from a second-floor balcony, Janine, the purple-haired ninja, looked down in surprise. What was supposed to be a modest press conference now looked like an entire stadium's worth of players crammed together, each hoping to win.

Fans speculated eagerly about the new game being introduced—something about "auto chess"? It was a genre twist that had everyone curious.

"Auto chess? What's that about? Eh, who cares, I'm in!" "Please, just let us spend money on this already!"

...

In the shadows of Saffron City's crowded event, three familiar figures peered out from behind some bushes.

"A lot of people, meow," Meowth observed through a small telescope, eyeing the bustling crowd.

"Let me see!" Jessie nudged her way in, nearly toppling Meowth in her eagerness.

"Alright, alright," Meowth said, folding his arms and pondering aloud. "This time, it's a plan directly from the higher-ups. Shouldn't we… you know, lend a hand?"

Jessie shrugged. "Better not get in the way. Cadres don't need us causing trouble."

Meanwhile, James grinned, ignoring the conversation as he cracked open a pack of the new cards with a satisfying snap. "I wonder what we got this time!" he muttered, eyes gleaming.

"What is it?" Jessie and Meowth leaned over, curious.

"It's the special card pack they're releasing today. It has a chance of drawing UR cards!" James explained, visibly excited. "Besides collecting bottle caps, getting these rare PTCG cards is my life's other great joy."

"Must be nice to have money," Jessie and Meowth sighed in unison.

Just then, a golden gleam caught James's eye. "Su-surreallll!" he stammered, holding up the card for his friends to see. "It's… the Golden Magikarp!"

"Oh… yay. Congratulations," Jessie replied, patting his back with as much enthusiasm as a sleepy Slaking.

"Thanks for playing, try again next time," Meowth chimed in, not even looking.

But James's eyes sparkled as he gazed at the card, cradling it as if it were made of actual gold. "They don't understand," he muttered, a tear of joy slipping down his cheek. "This Golden Magikarp completes my Kanto UR set. I couldn't have done it without you, Officer Luke!"

...

On a chilly, foggy winter afternoon, the Rocket Trio set up their makeshift ramen stand in record time, hoping to scrape together some funds. Jessie, wrapped in a hood to ward off the cold, stirred a pot of rich pork bone broth. James, adopting an exaggerated Kansai accent, twirled noodles in a showy flourish, calling out, "Thank you for your patronage!" Meanwhile, Meowth added a slice of char siu and handed each bowl to customers with a gentle, "Careful, it's hot, meow!"

Just as things were picking up, Meowth looked up and froze. "Do...do...cadre?!" His eyes widened in shock as he spotted Luke approaching their stand, his expression unreadable.

Luke sighed, one eyebrow raised. "And what exactly are you three doing here?"

"We're not here to cause trouble, meow!" Meowth quickly explained, tail bristling.

"The huge Gyarados thing last time was a total misunderstanding!" Jessie chimed in, stirring the soup frantically. "We're just setting up a humble food stall to pay back those expenses!"

"We're not trying to steal the spotlight from your event," James added, visibly sweating. "Please don't throw us into the Kanto Bridge pillars!"

"Hey now," Luke replied, mildly shocked at their paranoia. "Is that how you think of me?"

"Yes, exactly! That's something Teacher Luke would do, meow!" Meowth blurted out, to Jessie and James's hasty nods of agreement.

Luke blinked, taken aback. My reputation is this bad?

He shook his head with a faint smile. "Come on, I'm not a demon. I just came to check on you three, make sure you're not overdoing it."

The trio looked at each other, their expressions softening as a rare warmth filled their hearts.

"Officer…!" James began, eyes misting up.

"Hey! Quit stalling!" a customer called from the line behind them, breaking the moment. "Where's my ramen?"

Meowth quickly wiped at his eyes and handed a steaming bowl to Luke, a little flustered. "It might be too salty…want us to make another?"

Luke took the bowl, chuckling. "That's not the real issue here." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then added, "The point is... you owe me a cut. Let's say... thirty percent of today's profits?"

"What?!" The trio gasped, wide-eyed.

"Kidding." Luke waved a hand, laughing. "Keep up the good work."

"Thank you, Teacher Luke!" the trio chorused, almost bowing before they realized their surroundings and quickly straightened up to avoid drawing attention. Instead, they gave him a cheerful salute, voices filled with newfound motivation.

"Right, Teacher Luke!"

...

As the crowd dispersed from the small promotional event, satisfied with their exclusive game news and lucky autographs from Luke, Janine was wrapping up her duties. Luke, stretching after the long day, turned to her with a smile.

"So, about your fee, Miss Expert. How much do I owe you?"

Janine, who had spent the day keeping order with her sharp skills and professionalism, was calm yet seemed almost expectant. To Luke's surprise, she shook her head. "I don't need any money."

Luke blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Then… what do you want?"

Janine hesitated just a second, a faint blush appearing on her usually composed face as she removed her mask. Her gaze was direct, with a seriousness that put Luke on edge. There was no way she was about to say what he thought she would.

"I took this commission for one reason," she began, her voice steady yet determined.

Luke's heart raced, an unexpected tension tightening in his chest. Oh no... please, no, not that...

Janine leaned in, her expression intense and sincere.

"I want you… to train me." She held his gaze, her voice filled with resolve. "Guide me seriously."

Luke exhaled, caught somewhere between relief and bewilderment.