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Chapter 178: Kurt: He’s Offering Too Much…
🕑 Added 2025-02-23 10:20:36 +0000 UTCChapter 178: Kurt: He’s Offering Too Much…
Kurt.
A renowned Poké Ball craftsman in the League, his handcrafted Apricorn Balls remained highly sought after, even as machine-made Poké Balls gradually replaced traditional methods.
When Asahi arrived at Kurt’s home, he noticed two trainers walking away, looking utterly dejected.
Watching their retreating figures, Asahi guessed they must have been turned down by Kurt after requesting custom Poké Balls.
As he approached, a little girl stood at the entrance. Spotting him, she automatically said:
"Sorry, big brother, my grandpa is busy today and isn’t seeing any visitors…"
Asahi winced at the "big brother" title—his PTSD flaring up. "Please don’t call me that… You must be Chie, Mr. Kurt’s granddaughter. I’m here on Professor Oak’s recommendation."
Hearing her own name surprised Chie, but the moment she heard "Professor Oak," her expression shifted to understanding.
"So you’re Brother Asahi! Grandpa’s been expecting you!"
She eagerly grabbed Asahi’s hand, pulling him into the yard while calling out, "Grandpa, Grandpa! Brother Asahi is here!"
Kurt, busy carving an Apricorn into the shape of a Poké Ball, nearly slipped at the sound of her shout—almost ruining the delicate ball.
Sighing, he turned to shoo his granddaughter away to do her homework.
Then, eyeing Asahi carefully, Kurt asked, "You’re the Asahi that old man Oak mentioned?"
Though Kurt had kept in contact with Professor Oak over the years, Asahi was the first trainer for whom Oak had personally made a call to vouch.
"Hello, Mr. Kurt. It’s an honor to finally meet you," Asahi said politely.
Kurt waved off the formalities. "No need for that. What kind of Poké Ball do you want? If it’s just a regular Apricorn Ball, I’ve got a few top-quality ones in stock—you can take them right now."
Kurt’s directness suited Asahi just fine, but he wasn’t here for ordinary Apricorn Balls.
Reaching into his pocket, Asahi produced a shimmering Silver Feather.
Kurt's eyes widened. "This is…"
"A Silver Feather—the feather of Lugia," Asahi said, sliding the feather across the table. "I’d like you to use it as a material to craft a semi-finished Poké Ball."
Kurt was stunned, first by the fact that Asahi possessed such a rare item—and then by the request for a semi-finished Poké Ball.
"A semi-finished one?"
"That’s right."
Kurt couldn’t understand why anyone would use something as precious as a Silver Feather for anything less than a completed masterpiece. What exactly was Asahi planning?
Asahi simply smiled. "I heard you know how to make a certain kind of Poké Ball that captures… time itself."
Kurt’s expression changed instantly. "Where did you hear about that?"
That technique was a closely guarded secret within his crafting lineage.
Had Asahi not been recommended by Professor Oak, Kurt might have thrown him out right then and there.
But since Asahi was Oak’s acquaintance, Kurt hesitated, frowning deeply as his mind wrestled with the situation.
Seeing Kurt’s concern, Asahi reassured him. "You’re worried I’ll use it for something bad, right?"
Kurt didn’t respond—but that was his fear.
Even with Oak’s endorsement, he couldn’t fully trust Asahi. After all, what if Oak had simply been fooled?
Recognizing the doubt, Asahi calmly pulled out his ID.
"International Police? And… the Head of the Kanto Division?"
Kurt was stunned, struggling to connect Asahi’s youthful appearance with such a high-ranking position.
Maintaining a serious tone, Asahi explained, "The reason I want this Poké Ball crafted is to fight against the forces of evil."
The GS Ball was central to his plan to counter Pryce.
"So please, Mr. Kurt—I’m counting on you!"
Between Oak’s introduction and the seemingly legitimate ID, Kurt was already leaning toward trusting Asahi.
After a brief silence, he gave a reluctant nod.
"Thank you for supporting the cause of justice!" Asahi declared.
Then, he casually reached into his bag… and pulled out another Silver Feather.
"Please use these as well!"
Kurt: "???"
A pile of Silver Feathers now sat on the table.
Kurt couldn’t help but feel like he had just fallen into some sort of elaborate scam.
And… where did Asahi even get so many Silver Feathers?
Did he pluck Lugia bald?!
Of course, Asahi hadn't done that—these were simply the feathers shed by his young Lugia during its molting season.
Since the feathers served no real purpose for him, Asahi figured he might as well have them crafted into semi-finished GS Balls.
As for why only semi-finished ones? To create a fully functional GS Ball, he would still need a Rainbow Feather—from Ho-Oh.
So, once he "plucked" a Ho-Oh, he’d have all the materials for completed GS Balls… though that might be easier said than done.
Kurt looked ready to refuse.
Did Asahi think he was some mass-production factory? He was a renowned Poké Ball craftsman, not a conveyor belt worker!
But then… Asahi took out a check.
At first, Kurt scoffed.
He had seen plenty of trainers wave money around, begging for custom Poké Balls. He had never let greed sway him.
But…
When his eyes accidentally caught the figure on the check, his breath hitched.
"I know this is a lot to ask, but it’s all for the cause of justice," Asahi added earnestly.
Kurt's resolve wavered… before finally crumbling.
Sure, the money would help him expand his workshop and take on more apprentices to pass down his craft.
But this wasn’t about the money—it was for justice!
"Yes… for justice."
Whether he made one or a whole batch, the effort would be the same—just a bit more tiring.
And Asahi, as the head of the Kanto Division of the International Police, clearly met Kurt’s standards.
They struck a deal: the semi-finished GS Balls would be ready in a week.
Kurt gathered the pile of Silver Feathers and prepared for a long stretch of overtime.
Feeling victorious, Asahi left Kurt’s house and began tracking Silver using the map’s marked locations.
