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Chapter 177: The Contact in Azalea Town
🕑 Added 2025-02-23 10:20:03 +0000 UTCChapter 177: The Contact in Azalea Town
"...So you just left Gary alone at Viridian Gym?" Sabrina asked, curious.
Asahi looked offended. "What do you mean 'left him there'? This is training—training!"
"Sure, if you say so."
Sabrina glanced at the chat group, where Gary had already changed his nickname to 'Beware of Asahi's Cons and Scams'—she wisely kept her opinions to herself.
"Anyway..." Asahi turned to Green. "Lance told me they spotted Silver near Azalea Town in Johto. Do you want to come with me?"
Green's eyes lit up at first but then hesitated and shook her head.
"The two of us together would draw too much attention. If Team Rocket or the Masked Man’s group noticed us, it could ruin your plan. I’ll stay in Saffron City and wait for you."
Asahi was currently manipulating Team Rocket and the Masked Man’s group into fighting each other.
If the Masked Man realized Asahi was behind the scheme, the two factions might join forces against him, which would throw everything into chaos.
Green had a point. Besides, Asahi only planned to recruit Silver into Kanto's division this time—he wasn’t planning to directly confront Team Rocket or the Masked Man.
"Alright, I’ll go alone then," Asahi said.
Azalea Town…
If Asahi remembered correctly, Kurt, the Poké Ball craftsman, lived there.
Professor Oak seemed to have a good relationship with Kurt…
—
"Yes, Kurt and I are quite close… Are you planning to commission him for a custom Poké Ball?"
When Asahi called Professor Oak, the professor asked.
"That’s part of it, but I also have some matters to handle in Azalea Town."
Asahi didn’t elaborate, and Professor Oak, understanding the nature of International Police work, didn’t press for details.
"By the way, thank you for looking after Gary."
Professor Oak already knew about Gary joining the International Police from Gary himself.
Though Gary had complained that Asahi was a devil who tricked him into becoming the Viridian Gym Trainer, Oak saw the changes in his grandson—no more flashy cars, and the cheerleading squad now took care of his Pokémon instead.
In just a few months, Gary’s bad habits had disappeared.
The reason was obvious.
When Professor Oak thanked him, Asahi waved it off. "It was Gary’s own efforts—I just helped him realize his potential."
Clearly, Professor Oak understood him—he recognized Asahi’s "tough love" methods.
—
"By the way, how's Ash doing? I haven't heard anything about him lately," Asahi asked.
With all the chaos involving Team Rocket, Asahi hadn’t seen Ash since their encounter in Pewter City.
"Him? He told me recently that he earned the Marsh Badge. Didn't you run into him in Saffron City?" Professor Oak replied.
"?"
Asahi turned to Sabrina, who was sitting on the couch, and gave her a questioning look.
Sabrina thought for a moment, then shook her head. "Never heard of a challenger named Ash."
Ash was the kind of person you'd never forget after meeting once. If Sabrina hadn’t heard of him, he must have earned his badge while she and Asahi were away on New Island.
Asahi felt a bit regretful about missing him, but there would be plenty of chances to cross paths again.
After chatting with Professor Oak about recent discoveries in the League's academic circles, Oak promised to inform Kurt about Asahi's visit. With that settled, they ended the call.
Turning to Sabrina, Asahi grinned. "You heard it yourself—Professor Oak said I'm helping Gary grow!"
That was Professor Oak's official endorsement!
Sabrina, still reading her book, gave a perfunctory nod.
Did Asahi really believe his own words?
Asahi: "..."
One day, I'll make you truly acknowledge me.
—
Johto Region — Azalea Town
When Asahi thought of Azalea Town, what stood out most wasn’t the Azalea Gym but the Slowpoke Well.
The Slowpoke were revered as sacred beings here.
To blend in, Asahi, having altered his appearance, released his own Slowpoke.
The moment it was out, the Slowpoke stretched lazily… and flopped onto the ground.
"You! Yes, you! At least try to perk up a little. Where’s all that hard work you used to show?" Asahi shook the yawning Slowpoke.
He had caught Slowpoke back at the Safari Zone in Fuchsia City, but with everything going on—like dealing with Team Rocket—he had neglected its training. The result? A Slowpoke that had grown lazy and carefree.
"Slow~!"
Slowpoke stared blankly at Asahi... then rolled over onto its side.
"..."
Looking at his utterly unmotivated Slowpoke, Asahi wondered if he had been too soft on it lately, letting it get so bold.
Sensing Asahi’s intense gaze, Slowpoke shivered.
A sudden wave of unease washed over it, and it quickly scrambled to its feet, doing its best to appear "alert."
Seeing this, Asahi finally looked a bit satisfied.
At least his intimidation still worked.
"Come on, let’s go meet the contact."
Asahi brought Slowpoke to the edge of the Slowpoke Well, where another trainer, also accompanied by a Slowpoke, was waiting.
Their eyes met, and the other trainer spoke first: "Slowpoke’s tail?"
Asahi replied, "Kingler's claw stick!"
The code matched—they were on the same side.
The trainer handed Asahi a map and a Poké Ball.
"The map marks the locations the target has recently visited. The Arcanine in the Poké Ball has memorized his scent."
Asahi accepted the items with a nod, then glanced at the trainer’s Slowpoke. "Nice Ditto."
"...Was it that obvious?" The trainer looked down at his "Slowpoke."
The "Slowpoke" squirmed and shifted, reverting to its original form—a Ditto with beady little eyes.
"It’s subtle, but real Slowpoke tails give off a distinctive scent," Asahi said with a smile.
Without another word, he turned and left, leaving the other trainer standing there in thought.
No wonder the real Slowpoke had always ignored his Ditto—so that was the reason.
After slipping into a small alley, Asahi checked the anti-counterfeit marks on the map. Confirming its authenticity, he tucked it away.
Then, after altering his appearance once more, he headed toward Kurt's residence.
—
