281. Breeder's Lane

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Returning to the Pokémon Center, the group handed their Pokémon to Nurse Joy and checked in.

We stayed at the Pokémon Center for one night. We originally planned to leave the next day, but Brock suddenly mentioned he had somewhere to go. As a result, the three of us decided to stay another day.

"Brock, where are you going?"

The next morning, Brock led them down the street. He had a map in hand and walked ahead, seemingly oblivious to the rest of us. Isla asked from behind, "Brock, where exactly are we headed?"

It wasn't impatience, but Brock hadn't shared his destination, only that he needed to be there.

"We're almost there!" Brock replied simply, offering no further explanation.

"So where is this place?" Misty asked, her curiosity evident.

"Breeder's Lane!" Brock finally revealed, his excitement clear.

"Breeder's Lane?" Misty echoed, her confusion evident.

"Yes! Many experts in Pokémon breeding and beauty have their shops here," Brock explained eagerly. Other than meeting beautiful women, this seemed to be the one thing that excited him most.

"Beauty? That sounds amazing!" Misty's interest was piqued at the mention of beauty.

"Beauty? Not sure it's something I'd appreciate," Ash commented as they entered the street. He glanced around at the strangely dressed people and their equally oddly adorned Pokémon, many of which looked lethargic or dissatisfied with their elaborate decorations.

"Huh, this is a bit odd," Brock admitted, frowning slightly as he noticed the peculiar scene.

"What do you mean? I think it's charming!" Misty, naturally drawn to bright and colorful things, seemed unbothered.

"Wow, look over there! Is this style trending right now?" Misty exclaimed, dashing toward a store with an elaborate poster of a Koffing and an Ekans dressed in gaudy costumes. The shop already had a long queue outside.

"This kind of trend doesn't appeal to me," Ash remarked, frowning at the poster. The idea of dressing up Pokémon seemed impractical and detrimental to their ability to battle effectively.

"This flashy, low-quality trend—how is it so popular?" Brock muttered, shaking his head. Although not a beauty expert, his knowledge as a breeder told him this wasn't beneficial for the Pokémon.

"Forget it. This isn't why we're here," Brock said, walking ahead. Misty lingered a moment but eventually followed. Ash hesitated, glancing once more at the store before Pikachu prompted him to move.

Soon, Brock led us to an unassuming shop. It lacked the lavish decorations of the previous stores and looked quite plain in comparison. Still, it seemed to be exactly what Brock had been searching for.

Upon reaching the door, Brock hesitated, stretching his hand out nervously before pulling it back, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"What are you doing?" Ash asked, shaking his head before stepping forward to open the door. He and Misty walked in, with Brock following after a moment.

"Welcome! Please wait a moment; I'll be right with you," a young woman in a white uniform greeted us warmly. She was giving a massage to a Chansey lying contentedly on a bed. The woman's fair complexion and long algae-green hair gave her a serene, charming aura. Even from her profile, her beauty was captivating.

Not only was Chansey's expression full of vitality, but its skin and fur glistened with a radiant sheen. It was clear that such perfection required meticulous care and maintenance.

Click!

The door behind them opened, and a woman entered. She had heavy makeup and bright, sky-high red hair. To be honest, Ash found it hard to tell whether she was male or female at first glance.

"Chansey, I'm here to pick you up!" the woman exclaimed cheerfully as she approached.

The woman, who had been tending to Chansey earlier, walked over, carrying the Pokémon. Seeing the joyful expression on Chansey's face and its impeccably cared-for appearance, the woman beamed with delight.

"Ah! Chansey looks so stunning now! Thank you, Miss Suzie! We'll definitely be back next time!" she said with gratitude.

"Thank you for your visit!" The Woman, also known as Suzie, replied with a polite bow. With that, the woman left the shop, her Chansey happily in tow.

Ash watched the woman depart, marveling at how she preferred Suzie's method of enhancing a Pokémon's natural beauty over the gaudy trends they had seen earlier on Breeders' Street.

"Alright, next!" Suzie announced as she turned to the trio.

Before Brock could muster up the courage to speak, his face flushed red, Misty's excited voice interrupted. "Ah! That's a Vulpix! It's so adorable!" she exclaimed, running over to a fox-like Pokémon lounging on a nearby chair.

"Can I hold it?" Misty asked eagerly.

The Vulpix, with its reddish-brown fur, six elegant, curly tails, and tuft of hair on its head, exuded a noble air. Its glossy coat spoke of the diligent care it received from its trainer.