286. Come And Play

"It's strange. Why are there fewer and fewer guests, Meowth?" 

At the store Misty had planned to visit, business that was previously booming had suddenly quieted down.

"Huh? Could it be that everyone isn't impressed by our charm?" Jessie said as she and James emerged from the store, both wearing Contest dresses.

"Impossible, Meowth! When someone gets a new look and leaves, others should definitely come looking for something even better!" replied Meowth. These three were none other than the infamous Team Rocket.

Knowing this was a street frequented by Pokémon breeders, they had initially planned to check out rare Pokémon. Instead, they decided to open a store, figuring it could be a way to earn money and scout for valuable Pokémon at the same time. Their shop had been wildly successful—until now.

"Go see what's going on!" Jessie barked, storming outside.

James and Meowth followed her, and the sight outside left them baffled. Many Trainers were bustling around, clearly in a hurry, and some looked completely different from the fashion-forward visitors that typically frequented the area. These Trainers were clearly outsiders.

"Huh? Why are these people in such a hurry?" Jessie wondered aloud.

"Why don't we ask them?" James suggested. Stepping forward, he stopped one of the hurried Trainers. "Excuse me, where are you all rushing to?" he asked.

"We're heading to Ms. Suzie's Pokémon care lecture," the Trainer replied before hurrying off.

"Ms. Suzie?" James repeated, puzzled.

"That's right! Ms. Suzie is an excellent breeder recognized by the Pokémon League. Her care techniques can make Pokémon display unique charm!" the Trainer called back over their shoulder as they walked away.

Seeing the crowd surging in Suzie's direction, Team Rocket's jaws clenched in unison.

"What?! She can bring out the charm of Pokémon just through care?" Jessie exclaimed.

"This is ridiculous! We're the real experts in showcasing Pokémon charm!" James snapped.

"It's unforgivable to steal our business, Meowth!" the trio growled, their eyes alight with jealousy and frustration.

Without realizing Suzie's lectures were completely free and intended to help rather than profit, Team Rocket stewed in their misunderstanding. Fueled by misplaced indignation, Jessie stormed off toward the lecture venue, with James and Meowth scrambling to catch up.

At Suzie's venue, the scene was lively and vibrant. A large crowd surrounded her, and fortunately, the area was free of vehicle traffic to accommodate the gathering. Suzie had just finished massaging a Pikachu, and many attendees were asking her questions about Pokémon care. Suzie patiently addressed each concern, offering guidance and solutions. 

The atmosphere was electric with positivity, and Suzie herself seemed to radiate happiness. Her confidence was clearly restored.

"She's amazing. Ms. Suzie really is at her best like this," Brock said, gazing dreamily at her. "If only I could stay with her forever."

"You came here for that purpose in the first place, didn't you?" Ash sighed, rolling his eyes.

"Uh... Y-you, you... don't... don't talk nonsense!" Brock stammered immediately, flustered by the suggestion. Ash chuckled at the sight. It seemed that Suzie was the only one who could make Brock shy.

"Hmph! What's so great about this so-called amazing lecture? It's just a simple massage. No effort needed!" a sharp voice interrupted the harmony of the scene. The crowd turned toward the unwelcome comment. Suzie's expression shifted, and Ash and Brock looked over as well.

Two figures had forced their way through the crowd, both wearing flashy Contest-style outfits. Their extravagant appearance drew curious looks from the audience, but Suzie recognized them instantly. Ash, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes. While Brock looked puzzled, Ash recognized who they were and frowned but chose to remain silent.

"It's not as effortless as you claim!" Brock snapped back, unwilling to let anyone insult Suzie. "Even for something like a massage, you need to understand Pokémon deeply—know which areas relax them and which areas make them uncomfortable. Just fumbling around can make a Pokémon feel worse, not better."

His passionate rebuttal struck a chord with the Trainers present. Anyone serious about Pokémon care understood the truth in his words.

"Hmph! Charm doesn't come from that kind of effort," Jessie shot back with a smirk. "If you want a Pokémon to truly show off its charm, you dress it up properly—like a human. If charm could come from something as plain as a massage, what's the point of being a breeder?" she retorted smugly.

Before Brock could respond, Suzie stepped forward, her confidence returning. "No," she said firmly. "A breeder's job isn't just about showing off a Pokémon's charm. It's about taking care of their health, their happiness. If you only care about appearances and ignore their well-being, you're not qualified to be a breeder."

Her words resonated with the crowd. Many looked at their own Pokémon, visibly uncomfortable with the excessive decorations and heavy oil paint some wore.

Jessie scoffed. "To truly show a Pokémon's charm, it's not just talk. We're the ones who can make it happen. Looks are everything—inside doesn't matter because no one sees it!"

Ash had had enough. He stepped forward, his expression serious. "You think appearances are all that matter?" he asked quietly. The conviction in his voice made Suzie pause and look at him.

Ash stopped in front of Team Rocket, his gaze steady. "When a Pokémon is injured or tired, no amount of fancy decorations can help them. It's the care they receive—the way you make them feel—that matters most."

Jessie and James sneered but didn't interrupt. 

"If you're so confident," Ash continued, his voice calm but challenging, "then let's settle this. We'll compare the results. Miss Suzie's careful care versus whatever you call your 'charm.' Let everyone here see who's truly more capable."