Chapter 34: The Aggrieved Tentacool

Inside the cabin, Ryo glanced at Guy's team, who hadn't left yet. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is there something else you need?"

Tenten hesitated before stepping forward. "Boss, I need your help. My relationship with my Pokémon isn't that great. Can you help me?"

Ryo's expression shifted slightly. "Not great? What happened?"

"I didn't force the Pokémon, boss. I just had to use several Pokéballs."

Ryo frowned. "Several Pokéballs? How many exactly?" He took a sip from the cup on the nearby table.

"Not too many… about six, I think?"

Pfft—

"How… how many?"

"Six. Is that a problem?"

Ryo immediately pulled out a chair and gestured for her to sit. "Come, sit down. Let's talk about it properly. No need to stand—it's exhausting."

Tenten blinked, momentarily confused, and then sat down as instructed. Guy and his team were wide-eyed at this sudden change in Ryo's demeanor.

Ryo smiled and leaned forward. "There's no issue with using six Pokéballs—none at all. But tell me, what Pokémon did you catch?"

"Tentacool."

"Wait… Tentacool? You used six Pokéballs for a Tentacool?"

Ryo wondered if he had misheard her.

Tenten tilted her head in curiosity. "Yes, boss. Is Tentacool a rare Pokémon?"

Ryo's lips twitched as he covered his face and nodded. "Yes, very rare… extremely rare."

How could she think Tentacool was rare? That's one of the most common Pokémon! Every other Pokémon is rarer than Tentacool!

"If it's so rare, boss, I can return it to you. Just give me back the Pokéballs, and I'll go find another one."

"No, that won't be necessary."

Ryo put on a serious expression. "You caught it, so it's yours. Even if it's the rarest Pokémon, it still belongs to you now."

Tenten nodded slowly. "Alright then."

For some reason, though, she couldn't shake the strange feeling in her chest. Something felt off, but she couldn't figure out what. She shook her head and continued, "Boss, please help me talk to Tentacool. I promise to take good care of it."

Ryo nodded. "I can't do much, but I can try to talk to it for you. However, if Tentacool doesn't agree, you won't be able to take it with you."

Tenten's eyes lit up. "Thank you so much, boss!"

She quickly pulled out her Pokéball and released Tentacool.

"Ten~ta!"

As soon as it emerged, Tentacool's eyes were bloodshot as it glared at Tenten, filled with resentment.

It was ready to fight to the bitter end. What kind of treatment is this?! Six Pokéballs in a row without stopping? I had no strength left to escape by the end!

What's worse, Tenten's throws were unnervingly accurate—each one landed perfectly, giving it no chance to dodge.

"Uh… Tentacool, sorry about that," Tenten said awkwardly, her fingers fiddling nervously as her face flushed red.

"Ten~ta!"

Tentacool didn't want to hear it. It continued growling angrily, looking like someone on a rant.

Tenten was at a loss. She turned to Ryo for help.

Ryo looked at Tentacool, feeling a twinge of pity. How much suffering did it endure to be this upset?

He glanced at Tenten in disbelief. "Are you sure you only threw Pokéballs? You didn't throw rocks or anything else, did you?"

Ryo coughed and cleared his throat under Tenten's expectant gaze. "Tentacool, calm down for a moment, alright?"

Tentacool turned to him, its eyes softening instantly. It raised one of its tentacles and pointed accusingly at Tenten.

Ah, the first person it saw was Tenten, so it didn't notice me. Now that it has, it's time to file a complaint.

Ryo listened to Tentacool's grievances and nodded. "I understand you feel wronged, but Tenten only did that because she really likes you and wants you as her partner."

Tenten quickly nodded in agreement. "Yes! That's exactly it. I'm really sorry, Tentacool."

She hadn't realized how much distress her actions had caused Tentacool. If she had known, she would never have done it. She felt a deep sense of guilt.

Tentacool hesitated, confusion flickering in its eyes. Really? She likes me that much? But did she have to show it that way?

Ryo noticed Tentacool's expression and cleared his throat. "Tentacool, you know becoming partners is the best way for you to grow stronger, right? Think about it."

Besides, Ryo thought privately, Tenten's loaded. Sticking with her means your life will be way better than it is now.

Tentacool remained silent for a moment before glancing at Tenten again.

Tenten smiled softly. "Tentacool, I really hope you'll be my partner. But if you don't want to, I won't force you."

Ryo nodded. "Yes, if you really don't want to go with her, you don't have to. It's your choice."

He silently prayed that Tentacool would agree. Come on, this is your chance to live the high life!

Tentacool thought it over, then slowly nodded and called out.

"You've agreed?" Ryo's eyes lit up in surprise.

"Ten~ta!"

Tentacool nodded again.

"Awesome! Tentacool, we'll become stronger together!" Tenten's face glowed with excitement, her cheeks flushing pink.

"So moving… it's so moving…"

A sobbing voice broke the moment.

Ryo and Tenten turned toward the source of the voice, only to see Lee wiping away tears.

Both their lips twitched uncontrollably. How does this guy manage to cry at moments like this?

Truly a special talent… a rare talent.

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