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"Don't worry," Nurse Joy said with a reassuring smile. "Thanks to the emergency treatment, Raikou is no longer in any immediate danger. But honestly… I've never seen an Electric-type Pokémon suffer burns from its own electricity. That's extremely rare."
Though she remained composed on the outside, Joy was practically giddy inside.
She had treated countless rare Pokémon in her career, but never a Legendary. This moment was her dream come true. Compared to her Nurse Joy sisters, she was now officially the luckiest one of them all.
A real, live Raikou!
The dream Pokémon of every Johto native is an icon of myth and mystery that most people never even glimpse in their lifetime.
And she didn't just see it, she operated on it!
Heh… the next family gathering is going to be legendary.
Of course, Jimmy didn't know what was going through her mind. He just breathed a deep sigh of relief at her words.
"So… it's going to be okay?"
"Not quite." She gently shook her head, regaining her composure. "The damage was serious. Raikou's condition is still fragile. It'll need proper care to recover fully. I expect it won't wake until morning. For now, let's allow it to rest."
Jimmy thanked her sincerely. Once Nurse Joy left, Kai and the others walked over to a wide observation window on the wall. Behind the thick glass, they could see Raikou resting on a specially modified medical bed.
Its breathing was stable. Electrodes and tubes were gently attached across its fur, while machines emitted rhythmic beeps beside it. Although unconscious, the beast's wounds were visibly healed. For now, it was safe.
Kai gave Jimmy a light pat on the shoulder.
"Alright. That's enough gawking. Joy said it'll be out till morning. No point in waiting around all night."
This time, Jimmy didn't argue. He stared at Raikou for a long moment, then turned silently and followed Kai and the others out of the hallway.
But as they exited the corridor doors, they were hit with a surprise.
Dozens of people had gathered outside the Pokémon Center, every local Trainer and their Pokémon packed the area, drawn by word of Raikou's arrival.
The entrance was completely blocked.
Thankfully, Chansey stood guard.
In this Center, Chansey wasn't just a friendly nurse assistant; it represented the authority of the entire Pokémon League.
Sure, these Trainers might brave mountains and deep caves in the wild, but they were still law-abiding citizens. No one dared break into a Pokémon Center and challenge the League's authority.
Only criminal syndicates like Team Rocket or the truly reckless would risk something that stupid.
And because of that, even knowing Raikou was inside, none of them made a move.
With Team Rocket still licking their wounds and their gear in shambles, they wouldn't be coming back anytime soon.
Their mechanical shark was destroyed, and if they wanted to face off with Kai again, they'd need much stronger Pokémon.
Now, seeing Kai and the others emerge, the crowd lit up.
"Hey! Is it true you brought Raikou here?!"
"Did you actually catch it!?"
"I'll trade you every Pokémon I have for that Raikou!!"
The noise was overwhelming.
Jimmy and Marina froze, stunned by the tidal wave of attention. Neither of them knew how to handle it. Thankfully, Kai grabbed them each by the arm and pushed through the crowd, pulling them toward the dormitories.
Only once they were safely inside did they lose the crowd.
"Geez…" Marina leaned against the wall, wiping sweat from her forehead. "What is wrong with those people?"
"Can you blame them?" Kai shrugged. "Think about the way Jimmy was staring at Raikou just now. Now imagine that… multiplied by fifty."
Jimmy scratched his head. "Was I really that bad? I thought I was acting normal."
Marina rolled her eyes. "Normal? You were practically glued to the glass!"
Later that night, after exchanging goodnights with Erika and Marina, Kai returned to his room. He took a long, relaxing shower and finally collapsed into bed, muscles aching but satisfied.
Night had fallen over the city.
He stared out the window, thoughts drifting.
I wonder how Gengar's doing...
As if summoned, a round shadow slipped through the wall and floated in.
"I'm back!"
Kai sat up. "How'd it go? They didn't spot you, did they?"
"Please," Gengar scoffed proudly. "Like they could spot me. I tailed those two Rocket grunts all the way to a secret base. Southeast of here—not too far."
Gengar floated closer, grinning.
"And I didn't stop there. I infiltrated the place. It's a research lab—a Team Rocket science facility. And guess what? I saw a familiar face!"
Kai raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
"You remember that Rocket scientist who created the Red Gyarados?"
Kai's eyes narrowed. "That guy… the one from the Lake of Rage? I remember. Square glasses. Goat beard. Worked on the R Project."
"Yup. That's the one. His name was… something like Sebas?"
"Sebastian," Kai said with a nod. "So he's here too. After disappearing from the Lake of Rage base, now he's setting up shop in this region? What's he researching this time?"
"No clue." Gengar shook his head. "Didn't want to get too close. They've got surveillance, and I didn't want to risk blowing the op."
"You did great." Kai patted Gengar's shoulder and opened his phone.
He forwarded all of Gengar's findings to Looker.
Let the professionals handle the rest.
When it comes to taking down Team Rocket… Interpol's got the firepower.
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