After leaving Aiyaiya Town, Brock uncharacteristically took the lead in suggesting their route. "The next gym is in Fuchsia City, but before we get there, I want to take you all to a specific place the famous Scissor Street. There's a Pokémon breeder there whom I've admired for a long time!"
The group arrived at the street, which was lined with various Pokémon salons. Brock led them with a clear sense of purpose until they stood before a shop named "Salon de Beauty."
The interior was decorated warmly, yet it was completely deserted, forming a sharp contrast with the bustling salons elsewhere on the street.
A gentle young woman with long blue hair was meticulously cleaning her tools inside. She was the legendary breeder Brock had spoken of Suzie.
"Are... are you Suzie?" Brock stammered, his excitement getting the better of him. "I'm Brock from Pewter City! I've read every single one of your articles on Pokémon breeding! You've been named a Super-Class Breeder by the Pokémon Breeder Association for four consecutive years! You're my idol! Please, you must take me as your apprentice!"
Facing Brock's fanatical admiration, Suzie's expression flickered with a hint of bitterness and loss. "Thank you, Brock. But... I don't think I'm qualified to be your teacher anymore."
As Suzie shared her story, Ash and the others finally understood what had happened.
Not long ago, the Team Rocket trio had opened their own shop on Scissor Street called "Team Rocket's Flashy Pokémon Salon." They used flamboyant promotions and aggressive grooming methods that produced immediate visual results but were potentially harmful to a Pokémon's health. Their flashy style had quickly drawn in a massive crowd of customers looking for the latest trends.
Meanwhile, Suzie's philosophy which emphasized a Pokémon's health and natural beauty through gentle care had been mocked as "outdated" and "ineffective," causing her clientele to dwindle. Her confidence had taken a heavy blow.
"Let's go see what's so special about that shop!" Misty said, her curiosity piqued. She grabbed Ash's hand, ready to run toward Team Rocket's establishment.
Ash pulled her back and shook his head.
Through his Aura Power, he could vaguely sense waves of discomfort and distress coming from the Pokémon in the direction of Team Rocket's salon. "There's no need to go. Flashy things without substance can't stand the test of time."
He turned to Suzie, his voice firm and certain. "Suzie, true beauty comes from within. Focusing only on appearance while ignoring a Pokémon's feelings and health is putting the cart before the horse. Your philosophy isn't wrong; the people blinded by fleeting trends are the ones in error."
Ash's words made Suzie pause. She looked up at the boy, noting the clarity and conviction in his eyes.
Brock stepped forward to stand firmly by Suzie's side. "Ash is right! Suzie, please let us help you! We'll prove to everyone what true breeding really means the kind that actually considers the Pokémon's well-being!"
Just then, Jessie and James happened to be out on the street soliciting customers. Hearing Ash and the others, they stomped over to provoke them.
"Hmph! Anyone can talk big! If you've got the guts, come and prove it!" Jessie yelled, her hands on her hips.
"That's right! We'll let a Pokémon battle decide whose beauty philosophy is correct, meow!" Meowth added.
"Fine by us!" Ash and Brock shouted in unison.
The battle began. Ash sent out Pikachu, while Brock sent out Geodude. Team Rocket countered by sending out Koffing.
Koffing opened the match immediately with Sludge. A massive glob of filth lunged toward them, catching Pikachu and Geodude off guard. The sludge covered their eyes, blinding them and rendering them unable to fight effectively!
"Haha! See that? Our Pokémon's attacks have 'character'!" Jessie gloated triumphantly.
"Pikachu! Geodude!" Ash and Brock called out, their voices laced with worry.
At that moment, the uncertainty in Suzie's eyes vanished, replaced by a newfound resolve. She stepped forward and tossed a Poké Ball. "Vulpix, it's our turn! Use Fire Spin!"
The beautiful Vulpix made an elegant entrance, exhaling a scorching vortex of flames that instantly enveloped Koffing! The fire didn't just clear the filth from the air; it charred Koffing, dealing massive damage. It was super effective!
"Wow! What beautiful flames!"
"Vulpix is so cool!"
The surrounding crowd erupted in amazement. The Fire Spin hadn't just defeated Koffing; the sight of such beauty and power coexisting was a silent declaration in itself.
Suzie walked to the front of the crowd and gently stroked Vulpix. Her voice was clear and steady. "Do you all see now? The true beauty of a Pokémon lies in the bond it shares with its trainer, in its health and vitality, and in every move it executes with confidence!
Just like Vulpix's fire, its beauty stems from its own strength and spirit, not from any external decoration! To ignore a Pokémon's inner self in favor of a flamboyant exterior is a sign of disrespect toward your partner!"
Her words carried weight, deeply moving everyone present.
Many customers looked at the spirited, bright-eyed Vulpix and then glanced back at the overly decorated, lethargic Pokémon in Team Rocket's shop. In their hearts, they had already reached a verdict.
Seeing the tide turn against them, Team Rocket tried to argue their way out, but the confident Vulpix sent them flying with a powerful Flamethrower. "What a disgusting feeling!"
With the matter resolved, Suzie finally moved past her confusion. She decided to close her shop and set out on a journey of her own, much like Ash and his friends, to gain a deeper understanding of the inner beauty of Pokémon.
Before leaving, she brought Vulpix to Brock and made a solemn request. "Brock, you have the heart and the potential to become an excellent breeder. I want to entrust Vulpix to you. Please take it on your journey, take good care of it, and let it witness your growth."
Brock took Vulpix's Poké Ball with trembling hands, overwhelmed with emotion. "Suzie, please don't worry! I promise to take the best care of Vulpix. I won't let your trust go to waste!"
Watching this, Ash felt genuinely happy for his friend. He patted Brock on the shoulder and whispered, "Go for it, Brock. This is a great opportunity."
Brock's face reddened slightly as he nodded vigorously.
Carrying Suzie's trust and his new partner Vulpix, Brock set off with the group once more.
And so, Brock's path as a breeder began a precious new chapter.
(Author's Note: For Brock's romantic partner, I'm currently considering Lucy, the Pike Queen from the Battle Frontier, and then the one from Alola... I forgot her name.)
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