Suddenly, an old man with a long white beard and a straw hat approached the pier, looking furious, and shouted at Alex Carter and the others.
"Ah, well, Grandpa, don't worry, I'll work to pay for the ship's repairs," Misty said awkwardly, nudging Alex, Ash, and Brock to agree.
Alex sighed but agreed. Sharing hardships felt more like being true partners, and he had his own plans.
According to his previous life's plot, it was nearly time for Ash and the others to encounter the giant Tentacool attacking the city. Seizing the chaos to capture that giant Tentacool would be perfect.
Meanwhile, in front of Granny June's shop, Team Rocket lay on the beach. The unidentified object earlier was their Gyarados submarine, which had lost control and crashed into the ship Alex and the others were on.
"You can't just laze around in front of my shop," a short Granny June, wearing a gaudy pink dress and exaggerated pigtails, scolded Team Rocket.
"Ah, I'm so sorry, please let me work here!" James pleaded with a fawning smile.
"Hmph, I won't work in a place like this. How could I, Jessie, stoop so low?" Jessie turned away with disdain.
"Meow, what about the machine repair fee, meow?" Meowth asked Jessie.
"Ugh, this... Alright, I'll do it." Jessie reluctantly agreed after considering.
"My shop is very busy, you know. Is that okay?" Granny June looked at them doubtfully.
"Ah hahahahaha, of course, we're used to being busy," James replied ingratiatingly... "Welcome, welcome! Our Beach House has complete shower facilities, and the ramen is delicious too! Come and relax! We also help store items, welcome! Pikachu, Pikachu."
Alex, Ash, and Brock worked hard to attract customers outside Grandpa Lewis's shop.
A couple walked by. The boy asked the girl, "Do you want to go in?" The girl, with a look of disgust, said, "No way, this shop looks so tacky. Hey, the shop across the street looks classy, let's go there!" They walked toward Granny June's shop.
"Hi~ Welcome to Granny June's Beach House! Welcome, welcome! Are there two of you? Please go to the second floor~" Jessie finished and made a face at Alex and the others.
"It's Team Rocket! Why are they working here too?" Brock exclaimed in surprise.
"Hehe, a stylish beach deserves a stylish shop."
"No one will patronize your broken shop," James taunted from the second floor.
"You deserve it, meow," Meowth added smugly.
"Hmph hmph hmph, Little Brat, even with powerful helpers, you're still just a pretty boy, and you'll still lose to us, oh ho ho ho ho ho," Jessie laughed.
"???"
"She actually... called me a pretty boy? I considered making them my subordinates, I'm so angry."
Seeing Alex silent, Ash thought he was furious, so he said, "Alex, we can't fall behind either! Pikachu, Squirtle, distribute discount coupons on the beach. Pidgeotto, use Hurricane to roast corn. Charmander, help in the kitchen. Bulbasaur and Misty will serve customers."
"Haunter, Beedrill, Tentacool, help out too!" Alex, fired up by Team Rocket, joined energetically.
With Pokémon attracting customers, Grandpa Lewis's Beach House entrance became crowded.
"The happiness next door is my misfortune, it makes me furious," Jessie said, glaring at the bustling Beach House.
"Leave this to me, meow," Meowth's eyes gleamed with mischief.
Meowth first used a large fan to blow away Pikachu's discount coupons. Then, he added natural gas to the stove, causing an explosion. Lastly, he scattered banana peels, making Bulbasaur and others slip.
Customers fled the shop, leaving Alex and the others feeling helpless, apologizing to Grandpa Lewis, "We're very sorry, we ruined the shop's reputation."
Grandpa Lewis smiled, "Don't blame yourselves. I saw your hard work. It's not your fault."
"This shop is still as deserted as ever," Granny June said, appearing with Team Rocket.
"What do you want?" Alex asked, annoyed.
"Old Man Lewis, your shop is failing. You still owe me money. If you can't repay by tomorrow, I'll take your ship."
"Wait, you can't take that ship," Grandpa Lewis protested anxiously.
"No, I don't care," Granny June waved dismissively, leaving.
"She said no, hehe, no means no, ah hahahahahaha." Team Rocket laughed, following Granny June out.
"Grandpa Lewis, are you really giving the ship to her?" Alex asked, concerned.
"Alas, it seems so. But sailing the world in that ship is my dream," Grandpa Lewis said, sitting down in disappointment.
"Then you can't give up so easily. You can't abandon your dreams," Ash said, looking at his Pokémon, "After meeting them, I believe I can become a world-class Pokémon Trainer. Grandpa Lewis, you're so close to your dream! Don't give up now!"
"Ash is right, we can't give the ship to Granny June," Brock agreed.
"Did Ash mention dreams? What's my dream? Am I just becoming a big Villain in Team Rocket? Since being reborn, I've followed the mysterious system without considering my own path. No, even as a Villain, I want to be a great, upright Villain," Alex thought, nodding to himself.
"But what should we do?" Everyone pondered.
"I have a way to make money!" Two familiar voices sounded at the door. Professor Oak and Alex's dad, joined by Ash's mom, entered.
"Professor Oak, Dad, Ash's mom? Why are you here?" Alex and the group asked, confused.
"We'll explain later. Ash, Alex, look at this," Oak said, handing them a newspaper.
"A beauty pageant for beach beauties and Pokémon! It's great this is a tourist beach, filled with beautiful women," Alex's dad said.
"That's right, Ash, you're confident in your Pokémon, right?" Oak said slowly. "With an event, people will patronize the shop."
That night, Alex's dad quietly called him to a secluded cove.
"Alex, you've grown. I'm proud of your maturity and strength. Your mom would be happy to see you like this..." His dad spoke sincerely, no longer looking sloppy.
Alex had many questions but didn't know where to start. Finally, he asked, "Dad, why are you here? I tried calling, but you never answered. You look tired, did something happen? And Mom, why have I never seen her?"
Although firm as a Villain, Alex longed for family warmth, especially since his previous life felt lonely and sad.
"I just finished some work, so I came to see you. Professor Oak and Ash's mom were visiting, so I joined. Your mom has something crucial to do and can't leave. Don't worry about it."
"By the way, remember, too much of anything is bad. Don't rely on power boosts. Be a strong, upright man. You're my son. Your strength surpasses Ash and others, so don't show off. In the future, before you stand on your own, don't reveal your true identity. It's hard to protect you otherwise. Some things I don't tell you aren't because I don't want to, but it's not the right time. You'll know when it's time."
"Alright, I should go. I've been delayed too long. Ash is important for the future. Don't clash with him or reveal your identity."
After speaking, his dad released his Pokémon and quickly flew away.
Alex couldn't clearly see what Pokémon it was, only noticing its huge wings. Strangely, the system didn't identify it.
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