At first, Roxie refused Natsume's invitation to join the group.
Getting beaten and then immediately joining your opponent's fan group? That would be humiliating.
But hearing there were many seniors in the group chat, and possibly even a chance to exchange Poison-type techniques with Kanto's Poison-type Leader Janine...
"Fine..." Roxie finally relented, pouting as she took out her phone and scanned the QR code.
[Group Owner 'Natsume-sensei' has invited 'Poison Plays My Life' to join the Chat Group!]
"Wow!" Lt. Surge raised an eyebrow. "The band lead singer from Unova!"
"You're..." Roxie recognized Lt. Surge's identity, slightly stunned. "Colonel Lt. Surge, who released albums in Unova?"
"Haha, that was all in the past, not worth mentioning!" Lt. Surge laughed proudly.
The white-haired loli stared at her phone, eyes sparkling like she'd just met her idol.
Natsume was surprised.
Who knew Lt. Surge had this kind of influence in Unova!
Though Lt. Surge was originally from Unova, and as an Electric-type expert, he was probably skilled at electronic music too (misunderstanding).
"@Lt. Surge," Gold said. "Her current follower count is at least a hundred times yours~"
Lt. Surge's expression twisted. Damn it, he couldn't even refute that!
"Welcome~" Yellow sent a Pikachu sticker. "Seems like our first Unova Leader! (°▽°)"
Sabrina, working as a celebrity in Unova, brushed her black hair aside, deep in thought.
Natsume-sensei's influence had already expanded to Unova...
Twin-tailed Roxanne: "Huh? Didn't Unova's Cheren join last time?"
"Oh right, Cheren!" Natsume suddenly remembered.
Prioritizing cute girls over guys... Natsume stayed true to himself.
Back then, Cheren—who specialized in strategy—had his entire worldview shattered by Natsume's dominance. Inviting him to the fan group at that moment would've been cruel.
Maybe he'd invite Cheren and other Unova Leaders another time...
"Wow!" Roxie's eyes widened, shocked by the member list.
This... even Unova's World Expert Tournament probably didn't have a lineup as impressive as this fan group!
"Let's go, recording first."
Natsume waved his hand in front of the dazed white-haired loli, then turned to lead the way.
"Ash, time to work!"
"Coming~"
The open field was full of battle scars from earlier.
The staff, still shocked by Natsume-sensei's display of strength, quickly demonstrated their professionalism by drafting a headline:
"Poison-type Master? Natsume-sensei Visits Jubilife TV, Advises Unova Leader!"
The word "advises" was particularly well-chosen.
When this article was published, sharp-eyed netizens humorously unearthed an Easter egg about the 'Pokémon Company.'
"Is this really not a stealth ad for the new MV?"
"Damn, they actually got Poison Notes? That's legit!"
"As everyone knows, Natsume-sensei started with SubProtect Toxic... too bad he never learned Double Protect..."
As online discussions grew more heated and viewers became increasingly excited for the new release...
Inside Jubilife TV's recording studio.
Roxie had composed herself, adjusting the sound system while holding her electric guitar with a serious expression.
"We're ready to begin."
Beyond the glass partition, the spacious recording room had black cables strewn across the floor, professional instruments neatly arranged.
Ash wore his cap and blue vest, looking slightly nervous.
Meowth patted Ash's back and grinned. "Go for it, twerp! Meowth's seen how much you've improved!"
"You can be compared with this female star." Jessie said proudly.
"Come on, Twerp!" James made a handmade receiver and cheered loudly.
"Wobbuffet~!"
Ash clenched his fists and grinned. "Alright! Pikachu, let's do the vocals together!"
"Pikachu~!"
In both Sinnoh and Kalos regions, Ash's Pikachu had participated in Contest performances.
Though Ash was artistically challenged, his natural affinity for music had attracted both Jigglypuff and Meloetta.
Now in the recording booth, Roxie bared her fangs, seemingly energized by the lively atmosphere.
"Gengar! (ノ￣▽￣)"
Wearing headphones, Gengar leaned forward from the office chair and pressed the recording button.
Beep—
"Pokemon, Get☆Daze!"
The triumphant trumpets blared alongside pounding drums, instantly transporting Natsume back to the original series' debut.
"Through fire, water, bushes, or forests..."
The rapid guitar strumming continued until reaching the line "under a girl's skirt."
Roxie, staring at the lyrics, flushed red and reluctantly joined Pikachu in a high-pitched: "Eeek!"
"No matter how tough, how rough, we'll get 'em, gotta catch Pokémon!"
Ash's voice rang clear with youthful sincerity, stretching the notes.
As the tempo slowed, the drums and violin solo made Ash envision the pristine Pallet Town.
"Waving goodbye to Pallet Town~ Pikachu and I travel side by side!"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu glanced at Ash with a happy ear-twitch.
"With our trained ultimate moves, we'll crush every foe!"
The stormy night with the Spearow flock—Ash spreading his arms to shield the battered Pikachu.
Lightning illuminated the rain as Pikachu leapt, Thunderbolt scattering the Spearow!
"We can't promise we'll win every time."
Pikachu struggling against Brock's Steelix before being bound and defeated.
"But with them by our side, we'll give it our all!"
Pikachu jumping as Charizard soared behind Ash across blue skies, flames engulfing Articuno.
The intense guitar and bright trumpets—Roxie watched Ash lost in memories, her gaze softening with surprise.
When the drums signaled Ash perfectly hitting the chorus, Meowth jumped excitedly, fists clenched.
"Ah! To become the Pokémon Master we dream of!"
Ash flipped his cap backward, eyes burning with determination as he raised a Poké Ball like grasping the future.
"This goal, we will achieve!"
The opening trumpets returned, and as the final drumbeat landed—
Silence filled the recording room. Roxie wiped her brow and exhaled.
"Not bad, kid!" Roxie grinned.
Ash turned to Pikachu and couldn't help but smile.
"Because... this is how Pikachu and I really feel~"
"Pikachu! (≧▽≦)?" Pikachu nuzzled Ash's cheek.
"Meowth taught him every single note, meow! "
Overcome with emotion, Meowth wiped his eyes dramatically.
"We've been chasing this Pikachu for so long!"
Jessie and James, recalling Kanto days, clasped hands and wept.
Natsume nodded understandingly, exchanging a glance with Gengar.
"We've known each other a long time too."
"Gengar!" Gengar grinned, flicking out its long tongue to lick Natsume.
Chewing a Cheri Berry, Natsume asked Roxie:
"Any improvements needed?"
Roxie stared at Natsume casually enduring Lick, then shook her head.
"Just a few more rehearsals. The composition's excellent as-is."
She smiled slightly.
"Besides... this song will resonate with Trainers."
The original series' opening remained Pokémon's most iconic theme—even twenty years later when Sun & Moon reused it, Natsume had been deeply moved.
Now the strange achievement of "Ash singing his own theme" was within reach!
"We used pit traps for Pikachu but fell in ourselves..."
"And our balloon kept getting blasted off... what a rotten feeling!"
Team Rocket trio sobbed over past hardships.
Ash stood awkwardly, unsure how to comfort his temporary collaborators.
After a break, Roxie led the band and Ash in more rehearsals.
Stepping outside, Natsume checked his memo.
"Next, we need Professor Oak's cameo in Pallet Town..."
Returning where the dream began would perfectly match Pokémon's starter town theme.
Glancing back at the lively studio, Natsume called Professor Oak.
Beep—beep—
Assistant Crystal answered: "Of course! The Professor Oak happens to be free."
Natsume looked skyward.
The Professor was always free—he never missed DJ Miss Mary's Saturday show.
(Though Natsume suspected the Professor Oak just went to check out women...)
"Ash is coming too," Natsume said. "We'll need the Professor on camera."
"I'll inform him," Crystal replied, having seen Natsume-sensei's plans in the group chat.
Producing an MV was unprecedented—this Pokémon would surely become a flagship title!
Hanging up, Natsume considered:
Returning to Kanto with Ash and Meowth would take 3-7 days.
He should inform the girls first—if Cynthia disappeared unexpectedly, he'd worry too.
It was basic mutual respect.
"Jigglypuff!"
The door opened to reveal Jigglypuff wobbling out, waving.
"You're leaving?"
"Jigglypuff~"
It extended a small hand. Natsume offered Pokéblocks.
"Jigglypuff! (`~′)" It puffed up angrily until Gengar produced a lollipop.
So it remembered that promise...
Natsume smiled wryly.
Roxie's challenge had spared them Jigglypuff's sonic attacks—but there'd be other chances.
"Jigglypuff~"
Waving its treats, Jigglypuff skipped away.
Natsume wasn't sad—this elusive Jigglypuff would never be caught anyway.
They'd meet again wherever Ash went.
Turning to Gengar, Natsume grinned:
"Let's head home first—we're staying in Kanto a few days!"
"Gengar! (`▽′)" Gengar cheered.
Yes! Time to visit Sabrina at Saffron Gym~!