Pokemon: Thunder & Fire

Episode VIII: Bounty

"997... 998... 999... 1000!" The heavy barbell crashed to the ground with a resounding thud. Enji, now sitting on the floor with a look of exhaustion etched across his face, took a long swig from his water bottle and exclaimed, "Arceus, my back muscles! That's definitely going to sting later."

He paused, reflecting for a moment, and continued, "I wonder how Akio is holding up? If I recall correctly, his mission involves escorting someone. Hopefully, he'll pass with flying colors."

As Enji pondered his friend's success, a large metallic door automatically swung open, revealing Ketsushu in a cloud of confidence and purpose. "Heyya buddy! Still waiting on your mission, huh?" Enji shook his head in response, a hint of camaraderie and understanding in his gesture.

"Right, enough about that subject! How's the barbell treating you? Is it to your liking?" Ketsushu inquired, genuinely interested. "It's great! I really like it. Did you just have this thing stashed away somewhere? Because every time I needed equipment, you always handed it to me," Enji remarked, a playful smile on his face as he admired the weight.

Ketsushu chuckled lightly, his laughter warm and infectious. "Oh, how adorable! Of course, we have to make the equipment by hand. We're not a research and development crew for nothing. Some gym equipment is enchanted upon request by fellow division captains." He tossed a piece of bread toward Enji with an easy motion, a gesture that spoke of their long standing friendship.

Enji caught the bread mid air and began munching on it, his words slightly muffled by the food in his mouth. "Well, th- at's cool," he managed between bites, offering a sheepish grin that highlighted his playful nature. Ketsushu shook his head, an amused glimmer in his eyes as he couldn't help but tease.

"Swallow before you talk, Enji." The gentle jab was filled with affection, showcasing the easy banter they shared. "Oh, right! Almost forgot," Enji replied, his eyes widening in realization.

"Follow me later when you're done cleaning up, okay?" Ketsushu nodded in acknowledgment as Enji made his way to the shower room within the division's facility, their friendly exchange echoing with warmth.

As Enji slowly disappeared from Ketsushu's line of sight, Ketsushu's phone rang, cutting through the tranquility of the moment. His curiosity piqued, he glanced at the screen and couldn't help but smirk at the notification. "Ah, looks like things are about to get interesting," he mused to himself, his playful demeanor intact.

"We're going to have some fun with this mission of yours, Enji. I'll be picking the second hardest option, so be prepared," he declared with a confident grin, already envisioning the challenges that awaited them. Ketsushu walked away, mentally preparing for the next adventure with an air of excitement.

Just then, another notification flashed on his phone, detailing a high C-rank villain causing chaos nearby. Ketsushu's grin widened at this unexpected turn of events. "Well, well, looks like we've got some unexpected excitement on our hands! Although the timing is odd, I'll take it," he remarked to himself with a chuckle, eager to tackle the challenges that lay ahead.

With a spring in his step, he headed toward the main lab, ready to dive into the preparations for Enji's next adventure, his mind racing with strategies and possibilities.

***

"Fuh, that hit the spot alright! A cold shower after an intense training session is simply amazing," Enji exclaimed, a broad grin spreading across his face. With a towel draped casually over his shoulder, he felt refreshed after indulging in a long, rejuvenating shower that included a passionate singing session, the echoes of his voice still lingering in the air.

As he strolled past a mirror, he retraced his steps, flexing his muscles with an exaggerated flourish and letting out a gleeful giggle at his reflection. After returning his hygiene items to the locker, he began jogging toward the meeting place where Ketsushu had instructed him to meet, his excitement bubbling over.