The sun was high above the rolling hills of Paldea as Ash and Pikachu strolled through the bustling streets of Medali City. Their new Rotom Phone beeped occasionally, alerting them to nearby Pokémon, but Ash had something else on his mind right now.

"I'm starving," Ash groaned, rubbing his stomach. "All that walking made me super hungry!"

"Pikachu pika," Pikachu agreed, ears twitching as the scent of grilled food drifted through the air.

Following the trail of sizzling aromas, Ash found himself standing in front of a modest but inviting restaurant—Treasure Eatery. The sliding doors whooshed open as a couple of Trainers exited, licking their lips in satisfaction.

"This must be the place," Ash said, stepping inside. "Smells amazing."

The interior was warm and welcoming, filled with the clatter of utensils and the murmur of conversations. Servers bustled between tables, balancing trays of Medali-style teriyaki and bowls of Paldean miso ramen.

Ash and Pikachu grabbed a small table near the counter. Just as they were settling in, something—or someone—caught Ash's eye.

Sitting in a booth near the back, staring at a half-eaten Grilled Rice Balls Special, was a man in a gray suit, tie ever-so-slightly loosened. His expression? Completely deadpan. His posture? Tired, like he hadn't had a proper nap in years. His aura? A mix of melancholy and quiet doom.

"Whoa…" Ash whispered. "That guy looks like he's got a lot on his mind."

"Pika?" Pikachu peeked over Ash's shoulder, ears flicking.

"Wait a sec…" Ash's eyes widened. "That's Larry! I think he's part of the Elite Four here in Paldea!"

Cue dramatic music—at least in Ash's mind.

Ash sprang up from his seat, leaving the menu untouched. "C'mon, Pikachu! Let's say hi!"

Pikachu hopped onto his shoulder as Ash marched toward the quiet booth in the back. Larry, mid-bite, looked up with the enthusiasm of a man watching paint dry.

"Hi there!" Ash said, beaming. "You're Larry, right?"

Larry blinked slowly, chopsticks frozen in the air. "Yes. That is me. I am Larry."

"I'm Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town! I'm traveling through Paldea right now."

Larry gave him a slow nod. "I see. The World Champion... You battled Leon, didn't you?"

Ash grinned. "That's me! You saw that battle?"

"Yes. My boss insisted we all watch it together during lunch. Said it would improve morale. I haven't felt morale since 2009."

Ash tilted his head. "You always talk like this?"

"Yes."

There was a long, awkward pause.

Ash scratched his head. "Well, I heard this is your favorite restaurant."

"It is," Larry said, picking up his rice ball. "They make the best grilled rice. And the lighting isn't too exciting."

"I've been to a lot of regions," Ash said, pulling up a chair without asking. "But I don't think I've ever met someone as… laid-back as you."

Larry blinked again. "I am not laid-back. I am just… existing."

Ash leaned forward. "Hey, tell you what—if I can make you smile, you have to battle me. Deal?"

Larry stared blankly at him. "That's a very unconventional challenge."

"So is your vibe," Ash countered.

Pikachu puffed its cheeks and waved at Larry with a cheerful "Pika pika!"

Larry looked at Pikachu. Blinked once. Then took a slow sip of his tea.

"…Fine," Larry said flatly. "You get one try."

Ash nodded. "Alright! Here goes…"

He stood up on the bench and launched into a dramatic, exaggerated imitation of Professor Oak: "Ah yes, Ash, I see you've brought a Pikachu! Fascinating creature. Tends to ignore type disadvantages and all basic logic!"

Pikachu struck a tiny flex pose.

Larry blinked.

No reaction.

Ash switched gears. "Or how about this? Remember that time I got stuck in a snowstorm with a Charmander and a rice cooker?" He launched into a rapid-fire version of the story, complete with flailing arms and goofy Pikachu impressions.

Still nothing.

Larry took another bite of rice.

Ash slumped over the table. "Man, you're tough."

Larry looked at him. "I work two jobs. This is my lunch break."

Ash sat back up, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Then I guess it's only fair I challenge you to a battle and help you 'de-stress.' What do you say?"

Larry let out a sigh so subtle it was almost a whisper. He stood up slowly, adjusted his tie, and pulled a Poké Ball from his jacket.

"You seem persistent," he said. "Fine. I accept. But let's not battle here. I don't want to be banned from my favorite restaurant."

Moments later, outside the Treasure Eatery…

The sun gleamed over the battle court behind the restaurant. A few diners peeked out curiously as Ash and Larry took their positions.

"I'll go with my ace," Ash said confidently. "Pikachu, you're up!"

"Pika-chu!"

Larry tapped a Poké Ball. "Go, Staraptor."

The fierce Normal/Flying-type soared out with a sharp cry, wings flaring wide.

Ash's eyes lit up. "A Flying-type! This is gonna be good!"

Larry remained emotionless. "Staraptor. Brave Bird."

"Pikachu, Quick Attack, then Iron Tail!"

Pikachu zipped forward in a flash of light, dodging Staraptor's aerial dive and leaping upward with a glowing tail. The two Pokémon clashed mid-air, a shockwave bursting across the battlefield.

Ash called out rapid commands, grinning like it was the first battle he'd ever had. And even as Larry stood expressionless, something… shifted. His eyes sharpened. His posture straightened. He was into the battle.

The exchange went on, powerful move after powerful move—

Then—

"Finish it, Pikachu! Thunderbolt, now!"

"Staraptor, Close Combat."

Electricity lit up the sky as the two Pokémon charged. With a final crash of energy and feathers, both landed hard on the field—tired but standing.

Larry called Staraptor back. "You've trained your Pokémon well, Champion."

Ash grinned. "You too, Larry! That was awesome!"

Larry gave a soft, almost invisible nod.

"…You smiled," Ash said, pointing.

"No," Larry replied. "That was the wind."

"I saw it."

"You imagined it."

"I knew you could smile!"

Pikachu squeaked happily, tail wagging.

Larry sighed. "You're very persistent, Ash."

Ash shrugged. "Hey, I made friends with a Gengar once. I've got experience."

Larry looked at him—expression neutral as ever—but this time, his voice was just a little less monotone.

"Come back and battle me again sometime," he said. "Preferably after 5 p.m."

Ash's grin widened. "Deal. But next time, I'm bringing dessert. Maybe something sweet'll help crack a real smile!"

"Unlikely," Larry said. But for a split second, the corner of his mouth twitched… maybe.