Team Rocket's Second-in-Command!

With a soft groan, Pikachu was wheeled out of the operating room by Chansey and Nurse Joy, looking thoroughly exhausted, still recovering from the intense power drain it had suffered earlier.

"The injuries have mostly healed, but Pikachu is still very drained," Nurse Joy explained to the concerned Ash. "All it needs is a good charge and some rest, and it should be back to normal."

Put in human terms, Pikachu had simply overworked itself. Now, it just needed some good "recharging."

"Oh, thank goodness..." Ash let out a huge sigh of relief.

"Thank you so much, Nurse Joy!" he said sincerely.

"It's my duty," she replied with a kind smile. "And if you need a place to stay, I can arrange rooms for you."

Due to the League's support program, Pokémon Centers offered trainers free lodging and meals. While the accommodations were modest, it helped trainers save on expenses, especially the newer ones with limited funds.

"That would be amazing..." Ash began, his gratitude evident. But just as he was about to accept, a loud bang erupted from above.

With a shattering of glass, two Poké Balls dropped down from the ceiling, releasing Koffing and Ekans into the Pokémon Center.

Thick, choking smoke spread through the room.

Luo Yuan, already anticipating something like this, quickly covered his mouth and nose and reached over to cover Misty's as well.