Summary
Kurt resides in Azalea Town, a community that reveres Slowpoke for their mythical ability to summon rain. During his youth, he was close friends with Professor Oak, Agatha, Pryce, and the owners of the Goldenrod City Pokémon Daycare. To lift Pryce’s spirits, Kurt helped compose the lyrics for the song "Riding On The Stars," which was later performed by DJ Mary. Kurt is also the creator of unique Apricorn Poké Balls, a craft his ancestors once monopolized before mass production by large companies diminished their exclusivity, a fact that leaves him with a slight grudge against those who dismiss his work. In the anime, Ash Ketchum arrived in Johto to deliver the GS Ball to Kurt for study, only to find Azalea Town suffering from a severe drought. After accidentally stepping on a Slowpoke’s tail, Ash and his friends were pursued by an angry mob until Kurt disguised them in Slowpoke costumes to save them. The group had met Kurt while investigating strange noises at Slowpoke Well, where they discovered Team Rocket attempting to steal the sacred Slowpoke. Ash helped drive off the villains and recover the Pokémon. As a reward for their assistance, Kurt gave Ash, Brock, and Misty each a Fast Ball. He also crafted Lure Balls for Ash and Misty, and a Heavy Ball for Brock, using Apricorns they gathered. As of the latest anime episodes, Kurt continues his research on the GS Ball. In the manga, Silver received a Heavy Ball from Kurt with the intention of catching an Ursaring. Kurt warned Silver that only seasoned trainers could effectively wield his special Poké Balls. Later, Gold met Kurt and a girl named Maisy. Kurt explained the history of his Poké Ball creation and held a grudge against Gold for mocking Apricorn Balls, noting that Gold lacked the experience to use them properly. This annoyance led Kurt to challenge Gold to catch a Pokémon using one of his custom balls by dusk; if Gold failed, he would have to become Kurt’s apprentice. Kurt crafted a Friend Ball for Gold. Both Gold and Silver eventually succeeded in capturing a Teddiursa and an Ursaring, respectively, with Gold giving the Teddiursa to Maisy. Kurt later witnessed Team Rocket grunts tied up at Slowpoke Well, wondering who was responsible for their defeat. Additionally, the Masked Man once forced Kurt to hand over his plans for the GS Ball.
