Chapter 136: Squirtle Missing Friends

Ash and his party were walking through the forest as usual when they met a man named Ayou who wanted to capture a Shiny Hoothoot.

Although this Shiny Hoothoot was relatively small, it was smarter than other Hoothoots and skilled at using hypnosis.

Ash and his friends each tried their own methods to catch it, but all failed; the Hoothoot was too clever, leaving them at a loss.

Then Team Rocket showed up again to assist; Ash rescued the Hoothoot, which used its clever mind to join forces with Ash's Poké Ball and defeat Team Rocket.

Afterwards, the Hoothoot acknowledged Ash and issued him a challenge request.

As usual, Ash sent out Pikachu, which steadily counters Hoothoot, and a single 100,000 Volts defeated it.

Seizing the opportunity, he threw a Poké Ball and captured the Hoothoot.

After a few days of travel, Ash met Misty, the Gym Trainer of Fullgold City, and they began a battle.

First round, Misty sent out Nidorina, while Ash sent out Charmander.

Poison Sting was easily nullified by Flamethrower, and when using Tackle, it was directly defeated by Charmander's Flamethrower.

Second round, Misty sent out Jigglypuff.

Jigglypuff used Fury Swipes, but the move had no effect, so Charmander suppressed it; Misty recalled it, and Ash still won the second round.

Finally, Misty sent out her ace, Big Milk Can.

Big Milk Can directly dealt a heavy blow that badly injured Charmander; however, Ash had Charmander use Strike to counter Big Milk Can's Strike, but Charmander was blown away.

All the Poké Balls Ash sent out afterward were defeated by Big Milk Can's Rollout.

The Rollout move can attack consecutively, and if it hits, its power increases.

Ash was very surprised, being turned the tables by Big Milk Can.

Afterwards, Ash thought of a way to deal with Big Milk Can and challenged Misty again.

First, use Charmander's Charge to drain stamina, then use Krokorok's Water Gun to create a pit, lowering Big Milk Can's speed; finally, strike the Big Milk Can halted in midair with Pikachu's 100,000 Volts as the final blow.

【Xiaomao: Ash actually used his brain this time; he's finally not just a reckless fighter.】

【Ash: It's nothing much, just the beginning.】

【Misty: Impressive, after just one duel you found a way to handle Big Milk Can; your battle talent is amazing.】

【Juzi: Those who come from Pallet Town are never easy to deal with.】

The Black Light Screen Ash and his party also arrived at the town hosting the Squirtle Firefighting Team competition.

Upon entering the town, Ash's eyes were drawn to a group of Squirtles undergoing tense training. They wore uniform training outfits and sporty glasses, looking both professional and stylish. These Squirtles were performing fire drills in synchronized motions, water columns shooting from the cannons on their backs, accurately hitting targets and drawing rounds of applause and cheers from the surrounding spectators.

They wore glasses and had great poise; Ash had seen them before, sensed their waveforms, and was sure they were the younger siblings of Blastoise.

After greeting Officer Junsha, Ash released his Blastoise.

A familiar figure burst into the Squirtles' line of sight—a bulky Blastoise. Although its appearance had changed somewhat compared to before, the unique aura of a leader and those signature specialty glasses were deeply etched in the Squirtles' minds.

"Squirtle!"

A clear, excited cry filled with surprise rang from the Squirtle group; the Squirtles instantly recognized the Blastoise—though its appearance had changed, the leader's demeanor and those specialty glasses let them know that the Blastoise before them was their long‑lost leader, Squirtle, who had merely evolved!

They gathered around, the Squirtles happily gazing at the Blastoise—their long‑absent leader had evolved, yet remained just as handsome.

"Kame!"

Seeing this lively, adorable group of younger siblings, the Blastoise's heart also filled with surprise; it took off those specialty glasses, revealing a pair of eyes brimming with surprise, the corners of its mouth slightly lifting, as if recalling the wonderful times spent with the Squirtles.

It hadn't expected to meet its younger siblings here.

The Squirtles immediately clung to the Blastoise's thick thighs—the leader's legs had grown so big they needed to hold on tight.

Ash and his friends then chatted with Officer Junsha.

From the conversation, Blastoise learned that the Squirtles were about to enter a competition; it specially urged them to do well and even appointed a captain from among them.

The captain said he was only acting in the role; once the leader returned, he would hand the position back.

Blastoise also shared its insights on water‑type moves with the Squirtles, helping them perform their tasks better.

Seeing Blastoise teach its younger siblings, Ash and his group prepared to stay and watch the Squirtle Team's performance.

This time, after Blastoise's training, the Squirtle Team had become much stronger; under the newly appointed acting Squirtle captain, they defeated the Wartortle Team, winning the competition cleanly and decisively, though a few mistakes remained.

Blastoise was about to leave with Ash and his friends, and it bade an affectionate farewell to the Squirtles.

It told them it would be temporarily leaving to join Ash in the Silver Conference, and that they would meet again if the chance arose.

Hearing their leader's words, the Squirtles' eyes flickered with reluctance, yet they waved goodbye; knowing their leader was more talented, they eagerly looked forward to his splendid performance at the Silver Conference.

Officer Junsha thanked Ash and his friends for helping train the Squirtles!

【Brock: Blastoise is loath to part with the Squirtles, and I'm also reluctant to say goodbye to Officer Junsha, waa waa waa!】

【Officer Junsha：？】

Ash, rest assured; your Squirtle is safe and sound with me. If you want it back, just let me know—it'll only take a few seconds.

Considering that Black Satoshi's Blastoise has set up an acting captain here, I'm also preparing to do the same; the Squirtle can return to meet its companions, and it can also go with Ash to compete in tournaments. It has been training silently all along, growing much stronger, and hopes to be able to help you when you call it back.

【Ash: I know, thank you, Officer Junsha.

【Squirtle, I don't know if you can see this, but while you're away I've been thinking of you—Bulbasaur, Charizard, Pidgeot, and Pikachu are all thinking of you too; if the chance arises, we'll meet again in Pallet Town.】

"Squirtle~"

Squirtle took off its glasses, its eyes filled with surprise and brimming with hot tears; it hadn't seen its trainer in a long time.

I miss him, I miss Pikachu, I miss Charizard.

And there's the Lone Wanderer!