Chapter 172

Black World—

Sunlight slanted onto the busy trees as Ash and Xiaoxia walked side by side, enjoying a rare moment of leisure; their attention was quickly drawn to a commotion not far away.

As they quickened their pace, the two gradually approached the source of the sound, only to see the Team Rocket Trio—Xiao Cilang, Wuzang, and Miaomiao.

Their actions seemed somewhat sneaky, occasionally intermixing with whispered communication, as if they were plotting some secret.

Ash and Xiaoxia exchanged a glance, already realizing that the Team Rocket Trio was up to something again. They saw them holding shovels, energetically digging a deep pit, clearly intending to set a trap.

While the Team Rocket Trio was immersed in digging the pit, an unexpected discovery made them widen their eyes. It turned out that, after digging to a certain depth, they accidentally uncovered an ice cave.

Inside the ice cave, the cold was biting; a faintly visible long-haired pig lay frozen within, as if time had frozen at that moment.

"Are you looking for treasure?"

Having observed the Team Rocket Trio for a long time, Ash was certain they were digging a trap to capture Pikachu.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Cilang thought it was Wuzang and Miaomiao speaking, and without raising his head he casually replied, "No, we're digging a trap to fool the brats......"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than he suddenly realized something was off—this voice...... how familiar it was?

He abruptly turned his head, only to see Ash and Xiaoxia looking at him with a half‑smile.

Xiao Cilang jumped in surprise, silently thinking 'oh no'—truly, fate had it that he met his arch‑enemy at this very moment.

Wuzang and Miaomiao also turned their heads in succession, and upon seeing Ash and Xiaoxia, their hearts likewise jumped.

Running into Ash and company here was already surprising enough, but now they were busy doing bad deeds—if Ash and company discovered them, the consequences would be unthinkable.

Now they've been discovered!

"Brats, we...... we're digging for treasure here."

Xiao Cilang laughed heartily, forcing an explanation.

"What's there to fear?"

Compared to Xiao Cilang's show of weakness, Wuzang appeared all the more hard‑headed, directly releasing a Poké Ball and saying, "Brats, since you've come to us of your own accord, don't blame us—if you're sensible, hand over Pikachu!"

?

Pikachu:???

"Did you take the wrong medicine?"

Ash and Xiaoxia were somewhat doubtful.

What's gotten into Wuzang today?

They usually get blasted away, so how did they suddenly become so confident today? Could there really be an ambush nearby? Or is she just bluffing?

Wuzang, you're so brave?

Xiao Ci Lang and Miaomiao were shocked; given Ash's strength, even if they were prepared they might not be able to beat him, let alone now when they have no preparation. However, being provoked by Wuzang, they were forced to join the battle, and could only grit their teeth and go in.

Strength lacking, but momentum must be full!

Team Rocket Trio felt as if they had returned to the feeling when they first faced off against Ash; that mix of Nervousness and excitement surged again in their hearts!

Put all Poké Balls all out; in a moment, the momentum rose, and everyone watching felt that Team Rocket had become formidable!

But soon, the Team Rocket Trio couldn't keep their cool for more than three seconds, and they once again ate Pikachu's 100,000 Volts head-on, and were blasted away just the same.

"Still can't help but get hit?"

Ash watched as Team Rocket departed.

"Making such a big commotion, I thought they'd be formidable, but turns out it's still like this!"

【Wuzang: Black World's little brats really deserve a beating!!!】

【Xiao Ci Lang: Just looking at them you know the little black brats deserve a beating; if they were in the Black World, they'd be furious!】

【Shitron: No way, I think it's pretty good, Black Satoshi did a great job.】

【Miaomiao: Don't leave after the match!!!】

Liu Bo of the Black World heard a strange noise, came over to see what was happening, and upon looking, discovered a long-haired pig.

Instantly, tears streamed down his face.

He had lost his former dignity and coldness, replaced by an indescribable tenderness and sorrow, speaking to the long-haired pig.

Ash and Xiaoxia listened quietly from the side, gradually understanding the deep bond between the long-haired pig and Liu Bo.

Liu Bo, like Ash, had once treated it as family, but an accident occurred; during a battle, both the long-haired pig and he were injured, and it was a burn.

It was precisely that night when he was injured that the long-haired pig suddenly disappeared, never to return, presumably abandoning him.

Liu Bo's heart filled with loss and anger; he mistakenly believed the long-haired pig had left him at a critical moment, so he became a heartless Liu Bo, strictly training Poké Balls, becoming distrustful of them, keeping his distance, not forming reliance, which is why he said that to Ash.

At this moment, seeing the herbs healing the long-haired pig's burns, Liu Bo suddenly realized. The long-haired pig hadn't left him; it had gone to find herbs to heal its burns. Unfortunately, it encountered a blizzard on the way back and got trapped here.

Thinking of this, Liu Bo's heart filled with guilt and self-reproach. He gently stroked the ice encasing the long-haired pig, and tears slipped down again.

So that's how it is...... Ash released a fire violent beast to thaw the long-haired pig.

Finally, the long-haired pig regained freedom, trembling as it flung itself into Liu Bo's embrace. At that moment, Liu Bo held it tightly, as if pouring all his longing and regret into the hug.

The long-haired pig also felt Liu Bo's warmth and affection.

To thank Ash, Liu Bo apologized to him, indicating that upon returning he would immediately accept Ash's challenge.

Ash decided to challenge the next day, after all Liu Bo and the long-haired pig had just reunited, so let them catch up properly.

Afterwards, the group returned to the Poké Ball Center to rest. Brock was happily chatting with Miss Joy, sharing the encounters and insights from the journey.

Time quickly arrived at the next day.

Ash prepared to go challenge Liu Bo, ready to let Liu Bo see the bond between him and his Poké Balls.

The match rule is two versus two.

Liu Bo's first Poké Ball is a white sea lion.

And Ash's first Poké Ball is Strong Croc.

The hulking Poké Ball is almost twice the size of the white sea lion, and as soon as it appears, it draws everyone's attention.

Strong Croc looked endearing, and its chuckling expression should have been friendly, but because of its huge size, performing those originally funny actions gave it a hint of intimidation.

It curiously looked around, its sharp eyes flashed with the light of exploration. When it walked to a nearby ice pillar and lightly bit it with its teeth, there was a crack—the ice pillar snapped instantly, breaking cleanly.

They sent out such a powerful Poké Ball as their first one.

Liu Bo saw Strong Croc's powerful bite force; it looks like it's going to be a tough battle!

Ash still remembered Liu Bo saying his method of raising Poké Ball was useless, so now let Strong Croc prove it.

Is his method of raising useful or not!