Chapter 22: Ash sent himself out to capture the Big Claw Crab!

「Pikachu, do you miss Wonder Frog Seed and the others? 」

Ash looked at the Pikachu on his shoulder.

「Pika~」

Still, I miss them a bit, I really miss them......

Pikachu also really misses the partners from the start of the journey; back then, I was also traveling with a trainer for the first time, and the happy times spent with Wonder Frog Seed and the others are unforgettable.

「I miss them too; when we win at the Miare Tournament, we'll return to Pallet Town, and then we can meet them. 」

Pikachu twitched its ears, its eyes full of anticipation.

Return to Pallet Town?

Ash previously told his mom that next time he returns to Pallet Town he'll bring her, so is this the time?

After thinking, Shalina's face turned red again.

Shitron and Youlijia were amazed at the Pokémon Ash encountered on his first journey.

Are all trainers who come from Pallet Town this strong?

First, they defeated an army of Fierce Sparrows in an instant, then they fought alongside the Team Rocket Trio, captured the Kanto starter Pokémon, in a short time they had captured six Poké Balls, and they also had two close friends by their side.

Daimu Research Lab

Professor Daimu looked at the Wonder Frog Seed intently staring at the Light Screen: "Do you really miss Ash?"

「After Ash finishes the match, he'll be back soon, right? 」

Wonder Frog Seed's eyes were full of anticipation; the time spent traveling with Ash was indeed its happiest moments. Although they usually bicker, they have gone through many things, and their feelings have gradually deepened.

The fire squad's Outstanding Turtle also earnestly watched the Light Screen replaying the scene of their meeting with Ash.

The little ones beside the Outstanding Turtle scratched their heads, wondering how the boss could act so solemn today.

Charizard Valley

Charizard also watched the Light Screen; after being abandoned by its trainer, it followed Ash, experiencing many things with him; back then it was young and vigorous, with strong self-esteem, refusing to obey the trainer's commands, which led to its eventual injury.

But Ash, disregarding past grievances, took good care of it.

「Roar~~~! 」

Charizard really misses Ash, looking forward to meeting him again.

It still remembers its promise with Ash!

Upon meeting,

To become the world's number one Charizard!!!

The White Light Curtain lit up.

Ash and his group were on their way to Withered Leaf City.

Just below the lighthouse, Ash wanted to prove his strength as a trainer, and happened to see a poorly developed Big Claw Crab.

The Big Claw Crab cared about Ash saying it was underdeveloped, and in retaliation pinched his finger.

Both sides locked eyes, each seeing the fighting spirit in the other's gaze.

Ash then sent himself out to battle the Big Claw Crab, picked up a branch, and after a vigorous fight, he captured the Big Claw Crab.

Afterwards they arrived at Zhenghui Lighthouse, met Zhenghui, learned his description, and he was waiting at the lighthouse for a one-of-a-kind Poké Ball.

That Poké Ball is the largest in the world, and its identity is extremely mysterious; no trainer has ever witnessed its true appearance.

Zhenghui brought Ash and his three companions to see the mysterious Poké Ball; everything was fine at first, but the Team Rocket Trio would neither be late nor absent, they wreaked havoc, the mysterious Poké Ball was attacked, suddenly went berserk and attacked the lighthouse, blasted the Team Rocket Trio away, and then left.

【Yulongdu: Dragonite, it's Dragonite, 100% Dragonite!】

【Professor Daimu: That appearance is indeed Dragonite, but is its size really this big? I've never seen such a Dragonite!】

【Xiba: Taller than the lighthouse, fortunately its temperament is gentle, otherwise the lighthouse would truly be destroyed, and Ash and his friends would be in danger.】

【Danti: Could it be Dynamax?】

【Yulongdu: Not likely; Dynamax is a phenomenon where Pokémon grow huge only in specific locations in the Galar region, and no case has been found in Kanto.】

【Kenan: In that case, that mysterious Dragonite is simply large in size!】

【Juzi: That should be it.】

Ash and his group arrived at the Poké Ball Center in Withered Leaf City.

They saw many Poké Balls scorched black by electricity, and many trainers were heading to challenge the Gym Leader Ma Zhishi of Withered Leaf City Gym.

As Gym Leader, Ma Zhishi showed no mercy to challengers.

Ash didn't care at all, he grabbed Pikachu and headed to the Withered Leaf City Gym.

On the way, Ash and Xiaoxia were still arguing.

Pikachu was also mocked by Ma Zhishi, who said Pikachu is a baby Poké Ball, it should have evolved from the start, and now Pikachu is completely inferior to Thunder Hill.

Ash didn't believe it, and Pikachu also took the comment seriously.

But when they faced off against Thunder Hill, Pikachu was indeed defeated by it.

After being defeated by Thunder Hill, Pikachu refused to evolve using the Thunder Stone, wanting to defeat Thunder Hill in its current form.

At this point, Brock thought of a countermeasure against Thunder Hill, and the Team Rocket Trio encouraged Pikachu on their way to challenge the Gym again.

Pikachu lived up to their expectations, truly avenging its previous defeat and defeating Thunder Hill.

【Xiba: Brock, impressive—he noticed that the opposing Thunder Hill was a rushed evolution, hadn't learned the move only learnable during the Pikachu stage; truly deserving of being a breeder.】

【Xiaoxia: In these situations, Brock still has a sharp analytical mind, though he sometimes gets sick!】

【Brock: You flatter me; these are just what a breeder must have.】