Chapter 242: New Partner, Misty and Water Jump Fish!

We'll visit Professor Elm in If White Town later!

Ash looked at the map, signaled Latios to go down, and they had arrived in If White Town.

Professor Oak had told him that Professor Elm was a very skilled expert in the Johto Region and also gave starter Pokémon to new trainers, just like he did.

This place is so fun!

Latios was excited upon arriving at the new place, flying around everywhere, and it saw a sand wolf dog sleeping under a tree: "Look, look, there's a guy sleeping over there!"

Latios and Pikachu went over for a close look without waking it; it seems the sand wolf dog is really tired!

It's tired, so let it keep sleeping.

Ash looked up the sand wolf dog's information and then ran toward Professor Elm's lab.

As they passed a wide meadow, Ash's gaze was caught by a flock of colorful hunting swallowtail butterflies, and ahead, two or three sand wolf dog pups were playing and roughhousing on the ground.

Seeing Ash walking by with Pikachu and Latios, the sand wolf dogs stopped their roughhousing, curiously watching the group of outsiders, wondering how this human had brought two Pokémon they'd never seen before!

That yellow-skinned rat looked a bit cute, but its fighting ability seemed lacking.

The three sand wolf dogs saw Pikachu's wagging tail and the ketchup food in its hand, felt an itch in their mouths, and ran over to block Ash's path.

They bared their teeth, the fur on their tails stood up, and the three sand wolf dogs let out a sharp cry.

Pikachu, they've got their eyes on you!

Ash was somewhat speechless; they actually treated Pikachu as prey and tried to snatch its food from its hand!

Pika?

Pikachu walked over a bit, bewildered; the three sand wolf dogs wanted its ketchup, but Pikachu immediately refused—there's no way it would give up its ketchup.

The sand wolf dogs immediately launched an attack, and Pikachu casually used a bit of electricity, knocking them out!

The three gray-furred sand wolf dogs instantly turned black, their eyes spinning, losing their battle capability!

【Ma Zhishi: Laughed, those sand wolf dogs dare to steal Pikachu's ketchup—that's just asking for trouble!】

After watching Light Screen for so long, everyone knew that besides Ash, Pikachu's favorite was ketchup, and those three sand wolf dogs were bold too, daring to think about stealing Pikachu's ketchup.

【Ash: Haha, Pikachu's favorite is ketchup; every time it eats, it basically has to have some ketchup with its food.】

Black World—

On the way to Professor Elm's lab, they happened to run into Professor Elm, who had a girl beside him.

They also had three Pokémon with them, and three sand wolf dogs lay on the ground, having lost their battle capability.

Sand wolf dogs again!

Could the sand wolf dogs have robbed the professors too?

Ash went over and asked, only to learn that Professor Elm had just been giving the girl Misty some pointers on Pokémon experience, but unfortunately disturbed the sand wolf dogs, causing them to surround and attack; therefore, to drive off the sand wolf dogs, Professor Elm also gave Misty a quick Pokémon battle demonstration.

Sand wolf dogs again—how did I provoke them in both the Black and White Worlds!

Professor Elm of the Bai Shijie was a bit embarrassed; last time it was because of Ash's Pikachu that provoked the sand wolf dogs, but in the Black World, it was also unexpectedly provoked them.

Ash, you're Ash from Pallet Town!

Professor Elm recognized Ash; it's hard not to remember such a stunning performance at the tournament!

Moreover, Professor Oak had even greeted him before.

Misty also recognized Ash; her brother had been watching Ash's battle videos, she had seen a few herself, knew his identity, and couldn't help but recognize him!

The group returned to Professor Elm's lab.

Professor Elm specially wanted to give Ash a Johto starter Pokémon.

However, the Fire Chick starter had already been taken, so he could only choose between Water Jump Fish and Wood Guardian.

After a moment, Ash decided to choose Water Jump Fish.

Because the fin on Water Jump Fish's head is a highly sensitive radar, able to detect surroundings from water or air flow without relying on eyes.

Its function is somewhat similar to the aura he displays, so Ash chose Water Jump Fish to see how it would combine with his own aura power!

Water Jump Fish, please guide me from now on!

Ash held up Water Jump Fish.

"Clack! (≧▽≦)!" ("Great!!!")

Feeling Ash's sincere emotions, Water Jump Fish instantly grew close to him.

Pika!

Pikachu stood on Ash's shoulder and greeted Water Jump Fish!

Misty planned to travel with Ash, so she could learn more Pokémon knowledge from him.

Because nothing unexpected happened... aside from the Team Rocket Trio that followed them, Ash was already used to it!

Most importantly, Misty's bike is very safe!

The sunset fell, the evening clouds on the horizon like a splendid tapestry, weaving orange-red, pink-purple, and gold together, spilling onto Ash and Misty.

Misty pushed her bike, her face lit with a pleased smile. She occasionally turned her head to look at Ash, those bright eyes sparkling with curiosity!