The investigation into the Rotom Pokédex would have to wait until the ranking finished. Currently, in the imagery—
Having received his new Rotom Phone, Ash headed into the city to investigate, with Chloe following along since it was a school holiday.
After a series of twists and turns, the duo discovered the reason for the mass gathering of Ivysaur: they were about to evolve!
The Ivysaur gathered at a construction site for a new Pokémon Gym, climbing to the rooftop to bathe in the sunlight and prepare for their transformation. Seeing this, Ash couldn't help but reminisce.
"You know, I've seen a mass evolution of Ivysaur once before on my travels. It was at a place called the Mysterious Garden. Back then, my Bulbasaur was supposed to evolve too, but he refused!"
Chloe was shocked. "Eh? Don't Pokémon only get stronger after they evolve? Is it really okay not to?"
"It's fine! I respect my Pokémon's wishes. Not just Bulbasaur—I have many partners who chose not to evolve.
But Bulbasaur is incredibly strong! Now, he manages Professor Oak's backyard so well that even Charizard has to listen to him!"
Professor Oak's Backyard: Bulbasaur, hearing Ash's words in the imagery, had stars in his eyes. So he would be that strong in the future? Even the "Big Brother" Charizard would have to follow his lead! This solidified his resolve—evolution was overrated anyway; you just get big and grumpy.
In the Footage—
As Ash regaled Chloe with tales from his travels across seven regions, the Ivysaur began to glow. But just as the evolution peaked, a massive net descended, capturing them all!
"Who would do something so cruel?!" Chloe shouted at the sky.
"Since you've asked so sincerely!" "We shall answer you with all our mercy!"
The classic motto echoed as the Team Rocket Trio appeared in their Meowth-shaped balloon. "Long time no see, brat!"
"You guys really are like ghosts that won't go away!" Ash sighed. He felt like something had been missing lately—now he knew it was the familiar scent of Team Rocket trouble.
"Pikachu, use Iron Tail!" With a metallic gleam, Pikachu sliced through the net, freeing the Ivysaur. Enraged, Team Rocket landed and pulled out their latest secret weapon: a Gacha Machine from HQ. Out popped a Gyarados and a Tyranitar!
The audience gasped. A late-bloomer Pseudo-Legendary and a fierce Gyarados? Team Rocket was actually putting in a budget this time! However, against a "Champion-level" Pikachu, they were still struggling.
Chloe watched, mesmerized by Pikachu's power and Ash's command. This is Ash's true strength... the Pikachu that defeats gods!
Seeing they were losing, Team Rocket ordered their Pokémon to attack the helpless Ivysaur.
Pikachu selflessly dove in front of the Aqua Tail and Stone Edge attacks! He blocked them all, but was left heavily bruised and exhausted.
[Lance: Finally, they're acting like real villains! Is Team Rocket no longer just comic relief on Ash's path to the Masters Eight?]
[Leon: That's a 'Level 5' Pikachu for sure! To tank a STAB Stone Edge and Aqua Tail and still stand... I'm getting more excited for my match with Ash!]
In the Footage—
Pikachu was severely injured, and Ash's other heavy hitters were back at Oak's lab or in Alola with Kukui. Sensing the crisis, the Ivysaur collective charged up! A barrage of Solar Beam hit the Tyranitar and Gyarados.
But these "Gacha" Pokémon were high-level. Despite the type disadvantage, Tyranitar didn't fall. Jessie and James furiously ordered a counter-attack: Hyper Beam!
Chloe trembled. The golden light of the Hyper Beam triggered her trauma—the memory of being attacked and abandoned by Goh. Will Ash run? Will he leave me like Goh did?
Instead, Ash stepped directly in front of the Ivysaur, arms spread wide. "I won't let you hurt them!" "Pika!" The battered Pikachu stood beside him, refusing to yield.
[Bruno: Woah! A classic Ash moment!]
[Sabrina: Ash is still Ash. He hasn't changed a bit.]
[Erika: He protects them with his own body... it never gets old.]
In the Footage—
Chloe stared at Ash's back. He hadn't run. He was shielding them with his own flesh and blood! "Comparing you to Goh... I was so stupid," she whispered.
The two were opposites: one lived only for himself, while the other risked everything for others.
Her fear of Pokémon began to melt. She realized she never hated Pokémon—she hated the coldness of people. Ash had shown her that even with nothing in your hands, you can stand up to protect others.
"Pikachu, 10,000 Volts!!" Pikachu's power surged, doubling in intensity and overpowering the two Hyper Beams, sending Team Rocket blasting off again!
Once the dust settled, the Ivysaur finally evolved into Venusaur. Chloe and Ash returned to the lab, where Chloe made a sudden announcement. "Dad, next time Ash has a mission, let me go with him!"
"Eh? But Chloe, you..." Cerise was stunned. "Because today, Ash showed me so many wonderful things! I want to understand Pokémon better. After all... I am the Professor's daughter!"
Chloe had finally embraced the identity she once hated. She wanted to be like Ash—brave enough to face the world instead of running.
"That's great, Chloe! We're partners now!" Ash cheered. "Mhm~"
[Professor Cerise: I'm crying! My daughter is finally back to her old self! Ash, I officially approve of this marriage!]
[Chloe: ??? DAD!!]
In the real world, Chloe's classmates were giving her suggestive looks, making her face turn beet-red.
In the Footage—
Ash took his new partner Chloe to meet his old friends in Kanto: Ritchie, Lt. Surge, Sabrina, and... Misty. When Misty saw Ash with Chloe, her eyes narrowed.
The Misty in the footage had matured—wearing her gym leader swimsuit, she looked exceptionally charming and beautiful, but her gaze was sharp as she sized up Ash's "new partner."
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