Chapter 285: A New Beginning!
After saying goodbye to Seiko and Sorrel, Ash did not rush back to Pallet Town, but instead went to Pewter City to check on Brock's situation. After agreeing to meet again in the Hoenn region, he headed straight to Cerulean Gym to find Misty. At Cerulean Gym, Ash also met Lorelei. After staying for three days, Ash said goodbye to the reluctant Misty and returned to Pallet Town.
Misty had to manage the Gym and also receive guidance from Lorelei, so it was impossible for her to go out on a journey, though she could occasionally take a few days off.
After spending a few days with his mother, Delia, in Pallet Town, Ash set out on his journey to Littleroot Town.
Just like when he went to the Johto region, apart from Pikachu and Eevee, he only brought Sharpedo and Jigglypuff; the rest were all sent to grind in the Viridian Forest dungeon.
As for those old Pokémon that had finished grinding in the Viridian Forest dungeon, under Ash's arrangement, they started an internal ranking tournament. Those with high rankings would have the opportunity to participate in the next major tournament, while those with low rankings not only had no chance to participate but also had to undergo extra training.
The person presiding over the ranking tournament was the great strategist, Noctowl.
After a day and a night of sailing, the passenger ship from Binu Port was finally about to arrive at its destination.
Ash excitedly said to Pikachu and Eevee, "Pikachu, Eevee, a new journey is about to begin!"
"Pika (Eevee)!"
Pikachu and Eevee also showed excited expressions.
"Ding, detected that the host has set foot in a new region. Main quest unlocked: Capture and cultivate a team of non-legendary Pokémon with a minimum Elite level in the Hoenn region. Quest reward: Unknown. (Note: The quest reward will be determined based on the quality and level of the team.)"
Before Ash even got off the ship, the system's notification sound rang in his mind.
The difficulty of the task was not particularly high, but he would have to put some thought into it if he wanted to obtain high-quality rewards.
Meanwhile, in the forest near Littleroot Town.
A girl wearing red clothes was riding a red bicycle, weaving through the forest.
This girl was none other than May, who would be known as the Hoenn Dancer in the future.
It was just that she was currently on her way to the Professor Birch's Laboratory to obtain her starter Pokémon.
Furthermore, she didn't have a practical goal right now; she just simply wanted to leave home and travel everywhere to see new things.
Just as she was fantasizing about being able to travel everywhere after becoming a Pokémon Trainer, a Duskull suddenly appeared beside her and stared intently at her.
The moment she saw the Duskull, May panicked. She was actually very afraid of Pokémon.
Because when she was swimming in the sea as a child, a large number of wild Tentacool suddenly appeared, and her swimsuit at that time was also blue. In her panic, she cried out to her parents for help, but they were treated as Tentacool to be captured by Poké Balls. Since then, May had developed a fearful psychology towards Pokémon and Pokémon Trainers.
In a flurry of confusion, May completed the achievement of 'head-braking' with the help of a tree.
Seeing that May was scared into hitting a tree by him, the Duskull felt satisfied and flew away into the forest with a smile.
... On the deck of the ship.
The Team Rocket Trio, who had stowed away on the ship, were looking out at the port in the distance. They actually didn't know yet what destination Ash was heading to.
Just then, the ship's broadcast sounded: "This ship is about to arrive at the final stop, Littleroot Town Port!"
"Littleroot Town?"
Listening to the familiar place name that he couldn't quite remember where he had heard it, a hint of confusion appeared in James's eyes.
"A town not rendered by any color; so this ship was heading to the Hoenn region... Oh, after that, I don't know what color I was dyed with..."
Unlike the confusion of James and Meowth, Jessie seemed to be lost in some memory.
"What is it, Meowth?"
"Jessie, you've been here before, right?"
Meowth and James looked at Jessie in confusion.
However, Jessie remained immersed in her own memories, unable to extricate herself: "Is it really okay, just like this..."
... Once off the ship, Ash saw Professor Birch driving a large jeep.
Seeing Ash, Professor Birch greeted him very enthusiastically: "Ash, I've finally waited for you to arrive!"
In order to pick up Ash at the first opportunity and learn about the Mega Evolution of the Hoenn starter Pokémon, Professor Birch had even abandoned his field research plan.
Facing Professor Birch's enthusiasm, Ash was also very helpless, "Uh... Professor Birch, hello!"
"Ash, do you have any important arrangements next? If not, I'll take you back to the research institute first."
Professor Birch said he was looking at Ash's arrangements, but in reality, he was pushing Ash into his large jeep.
"Today is a good day. I have a friend's daughter who is also debuting as a new Trainer today..."
Ash knew who Professor Birch was talking about, and he was quite looking forward to meeting this future partner.
Seeing that Ash indeed had nothing else to do, Professor Birch floored it and drove towards the research institute.
Seeing Professor Birch's driving skills, Ash also confirmed one thing: these researchers really pay attention to speed.
Even with just Professor Birch driving, he could speed.
Most importantly, he wasn't driving on the main road, but taking a shortcut through the forest.
The strong sense of push-back made Ash think of a certain Eurobeat BGM.
And Pikachu and Eevee were full of excitement.
Ten minutes later.
After a handsome tail-flick drift by Professor Birch, the large jeep stopped steadily at the entrance of the research institute.
Seeing Professor Birch return, his assistant ran out of the institute in a panic: "Doctor, you've finally returned. Just a moment ago, that Skitty that was receiving treatment ran out."
Professor Birch looked surprised, "What?"
"I just answered a call from Gym Leader Senri, and when I came back, I found the Skitty was gone, and the laboratory window had also been opened..."
"Doctor, is that Skitty your recent research topic?" Ash asked suspiciously.
"No, that was sent by Ms. Nurse Joy from Petalburg City for treatment..."
Professor Birch suddenly remembered Ash's strength and asked: "By the way, Ash, can I trouble you to help find it?"
"No problem!"
After Ash glanced at the photo of the Skitty they were looking for, he ran into the forest.
Professor Birch picked up the Pokémon he had left for the new Trainer from the table and also walked into the forest.
As for his assistant, he was left behind to watch the house.
Not long after the two left, May, riding her bicycle, arrived at the entrance of the research institute.
"Are you May?"
"Yes, where is Professor Birch?"
"Uh... The doctor is in the back mountain looking for the lost Skitty. The doctor asked me to invite you to wait for him at the institute."
"Then I'll go find him myself!"
May didn't like waiting.
Meanwhile, Professor Birch, who was focused on looking for the Skitty, lost his footing and slid down a nearly two-meter-high hillside.
A Poochyena resting at the bottom of the slope, although not hit by him, was still quite frightened by the sudden arrival of a person.
"Awooo～" The Poochyena let out a long howl at the sky.
A moment later, two more came.
"Chi chi～" The three Poochyena stared at him with bared teeth.
Knowing that the Poochyena were angry, Professor Birch wanted to take out a Poké Ball to get rid of the trouble, but after feeling around, he realized his bag had fallen on the hillside.
In his desperation, he climbed up a nearby tree using his hands and feet.
But the Poochyena did not let him go just like that.
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