"Match grand prize?" ×2
Misty and Brock looked at each other in confusion, not understanding what Ash meant.
"It was an event held by the Pokémon League tournament a few years ago!" Red explained helplessly. "These officially co-branded caps were limited to just one hundred. The way to get one was by mailing in a postcard."
"Oh right, I remember now!" Brock said as realization dawned on him.
"That thing? I mailed one too back then. How come I didn't get one?" Misty asked, puzzled.
"Of course you didn't. Back then, Ash sent hundreds of postcards to the Pokémon League. Luckily I found out in time and gave him a good beating. Going that overboard just for a co-branded cap—well, that's Ash for you~" Red said casually.
"Hundreds of postcards… Ash really is persistent…" Misty said speechlessly.
"I get it. Men can really burn with passion over things like that!" Brock nodded in agreement, clearly admiring Ash's dedication.
"So Red, did you also send a lot of postcards before you got the League cap for Ash?" Misty asked.
"Not really. I only sent one postcard, and then I made a phone call to 'remind' the event organizers. They obediently mailed one over," Red replied.
"Having status and connections really is convenient…" Misty complained.
"So that's the whole story behind the cap Ash wears," Brock said.
"Bang—"
Ash, trying once again to snatch his cap back, was easily knocked unconscious by Primeape.
"If you don't capture Primeape through a proper Pokémon battle, there's no way you're getting your cap back!" Red reminded him, speechless that Ash thought he could fight Primeape with his bare body. It wasn't like his physical potential had been fully developed yet.
"In that case—Pidgeotto, I choose you!"
Ash threw a Poké Ball, sending out the Flying-type Pidgeotto to counter Primeape.
"Wow, Ash actually understands type advantages now!" Misty exclaimed.
"I think his real strategy is to have Pidgeotto grab the cap off Primeape's head!" Brock offered his interpretation.
Sure enough, Ash ordered Pidgeotto to retrieve the cap rather than battle Primeape.
"Ash, didn't you teach Pidgeotto Wing Attack?" Red asked curiously.
"Wing Attack? Pidgeotto can learn that?"
Ash looked confused. What move was that? Could Pidgeotto really learn it?
"Never mind. Forget I said anything…"
Red fell silent for a moment before ultimately giving up on the idea of "fixing" Ash.
Primeape clearly possessed exceptional fighting talent. It showed no panic at Pidgeotto's appearance. Just as Pidgeotto swooped in, Primeape used the stone pillars as leverage, leapt up, grabbed Pidgeotto's wings, and viciously executed Seismic Toss.
"Pid—!"
Seeing Pidgeotto about to hit the ground, Ash quickly recalled it with its Poké Ball to prevent injury.
"Looks like I'll have to go all out!" Ash declared firmly, ready for a real showdown. "Primeape, I'm definitely going to capture you!"
"Go, Squirtle! Use Water Gun to cool Primeape's head down!"
Ash sent out Squirtle.
Squirtle opened its mouth and fired Water Gun, striking Primeape's head. But the enraged Primeape saw it as humiliation. Its entire face flushed red with anger, and it even evaporated the remaining water blast.
"Squirtle, come back. Go, Bulbasaur—use Razor Leaf!"
Ash switched Pokémon, ordering Bulbasaur to unleash Razor Leaf.
Countless leaves shot out from Bulbasaur's body, but Primeape easily shredded them with Fury Swipes. The leaves fluttered uselessly to the ground.
"Bulbasaur, return! It's all up to you now, Charmander!"
Charmander appeared and immediately used Flamethrower, but Primeape nimbly dodged. It then charged forward, fists flying in a flurry of relentless punches.
Under the continuous assault, Charmander grew furious. The flame on its tail blazed intensely, clearly activating its Blaze Ability.
"Ash, this is the perfect chance to decide it! Hurry and have Charmander use Flamethrower!" Red reminded him.
"Charmander, use Flamethrower!" Ash shouted.
A blazing torrent erupted from Charmander's mouth, forming a pillar of fire that engulfed Primeape.
"Pika, Pika!"
Seeing this, Pikachu ran forward—not to help Primeape, but to rescue the cap from its head. It was Ash's treasured hat, and Pikachu didn't want him to be sad.
When the flames cleared, Primeape stood charred and smoking. It tried to struggle, but its eyes spun in circles as it collapsed.
(Hmph! You little punk, after hitting me for so long, you still ended up beaten by me. I'm the best!)
Charmander planted its hands on its hips, chin raised proudly at the defeated Primeape, its face full of smug triumph.
"Well done, Charmander—and Pikachu! Now it's my turn!"
Ash threw the Poké Ball he had prepared. "Go, Poké Ball!"
The ball struck Primeape and turned it into a beam of red light, drawing it inside. The Poké Ball shook violently.
Ash stared tensely at the shaking ball, afraid Primeape might break free.
Suddenly, it stopped moving. Just as Ash began to celebrate, the Poké Ball shook violently again. Fortunately, it finally went still and emitted a clear "ding" sound of capture.
"Hehehe… Primeape, I've captured you!"
Ash held up the Poké Ball proudly, sharing his excitement with his friends.
"Congratulations, Ash. After Butterfree's departure, your team is finally complete again!" Red congratulated him.
"It's all thanks to you, brother!" Ash said modestly. Without Red's help, he might not have been able to capture such a naturally gifted Primeape.
"Come on out, Primeape! Say hello to everyone!"
Excited, Ash immediately released Primeape and reached out to pat its head—only for Primeape to punch him square in the eye without mercy.
"Primeape, that's quite a unique way of greeting someone…" Ash complained, rubbing his aching eye.
"Looks like you two are getting along great!" Misty teased.
"Let's get moving. Maybe we'll reach Celadon City in less than a day!" Red said.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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