After leaving Vermilion City, Ash and his group traveled along the coastline and arrived at another bustling harbor. Moored at the docks was an enormous, extravagantly luxurious cruise liner—the S.S. Anne.
"Wow! That ship is huge!" Misty exclaimed in awe.
"This is the famous S.S. Anne. I heard they're hosting a lavish party for Pokémon Trainers onboard!" Brock said, his eyes gleaming as he read the brochure.
The three of them were filled with longing for everything the ship promised—but the moment they saw the exorbitant ticket price, it was like being splashed with cold water.
"So expensive… there's no way we can afford that," Misty said dejectedly.
Just as they were hanging their heads in disappointment, two beautifully dressed, sweet-smiling "party girls" walked over to them.
Ash's wave-guiding aura instantly picked up on two approaching energy signatures that carried obvious malice and cunning.
"You three look like very promising Trainers! We just happen to have a few extra invitation tickets. How about joining the Pokémon Trainer party happening onboard?"
(Jessie in disguise)
"That's right, that's right—don't miss out on such a great opportunity!"
(James in disguise)
Ash immediately understood Team Rocket's plan—to gather Trainers onto the ship and capture them all in one fell swoop. He sneered inwardly, but put on a delighted expression, subtly signaling Misty and Brock with his eyes. Though they didn't quite understand, they trusted him and played along, putting on happy looks.
"Really? Thank you so much! We were just hoping to check it out!" Ash said cheerfully as he accepted the invitations. He decided to go along with their scheme and board the ship—after all, this would be the perfect chance to see what Team Rocket was planning and take them down all at once.
Sure enough, a grand party was underway onboard. Fine food, lively music, and Trainers with all kinds of Pokémon filled the ship, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Ash was soon swept up in it and engaged in a Pokémon battle with a refined gentleman.
"Go, Butterfree!"
"My partner Rattata—let's go!"
Ash commanded Butterfree, using its aerial advantage and powder moves to cleverly defeat the gentleman's Rattata.
"What a splendid battle," the gentleman praised. "Your Butterfree is exceptionally well trained—its eyes are full of spirit. I like it very much." He paused, then made a suggestion. "Would you be willing to part with it? I'd be happy to trade my Rattata for it."
A trade? Ash froze for a moment, then his expression turned serious. He shook his head without hesitation and replied firmly, "I'm sorry, sir. Butterfree is an important partner of mine—a family member who's been with me since it was a Caterpie. It's irreplaceable to me. I will never trade it."
The gentleman was momentarily taken aback, but when he saw the unwavering resolve in Ash's eyes, he instead smiled in admiration. "I was presumptuous. You're right—such a deep bond shouldn't be measured by exchange. That was my rudeness. Please forgive me."
Ash nodded and recalled Butterfree, his understanding of the weight of his bond with his Pokémon growing even clearer.
Meanwhile, in a corner of the ship, the disguised James was conned by a crafty fish-market vendor, spending most of Team Rocket's operation funds on a Magikarp that was said to have limitless potential—but in reality could only use Splash.
When the party atmosphere reached its peak, a sudden change occurred!
Large numbers of Team Rocket members in uniformed "R" outfits burst onto the scene, sealing off the venue!
"Nobody move! Hand over all your Poké Balls!" shouted the leading officer.
"It's a Team Rocket plot!" Ash reacted instantly, shouting, "Everyone, don't panic! Stick together and drive them out!"
Encouraged by Ash, the Trainers present rallied their courage and released their Pokémon. Ash also sent out Butterfree, Pikachu, and the rest of his partners without hesitation, joining the fight against Team Rocket.
"Butterfree, Sleep Powder!"
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
"Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf!"
"Squirtle, Water Gun!"
"Charmander, Flamethrower!"
"Pidgeotto, Gust!"
With everyone fighting together, Team Rocket's scheme was foiled once again. Their members were beaten back one after another, fleeing in utter disgrace.
However, an even greater crisis was yet to come.
While sailing, the S.S. Anne encountered a violent storm. The ship's hull, already severely damaged by the storm and collateral from the earlier battle, began taking on water and faced the danger of sinking!
The captain organized an emergency evacuation, directing passengers to board the lifeboats.
But amid the chaos, the exhausted Ash, Misty, and Brock—and even the Team Rocket trio, equally dejected after their plan failed and their funds were drained—each collapsed into unconsciousness in different corners of the ship, either from fatigue or a lapse in focus, missing the chance to board the lifeboats in time.
Raging seawater poured into the ship's interior. The massive S.S. Anne, carrying the six unconscious figures, slowly sank into the dark depths of the ocean…
[Ding! Host firmly upheld his bond with his Pokémon and refused to trade Butterfree. His state of mind has been tempered. Reward: 200 World Points.]
[Ding! Host exposed and thwarted Team Rocket's large-scale plundering scheme, protecting numerous Trainers and Pokémon. Reward: 500 World Points.]
[Current World Points: 8500]
(Note: This reward is settled before the shipwreck incident.)
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