After successfully catching Houndour, Ash's team had officially exceeded the normal roster limit.
His current lineup consisted of Pikachu, Bayleef, two Cyndaquil, Ponyta, Slowpoke, and the newly joined Houndour.
After some consideration, Ash sent Slowpoke back to Professor Oak's Laboratory from the Pokémon Center.
Through his Aura abilities, he had long since sensed that this Slowpoke was not only quite powerful but also exceptionally intelligent among its species, so there was little need to worry about it.
Watching both Ash and Brock gain new partners during their journey, Misty couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.
As the only member of the trio who hadn't caught a new Pokémon, she secretly resolved to capture one of her own.
At her insistence, the group headed to a clear riverside, intending to try their luck fishing for Water-type Pokémon.
Both Ash and Misty brought specially made bait, which left Misty brimming with confidence about the fishing trip.
"Say, Misty, does that special bait of yours actually work?"
Ash watched her busily mixing ingredients and couldn't help asking.
Misty immediately shot him an annoyed look.
"Ash, are you questioning the skills of Cerulean Gym's genius angler? This is my special Misty No. 1 Bait! It's guaranteed to attract rare Water-type Pokémon!"
"If you end up catching absolutely nothing, somebody's face is going to get slapped pretty hard."
Ash teased.
"What exactly is that supposed to mean?"
"It means bragging too much tends to come back and bite you."
"Ash! You're not allowed to say that about me!"
Despite their constant bickering, the two sat side by side along the riverbank and began fishing.
Time slowly passed.
Neither fishing rod showed any sign of movement.
"Misty, it's one thing if I can't catch anything, but aren't you supposed to be a fishing expert? How come you haven't caught anything either?"
Ash couldn't resist teasing her again.
Misty's face reddened slightly, but she maintained a composed expression.
"Patience is the most important part of fishing! By the way, Ash, what Pokémon would you most like to catch?"
"If I could catch a Shellder, that would be great. Then Slowpoke could evolve in the future."
"If it's a Shellder you're after, I could just ask my sisters to send one over from Cerulean Gym. Why bother catching one yourself?"
"Because catching it myself would feel more rewarding."
Ash smiled as he looked at her.
"Speaking of which, have you ever considered evolving your Staryu? If it evolves into Starmie, its strength should improve quite a bit."
Ash had long noticed the special bond between Misty and her Staryu.
He had even exchanged for a Water Stone through the System and had been waiting for the right opportunity to give it to her.
Just as Misty was about to answer, her fishing rod suddenly jerked violently.
Excited, she pulled with all her strength.
The result?
An old, battered kettle emerged from the water.
"Seriously? Who has so little respect for the environment?!"
Misty angrily tossed the kettle aside, her cheeks turning slightly red from embarrassment.
Seeing her reaction, Ash couldn't help laughing.
Just then, Ash's fishing rod suddenly jerked violently.
"Something big took the bait!"
Ash immediately tightened his grip on the rod, feeling an enormous force pulling from the other end.
Quietly, he channeled his Aura to enhance his own strength.
After a fierce struggle, a blue crocodile-like Pokémon was finally pulled from the water.
It was none other than Totodile, one of Johto's starter Pokémon.
This Totodile was especially lively. The moment it landed on shore, it began performing its signature dance, moving nimbly along the riverbank and displaying a unique energy unlike any ordinary Pokémon.
"No way! Ash, your luck is unbelievable!"
Misty looked at the cheerful Totodile with envy.
"You actually managed to fish up a Totodile!"
"I have your special bait to thank for that."
Ash winked at her before sending out Bayleef.
"Bayleef, I choose you!"
He wanted to personally verify whether this Totodile was truly as agile as his Aura senses had suggested.
"Bayleef, use Razor Leaf!"
Bayleef swung the leaf atop its head, sending countless sharp leaves flying toward Totodile.
However, Totodile danced gracefully across the ground, effortlessly dodging every single attack.
"Just as I thought, you're something special."
Ash nodded in appreciation.
"Bayleef, use Sweet Scent and limit its movements!"
A purple fragrance spread through the air.
Totodile's movements immediately became sluggish, no longer as nimble as before.
"Now's my chance, Lure Ball!"
Ash accurately threw a specially designed Lure Ball, a Poké Ball created specifically for catching Water-type Pokémon.
The ball shook several times.
Then it finally became still.
"Alright! I caught Totodile!"
"Pikaaa Chu!"
Pikachu happily jumped onto Ash's shoulder.
"Bay!"
Bayleef cried out cheerfully as well.
...
During the training sessions that followed, Misty's Poliwag successfully evolved into Poliwhirl.
Its tail disappeared, and it grew strong, muscular limbs. Combined with its large eyes, it looked both powerful and adorable.
"Poliwhirl looks amazing!"
Misty happily hugged it.
"These muscles feel so nice and firm!"
"Congratulations, Misty."
Ash walked over and took out a blue stone that shimmered with a gentle glow.
"This is a Water Stone. I happened to obtain it by chance. Whether it's your Staryu or your Poliwhirl, it'll be useful when the time comes for them to evolve."
Misty accepted the Water Stone in surprise.
A faint blush appeared on her face.
"Thank you, Ash..."
"I really like this gift."
She spoke softly, her eyes shining with gratitude.
The golden light of the setting sun reflected across the river, stretching their shadows across the ground.
Watching Misty carefully put away the Water Stone, Ash felt a warm feeling rise within him.
New partners.
New bonds.
And their adventure continued onward.
The final member of the Johto starter trio, Totodile, has officially joined the team.
Totodile immediately started dancing for everyone. Welcome the little guy with a round of applause!
...
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