Ash, with his invincible physical body, wants to become a Pokémon Master...

Ash also has an Aerodactyl at the Philosopher's Gym, we can release it together sometime to see.

"But it's still a Paradox Pokémon. Looks like I can raise it along with Majestic Fang."

Winged Wing has excellent base stats and can be considered a superior alternative to Misdreavus.

"It should be an ancient species of Misdreavus." Ash picked up the Poké Ball.

"Please give me your guidance, Zhenyifa."

[Ding! Congratulations, host, you have triggered a new side quest, "The Messenger of Ancient Paradox Pokémon": Please successfully capture three Ancient Paradox Pokémon.]

[Rewards: Alliance Coins +5000; Stamina +3; Free Attribute Points +3; Ancient Return Stone of Rippling Water +1]

What is "rippling water"?

————Root Fluctuation————

After returning to the Kanto Alliance from Johto, Kikuko received a call from her daughter at home.

As expected, the face on the other end of the screen was the same casual smile that she knew so well.

"Did your mother-in-law go back to Northeast China?"

What appeared on the screen was a beautiful girl with long blue-gray hair.

"Yes, I'm back. Where have you been all this time, you silly girl?"

"Why didn't you send back any news before? You're not a child anymore, why are you still so troublesome!"

Kikuko's expression was already showing signs of anger.

But the young girl opposite her still seemed indifferent.

He still had a carefree, grinning attitude, and even dared to joke with Kikuko, who was known as a scary old woman.

"If Grandma gets angry often, she'll get more wrinkles on her face. I just caught a new Pokémon recently."

"Would you like to take a look?"

"Alright, stop fooling around, Pear Blossom!"

If someone from the Johto region were to hear the girl's name at this moment, they would be utterly astonished.

Because this is Rika, the youngest Elite Four member in the Johto region and a Dark-type Elite Four member.

"How have you thought about what I told you last time?"

"do not want!"

A very straightforward refusal; Rinka has always been like this, showing no respect for Kikuko.

"I only like people who are strong and wild, like Dark-type Pokémon."

"That Xiao Mao is younger than me, which is fine, but he's also effeminate and I hate him."

Poor Xiao Mao was rejected like that.

To be fair, Xiao Mao isn't exactly effeminate; he's just rather handsome.

"If you don't want it, then don't. It's up to you."

It was just something that Daiki mentioned casually, and she just casually agreed to ask about it when she got back.

It's quite unusual for someone with Kikuko's personality to pressure the younger generation in her family to get married.

The main problem was that Rika was too unreliable, and Kikuko thought that if she could have a reliable person to take care of her, she would feel more at ease.

Since she's unwilling, that's fine. She'll talk to Damu about it later.

"However, I did meet a pretty good guy in the Bewildering Forest this time."

"Who is it?"

Chapter 188 Chrysanthemum Leaf Makes its Debut (6K, Bonus Chapter 2)

Finally, one of the cuckoos was able to leave the Bewildering Forest.

Ash and Misty soon arrived at the largest city closest to the forest, Eastgate City.

This is a bustling, urbanized town.

Commerce is highly developed, and it is known as the eastern gateway to the city.

"East Gate City is even bigger than Hualan City!" Xiaoxia was visibly happy upon arriving in the new city.

Now she no longer has to be startled by a ghost Pokémon that suddenly appears every time she opens her eyes.

Ash was also very excited. As soon as they arrived in Eastgate Town, he grabbed Misty and headed straight for the Pokémon Center.

Go there to free lunch and Pokémon therapy.

"Long live free, right Pikachu!"

"Pickup!"

Frugality is an inherent virtue of humankind.

Xiaoxia had nothing to say about this, but Xiaozhi wasn't entirely there for the free lunch; he also had important things to do.

After lunch, they went to the switchboard on the second floor of the Pokémon Center and released the Crystal Onix.

Ash hadn't had a good opportunity to give Onix the special crystal metal film that Brock had given him before.

Now is the perfect time. Give the metal shield to your Pokémon, exchange it with Misty twice, and then release it.

This time, the metal membrane that Xiaogang carefully crafted finally succeeded in evolving Crystal Onix, after failing twice before.

It emitted a dazzling light, and the giant rock snake's body inside kept changing.

A moment later, the light faded, and a brand new Crystal Steelix appeared before Ash and his friends.

Its body is grayish-blue, its eyes are predominantly red, its tail is nail-like, and its appearance still exudes a crystal-like luster.

Ash is very satisfied that his body looks even cooler after evolving.

"Roar~" Steelix used its tail to curl up Ash, and it was very happy.

[Ding! Pulling Beads: Affection +2]

First, put it back into its Poké Ball, and then Ash will find some helpful passersby to test the Crystal Onix's strength.

They are now heading to the company's newly built headquarters in Dongmen City.

Because they needed to meet up with the trio of Kojiro, who had been waiting for them there for a long time.

Kojiro and his friends had already prepared a place for Ash to live in in Eastgate City, a detached villa with a huge yard in the suburbs.

However, when Ash and his friends arrived at the agreed location, they couldn't hold back their excitement as soon as they saw James and his two friends.

"Ahem, welcome, boss!" The trio bowed in unison in exaggerated gestures to welcome Ash.

Ash looked at the three idiots in front of him with a speechless expression, who seemed to be engaged in illegal transactions.

They are now dressed in sharp black suits, with their hair slicked back and wearing sunglasses.

"Is this some kind of spy drama?" Xiao Zhi barely suppressed the urge to complain.

Why are you three dressed like that?!

“This looks cooler,” Kojiro said.

"Besides, we feel uneasy carrying a large amount of cash like this now."

These three guys were called over by Ash because Kojiro failed his professor exam.

After consulting with Ash, Sundae was entrusted with the task of managing the group's business in the Johto region.

They will be in charge of expanding the group's business here from now on.

"Boss, the company's losses have now been completely covered, and cash flow is back on track. We finally have the resources to open a branch in the capital!"

Being in charge of an entire region is a much bigger job in the Rockets than being a division head in charge of a city.

At least at the highest management level, a promotion and a raise feel amazing!

Now Kojiro and his friends are eager to make a name for themselves.

"Meow, this is a vast blue ocean for us, boss!" Meow handed the suitcase to Ash.

This is the money the trio had left over after setting up the basic assets for the branch company here.

As the dividends from the group company to the chairman, they need to be personally handed over to Xiaozhi for safekeeping.

Xiao Zhi took a look and found that there were still 50 million Alliance Coins left.

It seems that Kojiro and his friends haven't squandered the money, and the company is truly back on track, unlike last time when Ash had to personally subsidize the company's operations.

Anyway, Ash entrusted the matter of opening a branch company entirely to Kojiro and the others. When it comes to business, the trio of idiots are still a bit better than Ash.

However, since it is a new region, the challenges are considerable.

Ash's smooth development in the Kanto Red Group was mainly due to his good relationship with several influential local Gym Leaders, who brought their family influence into the group.

However, this advantage does not exist in the Johto region.

"Have you figured out how to establish a foothold in the Johto region?"

"Don't worry, boss, we've already thought it through." Musashi took out a thick plan and showed it to Ash.

"You want to hold a Pokémon exhibition match in Eastgate City, sponsored by the Red Company?"

"Yes, Pokémon shows are very popular in Dongmen City."

Ash knew this, and even Eastgate City initially developed based on Pokémon performances, and it is still frequently used as the venue for Pokémon Coordinator Tournaments.

The city also has a strong tradition of street Pokémon performances.

Nothing in this world is more captivating than Pokémon, and the Red Corporation's main business is almost entirely related to Pokémon.

Things like evolution items, Poké Balls, and healing items.

Of course, the group's most profitable project is still Pokémon merchandise. These kinds of products are really profitable as long as the brand is established.

"And we have another request, which is to ask if we can borrow your Suicune, boss."

"Suijun?"