Pokémon, Ash is going to become a perfect man from now on.

She's an honest girl who would never lie.

"Speaking of which, it's partly my fault... I'm sorry to have made you suffer," Ash said apologetically.

Xiaochun's kidnapping had nothing to do with Xiaozhi. It was all because her father took it upon himself to raid Lt. Surge's hometown, which led to the retaliation from Beesquie and her gang.

But since the little girl had been so frightened, Xiao Zhi couldn't just shift all the blame onto her father to absolve himself of any responsibility.

Furthermore, if he hadn't caused a scene at the research institute earlier, like a spoiled brat, Dr. Sakuragi wouldn't have willingly aligned himself with the alliance for the sake of his future.

If he hadn't gone to help research the space teleportation panel, the girl in front of him might not have encountered this undeserved disaster.

"I haven't thought about these things." Xiaochun shook her head honestly. "When I was first kidnapped, I was really scared... but after you rescued me, I feel much more at ease now. I don't know what you and my father are doing, but I guess it must be a good thing."

"Professor Sakuragi is serving the League; his research can protect more people from harm," Ash said with a weary smile.

"Is that so... But I think you're amazing too." The girl's eyes sparkled slightly as she turned to praise Ash, "I really didn't expect you to save me... The battle was fantastic, you and Pikachu were both so strong~"

"Pikachu~" Pikachu, pleased with the praise, put his hands on his hips.

Watching Ash's battles up close gives Chloe an indescribable feeling.

The tense and exciting scene is so captivating that it makes you unable to look away, and you might even temporarily forget the terrible experience you had just had. Your heart is pounding, as if crackling electric arcs are running through your body.

Xiaochun isn't a trainer and can't quite explain what that feeling was, but she just felt that Ash's battles were very exciting, and the way he and Pikachu cooperated was also very eye-catching.

She would also think of another person at the same time, and even unconsciously compare Xiaozhi to the other person.

Including the summer camp when she was a child, Haru had only met Ash three times, but each time, Ash seemed stronger and more reliable than before…

Especially this time, he was like a guardian angel who suddenly appeared, instantly dispelling all the darkness around her.

But the other one is getting worse every day.

Little Blue was right after all; once he was out of his family's help, that guy really showed his true colors...

Forget it, let's not talk about it anymore.

The two chatted as they returned to the player hall. With Ash's encouragement, Chloe's emotions gradually calmed down.

Perhaps taking into account Xiaozhi's physical condition, the organizing committee immediately arranged a draw ceremony for the semi-finals.

Xiao Shigeru drew Yuri, and their match will be held tomorrow morning.

In the afternoon, Ash will have a fierce battle with Rai!

This was undoubtedly a result that satisfied everyone, and Professor Oak was overjoyed.

If nothing unexpected happens, the two most valued talents of his will meet in the finals, which will definitely be the most glorious moment in Pallet Town in recent years!

"Hello, he might need to rest..." After the draw, Xiaochun saw Hanako and the others who had arrived and immediately awkwardly handed Xiaozhi over to them.

"I'm so sorry!" Xiaochun bowed apologetically to everyone. "It's all because of me that he ended up like this, and I almost ruined his competition..."

"It's alright, it's good that you're all safe and sound." Hanako was also worried about her children, but she couldn't show it in front of Koharu, lest the girl's emotions be stirred up again.

"Serena, you and Auntie should take Ash to rest first. I'll handle the rest." Blue winked at Serena, signaling her to help Ash leave first.

"As for you... come with me to the organizing committee first, so they can help you arrange a room."

"Huh?" Xiaochun was taken aback. "But he... uh, Xiaozhi said that my mom and dad are already on their way here..."

"Just listen to me, you're definitely not leaving today." Xiao Lan smiled mysteriously, "At least you'll be able to watch his next game."

"But I still have to go to school... Is this really okay?" Xiaochun was still not quite sure.

It would be great to see him play one more game... So, is it really possible for him to stay?

"Heh~" Little Blue chuckled confidently.

So far, this must be the most innocent girl Xiaozhi has ever flirted with.

Honest and simple-minded Xiaochun is like a blank sheet of paper, completely without guile and utterly ignorant of social etiquette.

Xiao Zhi went through so much trouble to rescue you, so it's understandable that your parents rushed over. But are they really going to just take you with them? At the very least, they should thank their savior in person.

The problem is, once Ash goes back to his room, he'll definitely fall into a deep sleep... and he'll probably sleep until Gary's match ends tomorrow.

Xiaochun's parents couldn't wake Xiaozhi up midway through the match, nor could they disturb him just before he went on stage. So, they could only wait until after the match to discuss it.

As it turns out, Blue's assessment of Ash was completely correct. As soon as he lay down on the bed, he immediately fell into a deep sleep, and the sleeping field he created even hypnotized Pikachu.

Let alone waking them up, even if lightning struck them, these two might not hear it.

Hanako, being a kind and understanding mother, decisively left, leaving Serena alone in the house to take care of her.

"Xiao Zhi..." The girl leaned against the edge of the bed, looking at the sleeping man's profile and listening to his even snoring, her pretty face inexplicably flushed slightly...

"Chaka~" But at that moment, she was caught off guard and Togepi jumped onto Ash.

"No... Togepi, you can't bother Ash!" Serena frantically leaned out...

So when Xiaolan and the others pushed open the door, what they saw was her blushing face as she 'pounced' on Xiaozhi.

"Salina...did we bother you?" Little Blue immediately winked with amusement.

"Little Blue, I didn't... I didn't! Ugh..."

Serena panicked and tried to explain, but worried about waking Ash, so she could only cover her mouth with her hands, her face and neck turning bright pink.

"It's okay if he does, he'll definitely like it, bye-bye~" Xiao Lan waved her hand with a mischievous smile, and blocked the person behind her from leaving the room.

When only the two of them were left in the room, Serena could no longer control her chaotic thoughts.

When Xiao Lan said he would definitely like it, was she referring to herself...?

Chapter 216 Pushing Down... No, not really~

Xiao Zhi had a very vivid dream.

In his dream, he returned to the time before he went on his trip, playing with Pikachu in the forest at Oak's lab every day.

But strangely enough, they weren't really playing; they were exercising together.

Pikachu diligently completed each subject, including strength, speed, and electric current intensity, while Ash occasionally offered guidance from behind. Their teamwork gradually improved from initial awkwardness to proficiency.

They seemed to have established a special connection, their breathing and heartbeats were almost perfectly synchronized!

They seem to be able to sense each other's thoughts at any time, and their understanding of the battle situation can be instantly exchanged, as if this cooperation has been honed into an instinct.

At the same time, Pikachu has become more and more proficient in its three partner moves, especially Thunder Speed, which was previously difficult to master, but has finally reached the point where it can move at will.

Finally, under Ash's expectant gaze, Pikachu transformed into lightning and soared into the sky!

Then... he woke up~

"Hmm..." "Pikachu..."

The two partners simultaneously showed expressions of speechlessness. This was too much of a rip-off! At least let them see the rest of the story!

They say that what you think about during the day, you dream about at night. Now that Pikachu's Thunder Speed ​​has been perfected, all they can think about is quickly mastering the final move, Float Fall, so that they can truly transform into their partner Pikachu.

However, they currently have no clue how to come up with this plan; they only know it can't be as simple as tying a balloon.

We still need to focus on developing attributes honestly; that's what we taught with Giant Alakazam before.

Let's start by training Pikachu in flying moves... Hmm, the flying moves it can master are...

Ash was speechless to discover that Pikachu, under normal circumstances, seemed unable to master any Flying-type moves, and could only learn to fly under very special circumstances.

So, does this mean the road is completely blocked?

"Pika..." Pikachu let out a long, half-dead sigh, clearly speechless at this discovery.

Its strength has indeed reached a bottleneck...

"Hey, Xiaozhi, you're awake?" The noise from the hospital bed startled the girl who was lost in thought, and she immediately came over with delight.

"Serena?" Ash was taken aback. "You haven't been watching over me all this time, have you?"

"I...I didn't!" Serena panicked and quickly denied it.

"Really not? Then what's with those dark circles under your eyes?" the boy thought to himself, feeling sorry for you.

Ash could roughly estimate that he would need to sleep for at least a full night, while Serena probably didn't get much rest at all last night.

"Phew...time to get up~", "Cha...Pikachu~"

After regaining their senses, the two partners got out of bed at the same time, stretched in perfect unison, let out a long sigh, and smiled at each other.

After the great battle, Ash had a wonderful dream, and he and Pikachu became even more in sync.

This must be the change that occurs after the bond reaches a new level. Now, Ash and Pikachu can understand each other even in daily life, and they can understand each other's meaning with just a glance.

They also influence each other, absorbing some of each other's traits.

Pikachu has become stronger, and Ash has become more...no, more mischievous...well, that's not quite right either~

In short, this pair of partners now dare to join forces to challenge any Heavenly King powerhouse... even if the opponent is a Ground-type!

Of course, Ash is also very self-aware. If Pikachu didn't carry the Electric Ball, they definitely wouldn't be a match for the Elite Four level.

But this also shows that they have a lot of room for growth in the future and endless possibilities!

"Well, you can have the bed now. Lie down and rest for a bit."

"Yeah!"