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

Ash led everyone to the lame dog's place, and from a distance they saw Litten sparring with Lycanroc and Infernape.

"Meow?" Seeing that Ash had brought so many people, Tiny was taken aback.

"I've brought everyone here to visit the long-haired dog. How has he been lately?" Ash asked with a smile.

"Meow!" The Fiery Cat immediately perked up and happily introduced it to Ash.

The long-haired dog is doing very well. Thanks to Ash's help and Mallow's meticulous care, it is now full of energy and has a strong voice. It can even personally guide the Fiery Cat in training its Intimidate ability.

Especially today, it had a huge appetite, eating the equivalent of two meals in one sitting, and is now taking a comfortable nap…

"Meow..." The hot cat's voice grew softer and softer as it spoke, finally realizing why Ash had suddenly come over and brought so many people with him!

Back to the Past…

"Firecat, come with me to see it." Ash didn't say much, but gently hugged Firecat in his arms.

The long-haired dog had actually been awake the whole time. When Ash led people into its little house, it opened its eyes while lying on the sofa.

"Woof~" Knowing that Ash had come specifically to see him off, the long-haired dog couldn't help but let out a whimper of self-reproach and gratitude.

Xiao Zhi has already done so much for it, and it really doesn't want to trouble the other party anymore.

But it can also understand that the other party truly respects it as an elder and would definitely want to see it off on its final journey.

"Meow..." "Woof!"

The hot cat let out a mournful whimper, but it was immediately interrupted by the long-haired dog.

“Indeed, this is not a sad thing.” Kukui seemed to understand what the long-haired dog meant and gently comforted everyone.

The long-haired dog of today is no longer the weak and frail dog it once was; even on its deathbed, it still exudes a powerful aura.

To die peacefully in one's old age is something many humans wouldn't even dare to hope for, so there's really no need to be overly sad.

"Is there anything else you need me to do? I will do my best to fulfill it," Xiao Zhi asked respectfully.

"Woo..." The long-haired dog shook its head with a laugh, but finally glanced at the hot cat.

That gaze held endless expectation…

"Meow?!" Just as the hot cat got closer, the long-haired dog suddenly raised its front paw and slapped the cat on the back of the head as a form of punishment.

The sudden reprimand was clearly not what the old man expected, as Hot Cat's recent progress in cultivation was not satisfactory.

Number one in the universe, the strongest Bug-type, the all-around support... With so many titles, it's clear how much Ash expects from Litten.

But even after evolving for so long, it still can't master a simple U-turn.

Even the long-haired dog knew that it was dragging down the hot cat.

If the other person's mind is focused on themselves and they cannot often cooperate with their companions, their cultivation progress will naturally fall behind.

However, this shouldn't happen again in the future.

It has confidence in Litten; as long as it stays by Ash's side, the little guy has a bright future!

Of course, to put it another way, Hot Cat doesn't really need to become that strong... The most important thing is to live a peaceful and happy life.

As his life was drawing to a close, the long-haired dog entrusted both of his hopes to Ash.

"I will take good care of it from now on," Xiao Zhi solemnly promised.

He doesn't need to say much; his actions will prove everything.

"Woof~" The long-haired dog was also satisfied with this answer. It started by looking around at everyone in the room, starting with Ash, and finally fixed its increasingly cloudy gaze on the Fiery Cat, as if trying to see the little guy's future clearly.

Finally, seemingly unable to resist the onslaught of 'drowsiness,' it slowly and reluctantly closed its eyes...

The long-haired dog is gone.

On such a sunny day, may he depart in the most peaceful and serene manner.

It was more like it was asleep, lying peacefully on that old sofa. Its body still seemed to serve as a haven, allowing the hot cat to snuggle and sleep soundly in its warm, soft fur...

Several sentimental girls' eyes reddened on the same occasion, especially Mao, whose tears flowed uncontrollably. She could only cover her mouth tightly to prevent her sobs from disturbing Hot Cat's farewell.

She has cared for the long-haired dog the longest and has also experienced the loss of her closest relatives. Even though Kukui said it shouldn't be a sad thing, she still finds it hard to let go.

After remaining silent for a while, Xiao Zhi knelt down on one knee and bowed in the direction of the long-haired dog.

This is a farewell to an elder, and also a tribute offered in the capacity of the god of time.

What passed away before him was a great life.

Ash has many ways to prevent the death of the shaggy dog: life force, the power of time, or even reviving it on the spot!

However, the long-haired dogs all refused.

It chose to face its own end, relying on its own will to reach the end of its life... This courage and magnanimity have long surpassed death.

Even if Ash is a god, he has no right to decide its fate!

"Meow... Meow!" After a moment of silent mourning, Hot Cat got up from the long-haired dog's arms, having said goodbye to its elder.

It looked back at Ash, its eyes less confused and worried, and more filled with a burning determination!

It will become a powerful Pokémon, and the long-haired dog in heaven will surely be pleased!

"Then it's settled~" Ash smiled and patted Litten's head. "You'll have more challenges to overcome, and the journey ahead will be your chance to show your skills!"

He was saying these words to Hot Cat, but also to his companions.

"It's time for us to set off. After heading to Sinnoh again, I'll start challenging gyms, participating in the League Conference... until I become the champion of that land!!"

Chapter 1203 Return to Sinnoh, Old Friends in the Great Wetlands

Sinnoh region.

By returning via the ring, Ash set his destination as Marsh City in the southern part of Sinnoh.

However, before entering the city, they first visited the famous scenic spot of the wetlands.

This area features vast swamps, a haven for many Water and Grass-type Pokémon. Sinnoh's Safari Zone is also located here, and trainers frequently come to explore and capture Pokémon.

"A huge wetland... It's said that this place used to be part of the ocean, and the swamp was left behind after the sea receded." Xiao Gang flipped through the guidebook while smiling at his partner beside him. "Also... Bad Frog, this should be your hometown, right? Aren't you feeling excited now?"

The only recorded distribution of the Bad Frog in the Sinnoh wild is in the Great Wetlands, where Brock's Bad Frog was originally born, but later wandered to other places.

"Croak~" The naughty frog rolled its eyes at Xiao Gang expressionlessly... It had absolutely no interest in its hometown or anything like that.

Now, there's only one thing that can attract it...

"You... never mind." Xiao Gang, having made a fool of himself, had no choice but to let the reclusive guy be. He then turned to Zhi Guang and the other two and asked, "What are we doing here? You two aren't planning to go into the hunting area to catch Pokémon, are you?"

"It's not exactly catching him, it's just that an old friend of mine is here, so I had to come over," Ash explained, glancing lightly at the girl beside him.

Ever since she learned that someone had been settled in the wetlands, she has been unable to suppress her anticipation and couldn't wait to meet them!

The three of them walked along the path through the wetlands. On such muddy surfaces, the Moon Bear was naturally the best choice for their vehicle.

Wherever the massive bear paws pass, even the most treacherous roads will become smooth.

To make things easier for Brock... and also to let his other partner have some fun in the wetlands, Ash specially sent out a Slug.

Seeing its favorite wetland environment, the snail dragon's face was full of joy... If it weren't for Uncle Gang carrying it on its back, it would have rolled around in its shell to show off!

The three of them continued sightseeing and soon arrived at the center of the great wetlands.

A clear lake surrounded by aquatic plants, where many Pokémon swim and play... but none of them have ever set foot on the most fertile hill in the center of the lake, as if it were a private territory.

Just as Xiao Gang was about to ask what was going on, a loud roar suddenly broke the tranquility of the place.

"Hahaha! King of the Wetlands, come out now! I'm here again to challenge you to a duel, and this time I'm determined to subdue you!!"

The man shouting by the lake was a muscular middle-aged man wearing a mask similar to a wrestler's. He was shirtless, wearing only tight-fitting athletic pants that showed off his well-defined muscles.

"It's him?" Ash and Dawn recognized him at the same time. It was Yoshinobu, the Gym Leader of Marshland City.

"Is the King of the Wetlands a very powerful Pokémon?" Brock asked curiously.

"Of course it's amazing! I'd call it the strongest Water-type Pokémon!" Yoshino replied without hesitation, but when he saw what Ash and the others looked like, he was stunned for a moment.

"You are... Oh my, the Rock King of Kanto, and the Legendary Champion who just returned not long ago, you are both big shots!"

"Hello, Gym Leader Yoshino." Ash greeted them on behalf of his companions.

After a brief introduction and pleasantries, Ji Xian brought up what he called the 'King of Wetlands'.

“That Pokémon is really special. I… uh, I think it should be a Scyther.” Yoshino said uncertainly, “The three Water-type starter Pokémon from Unova are extremely rare to see here… and it’s not just any Scyther. Not only is it incredibly strong, but its appearance is also very unique. Its carapace is actually dark blue!”

"That Greatsword Demon is in its Emerald form, just like my companion."

“Washing Green…” Upon hearing Ash’s explanation, Yoshino was taken aback at first. But after seeing the equally unusual Ursaring and Goodra beside Ash, he immediately understood the group’s purpose.

“We did come here for it, but… if Mr. Yoshinobu wants to subdue it, he can fight it first.”

Ash might as well do the other party a favor... anyway, Yoshinobu is unlikely to be able to catch him successfully.

“I… I think I’ll pass.” Ji Xian shook his head and laughed self-deprecatingly. “I actually fought it before, but I suffered a crushing defeat… It hasn’t shown up yet, probably because it doesn’t want to bother with me, its defeated opponent.”

"Then why don't I give it a try?" There was a convenient way out, and Xiao Guang readily accepted it.

"Her?" Ji Xian was taken aback again. He had thought that Xiao Zhi was interested in the Green Sword Demon, but he did not expect that Xiao Guang was going to take action to capture it.

However… to be able to travel with a superstar and a champion, this girl must be quite extraordinary…