Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

"His Raichu is incredibly difficult to deal with!"

"Pikachu, Pikachu!"

Pikachu has a different opinion.

A mere defeated opponent.

It seems to be just average in terms of difficulty to deal with.

Hearing Lt. Surge's name, and the sense of shared experience between them in Ash's tone.

Xiao Mao's expression became even more complicated.

"Oh... Ah, yes."

He gave a vague reply, his gaze somewhat unfocused, avoiding direct eye contact with Ash, but he did emphasize the point.

"It's just a badge."

He did get the badge.

The process... might not be the same as the defeat that Ash imagined.

......

Let's rewind to the time not long ago at the Leaf Dojo.

When Shigeru confidently pushed open the dojo door and stepped into the unremarkable battle arena...

The anticipated scene of the museum owner being on high alert with piercing eyes did not materialize.

Instead, what came into view was a truly bizarre scene.

Just moments before, the owner of the museum, Ma Zhishi, had been full of energy, but he immediately fell asleep on the spot.

He was muttering incantations, uttering fragments of incomprehensible words:

"I am mortal enemies with evil..."

"I shed blood for the Alliance!..."

"...You're going to use this to test the gym leader? What gym leader can't withstand such a test?"

What surprised him even more was that there was another figure lying on the sidelines, covered in dust and with several large footprints on his body.

If I hadn't checked it repeatedly...

Xiao Mao almost thought he had wandered onto the wrong film set or stumbled upon some strange crime scene.

It wasn't until the two small fry-looking people next to him reminded him.

"Boss, we're starting too early." "The actors haven't arrived yet."

Only then did Ma Zhishi get up again.

That look in his eyes… Xiao Mao swears.

If it weren't for a sudden inspiration, I would have immediately raised the Poké Ball and loudly declared myself the challenger.

They'd probably be silenced on the spot!

The subsequent battle process also seemed to be in a very rushed manner.

Mascher quickly read the rules to himself.

His eyes kept glancing towards the door, as if he was waiting for someone.

Xiao Mao felt a surge of anger welling up inside him.

Looking down on me? Because I'm young, you're just going through the motions?

Alright, then I'll show you the power of Pallet Town trainers!

He was determined to make a name for himself and prove himself.

But to my surprise, the Raichu with its incredibly high cheekbones on the other side was actually incredibly strong.

He unleashed a powerful move right from the start.

Fortunately, he was prepared.

Coming from a family with good traditions, he had already set this goal after completing his previous dojo challenge.

Based on the information he knew, and his fighting style of going all out without holding back, he was certain that...

They even made Wartortle practice its digging skills.

The intention is clear: to avoid the initial onslaught, deplete the opponent's power, and then find an opportunity to counterattack when their power is depleted.

However, while the idea was wonderful, the reality was extremely cruel.

It was as if they had just suffered a loss.

That clumsy Raichu's first attack seemed powerful, but it left room for maneuver!

When Raichu saw its Wartortle just emerging from the ground and approaching it, it was overjoyed.

A lightning-fast punch arrived with a thunderous roar.

The battle was over almost instantly.

In just two moves, his ace Pokémon lost its ability to battle, and he didn't even have time to make any further commands.

With such terrifying battle experience, I really don't know how Ash managed to win!

While he was still reeling from the shock and the utter defeat of being completely outmaneuvered tactically,

Mascher had already strode over and practically shoved an orange badge into his still-dazed hand.

Then he threatened himself, forbidding him from talking about what happened at the dojo today.

After saying that, without waiting for his response, Ma Zhishi waved his hand, signaling his two henchmen to drag him out.

And so, Xiao Mao held onto a badge of dubious origin, which seemed to be a form of "hush money."

With a head full of confusion and a hint of frustration at being treated perfunctorily, I left Vermilion City Gym in a daze and returned to the Pokémon Center.

........

"Xiao Mao? Xiao Mao! Oi—did you hear me?"

Ash waved his hand in front of Gary's eyes, and seeing that the other boy's eyes were fixed on him, he simply raised his voice.

"Huh?" Xiao Mao suddenly snapped out of his reverie, his eyes still somewhat unfocused. "What did you say?"

"Hey, now that we've both won and got the badges," Ash grinned, his fist clenching unconsciously, his eyes gleaming with eager fighting spirit, "how about we have a match sometime? I want to see your tactics!"

Win?

Let's touch?

tactics?

Xiao Mao simply couldn't bring himself to say something like, "Actually, I didn't win; the other side gave me the victory to silence me."

Moreover, with his Dao Heart shattered, he had absolutely no confidence in fighting Ash.

But... Xiao Mao can endure it!

Thirty years east of the river! Thirty years west of the river!

Don't underestimate Xiao Mao's poverty!

Today's shame will be washed away with true victory in the future!

Seeing the three people's gazes, Xiao Mao decided to change the subject.

He almost rudely grabbed his small bag and pulled out a delicate off-white envelope.

He then pulled out three hard cards from inside and stuffed them into Ash's hand without even looking at them.

"this!"

"Grandpa gave it to you, it should have been given to you a long time ago, here you are!"

Xiao Zhi caught it instinctively and looked down to examine it.

There were three boat tickets, made of thick paper with intricate gold foil patterns along the edges.

In the center, the words "Seven-Day Luxury Cruise on the St. Anne" gleam with a luxurious sheen.

"Wow--!"

Xiaoxia leaned her head closer.

Upon seeing the words above, their eyes widened in astonishment, gleaming with an amazing light.

She shook Xiaozhi's arm.

"The St. Anne! It's the St. Anne!"

"Wow, this doctor is so generous!"

She was still making plans in her mind.

Should I "bow my head and become a concubine" to my second sister in the family for money?

In exchange for some "humiliating funds".

But now, that idea has been shattered by the glittering gold tickets in front of him!

Xiao Gang's expression also changed. The look that had previously made him particularly dislike Xiao Mao instantly became unusually kind and friendly.

"You're too kind! You're too kind!"

He nodded repeatedly, quickly took one of the tickets, and examined it carefully.

"The date is in two days, departing from Kuye Port... the timing is perfect!"

His squinty eyes seemed to open slightly, and his mind began to uncontrollably conjure up images of the turbulent waves on the cruise ship's deck.

Seeing that Teacher Gang and Xiaoxia were already immersed in their fantasies.

Xiao Zhi scratched his head and asked curiously.

"Doctor...why did you give me this?"

Xiao Mao's expression became even more uncomfortable, and he said in a stiff tone.