Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

So that's why the uncle said that when they fought the other side, only two of his underlings were left.

It's because it only has two underlings! And they're just there to watch the show!

So you've lost the one-on-one fight!

Ash swallowed the cookie and got straight to the point.

"To be honest, esteemed seniors!"

"We came here for that Gengar; we need its help with something important!"

"Ask Gengar for help?"

The elderly people looked at each other, their expressions becoming subtle.

"Kid, that Gengar... it's not easy to talk to."

An old man shook his head, his tone full of advice.

"It has no ill intentions toward humans, but it certainly doesn't like them either."

"Over the years, the town has been quiet and peaceful, and it has never caused any trouble, but I have never seen it grant any trainer's request."

"So, according to that logic..."

Upon hearing this, Ash's eyes lit up even more, as if he had discovered a new continent.

"...If I could get it to move, wouldn't I be the first one?"

The elderly people: "..."

That makes sense...

But this child... how come he only listens to half of what he's told?

Why do you only understand the parts that sound good?

The elderly people wanted to persuade them again.

But it's like Xiaozhi's contrarian nature has been triggered.

The more Ash said that Gengar was difficult to deal with, the more excited he became.

The elderly Fuji man listened to their conversation with a smile the whole time.

I do think that Ash's energetic, even somewhat reckless, demeanor is quite reminiscent of Oak in his younger days.

He raised his hand and gently pressed it down, stopping the other elderly people from continuing to persuade him.

"Alright, alright," the old man Fuji said gently, with a calm demeanor that suggested he had seen much of the world. "Young people have their own vigor, which is a good thing."

"If you really want to find it, you'll have to wait until tonight."

"night?"

“Yes,” the old man Fuji nodded, “you can hardly see it during the day.”

"It always prefers to be active at night. If you really want to try, you can try your luck at the Pokémon Tower."

Fuji handed a flute to Satoshi.

"Take this; it might be of some help to you."

82. Immerse yourself in the illusion!

Night fell as expected.

The peaceful and serene town of Ziyuan during the day seems to transform into something else entirely after nightfall.

The elderly person has an extremely regular schedule, and basically turns off the lights and goes to bed very early.

As soon as it got dark, the streets were deserted, with only a few streetlights casting a dim yellow glow that stretched the shadows of the buildings long.

Ash, Brock, and Misty arrived at the Pokémon Tower under the moonlight.

The ancient stone building stands like a silent giant in the night, its shadow so thick it seems impossible to dissipate.

"Do we really have to go in now?" Xiaoxia gripped her sleeve tightly, her voice trembling slightly. "I mean... maybe tomorrow morning would be okay too..."

She's so stupid, really.

She was so afraid that Ash would lose to Sabrina and the other two and turn into dolls that she never imagined that finding a ghost Pokémon would require coming to a graveyard late at night.

Standing in front of the tower now, with the cold wind brushing against her neck, she truly understood what it meant to be "caught between a rock and a hard place."

Xiao Zhi looked up at the towering tower and pondered for a moment.

"It's okay if you don't want to go."

"Then let's wait outside. Teacher Gang and I will go in first."

After saying that, he beckoned to Xiao Gang and walked straight toward the somewhat heavy entrance gate of the tower.

Without Ash and Brock, they looked at the empty streets.

Xiaoxia was clearly even more frightened.

She immediately jogged after him.

"Wait for me, you guys!"

Upon entering the tower, the light suddenly dimmed.

Ash didn't hesitate and threw out the Poké Ball.

"Charmeleon, thank you for your help."

"Roar!"

Charmeleon appeared beside him, and the flames on its tail suddenly shot up higher.

Choosing the top three brands in the Kanto region is that convenient!

Using the light from the fire on the Charmeleon's tail.

The three of them could see rows of neat tombstones and monuments standing quietly.

In the flickering firelight, the photos on the tombstones seemed to come alive.

The departed Pokémon and trainers seem to be watching the intruders through the photograph.

"Waaah..."

Xiaoxia couldn't help but move a little closer to Xiaozhi.

She looked at the tombstones and felt a chill run down her spine.

Looking at Xiao Zhi, whose gaze was calm and composed.

"Xiao Zhi," Xiao Xia couldn't help but ask, "You... how come you don't seem afraid at all?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhi stopped and turned his head away.

He looked at the rows of tombstones around him, then at Xiaoxia with a puzzled expression.

"Afraid? Why should we be afraid?"

He pointed to the nearby tombstones.

"Didn't the old man already say that?"

"Most of the trainers and Pokémon here died in the line of duty."

"They died for you in life, so why would they harm you after death?"

After these words were spoken, a brief silence fell over the tower.

Not only was Xiaoxia stunned, but even Xiaogang's gaze towards Xiaozhi changed.

"Xiao Zhi, you..."

He instinctively took a half step back, his gaze becoming wary.

Something is wrong!

Something is very, very wrong!

Xiao Gang looked at Xiao Xia and lowered his voice.

"Xiaoxia...don't you think that what Xiaozhi said was a bit...too profound?"

Xiaoxia also looked serious.

The Xiao Zhi she knew wouldn't say something like that without a sudden realization!

"Could it be...could it be..." Xiaoxia's voice lowered even further, "that we've both been infected?"

After all, Ghost-type Pokémon excel at creating illusions and confusing people!

This must be some Pokémon impersonating Ash!

Xiaoxia took out a Poké Ball.

"Tell me! What did you do to the real Satoshi?"

"Reveal your true form immediately!"

......

The battle took place quickly.

It ended quickly.

Before the Poké Ball was even used, Misty and Brock, each with a large bump on their head, immediately recognized the person in front of them.

This combat power... is undoubtedly the real Ash Ketchum.

The misunderstanding was cleared up, though the way it happened was a bit painful.

But after this commotion, the tense atmosphere of fear actually dissipated considerably.

The three continued up the spiral staircase inside the tower.

Charmeleon walked at the front, its tail flames swaying rhythmically with its steps.

The firelight swept across rows of inscriptions.