Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

"Once your Charizard recovers, I can give it some pointers."

"Gurgle!"

The duckbill fire beast was eager to fight.

Yes!

Give me some pointers!

Xiao Zhi was stunned for a moment.

"guide?"

Blaine stroked the beard on his chin.

"As the Gym Leader of Cinnabar City, I do have some experience in training Fire-type Pokémon."

"Your Charizard has exceptional talent, and your use of Blaze is also quite outstanding—it's just that your fighting style is too... cough, too wild."

"It's not that being wild is bad, but being wild has its limitations."

"If it can be further refined in terms of technique and flame control, its performance can be improved to another level."

186. What does it mean that this water feels familiar?

Upon hearing this, Ash looked at Charizard first, seeking its opinion.

The fire-breathing dragon nodded.

It didn't seem to have any ill feelings towards the old man.

At least compared to a certain Pokémon, this one can afford to lose.

Besides, I really need to work on myself.

After all, even if you're going to resort to underhanded tactics, you still need to have the corresponding strength to back it up.

Otherwise, like today, they wouldn't be able to kill him with a single blow.

Wouldn't that mean all that effort was wasted?

Seeing that Charizard agreed, Ash naturally had no objections.

Having finalized the training arrangements, Blaine casually raised the difficulty of the Crimson Lotus Dojo's exam by one level to ensure that no one could pass.

Then, he and Ash and the others went to the Pokémon Center to treat the Pokémon's injuries.

After the treatment, the group did not rush back to the dojo, but headed straight for the hot spring area.

After all, training isn't something that can be rushed.

A balance between work and rest is essential for greater efficiency.

Besides, look at the fiery gazes between Magmortar and Charizard.

Blair also felt that starting training immediately was not a good thing, and it would be better to ease the tension first.

.......

As one of the oldest people on Crimson Lotus Island, Blair naturally knew where the best hot springs on the island were.

He led the three out of the Pokémon Center and followed the winding path paved with gravel.

That's how we found a hot spring that looked incredibly unassuming on the outside.

We haven't gotten close yet.

A damp, warm white mist rushed towards me, carrying a faint, indescribable mineral scent.

Upon seeing that it was Uncle Xia, the island's God of Wealth, the waiter immediately opened the door with utmost respect.

After slapping Xia Bo's face, the group was quickly led to the deepest part of the area.

"Yes, we've arrived."

Xia Bo nodded and was about to reach out to push open the low door woven from bamboo and wood.

Xiao Gang suddenly moved and firmly grabbed Xia Bo's hand.

"senior!"

"I'll do it!"

His expression and tone made it seem as if he had pushed open not just a door, but a sacred temple.

Xia Bo was taken aback.

Although he had lived to a ripe old age and was very knowledgeable, he was still a little taken aback by Xiao Gang's sudden realization.

But after all, I am a pure Northeasterner and have no Chengdu blood.

He immediately withdrew his hand.

Seeing Xia Bo step back, Xiao Gang took a deep breath, his chest heaving.

He slowly closed his eyes, as if making some kind of sacred prayer, and then—

He suddenly opened his eyes!

In that instant, a flash of Buddhist light seemed to pass through those eyes.

At this moment, he was no longer just Xiao Gang—

He is the Son of Hope, the Pilgrim, and the Sternest Judge of the Hot Springs!

The door opened.

A thick plume of hot air surged out, and white mist billowed and spread outwards.

But the judge of the hot springs didn't care at all, and even felt that this was a test from Arceus for him—

A true Pokémon breeder is one who can see through the fog and understand the essence!

He strained to open his eyes to the size of a normal person.

With piercing eyes, he penetrated through layers of steam and swept his gaze into the hot spring pool.

Just one glance.

As long as he can see a mature, charming, and curvaceous older woman... even just her upper body, he will have no regrets in this life!

but--

Xiao Gang's gaze swept back and forth through the mist three times.

The pool seemed empty.

Only the dark red volcanic rock embankment glistened damply.

There is no older sister.

No bikinis.

There wasn't even a single hair on it.

Xiao Gang froze at the doorway.

His brain stopped working at that moment, like an overloaded computer, the screen turning a deathly white.

All that remained were the words "404 not found" flashing wildly.

"Oh—!" Ash peeked out from behind Brock, his eyes shining. "This is a hot spring! It's the first time I've ever seen one!"

After all, Pallet Town doesn't have such a thing.

"Pikachu! Pikachu!"

Pikachu perched on Ash's shoulder, peering curiously inside, its little nose twitching as it sniffed the air.

It then immediately jumped off Ash's shoulder, ran over, and tentatively dipped the tip of its tail in the water.

"Pikachu—!"

As soon as its tail entered the water, Pikachu immediately withdrew as if it had been electrocuted.

She scrambled back onto Xiaozhi's shoulder, her little face still showing lingering fear.

"Hahahaha!"

Bob laughed out loud.

"After all, it's a volcanic island with abundant geothermal energy, giving it a natural advantage over other places!"

Xia looked at Xia.

He then pointed to a bamboo fence behind the mist.

"That's the women's bath over there. There's something blocking the way in the middle, so you can soak without worry."

"Thank you, senior."

"Oh right! Xia, you're a girl!"

Xiao Zhi clapped his hands, looked at Xiao Xia, and had a look of sudden realization on his face.

"It's all thanks to your thoughtfulness, senior!"

Xiaoxia: "???"

What does "来着" mean?

She took a deep breath, and a crossroads appeared on her forehead.

If it weren't for the fact that I couldn't beat Ash—

She absolutely had to have a serious talk with this guy!

"Humph!"

Xiaoxia glared at Xiaozhi resentfully, tossed her ponytail, and disappeared behind the bamboo fence in a huff.

Blaine stroked his beard and sighed.

"No wonder, no wonder you're so strong at your age, Ash..."

"What?"