Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

After all, he knows his own grandson well. Not only is he arrogant, but he's also incredibly stubborn.

Since he said that, it must have been extremely difficult.

It's not easy in any sense.

"Is Xiao Mao really that fast?!"

Xiao Zhi sighed.

I never expected that he would now be ahead of me.

Pikachu's eyes widened, and it cried out "Pika pika" twice.

Professor Oak himself was somewhat puzzled by this.

What's gotten into my son lately? He's been acting like he's being chased by someone.

He shook his head, not thinking about it deeply.

"In that case, Pikachu, we can't fall behind!"

"Pickup!"

Pikachu clenched its little fists, its eyes blazing with fighting spirit, and its ears stood straight up.

"Doctor, I'm leaving the Mega Stone to you! We'll be going now!"

Xiao Zhi turned around and was about to walk out.

"So urgent?"

Professor Oak also wanted to recruit Ash to his side.

I asked him to stay and chat a little longer, but I didn't have a chance to say much more.

Ash had already dashed out of the laboratory in a flurry of activity.

Professor Oak sighed.

"This child... really does leave without warning."

Gengar's eyes lit up when it heard this.

The resentment seems to be... coming back a little?

It quickly took a bite of the pastry and took a satisfied breath.

Oh, right!

That's it!

196. Why does this road seem more and more familiar the more I look at it?

back home.

Although Ash couldn't wait to set off and challenge the gym.

But having these thoughts is one thing; leaving right away is absolutely out of the question—after all, there's my mother, Hanako, at home.

Neither mother nor son can do anything about the other now; they can only try to negotiate.

After a series of 'friendly and cordial' talks that shocked Pallet Town.

The two decided to compromise: Xiao Zhi would stay home and rest for a day, and set off again tomorrow.

After a period of maternal love and filial piety, the morning of departure finally arrived.

Hanako clutched the backpack she had just packed for Satoshi, her fingertips tracing the straps repeatedly.

It was as if it was hesitating whether to unzip the zipper again and stuff a box of homemade buffet inside.

After all, she knew her own family best. She knew exactly how much Ash ate, and she was sure he wouldn't be full along the way.

"Mom, we're leaving now."

Ash greeted Brock, Misty, and Pikachu.

"Are you leaving already?"

Hanako blinked, her voice filled with disappointment.

She subconsciously reached out, wanting to brush away the non-existent dust from Xiaozhi's shoulder.

This child.

He's really grown up; he's becoming more and more like his dad who never comes home...

"Bari!"

Before Hanako could say anything, Mr. Mime, who was even more reluctant to leave, slid in and clung tightly to Ash's leg.

Its five fingers were clenched tightly, just like a Snorlax guarding its food.

It had been counting down the days, eagerly awaiting Xiao Zhi's return.

Before I could even enjoy a single good day, you were leaving again!

It's true what they say, the wall of light always cracks where it's thin, and fate just keeps playing tricks on the magic wall!

"Bari bari!"

Mr. Mime rubbed against Ash's pants leg, letting out wave after wave of wails.

Tears come so easily, faster than a Golduck swimming freely in the rain.

Before she could finish her lament, the Mr. Mime heard a soft question coming from behind her.

"Huh? What did you say?"

broken!

The Mr. Mime was drenched in sweat.

It forgot that Hanako the Great Demon King was also there!

Without the slightest hesitation or a trace of luck, Mr. Mime sprang to his feet with incredible speed, almost as if he had used Godspeed.

It quickly wiped away its tears, cleared its throat, and instantly switched to a serious expression.

"Bari!"

It said—

Xiao Zhi, please take good care of yourself! Be safe while you're out and about! Going home to visit your family is the most important thing!

Hanako nodded in satisfaction.

"Pikachu".

Pikachu perched on Ash's shoulder, watching Mr. Mime's smooth and fluid face-changing antics with utter amazement.

That reaction, that speed, that mental fortitude—no wonder she could withstand a single attack from Ash's mom.

All I can say is that they can bend and yield, and they can be small and insignificant!

"I'll come back after I finish the Evergreen Dojo challenge, to see my mom."

Ash took the backpack with one hand and waved his hand.

"Pikachu pikachu~"

Pikachu is also waving its little paws.

"Alright, alright."

Shaking her head, Hanako straightened Satoshi's collar.

"When you're out and about, you not only have to take care of yourself, but also Pikachu."

She cupped Pikachu's little face in her hands, looking at it from left to right.

"Look at the mess you've made of this trip, you've even made Pikachu so thin..."

"Pikachu?!"

Pikachu's eyes widened as it looked down at its round belly, where its abs had almost completely disappeared.

Thin?

It clearly ate three late-night snacks yesterday!

……

After saying goodbye to Hanako, the three set off again.

After leaving Zhenxin Town, walk a short distance and you will reach Evergreen Forest.

This vast forest remains as lush and verdant as ever.

The towering trees blocked out the sun, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting patches of golden light on the ground.

Several green caterpillars were leisurely munching on the leaves, while little Rada jumped around, observing the travelers passing by.

A rustling sound came from the bushes in the distance.

I don't know if it's Oddish playing hide-and-seek or Weedle spinning silk.

"call--"

Xiao Zhi, returning to the familiar place, took a deep breath of the fresh forest air.

A nostalgic smile appeared on his face.

"This place really hasn't changed at all."

"Pikachu!"

Pikachu stood up from his shoulder, put its two little paws on its head, looked around, and nodded in agreement.

Back then, it was in this very forest that I officially tamed the "little intelligent beast" who outwardly submitted but inwardly refused.

"On another note..."

As Xiaozhi walked, he kept looking back at the two people behind him, his steps light and quick.

"It was in this forest that I met Xia."