Ash's Pokémon Travel Has Big Problems

Her gaze lingered more on Ash, especially when Ash made some dodging movements that were beyond the capabilities of ordinary people, her pupils would slightly contract.

"My brother instructed me to observe secretly, record the general movements, and absolutely, absolutely not to expose myself, let alone cause any conflict."

Ah Xing still remembered their purpose.

Although Ah Xing suspected Ah Ju's true feelings, she didn't say it directly.

...Ninjas don't need to be too curious about this.

"Okay, Auntie." Ah Xing waved her hand. "But just watching isn't very interesting. Can we do something, like... test the waters?"

Ah Xing knows even less than Ah Ya.

Girls with smaller personalities are naturally more active.

"No way!" Aya immediately rejected the idea, her tone serious.

“Rules are rules. And…” she paused, lowering her voice, “the situation is more complicated than you think, don’t complicate things.”

That's just what they say.

Looking at the three people sweating profusely on the training field, especially Xiao Gang, an idea arose in Aya's mind.

Approaching Ash directly, who is under "special attention," is too risky, but the Gym Leader of Pewter City... might be a good starting point?

At least we can subtly inquire about the group's intentions.

It can be done unless prohibited by law.

A-Ju only forbids direct contact with Xiao-Zhi.

But Xiao Gang doesn't fall into this category.

"You stay here and keep watch. I'll try to gather some intelligence in another way," Aya instructed Axing. With a flicker, she disappeared from the spot as if blending into the shadows.

"...Auntie...you went out to play without taking me." Ah Xing couldn't help but complain.

But there was nothing he could do; the old woman was older than him.

Although she has a lot of inner monologues, Ah Xing doesn't show them.

On the surface, she still prefers to cover the lower half of her face with a mask, making her look somewhat expressionless.

Shortly after, in the rest area next to the training field.

Xiao Gang, who had just finished a set of strength training and was sitting down drinking water and wiping away sweat, suddenly had a bright idea in his eyes.

A tall, beautiful woman with long, flowing chestnut hair and a stylish dress walked over with a slightly troubled expression.

"Excuse me, do you know how to get to the nearest Pokémon Center? I think I'm a little lost." Her voice was gentle and pleasant.

Xiao Gang seemed to be injected with energy instantly, and the fatigue from the training just now was swept away.

—She's a beautiful older sister!

He immediately stood up, his face beaming with what he thought was his most handsome smile, and responded enthusiastically:

“Of course I know! Beautiful lady, it’s my pleasure to show you the way! Go out here and turn right, then go through two intersections…”

Xiao Gang gave detailed directions, his words laced with humor and wit, which made the "lost" beauty—who was actually Aya in disguise—cover her mouth and chuckle.

“You’re such a kind and funny trainer,” Aya said, sitting down next to Brock and asking curiously, “You and your friend are training so hard, are you preparing to challenge the Crimson Gym?”

Asking questions following the topic is a normal practice.

Asking questions you already know the answer to usually gets you the answer you want.

Anyway, how many people who come here for special training aren't aiming to challenge the dojo?

"Haha, yeah!" Xiao Gang became even more talkative in front of the beautiful woman.

"I'm Brock from Pewter City, and over there are my travel companions Ash and Misty."

“The challenges at the Fuchsia Gym are unique, and we are making some preparations in advance.”

He spoke eloquently, sharing his travel experiences and insights into the way of a trainer.

Xiao Gang spoke eloquently, fully demonstrating his expertise as a dojo owner and the charm of a mature man—or so he thought from his own perspective.

Aya, on the other hand, played the role of a good listener, asking some trivial questions at appropriate times to guide the conversation.

However, although Xiao Gang seemed to be captivated by "beauty", he spoke with great tact.

He talked about his travel experiences that could be made public and the general concepts of Pokémon breeding.

However, the key information, such as Ash's special characteristics and their encounter with legendary Pokémon, was not mentioned at all.

Brock's boasting was limited to his cooking skills and knowledge of Rock-type Pokémon.

Even when Xiaogang seems out of touch, he's not truly out of touch.

Aya thought to herself:

He's very tight-lipped and a man of principle.

—No wonder he's known as a man with a will as solid as a rock.

As for Xiaogang seemingly being a bit lecherous, that's not a problem at all.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Aya figured it was about time, and staying any longer would only arouse suspicion.

Just then, Ash and Misty finished another round of grueling training and, supporting each other, walked back to the rest area, their steps unsteady and their breath ragged.

Both of them were covered in dust and looked exhausted, as if they had just been pulled out of the mud.

Cultivation is always very arduous.

However, Ash goes to training sessions much more often than Misty.

With the blessing of Ho-Oh, Ash's stamina recovery speed is extremely abnormal.

Xiaoxia practices once, and Xiaozhi practices twice.

"Ah, your friends are back. They look exhausted." Aya stood up at the right moment, giving a perfectly timed smile.

"I won't bother you any longer. Thank you so much for the directions and the fun chat."

Aya had no intention of contacting Ash, because that was something Aya forbade.

Anything not prohibited by law is permissible, but conversely, anything prohibited is absolutely forbidden.

This is what a ninja is like.

A ninja must follow the rules when dealing with his employer.

When facing their enemies, ninjas completely disregard the rules.

"It's my pleasure to serve you!" Xiao Gang quickly stood up, his gaze still lingering on the ground.

—This lady is really pretty, but her makeup is a bit too heavy.

No matter what, Aya is a professional ninja. Xiaogang can see some of it, but not much.

...They're much more professional than those Ghost-type Pokémon from Girls' Gorge back then.

Aya gracefully turned and left, disappearing quickly around the street corner after leaving the dojo, where she met up with Axing who was waiting for her.

"So, Auntie? Did you find anything?" Ah Xing asked impatiently.

Aya shook her head, her feigned gentleness vanishing, replaced by her usual calm:

"That Xiao Gang was very cautious and didn't get any valuable information."

"However, it's certain that they're here specifically to challenge the gym, and so far they don't seem to have any malicious intent."

Aya glanced back at the direction of the Shadow Dojo, her gaze falling once more on Ash, who, though exhausted, was still chatting and encouraging Pikachu and Misdreavus.

...Only Ash challenged the gym.

Xiaogang and Xiaoxia were just practice partners.

"Continue with the long-range observation as planned. Send the message down to all the 'eyes' to be on high alert, and make sure there are no mistakes before they leave Light Red City."

Aya gave the order in a solemn tone, her seriousness undiminished by the unsuccessful attempt.

There can be no relaxation or underestimation during the mission.

A ninja must maintain emotional stability.

A ninja must endure what ordinary people cannot.

And in the rest area.

Xiao Gang was still immersed in the excitement of his encounter with the "beautiful woman" when Xiao Xia's weak voice pulled him back to reality:

"Xiao Gang... I'm about to die... If you dare to encourage me to participate in this kind of special training again, I'll have the Gem Starfish blast you away with a water cannon..."

Xiaoxia truly regrets it.

But now that we're forced into this situation, we have no choice but to persevere.

Ash plopped down on the ground, took the water bottle that Misdreavus handed him using psychic powers, and gulped down several mouthfuls.

Although tired, Xiao Zhi felt it was really helpful: "Phew... Ha... It's very effective, right? I feel like my reactions are a little faster!"

With his extraordinary physical abilities, Xiaozhi could clearly feel his growth after hard training and rest.

Simply put, increased sensitivity leads to increased response speed.

Although it wasn't a direct increase in strength, it was still very useful.

Pikachu chirped "Pika..." in agreement.

……

……