Ash's Pokémon Travel Has Big Problems

"He hates weak Pokémon, he hates people with weak willpower... He really hates Meow!"

After saying that, he disappeared without a trace.

Xiao Zhi stared at the slightly swaying bushes, his hand unconsciously stroking the fishing rod.

As dusk fell, the river turned into a golden hue, and the floating objects trembled gently in the shimmering light.

"Pikachu?" He chuckled suddenly. "Looks like the next gym... won't be too boring."

The rod tip plunged into the water with a sudden plunge, and the prey that had taken the bait released an astonishing pull.

"Raichu..."

"Just to my liking."

Night falls.

The golden Gyarados suddenly let out an excited growl.

When Ash arrived at the spa pool, he found it gently pushing the surface of the water with the tip of its nose—several fish Pokémon that had been stunned by the electric shock were floating on the surface.

"...Have you already started practicing 10 Volts?" Ash chuckled and patted Gyarados's head.

Gyarados has a very deep move pool.

Flamethrower and 10 Volts are both skills that can be learned, and they have a wide range of applications.

However, the current electric current released by Gyarados is obviously not 10 volts... it can only be said that it has barely learned to discharge electricity.

Learning skills is often not something that can be accomplished overnight.

There will be a transition process before you formally learn it.

Before LV1, there is theoretically a LV0 stage where you only have a basic understanding.

For example, non-Electric Pokémon like Gyarados need to synthesize Electric energy within their bodies before they can learn Electric-type moves.

Learning skills outside of one's major can actually be a bit troublesome.

As for why Gyarados would secretly learn this?

...Of course, it's because I've been shocked by Pikachu too many times, and I figured it out myself.

Chapter 45 Beastmaster Xiao Ming

sunset.

The dirt road leading to Kohaku City was stained a dim yellow.

Ash and his friends walked through the elongated shadows of the trees, with Pikachu lazily perched on his shoulder.

"Partner... have you gained weight lately?" Ash adjusted his backpack and complained in a slightly gossipy manner.

Uh... If Ash hadn't gotten two badges and his physique hadn't been strengthened to some extent by the system, he really wouldn't have been able to handle it, and Pikachu had been sitting on his shoulder the whole time.

After all, Ash was already carrying a backpack, which meant he was carrying a heavy load.

Add a Pikachu, and it'll be a long, arduous off-road adventure with heavy loads.

...It can only be said that the people in this world are indeed physically fit.

"Pikachu? (???)" Pikachu was taken aback.

“Pikachu? ⊙▽⊙!” Then it poked its cheeks and belly with its paws.

“Pikachu…(’;︵;`)” Pikachu was in a state of frustration.

Pikachu, oh me...

It's already a fat rat...

"Pikachu." Pikachu looked at Brock.

Since Xiaogang joined us, the quality of the meals has improved dramatically.

Then Pikachu got fat.

...Thinking back carefully...what kind of life did Brock lead with Ash before Brock joined them?

Xiao Gang, who had been somewhat absent-minded, took out his notebook and smiled thoughtfully at the rough sketch of the synchronized swimming formation on it.

"...Do you want to lose weight?" he asked, noticing Pikachu and Ash looking at him.

Xiao Gang's manners are quite good.

He was actually paying attention to his surroundings at all times.

After all, he was the oldest of the three.

As the eldest brother, of course he has to take good care of his companions.

"Pikachu~_~" Pikachu looked conflicted.

After all, eating and drinking to your heart's content is really enjoyable.

Xiaoxia was looking down at the map.

"At this rate, we should be able to reach the Zhenghui Lighthouse within a week."

Xiaoxia put away the map, looked up at the sky, and said, "But we need to find a place to camp tonight... Hmm? What's that up ahead..."

Ahead of the road.

A clearing in the woods has been cleverly cleared out, standing out starkly from the surrounding wild and natural environment.

The neat boundary marked by wooden stakes, the compacted sandy ground, and the equipment with obvious training marks in the corner all indicate that this is not a natural resting place.

The most eye-catching feature is a tall wooden pole standing at the edge of the open space, with a flag hanging at the top. A huge "100" is written on it in a flamboyant style, and next to it is a picture of a sharp-eyed pangolin.

Below the flag.

A boy about Ash's age was standing with his back to them, carefully wiping a pair of fingerless gloves that looked like they had been through many battles.

He was dressed in a neat, short-sleeved outfit, exuding a capable and efficient air. He heard footsteps.

The boy paused, then turned around deftly.

His gaze swept over Ash and his two companions as if it were a physical object, lingering for a moment, especially on the bulging Poké Ball covers around Pikachu's and Ash's waists.

The boy then raised his head, and a slight smile, a mixture of confidence and scrutiny, appeared on his lips.

"Traveler?"

The boy's voice was clear and bright, carrying an undisguised sharpness: "I am cultivating here."

His gaze fell on Ash, and the way he looked at his opponent made Pikachu on Ash's shoulder involuntarily prick up its ears.

They made eye contact.

This is the signal for battle!

Pikachu felt that it really needed to stretch its body.

—Let's fight him!

--partner!

Pikachu poked Ash's shoulder with its little paw.

Pikachu, requesting permission to leave the station!

"I am Xiaoming, the Beastmaster," Xiaoming added, his tone brimming with pride.

"Judging from your appearance, you are also trainers?"

"You've come at the perfect time. I offer accommodation here—not for free, of course."

Xiao Ming's fighting spirit was ignited.

Xiaoxia looked around at the orderly surroundings and then at Xiaoming's "I am the master of this place" attitude.

"Provide accommodation? Is this your home?" Xiaoxia gently swung her orange ponytail.

Although the training equipment around him was very ordinary, it was clear that this person was very serious.

Whether it has potential is hard to say, but it certainly has a lot of enthusiasm.

"You could say that." Xiao Ming patted the sturdy wooden stake wall beside him, making a dull thud.

"I set up a temporary camp here, which also serves as a ring for accepting challenges from trainers from all sides."

"Just yesterday afternoon, I achieved my 100th consecutive win."

His words were flat.

But the exhilaration of achieving the goal was almost overflowing.

As his reputation grew, fewer and fewer trainers came to challenge him, resulting in longer intervals between subsequent challenges.

Xiao Ming pointed to the fluttering "100" flag, as if it were the best proof of his strength.

Xiao Gang finally snapped out of his reverie about the Hua Lan Dojo.

He carefully observed the layout of the venue and the confident young man in front of him: "A hundred consecutive wins?"

"A remarkable achievement."

"It seems you've undergone quite rigorous training." Compared to Ash's abnormal level, Xiaoming in front of him is a normal rookie trainer in Xiaogang's eyes.

“Training is the only way to become stronger.” Xiaoming crossed his arms, his gaze turning to Xiaozhi again, the challenge even more pronounced. “Judging from your route, are you planning to challenge Gym Leader Lt. Surge in Vermilion City?”

"Ha, that place is not a stage for playing house."

"But before that..."

He changed the subject, a look of great interest on his face: "Seeing how travel-worn you are, you might as well stay here for the night."

"The rules are very simple—"

He gave a thumbs-up, pointing to the sandy ground beneath his feet, which he called the "arena."

"Let's have a Pokémon battle."

“If you win, you can use my food, hot water, and safe campsite as you like; if you lose…” he shrugged, “then you’ll have to find somewhere else.”

"How about it? Do you dare to take it?"

"Since we're going to challenge the Vermilion City Gym."

"Then let me, Xiaoming, the rookie trainer and Beastmaster from Vermilion City, weigh you first~"

In the twilight.

Xiao Ming's eyes sparkled; it was the excitement of finding a new challenge and absolute confidence in his ability to achieve a hundred consecutive victories.

Many new trainers in this world are like this: once they make eye contact, it means they're about to start Pokémon battles.

Or rather, low-intensity Pokémon battles are a sport that is extremely popular and sought after in this world.

Besides professional trainers who aim for the title of the strongest trainer champion, there are also amateur trainers who mainly compete for fun.

There are even Contest Coordinators who prioritize beauty.

It was as if invisible sparks were crackling in the air.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhi also smiled.

He raised his hand to press down the brim of his hat, and his eyes under the brim met Xiaoming's gaze without any hesitation.

"Interesting." Ash's voice was filled with eager fighting spirit. "Just what I wanted."

"Let me do this before I challenge the Vermilion City Gym."

"Let me enjoy the real feast first."

"Have a small snack first~"

Of course, Ash wouldn't be afraid of Demigod, who calls himself a Beast Master.

Who do you think i am?

You are the challenger!

"Pikachu, this battle is up to you."

-

-