Ash's Pokémon Travel Has Big Problems

Page 67

Bad news: The acting seems a bit fake.

Good news: Most of the audience around weren't professionals, so they didn't notice.

After several rounds, Pikachu always manages to "make a mistake" or "exhaust itself" at the most crucial moment.

Finally, it was hit solidly by a seemingly weak but powerful strike from Oddish, falling backward and lying on its back on the field.

The little paws twitched slightly twice, then the eyes closed, and it made a uniform "Pika... Pika..." sound—pretending to have lost its fighting ability.

"Wow! I won!" The young trainer jumped up excitedly and picked up his Oddish.

Ash rushed over in a panic, picked up the unconscious Pikachu, and said with a heavy expression, "Pikachu, you did a great job. It was my fault for giving bad instructions... Thank you for your hard work."

"Pika..." Pikachu quietly opened one eye in his arms, blinked quickly at Ash, and then immediately closed it again to continue its "performance".

In short, everyone was very engrossed in the game.

I already said it's for fun, the main thing is to have fun.

Of course, Ash and Pikachu like to play like this, but Misty and Brock aren't interested.

After all, Xiaoxia and Xiaogang were once gym trainers... so they still have a little bit of an image to maintain.

Losing is acceptable!

But this acting is so fake—no way!

Courtside.

Xia's lips twitched involuntarily as she watched this scene.

She nudged Xiao Gang, who was watching with great interest, with her elbow and whispered, "Hey, Xiao Gang, did you see that? Ash is rigging the match! And Pikachu, his acting... wasn't it a little too realistic?"

Xiao Gang crossed his arms, a knowing smile on his face, and nodded: "Yeah, I see. The deliberate fall during Quick Attack, the electric shock controlled to be smaller than a spark, and that mid-air spin after being hit... the difficulty level must be quite high. Pikachu really has a talent for performing."

"What are they after?" Xiaoxia said, both amused and exasperated. "They could have won so easily."

“Probably…” Brock pushed up his non-existent glasses, his gaze sweeping over the young trainer who was flushed with victory and celebrating with Oddish, “so that the opponent could also enjoy the fun of battle and the joy of victory.”

"After all, it's just for fun, there's no need to compete... Ash is actually very considerate."

Xiao Gang genuinely believes that.

Upon hearing this, Xiaoxia looked back at the center of the field.

Ash was sincerely congratulating the young victor, while Pikachu, who was "unconscious" in his arms, barely moved its tail tip slightly, clearly in a good mood.

"Really..." Xiaoxia smiled helplessly, but her tone softened, "These two guys... never mind, as long as everyone's happy."

There are still several matches to go.

Pikachu doesn't always lose.

When Ash encounters someone younger or with a better personality, he'll usually ask Pikachu to give way, so that Ash loses by a narrow margin.

But what if you encounter someone with a bad temper and arrogance...

Pikachu is still an actor.

But it was definitely the kind of game where the opponent was always just a little short, and I lost inexplicably, which was quite frustrating.

In short, I'll make him furious!

Hehe ~

After all, the point of going out to have fun is to have a good time.

You make me happy, so I'll give you that happiness in return.

If you make me unhappy, then you can forget about being happy either.

Chapter 78 Xiaogang: Half of the beauties at the temple fair aren't human.

The setting sun bathed Maiden Gorge in a warm orange hue.

The Saint Anne slowly docked at the ancient port.

The sound of the ship's horn mingled with the bustling sounds of the temple fair in the distance, announcing that the destination had been reached.

In front of the pier, the famous rock sculpture, shaped like a woman gazing into the distance, stands quietly in the sunset.

It's as if they're truly waiting for a lover who will never return, adding a touch of ancient mystery to this port town.

This isn't a big city, but it's a really famous tourist attraction.

After all, not every legend can be passed down for 2000 years and be so convincing.

The only downside is that the alliance doesn't dare to over-exploit this area.

Ghost-type Pokémon have long lifespans, strong abilities, and a wide range of adaptable skills... all of which seem like advantages, but they also have quite a few disadvantages.

For example, these guys often get stuck in a single-minded way of thinking.

Ghosts possess what is known as obsession.

Don't be fooled by how unreliable or quick-witted he usually seems... he can be very stubborn when it comes to things he cares about.

In short, most ghosts don't really align with humans in terms of values.

what?

You said there's a Ghost-type Pokémon that gets along really well with humans?

Is it possible that this Ghost-type Pokémon is even more seriously ill?

I didn't take my medicine today.

So cute!

A large number of tourists poured down the gangway, eager to embrace this late summer extravaganza.

Many of them had already booked hotels on the shore, planning to spend the night there and fully experience the fun of the temple fair.

The purpose of taking this ship on this route is, of course, to have a good time.

Since we're already here, why be reserved?

Ash, Misty, and Brock also joined the crowd and set foot on the land of Girls' Gorge.

"Wow! It's so lively!" Xiaoxia was immediately attracted by the scene before her as soon as she got off the boat.

"But why do I feel like there are so many beautiful women here?"

Xiaoxia looked around and saw beautiful women everywhere, in all sorts of styles... it was almost abnormal.

Stalls lined both sides of the road, lanterns lit up one after another, and the aroma of food, shouts of game vendors, and cheerful traditional music filled the air, creating a vibrant atmosphere unique to the festival.

Although the prosperity here certainly cannot compare to that of Koba City.

But a group of people had been stuck on the ship for many days.

Being able to get off the ship is already a blessing.

How do you say that?

Happiness is something that comes from comparison.

As long as there is a period of decline, one will feel happiness when things are rising.

In a way, that's how it is now.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu perched on Ash's shoulder, pointing its little paws at the apple candy stall and calling out excitedly.

Pikachu also quite likes human snacks and treats.

"Okay, okay, I'll go buy it in a bit." Xiao Zhi agreed with a smile, his eyes involuntarily drawn to the lively atmosphere.

The three of them merged into the bustling crowd.

Start enjoying this rare moment of leisure.

Xiao Gang grabbed the Poké Ball with both hands in his pockets.

He strolled leisurely, but his perpetually squinted eyes were unusually busy, occasionally uttering sincere exclamations of admiration:

"Oh! That lady in the pale purple yukata, the hydrangea in her hair ornament truly complements her gentle temperament...?"

"That lady in the red dress scooping up goldfish over there, her movements are so elegant and precise, she's really amazing...?"

"Ah! That lady enjoying the takoyaki, even the way she gently exhaled after getting burned, was full of vibrant beauty!"

Xiao Gang's comments were as insightful as ever, and... very eloquent.

As expected, being trapped in the dojo for too many years has indeed become somewhat oppressive.

Since leaving the dojo, I've been letting myself go.

Xiaoxia couldn't help but complain, "Hey, Xiaogang, your eyes are almost turning into hearts! Tone it down a bit!"

However, Xiao Gang suddenly sighed slightly.

His tone carried a hint of regret, as if he had seen through the situation, as he whispered to his two companions:

"Sigh... Although they are beautiful, I have to admit that at least half of the pretty girls on this street are eye-catching..."

He paused, his gaze seemingly able to penetrate the surface of some of the laughter.

"Actually, they are all illusions created by Ghost-type Pokémon."

Having been a dojo owner for many years, Xiao Gang is indeed very knowledgeable.

Xiao Gang: I can tell you're not human at first glance!

Xiao Gang: I need your help in my spiritual practice!

Xiao Gang: Great Heaven... no need for that, sorry, wrong set.

Xiao Gang: In short, please help me cultivate quickly!

"Huh?" Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhi looked around curiously again.

"I just sensed something was off here, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was."

"I thought it was just too crowded and I wasn't used to it."

"There's no threat at all..."

This was Ash's first time encountering a Ghost-type Pokémon in his entire life.

Of course, the more important reason is that he did not sense any hostility.

"Pikachu?" Upon hearing this, Pikachu also began to carefully examine its surroundings.

It focused its mind and seemed to be able to vaguely sense some non-human "beings" mixed in with the crowd, carrying faint ghost-like energy fluctuations.

They perfectly mimicked the laughter and chatter of human girls, blending seamlessly into the festive atmosphere.

They're all veteran actors, you could only say.

This is clearly not the first time this has been done.

“I see,” Ash recalled Lt. Surge’s information. “This must be the trick Mr. Lt. Surge was talking about, the one that ‘playful old man’ and his companions are using, right?”

"Pikachu?" Pikachu was still tilting its head, carefully discerning the subtle differences in energy in the air.

Unlike Ash, who is a trainer, he doesn't usually need to directly fight with Pokémon.

We still need to be careful with Pikachu. What if it gets into a battle with a Ghost-type in the future?

Pikachu: ...The skill of "See Through" is really hard to learn.

emm.

Anyway, Pikachu knows everything without even learning it.

"Half of it is a ghost?" Xiaoxia stopped in her tracks.

To be honest, she was a little scared.

Ghost-type Pokémon generally don't have a very good reputation.

Although there are also types that are compatible with humans.

But what he is most famous for is his infamy.

For example, Ghost-type Pokémon from the Chandelure family...