Lara Laramie's Tauros hadn't stopped wailing since this morning. Yet her parents merely glanced at the situation before ignoring it—they'd already understood everything upon seeing Lara's ribbon on Ash's shoulder. Under these circumstances, it was just as well to let Ash help manage the Tauros herd for a while.
Scyther brandished its scythes, its sharp gaze fixed on the Tauros herd, while under the combined stare of Ash and the two Scythers, the Tauros obediently submitted.
Brock, standing to the side, finally understood what Ash meant by 'taking them down.' With his dominant Scyther leading the charge, Ash single-handedly challenged Lara's Tauros herd, establishing absolute dominance.
"Good job, Scyther. Just wait a little longer, and you'll be able to evolve soon."
As he spoke, Ash carefully helped Scyther clean its scythes. Upon hearing Ash mention evolution, Scyther nodded. Although it could evolve without relying on a Metal Coat, there was still a difference between evolving with a high-quality one and without. As Ash's longtime partner, of course Ash wanted to give it the best.
That's why Ash hoped those who accepted the commission could find some natural, top-quality Metal Coats. For this purpose, Ash even had the Continental Hotel list a bounty of 10 million Pokédollars for natural special items.
However, it wasn't that Ash wasn't trying—it's just that natural, high-quality special items were truly hard to come by. Team Rocket, led by Giovanni, could only obtain man-made ones at best. Steven might find some while mining, but the quality wasn't up to par. Recently, though, Ash heard rumors of a place that might have natural Metal Coats—even the highest-grade ones—so he's already made his announcement within the Grand Continental Hotel. Every branch that helps him secure it will receive Miracle Candies and bonuses. In any case, a group of employees led by J from the Continental Hotel are charging toward the location with overwhelming momentum.
At that very moment, a flock of Dodrio ran past—led by one Dodrio carrying a young boy on its back. Upon spotting this guy, Ash's Scyther and Ponyta immediately assumed battle stances.
"Well, well, if it isn't Ash? Who else but you would bring a Scyther to beat up a herd of Tauros?"
"Dodrio, go! What, you looking to start a fight or something?"
The mantis had already Ponyta, and Duli retreated to the queen's side—he knew full well the combat power of these four Pokémon. Tsk.
"Tch, I'm not some violent maniac like you," "I was just wondering who could possibly... Ah, I see. No wonder it's you who came today."
Seeing the two ribbons on Ash's arm, Duli finally understood the situation.
"Hmph, I have to say you three violent types are quite well-matched."
"Thanks, I actually think so too—we really have that couple vibe."
"I wasn't complimenting you! Just watch how I defeat your woman in this race—you'll see!"
Hearing Dullif say this, Ash smiled and patted his Ponyta, saying, 'Heh, sorry, but this year's racing competition is mine! My Ponyta and I will show you what real skill looks like.'
Looking at Ash's Ponyta, Dullif almost burst out laughing.
'Hahaha! That Ponyta of yours with the wrong flame color? Clearly malnourished! Alright, I won't waste any more time with you! Let's go!'
Then, with a trail of dust, Dodrio rode off on its Dodrio. Ash watched the direction in which Dodrio had left.
He clicked his tongue in annoyance and comforted Ponyta, saying, 'It's okay, Ponyta. Even though your flames are light in color, their temperature is definitely high enough. They just don't know how to appreciate it.'
Indeed, as Dodrio had pointed out, Ash's Ponyta's flames were somewhat light in color. Despite trying many renowned methods, Ash hadn't been able to change this. But Ash didn't care about that—as long as his Ponyta was strong enough, the color of its flames didn't really matter.
Ponyta nuzzled against Ash. It had once been ostracized by its herd due to its unusual coloration before being adopted by Ash. Now it has become one of the most resilient Ponyta among them.
As the toughest of them all, it naturally understands that Ash doesn't care about such things, but it dislikes others belittling Ash because of its flame color. Because it knows Ash has been using medicinal cuisine to help change this all along, it won't allow anyone to slander Ash.
---Divider---
"Does it say you can't casually steal my medicinal herbs?"
Watching the fleeing Rattata scatter, Ash shook his head helplessly. These little Rattata sure knew how to pick their targets—they even had their eyes on his medicinal herbs.
Just then, a massive Raticate leaped out, carrying some berries and handed them to Ash.
"Listen, Raticate, you should understand how precious those medicinal herbs of mine are. The potion I used to heal you before was made from these very herbs."
"Raticate..." (Sorry)
"Meow. To be honest, Raticate, you really should discipline your underlings more. The Boss has been patient enough as it is."
Meowth looked at Raticate with some helplessness. He understood that Raticate's group was large and difficult to manage, and it's some newly born Rattata coming to steal food.
"Rattata. Rattata rattata rattata." (What can I do? Our Rattata clan reproduces quite fast. The young Rattata come over as soon as they're old enough to follow the scent. I've said this countless times.)
After hearing Meowth's translation, Ash said helplessly, "Then I'll have to increase security measures." Sorry for the trouble.)
"Forget it, just help protect Lara and the others when the time comes."
'Rattata!' (Don't worry. Our fangs won't let you down.)
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