The audience was still reeling from Ash's answer. Sure, the trainer's head might be a bit thick when it comes to romance, but a hostess for the team had to be found eventually. As for who? Pikachu had his own ideas.
If Ash wouldn't open his eyes, Pikachu would provide the assist! He didn't believe that with his adorable, world-class charm, he couldn't help Ash hook a few hostesses.
Misty slumped back in her chair like a dried sardine. She didn't know whether to be relieved or disappointed by Ash's answer.
"Anyway... let's leave it at that for now!" she muttered. In this reality, she was the one traveling with him. If anyone had the best chance, it was the "World-Class Beauty," Misty! She wouldn't give those other girls an inch. She had to keep a close eye on him!
As for whether Misty could actually hold onto him... well, that depended on how hard the other girls attacked!
In the Footage—
After their run, Ash and Chloe found a place to sit and chat. Ash looked at her curiously.
"Chloe, have you found what you want to do yet? Contests? Or Pokémon Battles?"
"Hmm... if I could, I'd want to try Contests. But... with only a Yamper, can I even enter?" Chloe thought of her goofy, energetic dog.
It was hard to imagine Yamper fitting into the elegant, flowing world of Contests, which focused on beauty and charm. To her, Yamper was cute, but to judges? He might just look silly.
"Yamper... isn't unsuitable. Every Pokémon has its own unique charm!" Ash countered. "Appearance is only one part.
The application of moves and on-the-spot creativity are what make Contests difficult! Yamper can definitely show off her own style!"
Chloe's face lit up, but Ash's next sentence brought a reality check. "But... relying solely on Yamper isn't enough. You need at least two Pokémon.
With only one, your moves are too predictable, and the second round of a Contest requires a battle. You'll get countered easily. So... at least two!"
Ash had seen Contests in two regions and the Showcase in Kalos. He knew the ropes. Yamper looked airheaded, but if her charm was harnessed, high scores were guaranteed.
However, a single Pokémon's versatility is limited. For a long-term career, a second partner was a must.
"But... I only have Yamper..."
"Haha! No worries, let's go catch one! I got word from Professor Cerise last night—someone spotted a Totem Pokémon in the Sinnoh Resort Area! There are even Feebas there!"
"Totem Pokémon? And Feebas... the one that evolves into Milotic?" Chloe was a top student.
She might have disliked being called "The Professor's Daughter," but she hadn't rebelled against learning.
Her theoretical knowledge could even rival Ash's. She knew about Milotic, but... "What is a Totem Pokémon? It's not in the textbooks!"
"Hehe, they're Pokémon with massive bodies! They were supposed to be unique to the Alola region, but for some reason, one appeared in Sinnoh. Let's go check it out! Maybe we'll even run into an old friend!"
The two clicked instantly, heading back to change for their Sinnoh trip!
[Lance: What is a Totem Pokémon? Even I, the Champion, haven't heard of this.]
[Professor Kukui: Totem Pokémon are powerful creatures on our islands that have absorbed "Totem Energy." Not only do they grow much larger, but they can also summon "Ally Pokémon" of the same species! They are the leaders of their kind. However, this state usually requires the Totem Energy of Alola to maintain. If one is in Sinnoh and staying large... it might be a permanent variant! Don't get your hopes up about rushing there now, though. This footage is from years in the future. If it's there, then it's probably a recent arrival.]
Kukui's explanation acted as a cold shower for those already planning to hunt a permanent Totem Pokémon. Greed was a powerful motivator, but they were likely chasing ghosts.
In the Footage—
Ash and Chloe arrived in Sinnoh. Ash had donned a black-and-white jacket and his blue-and-white cap—a larger version of his classic Sinnoh outfit he kept for nostalgia. Chloe wore a pink dress and a cream-colored sunhat. This felt more like a fishing vacation.
After landing, they took Charizard to the Resort Area. It was a vast place, and they weren't sure where the Totem was until they met a group of "kind locals" on the beach who pointed them toward the "Master Lake."
[Lance: Those four... that's Team Rocket, isn't it?]
[Steven: To be precise, two humans and two Pokémon.]
[Catlin: Is Ash blind? Wobbuffet is barely even wearing a disguise! How does he not recognize them?]
[Anabel: Maybe it's because we have a "God's eye view." To the people there, the disguises work.]
[Diantha: Indeed, Jessie has the talent of an actress. Their disguises are quite successful!]
Jessie, reading the chat, felt like she was floating. "James! Meowth! Did you see? The world-class Champion Diantha said I have the talent of an actress! Hahahaha!!"
[Flint: With Team Rocket there, Ash's capture is guaranteed!]
[Genga: Exactly. They are the Kings of Assists. If they weren't there, it might be hard, but with them? It's in the bag!]
In the Footage—
Team Rocket didn't attack because Giovanni had given them a mandatory day off. They were ordered to enjoy themselves, so they were strictly "off the clock."
At the lake, Ash and Chloe realized they forgot fishing rods. They went to a nearby shop—run by Team Rocket! James, a hardcore hobbyist, couldn't help himself. He began passionately explaining the different rods to Ash and Chloe.
Suddenly, a person on a scooter sped by, nearly hitting Pikachu! Jessie moved with lightning reflexes, scooping Pikachu up to safety.
"Watch where you're going! You almost hit someone!!" Jessie screamed at the rider. Only then did she realize... she was holding Pikachu. Ash ran out, thanked her profusely, and bowed.
"You guys are such good people! Have we met before?" Ash asked.
James and Jessie broke into a cold sweat. James snatched Pikachu, handed him back to Ash, and they hurried away.
"Darn it... Pikachu was right there in my hands!" Jessie lamented once they were alone. "We're on vacation, meow," Meowth reminded them. "Fine! Today we enjoy the holiday. Tomorrow, we have plenty of chances!"
Their loyalty to Giovanni's "Enjoy your holiday" order was so absolute that they surrendered their life's goal just to follow the rules.
[Lance: Say... if I go find Giovanni, beat him up, and put Dragonite's claw to his throat until he fires those three... do you think they'd join the League?]
Ash: "..." Wait, Lance, you're the good guy! Why do you sound like a villain?!
[Steven: Lance has a point. If you find him, call me. I'll help.]
[Leon: Me too. But if they join the League, send them to Galar to build the Wyndon Stadium. With their tech, they could build something incredible.]
Misty, Brock, and Ash shivered. The "dirty tactics" of the Champions were terrifying! But it also showed just how much of a talent the Team Rocket trio truly was.
In the Footage—
Ash and Chloe found a spot at the crowded lake. Chloe used a Staryu-shaped lure. Ash's lure was... unique.
"Uh, Ash? Is your lure... a person?" Chloe asked. The lure had green hair and looked like a tiny human head.
"Haha, yeah! This is a lure my friend Cilan gave me when we traveled in Unova! I feel like using his lure will bring good luck!"
In Unova, at the Striaton Gym, Cilan smiled. It seemed he and Ash had shared a wonderful journey. Ash still cherishing the lure meant he valued their friendship deeply.
In the Footage—
"Actually, Misty—the one from the Cerulean Gym—gave me a lure too," Ash added while rigging his line. "But I've used it so much I'm afraid of breaking it, so I keep it safe at home."
Ash struck a battle pose. "Alright, Chloe! Let's show some spirit! The Feebas and the Totem Pokémon are ours!!"
"O-Oh! Right!" Chloe scrambled to cast her line.
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