Leaving behind the ancient aura of Grandpa Canyon, Ash and his group continued their journey along a country path.
At a fork in the road, a slightly weathered missing person poster on a bulletin board caught their attention. Printed on it was none other than a photo of James from Team Rocket, accompanied by a detailed home address and a promise of a hefty reward.
"Isn't this James?" Misty pointed at the poster in surprise.
"It seems his family is desperate for him to return," Brock analyzed, stroking his chin.
Ash, who knew the inside story, had a flash of understanding in his eyes. He knew this wasn't a simple search for a relative, but a "scam" designed by James's wealthy family. Their goal was to lure him home to complete an arranged business marriage with the socialite Jessiebelle.
"Let's go," Ash said, the corners of his mouth turning up as he tore down the poster. "We'll send the 'lost' James home and... earn some travel expenses along the way."
Following the address, they arrived at a vast, imposing Japanese-style mansion. After stating their purpose, they were respectfully invited into a reception room. James's parents a wealthy, dignified middle-aged couple received them.
Sure enough, they straight-forwardly explained their intentions: they hoped Ash and his friends could find and persuade James to return for his wedding with Jessiebelle, promising a massive reward upon success.
Ash didn't agree immediately. Instead, he flashed a shrewd, businessman-like smile. "Madam, Sir, finding James and persuading him to return won't be difficult for us. Given your family's strength, I'm sure the reward will be generous. However..."
He shifted his tone. "A forced marriage is never happy. Even if we bring him back, if he is vehemently against it, it will only lead to misery and perhaps even greater family conflict. I have a proposal: we can help, but you must promise that once James returns, you won't force the marriage immediately. Instead, give him a chance to express his own will. Otherwise, we would rather forfeit the reward."
James's parents exchanged looks, clearly not expecting such a seasoned attitude or such conditions from a young Trainer.
Weighing the pros and cons and considering James's stubborn streak from his long time away, they realized force might indeed backfire. Eventually, they reluctantly agreed to Ash's demand.
After securing the initial promise and a substantial "activity fund" deposit, Ash used his Aura perception and his knowledge of Team Rocket's usual patterns to quickly find James in a small grove outside town. He was currently venting his frustrations to Meowth and Jessie, agonizing over whether he should go home and face it.
Ash sent Misty and Brock (as well as the eavesdropping Jessie and Meowth) away to meet with James alone.
"Twerp?! How did you find me here?" James jumped in fright.
"Don't be nervous, James," Ash waved it off, getting straight to the point. "I know all about your family matters. I'm not here to drag you back for a forced marriage; I'm here to help you win true freedom."
James was skeptical. Ash immediately laid out his plan: "Your parents have already promised that if you return, they won't force you to marry right away. You can proactively suggest a Pokémon battle to decide your fate. Here is the bet: if you beat Jessiebelle, they can no longer force you to marry and must grant you your freedom. If you lose, you marry willingly. How about it?"
James's eyes lit up. This was undoubtedly a perfect opportunity! But then he hesitated. "But... Jessiebelle, she..."
"Don't worry," Ash smiled confidently. "Jessiebelle may be a Trainer, but her main Pokémon is a Grass-type Vileplume. Your Growlithe has a complete type advantage over it! As long as you command it well, your chances of winning are extremely high! This is your best chance to win your freedom with your own strength!"
Ash's analysis made James's blood boil with excitement. Right, he had Growlithe! He was no longer that cowardly young master who could only passively accept his family's arrangements!
"Alright! I'll do as you say, twerp! No, Ash!" James made up his mind.
Thus, James "voluntarily" returned home. Facing his parents and the dressed-up, determined Jessiebelle, he followed the plan and proposed the bet: a Pokémon battle to decide his life's path.
James's parents, seeing their son willing to return and fight, felt there was a turn for the better and agreed. Jessiebelle also confidently accepted the challenge, refusing to believe this "good-for-nothing" young master could defeat her.
The duel took place in the courtyard.
Jessiebelle indeed sent out her ace Vileplume. James sent out his loyal partner Growlithe.
"Vileplume, use Petal Dance!"
"Growlithe, dodge and use Flamethrower!"
James demonstrated the excellent commanding skills he had honed during his rough times in Team Rocket. Growlithe shared a perfect bond with him, nimbly dodging Vileplume's elegant but chaotic Petal Dance. It countered with a powerful, close-range Flamethrower. It was super effective! The flames instantly engulfed Vileplume, dealing heavy damage!
"Vileplume, hang in there! Use Moonlight to recover!"
"I won't give you the chance! Growlithe, use Crunch now!"
Growlithe lunged forward, its sharp teeth biting hard into Vileplume! Vileplume let out a pained cry and collapsed, unable to battle.
"Vile... Vileplume!" Jessiebelle looked on in disbelief.
James... won!
He had used his own strength to win his freedom!
Though James's parents were disappointed the alliance failed, seeing their son's growth and resolve, they had no choice but to honor the bet.
Afterward, James's parents kept their word and paid Ash a reward that far exceeded what was written on the poster an incredibly generous sum thanking him for "helping" James return and resolving the family conflict in a relatively peaceful manner.
[Ding! The host has successfully planned and assisted James in winning his freedom, receiving a generous reward (converted to equivalent World Origin Points). Reward: 1,200 World Origin Points.]
[Current World Origin Points: 21,700.]
Ash pocketed this "middleman" fee with a clear conscience.
As for James, after obtaining the promise that his family would no longer interfere with his marriage, he reunited with Jessie and Meowth. With an unprecedented lightness and a complex, hard-to-describe gratitude toward Ash (along with a slight feeling of being played), he set off once more on his Team Rocket career pursuing rare Pokémon (and continuing to be shocked by Pikachu).
Ash and his group, with bulging wallets (and World Origin Points), hid their achievements and continued their journey toward becoming Pokémon Masters.
The next chapter features the hatching of Togepi.
"Brothers, the most important thing right now is to help me increase my V-collection. Those with stars, please bookmark and add this to your bookshelf!! I'm begging you!"
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