Ash spent a full three days recovering at Liza's residence within the Charicific Valley. During that time, Charizard and Pikachu remained by his side, never straying for a moment. Fortunately, he had only suffered from mental exhaustion rather than physical injury. After three days of rest, he had made a complete recovery.
Not only that, but Ash discovered that his physical condition seemed even more robust than before!
Charizard remained behind in the Charicific Valley to undergo intensive training. This wasn't a release, but rather a form of foster care. If Ash ever needed Charizard's strength or wanted him to return to his side, he could contact Liza at any time.
As they walked out of the Charicific Valley, Ash tossed a Poké Ball. Chikorita, whom he had recently captured and who had taken a great liking to him, leaped out. It immediately hopped onto Ash's shoulder, while Pikachu occupied the other.
"Alright, it's time to start your training!" Ash said with a smile, looking at the Chikorita on his shoulder. This competitive little creature turned out to be quite the adorable girl.
With Charizard gone, the team currently with Ash consisted of Pikachu, Squirtle, Heracross, Chikorita, and Snorlax. Naturally, Ash intended to focus most of his energy on his newest companions, Heracross and Chikorita.
Interestingly, shortly after leaving the valley, the group arrived at a location that seemed perfect for training Chikorita.
"Ash, are you sure you're alright?" Misty asked, still clearly worried about his health after his collapse. Traveling can be grueling, after all. In truth, if Misty hadn't insisted, Ash would have been ready to move out the very next day.
"Don't worry, Misty. I've rested for three days; I'm completely back to normal!" Ash laughed, trying to put her mind at ease.
"Man, don't you guys think it's hot? The sun is brutal today," Brock remarked while checking the map. By his calculations, they were nearing the site of the next Gym, Azalea Town.
"It's not so bad. I think it feels pretty good," Ash replied with a grin.
Brock shot him a look. "Of course you do. Chikorita's big leaf is blocking the sun for you!"
Since leaving the valley, Ash had been training Chikorita along the way. Since she was still small, her training didn't cause much of a stir. Unlike Charizard, who required a massive open space just to move around, Chikorita was easy to work with on the road.
Her progress had been excellent, and she had already learned the move Magical Leaf. Even before Ash caught her, she had been famous in the area for her stubborn, competitive nature, and she had clearly accumulated plenty of experience before joining his team.
As they walked, Chikorita seemed to gain more energy as the sunlight intensified. She loved basking in the sun more than anything.
"Hello there!"
A young woman holding a large wrench appeared before them. It was only then that the group noticed a thick water pipe running along the side of the road. She appeared to be inspecting it for leaks.
"Hello there, beautiful and gentle lady! My name is Brock. Might I ask for your contact information?" Brock's old habits flared up instantly, only for Misty to promptly drag him away.
"My name is Chigusa," the woman introduced herself.
Chigusa explained that they were in Sunnyside. The area received an abundance of sunlight, making it famous for breeding Sunflora. Since they were already there, they decided to pay a visit.
The architecture in Sunnyside was fascinating; the buildings were constructed on the hillside in a terraced fashion, like steps. This allowed every home to maximize its exposure to the sun.
Chigusa herself raised several Sunflora. The pipe they had seen was part of a grand project to bring high-quality mountain spring water down from the nearby peaks.
By using this pure water combined with the intense Sunnyside sun, she allowed her Sunflora to grow naturally. The sheer scale of the irrigation project was a testament to the care she put into her work.
Once they reached her home, Chigusa turned on the sprinklers. Chikorita jumped off Ash's shoulder and lay down happily beneath the spray to soak up the water and sun.
"Haha, it looks like Chikorita really likes your spring water, Chigusa!" Misty said, laughing at the sight. Truly, this was the ideal way to raise Grass type Pokémon.
Since Chikorita enjoyed the place so much, the group stayed in Sunnyside for a day of training before setting off again. Of course, the training never truly stopped.
"Wow, it's a Vileplume! Togepi, be careful not to inhale any Stun Spore!"
"And that's a Gloom!"
"There's a Bellsprout, a Weepinbell, and a Victreebel too!"
Not long after they resumed their journey, they encountered a large number of wild Grass type Pokémon by the roadside. Chikorita, following beside Ash, greeted them all individually.
"Victreebel, how about a battle with my Chikorita?" Ash asked, walking up to the largest Victreebel and crouching down to greet it.
"Ash, be careful!" Misty warned.
Approaching so suddenly was risky. If these wild Pokémon felt threatened, a face full of Stun Spore or Poison Powder would be more than Ash could handle. Misty and Brock were nearly worried sick by his impulsive move.
However, the Victreebel simply tilted its pitcher-shaped head and hopped forward, accepting the challenge! Chikorita leaped from Ash's shoulder, her fighting spirit burning bright.
Victreebel opened with a powerful Razor Leaf. It was, after all, a fully evolved Pokémon in its final stage!
"Dodge it!"
Chikorita darted left and right, easily evading the sharp leaves. But Victreebel's attacks were relentless. Its single Vine Whip suddenly lashed out, binding Chikorita tightly.
"Not bad," Ash said with a faint smile, seemingly unbothered that Chikorita was being dangled in mid-air. His calm demeanor rubbed off on Chikorita, helping her settle her panic and regain her focus.
"Are you calm now?" Ash asked. "Then use Sweet Scent!"
Chikorita raised the leaf on her head, emitting a fragrant aroma that drifted toward the Victreebel. Almost immediately, Victreebel's grip on its Vine Whip loosened, releasing Chikorita.
"Now, use Magical Leaf!"
Magical Leaf was different from Razor Leaf. While Razor Leaf fired physical leaves, Magical Leaf was an attack composed of Grass type energy. Furthermore, it possessed a tracking function, giving it an incredibly high accuracy rate.
Victreebel was sent flying by the impact, though Grass type moves weren't particularly effective against it.
Just as the battle was about to continue, Misty and Brock spotted a small pink Pokémon floating through the air above them. It was a Hoppip, a Pokémon known for being carried away by strong winds.
"Please, help me catch that Hoppip!" a young woman cried out as she chased after it. Hearing the plea, Ash immediately called off the battle.
"Heracross!" Ash shouted, releasing the Pokémon from its ball. "Heracross, toss Chikorita up! Chikorita, use Vine Whip to grab that Hoppip, then Heracross, catch them both!"
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