Before heading to the Safari Zone, Ash and his group heard that nearby there was a Pokémon sanctuary for Kangaskhan, where many Kangaskhan and the babies they raised lived together.
Out of curiosity and concern for these gentle Pokémon, they decided to stop by and visit.
The sanctuary was guarded and managed by Officer Jenny. However, Ash knew that if they simply entered without permission, they would likely be treated as intruders.
Not long after they arrived, they ran into their old acquaintances, the Team Rocket trio, who were trying to capture a strong Kangaskhan using a specially made net!
"Stop right there!" Ash immediately stepped forward to stop them. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
"Squirtle, Water Gun!"
"Primeape, give them a lesson!"
With everyone working together, Team Rocket was once again sent running away in a miserable defeat, leaving behind their failed capture equipment.
Officer Jenny expressed her gratitude to Ash and the others. "Thanks to you, this Kangaskhan mother and the baby in her pouch are safe. Poachers have been especially active lately."
At that moment, Pikachu on Ash's shoulder suddenly became unusually emotional. It jumped down to the ground and ran toward the rescued Kangaskhan, tears in its eyes, crying out urgently with "Pika! Pika!"
The Kangaskhan lowered its head as well, gazing at Pikachu with gentle eyes. It stretched out its large hand and softly stroked Pikachu's head, letting out a low and tender rumbling sound.
An extraordinary closeness flowed between them.
"Pikachu… you know this Kangaskhan?" Ash asked in surprise.
Through Pikachu's excited gestures, Kangaskhan's gentle reactions, and Officer Jenny's confirmation, Ash quickly understood.
This Kangaskhan was the very one that had raised Pikachu for a time when it was young and living in the wild. In a way, she could be considered Pikachu's foster mother.
Pikachu turned around and ran back to Ash, tugging at his pant leg with its tiny paws before pointing toward Kangaskhan. Its eyes were filled with longing and pleading.
It hoped that Ash would catch Kangaskhan so that the "mother" who had once given it warmth and protection could become their companion. That way they would no longer be separated, and Kangaskhan would no longer have to worry about being harmed by poachers.
Ash completely understood Pikachu's feelings.
He walked up to Officer Jenny and made a sincere request. "Officer Jenny, you've seen it too. Pikachu and this Kangaskhan share a deep bond. Pikachu hopes I can catch Kangaskhan so they can stay together, and so we can protect her better. I promise I'll take good care of her."
Officer Jenny looked at the touching interaction between Pikachu and Kangaskhan, then thought about how Ash and the others had just driven away Team Rocket. After a moment of consideration, she nodded.
"Alright, I understand. I've seen Pikachu's feelings and your determination to protect Pokémon. I'll make an exception and allow it, Ash."
"Thank you so much, Officer Jenny!" Ash said gratefully.
He took out an empty Poké Ball and walked toward Kangaskhan.
Kangaskhan seemed to understand what was about to happen. She looked gently at Ash, then at Pikachu, whose eyes were filled with anticipation. She slowly lowered her head and lightly touched the Poké Ball with her forehead.
A flash of red light.
Capture successful.
[Ding! The host has captured Kangaskhan (Pikachu's foster mother). Reward: 300 World Points.]
[Current World Points: 15600.]
[The bond between Pikachu and the host has greatly deepened.]
Pikachu jumped up excitedly and dove straight into Kangaskhan's pouch after she emerged from the Poké Ball, even though it was a little cramped for its size now. It let out joyful cries.
Kangaskhan gently held Pikachu, as if returning to those days long ago.
With this newly joined and deeply meaningful family member, Ash and his companions, filled with warmth and joy, finally stepped into the vast and mysterious wilderness outside Fuchsia City.
The Kangaskhan who once raised Pikachu had officially joined the team!
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