After leaving Gringey City, Ash and his companions passed through a valley where a massive reservoir was under construction.
The enormous dam had already begun to take shape, yet the air was filled with tension. Suddenly, several dull explosions echoed from the distance.
Following the sound, they soon encountered a worried-looking foreman. The man was loudly recruiting passing trainers.
"Are there any strong Pokémon Trainers around? We need help driving away those Diglett that keep ruining the construction and digging holes everywhere! The pay will be generous!"
Ash, who was familiar with the original storyline, immediately understood that this was far from a simple case of troublesome Pokémon.
Just as he was about to step forward and explain, a familiar voice full of sarcasm rang out.
"Hmph. I was wondering who it was. So it's you, Ash."
Gary approached with his group of cheerleaders, looking arrogant as ever.
"A task like protecting public infrastructure and eliminating nuisances clearly requires an outstanding trainer like me. You can keep playing your little 'friendship games.'"
With that, Gary confidently walked over to the foreman and offered his help.
The foreman was delighted and quickly gathered several trainers, including Gary, preparing to "eradicate" the Diglett swarm.
Soon, everyone arrived at an area where Diglett activity was frequent. Sure enough, many Diglett and Dugtrio were digging around the construction site, causing parts of the foundation to loosen.
"Go, my beauties!" Gary and the other trainers threw their Poké Balls.
But something strange happened.
Whether it was Gary's Wartortle or the Pokémon belonging to the other trainers, after the Poké Balls opened and flashed with light, none of the Pokémon were willing to come out and battle.
"What's going on? Wartortle, come out!" Gary shouted in shock and anger. The other trainers looked at each other in confusion.
Only Ash understood what was happening.
Through his Aura ability, he could clearly feel that it wasn't just the Diglett. Every Pokémon in the surrounding area was filled with a sense of sorrow, anxiety, and determination to protect something.
"They're not refusing to fight," Ash stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "They're protesting this way. They know that once the reservoir is completed, the vast forest upstream will be completely flooded. Countless Pokémon will lose their homes. The Diglett digging holes aren't causing trouble. They're trying to protect their home!"
The foreman and the trainers, including Gary, were all stunned.
"That's nonsense! How could Diglett understand something like that?" the foreman retorted, though his tone lacked the confidence from before.
"If you don't believe me, come with me tonight," Ash said with determination in his eyes.
That night, beneath a bright moon, Ash led the skeptical foreman, Gary, and the others quietly to the edge of the forest upstream.
The scene before them left them speechless.
Hundreds, even thousands of Diglett and Dugtrio were using their tiny claws and heads to carefully plant saplings in areas with deeper soil and higher ground. They were reinforcing the slopes, trying to resist the flood that would soon come.
They were fighting for survival.
The foreman watched the silent yet magnificent sight and was completely moved. He finally understood why the Pokémon had refused to battle, and he also understood the true reason behind the Diglett's "destruction."
"I… I almost became an accomplice in destroying their home…" the foreman said, his face full of shame.
Just then, the ever-annoying Team Rocket suddenly jumped out.
They had sent out their newly evolved Arbok and Weezing.
"Since you won't fight them, then these Diglett will belong to Team Rocket!"
"That's right! Arbok, Bite!"
"Weezing, Sludge Attack!"
However, their attack enraged the entire Diglett colony.
Countless Diglett and Dugtrio simultaneously used Dig and Mud Bomb. The ground collapsed instantly, and attacks came from all directions. Arbok and Weezing were immediately buried under a rain of mud projectiles, completely unable to fight back.
Team Rocket was blasted away once again.
"What a terrible feeling—!"
After witnessing the Diglett's determination and strength in protecting their home, the foreman finally made his decision.
He declared firmly:
"The reservoir construction… is suspended immediately! We will reassess the environmental impact and look for a solution that won't destroy the Pokémon's habitat!"
Gary watched everything unfold. For the first time, he didn't make a sarcastic remark.
He looked at Ash deeply, returned his Poké Ball, and quietly left with a complicated expression.
He had realized that some things were far more important than simple victory or completing a task.
With the crisis at the valley dam resolved, Ash and his companions set out on the road once again. This time, their destination was Fuchsia City.
After a long journey, Ash and his friends finally arrived at the city known for its Natural Park and unique Gym.
Fuchsia City was surrounded by vast wilderness areas, and the air itself carried the fresh scent of grass and soil.
"So this is Fuchsia City," Brock said while looking at his guidebook. "The Gym Leader, Koga, is said to be a master of Poison-type Pokémon and also a descendant of ninjas."
"Poison-types, huh… that sounds pretty tough," Misty said, rubbing her chin.
Ash, however, had a determined sparkle in his eyes.
"No matter what type they use, we're getting that badge! And besides…" he looked toward the vast plains at the edge of the city. "I've heard there's a famous Safari Zone here, where many rare Pokémon live that you can't find anywhere else."
New challenges and new opportunities awaited them in Fuchsia City.
The sixth badge was just within reach.
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