NABC Chapter 189: The Appearance of Chicory Leaves
Chapter 189: The Appearance of Chicory Leaves
Chapter 189: Chrysanthemum Leaf Makes its Appearance (6K, Second Bonus Chapter)
Finally, one of the cuckoos was able to leave the Bewildering Forest.
Ash and Misty soon arrived at the largest city closest to the forest, Eastgate City.
This is a bustling, urbanized town.
Commerce is highly developed, and it is known as the eastern gateway to the city.
"East Gate City is even bigger than Hualan City!" Xiaoxia was visibly happy upon arriving in the new city.
Now she no longer has to be startled by a ghost Pokémon that suddenly appears every time she opens her eyes.
Ash was also very excited. As soon as they arrived in Eastgate Town, he grabbed Misty and headed straight for the Pokémon Center.
Go there to free lunch and Pokémon therapy.
"Long live freebies, right, Pikachu!"
"Pikachu!"
Frugality is an inherent virtue of humankind.
Xiaoxia had nothing to say about this, but Xiaozhi wasn't entirely there for the free lunch; he also had important things to do.
After lunch, they went to the switchboard on the second floor of the Pokémon Center and released the Crystal Onix.
Ash hasn't had a good opportunity to give Onix the special crystal metal film that Brock gave him before.
Now is the perfect time. Give the metal shield to your Pokémon, exchange it with Misty twice, and then release it.
This time, the metal membrane carefully crafted by Xiaogang finally succeeded in evolving Crystal Onix, after failing twice before.
It emitted a dazzling light, and the giant rock snake's body inside kept changing.
A moment later, the light faded, and a brand new Crystal Steelix appeared before Ash and his friends.
Its body is grayish-blue, its eyes are predominantly red, its tail is nail-like, and its appearance still exudes a crystal-like luster.
Ash is very satisfied that his body looks even cooler after evolving.
"Roar~" Steelix used its tail to curl up Ash, and it was very happy.
[Ding! Pulling Beads: Affection +2]
First, put it back into its Poké Ball, and then Ash will find some helpful passersby to test the Crystal Onix's strength.
They are now heading to the company's newly built headquarters in Dongmen City.
Because they needed to meet up with the trio of Kojiro, who had been waiting for them there for a long time.
Kojiro and his friends had already prepared a place for Satoshi in Eastgate City, a detached villa with a huge yard in the suburbs.
However, when Ash and his friends arrived at the agreed location, they couldn't hold back their excitement as soon as they saw James and his two friends.
"Ahem, welcome, boss!" The trio bowed in unison in exaggerated gestures to welcome Ash.
Ash looked at the three idiots in front of him with a speechless expression, who seemed to be engaged in illegal transactions.
They are now dressed in sharp black suits, with their hair slicked back and wearing sunglasses.
"Is this some kind of spy drama?" Xiao Zhi barely suppressed the urge to complain about them.
"Why are you three dressed like that?!"
"It looks cooler this way," Kojiro said.
"Besides, we're carrying a lot of cash, so we can't just leave it like this."
These three guys were called over by Ash because Kojiro failed his professor exam.
After consulting with Ash, Sundae was appointed as the head of group business in the Johto region.
They will be in charge of expanding the group's business here from now on.
"Boss, the company's losses have now been completely covered, and with cash flow back on track, we finally have the resources to open a branch in the capital!"
Being in charge of an entire region is a much bigger job in the Rockets than being a division head in charge of a city.
At least at the highest management level, a promotion and a raise feel amazing!
Now Kojiro and his friends are eager to make a name for themselves.
"Meow, this is a vast blue ocean for us, boss!" Meow handed the suitcase to Ash.
This is the money the trio had left over after setting up the basic assets for the branch company here.
As the dividends from the group company to the chairman, they need to be personally handed over to Xiaozhi for safekeeping.
Xiao Zhi took a look and found that there were still 50 million Alliance Coins left.
It seems that Kojiro and his friends haven't squandered the money, and the company is truly back on track, unlike last time when Ash had to personally subsidize the company's operations.
Anyway, Ash entrusted the matter of opening a branch company entirely to Kojiro and the others. When it comes to business, the trio of idiots are still a bit better than Ash.
However, since it is a new region, the challenges are considerable.
Ash's smooth development in the Kanto Red Group was mainly due to his good relationship with several influential local Gym Leaders, which allowed him to bring their family influence into the group.
However, this advantage does not exist in the Johto region.
"Have you figured out how to establish a foothold in the Johto region?"
"Don't worry, boss, we've already thought it through." Musashi took out a thick plan and showed it to Satoshi.
"You want to hold a Pokémon exhibition match in East City sponsored by the Crimson Group?"
"Yes, Pokémon shows are very popular in Dongmen City."
Ash knew this, and even Eastgate City initially developed based on Pokémon performances, and it is still frequently used as the venue for Pokémon Coordinator Tournaments.
The city also has a strong tradition of street Pokémon performances.
Nothing in this world is more captivating than Pokémon, and the Red Corporation's main business is almost entirely related to Pokémon.
Things like evolution items, Poké Balls, and healing items.
Of course, the group's most profitable project is still Pokémon merchandise. These kinds of products are really profitable as long as the brand is established.
"Furthermore, we have another request, which is to ask if we could borrow your lord's 'Jun' (a type of ancient Chinese writing instrument)."
"Suiki?"
"We plan to have the champion and you have a battle exhibition match at the end of this Pokémon exhibition tournament."
"As the birthplace of the Legendary Beasts, Suicune here will definitely ignite the passion of the city's residents!"
What a perfect plan! Kojiro was proud of his abilities.
"Meow, when I become famous, money will roll in. Just thinking about it makes me happy, meow."
Meow Meow had already started fantasizing about what it would be like to succeed, and a perverted smile appeared on her face.
However, it is indeed quite feasible. At that time, Ash can simply transform into Aaron and go through the formalities on stage.
"No problem." He handed it all over to Kojiro and the others, and even gave them a special instruction.
"As the group company is launching a successful campaign in a new region, we must make a resounding splash!"
After a brief discussion about the specifics of holding the competition, Ash told Kojiro and the others to go and make preparations.
Ash, on the other hand, went to his garden to find Suicune.
At this moment, Ash's Pokémon were all doing their own thing in the courtyard.
Charizard is battling and sparring with Squirtle.
Its jet of flame collided with Squirtle's water gun, and the steam generated by the intertwining of the two energies filled the air around the battlefield.
It even burned the tail of the sleeping teddy bear next to it.
Seeing the bear's comical howling, they immediately and quietly hid on the other side of the courtyard.
The bewildered Circular Bear was left shaking its big head around, unable to find the culprit.
Heracross, as always, kept bothering Venusaur, and even wanted to drink Venusaur's nectar.
But he was immediately sent flying by someone's rattan whip; he really doesn't learn his lesson.
We need to let Heracross fight more often to wear down its stamina and prevent it from harassing Venusaur again.
At this point, Vibrating Wing was still a little out of place, having just joined Ash's team.
However, with Gengar, also a Ghost-type, leading the way, things are alright for now.
Moreover, because of her cute appearance, Xiaoxia kept pulling her to take pictures with Sylveon, Ralts, and Togepi, and even put a cute bow on her hair.
Ash's Suicune, however, was nowhere to be found.
"Where did that guy go?"
Suddenly, a loud shout came from the sky, and Eight Treasure Porridge made a dazzling appearance from above, only to fall face-first into the mud in front of Ash.
"Ouch, that hurts so much!"
It made a very unique entrance; as soon as it recovered, it immediately raised its hind legs and started kicking its tail repeatedly.
"You dead charcoal, hurry up and loosen up! I just finished tidying it up!"
"Ouch!" (I'll bite you to death!)
It turns out that a small black creature was hanging from its tail. The reason it fell from the sky was because Lugia had bitten Suicune's tail, lifted it into the air, and then dropped it.
Eight Treasure Porridge also has a unique talent: its foul mouth always manages to precisely provoke a Pokémon in Ash's different teams, making it its mortal enemy.
That's really asking for a beating.
"But Kuro's power is already enough to lift Suicune that high." Ash was very pleased.
It's been a month since he was born, and Little Black can finally start normal Pokémon training.
Although it still really likes drinking milk from the big milk jug.
Ash first separated the two Pokémon that were still fighting, then picked up Suicune's head.
"Eight Treasure Porridge, you have a match in a few days that requires you to play."
"Ah, why?" it asked, still holding its tail and blowing air.
"I won't go on a venue that isn't in the spotlight."
"Don't worry, it will definitely be the center of attention." Ash explained the Pokémon exhibition match to it.
"So I'm more popular in the Johto region than in the Kanto region."
Surprisingly, Suijun actually took an interest, his eyes darting around mischievously.
It wouldn't miss the chance to show off in front of so many people, so it agreed on the spot.
However, Babaozhou requires that its food be of a higher standard than Xiao Hei's in the future.
"Ever since Hei came, you haven't cared about me at all—"
"Why can he eat such good food? It's not fair!"
"Me too! Me too!"
If Ash doesn't agree, Suicune will keep throwing a tantrum.
As for what this guy was really thinking, Ash naturally knew perfectly well.
Isn't it just so I can show off to Xiao Hei that my food is better than itss, and then really make it angry?
Ash readily agreed to the request, since he wouldn't stop Black from biting it if it got provoked later.
Now that the actors are in place, it all depends on Kojiro and the others' abilities.
The Volt Impact Pokémon Showdown is scheduled to last for two weeks, and Ash and Misty are taking this opportunity to rest in Eastgate City.
"Pikachu uses Iron Tail!"
"Pikachu!"
"Ah, my mighty crocodile—"
Under the devastating blow that shattered the sky, Feraligatr was utterly powerless and went to heaven! (He was only unconscious.)
The boy, clutching his Pokémon in sorrow, suffered an unprecedented defeat today.
None of his six Pokémon could withstand three rounds of Pikachu's attacks.
He originally considered himself a very strong trainer in Eastgate City, but unexpectedly—...
"Hmph, you're still a long way from becoming a Pokémon Trainer. Go back and train for another year!"
After showing off, Xiao Zhi left immediately, leaving behind a passing boy with a broken heart.
It wasn't that he was heartless; Ash believed that if the boy could overcome this hurdle, his strength would definitely improve significantly after his mental maturity.
He's been doing this a lot lately, bringing smiles to these energetic young trainers.
You have to play with a smile when you're fighting!
After all, as a metropolis, there aren't as many wild Pokémon as in the wild, but there are groups of wild trainers.
Ash basically spends his days wandering the streets, looking for an opponent he can "make eye contact with".
Then he easily defeated his opponent, leaving behind a legendary figure.
Moreover, with his muscles that are still at their peak whether viewed from the front or the side, he has dominated the gyms throughout the city.
Countless muscular men in the gym, upon seeing Xiao Zhi's physique, were moved to tears and knelt down at his feet, willingly joining him in his workouts.
Moreover, whenever he went out to find someone to fight after finishing his workout, these underlings would follow him to watch and cheer him on.
Ash now has his own shouting team.
But I have to say, it feels really good to have people cheering and supporting you during every match.
Because Ash often wears a vest while working out, he has also earned the nickname "Vest Master".
Now, all of Ash's followers are wearing the same old man's vest and jeans as him, all dressed like earth warriors.
Every day, when Ash takes his friends out to sweep through the city and find young men and women who dream of becoming Pokémon Masters, the rows of Earth Warriors behind them all shout in unison, "Long live Master Tanktop!"
It has become quite a sight in Dongmen City. (But this sight is really too much to bear!)
After that, a legend began to circulate in Dongmen City.
If you encounter a trainer wearing a baseball cap and carrying a Pikachu in the evening, never say that you dream of becoming a Pokémon Master.
Otherwise, he and the dozens of muscular men behind him would do some very indecent things.
Then this legend also attracted many men with special interests to wait for Xiaozhi on the street.
This made Ash afraid to go out and challenge anyone for a long time.
[Ding! Congratulations, host, you have achieved the "Urban Legend" achievement: Become the protagonist of a story that is widely circulated among millions of people.]
[Rewards: Alliance Coins +5000; Stamina +2; Free Attribute Points +2; Regional Prestige +10; New Title "Vest Master"]
[Vest Master: After defeating an opponent while wearing a vest, you can summon ten phantom images of vest-wearing minions who will shout "Long live Master Akito-sama!" three times at the edge of the field. (Content can be modified)]
Meanwhile, Kojiro and his friends were having a Pokémon exhibition match.
Because the event was promoted using the Water Spirit during its preparation, it attracted an unexpectedly large number of applicants.
The corresponding GG effect was also very good; the Sukunama plushies alone sold out on-site.
The Pokémon exhibition match was a great success, especially when Ash, disguised as Aaron, appeared with Suicune at the end.
The entire audience was in an uproar. If it weren't for the large number of security personnel holding them back, the audience would probably have rushed onto the stage and touched all of Suigun's fur off.
The appearance of Suicune even alarmed the League officials, and it was only through Officer Jenny leading the entire city's police force that order was restored.
During this time, they also encountered Kosaburo and Yamato, who tried to cause trouble during the match.
But with their years of experience, Kojiro and his friends found Yamato and his group even faster than Ash, defeated them, and handed them over to Officer Jenny.
"Musashi, do you know what you're doing?!" Yamato, bound hand and foot, glared angrily at the smug Musashi, wishing he could pounce on him immediately.
"Yamado, we're all doing this so we can better carry out Boss Sakaki's mission."
"Cut it off for the archers!"
"Damn it, Musashi, you despicable bastard! You're clearly just using this to settle a personal score!"
Musashi, however, paid no heed to the losers' whimpers and, with a smile on his face, escorted them to Officer Jenny's police car.
"You bastards, I won't let you get away with this!"
"What an awful feeling!" ×2
Congratulations on completing the side quest: Do a Good Deed: Defeat the Sugar Arrows and stop their plot (58/∞)
[Rewards: Alliance Master +100; Regional Favorability +5; Regional Reputation +1]
It's a pity that by the time that a certain arrogant Suicune fan heard that a Suicune trainer had appeared in East City, Ash had already left.
Once again, Suikyō missed out on the Suijun she had been longing for.
"The appearance of a lone beast in a city like this is indeed very likely to incite riots."
Recalling the atmosphere at the scene, Xiaozhi decided to quickly take Xiaoxia and run away.
Continue on to the next destination.
Ash's journey to Violet City proceeded very smoothly.
Perhaps it's because the facilities along this large altar road are relatively well-maintained.
While passing through Lineball Town, Ash also helped Officer Jenny solve a phantom thief case there.
As expected, it was Xiao Gu Lang who was bothering him; these two had gradually improved their skills.
Yu's skill level may already be no less than that of Kojiro and the Bone Man team, and once again, he successfully fell into the hands of Satoshi.
After passing through an extravagantly wealthy area, Ash helped a super-rich woman find her Pokémon, Blue, and received her gratitude in return.
This wealthy woman invested a fortune in Xiaozhi's company's development in the capital, which also yielded unexpected results.
Then they ran into Xiao Gang in Deer Antler Town and helped Xiao Jing, who was also lost. They also captured Yamato and Xiao Gulang again.
[Congratulations on completing the side quest: ≥ Do a good deed: Defeat the Sugar Arrow team and stop his annoying plot (59/∞)]
[Rewards: Alliance Master +100; Regional Favorability +5; Regional Reputation +1]
Now he has finally reached the perimeter of Kikyo City.
"Great, my first gym battle in the Johto region is finally here!" Ash exclaimed excitedly.
This journey always feels incredibly long.
"The city is much bigger than Kanto." Xiaoxia really didn't expect that after traveling for so long, she had only just arrived at the city where the first altar was located.
The Jodo region is not only vast but also has abundant forests, which is really unfriendly to them.
"And I'm starting to feel a bit cold."
"Ash, am I worried it'll be winter already?" Misty was already questioning her own sense of time.
"How could that be? I'm just annoyed by the high altitude of our current location."
"Look, there's snow on the rooftops over there. I'm worried we'll be in Kikyo City soon."
This was a delightful discovery for Xiaozhi: a large green radish was lying on the grass not far away.
"Xia, look! It's a wild chicory leaf!"
This adorable little creature is happily lying there, basking in the sun with its eyes closed.
When you get close, you can smell a faint sweet scent emanating from the leaves on its top.
"It really is wild chrysanthemum leaves. It's really rare to find them in a place like this."
Ash immediately took out a Poké Ball. "Okay, I'm going to catch it."
[Ding! Congratulations, host, you have triggered a new side quest, "Consort Ye": Please recruit Chrysanthemum Leaf and raise her favorability to 80 or higher.]
[Rewards: Alliance Coins +4000; Stamina +1; Speed +1; Charisma Trait Level +1]
Meanwhile, Yamato and Bone Bro, who were following closely behind Ash, also received a pleasant surprise.
"Amazon, I feel so frustrated and defeated."
At this moment, Little Bone Bro was hiding in the grass, looking dejected.
"That brat I've been following has been trying to stalk me for ages, but I haven't succeeded even once."
"What are you talking about, Little Bone Bro? Didn't I successfully take down so many small evil groups?"
"But, but I hate that we're the Sugar Arrows! We're the biggest evil group in the Kanto and Johto regions!"
Little Bone Bro took out the Good Citizen Award certificate issued by the Good Xi-Zhang Alliance.
"What am I now, some kind of champion of justice?"
He was annoyed that the two of them would desperately raise funds to build new robots each time in order to successfully carry out their mission of capturing Ash's Pokémon.
He had already overdrawn the salaries of the Qitang Arrows team for 90 years, and it was impossible for them to get another loan from headquarters.
Lacking any business acumen, the two were forced to resort to robbing small, ruthless gangs or criminal organizations in different cities.
Only in this way can a large amount of funds be collected safely and quickly, and after catching the criminals, he will also disguise himself and go to the alliance to collect the bounty.
Two ways to cook one fish – that's incredibly efficient!
Every time, Akira ends up being kicked away by Ash like a roadside dumpling, and Akira has begun to doubt the meaning of his life.
"While his evil deeds failed, he certainly did plenty of good things—"
"I'm annoyed by the members of those two evil groups; they've both received invitations to the Alliance Central Committee's Good Citizens Awards Ceremony."
"This is so tragic!"
"Hey, is the target you're annoyed by that boy with the Pikachu from before?"
"Huh? Who is it?"
The sudden sound startled Amado and Kotobuki, who were shocked to realize that someone had been able to approach them silently from behind.
This is definitely not an ordinary person.
He immediately turned around and was surprised to find that behind him was a beautiful young woman with long hair.
She was looking at him with a mocking smile, clearly annoyed.
"Tell me about your plans, maybe I can help you with the trouble."