After successfully bringing the Pikachu to his home, Ash managed to connect with Xiao Zhi via video call.
"Xiao Zhi, have the Pikachu arrived yet?"
Xiao Zhi smiled and nodded. "They're here! The kids really like your orchard, Lord Ash!"
"That's great to hear! Just make sure to tell the gardener over there, and also try to learn how to make my Jam Recipe. It'll be good for you to bond with the Pikachu," Ash suggested.
"Don't worry, Lord Ash! Everyone here is really nice, and my mom often takes me shopping. Sabrina sometimes teleports over to hang out too."
"That's good! And please stop calling me 'Lord Ash'; it sounds a bit awkward."
Xiao Zhi hesitated for a moment before laughing. "Alright, Ash. Be careful on the road!"
"You too! Even though Gastly is protecting you, please stay safe!"
"Pika!"
A small Pikachu jumped onto Xiao Zhi's shoulder and greeted Ash, who nodded back with a smile. "Little Pikachu, you better behave! I'm off to continue my journey now."
Xiao Zhi smiled. "Yes, I'll be waiting at home for you, Ash!"
As Ash and his friends continued their journey, they finally arrived at their destination: Pewter City. Upon their arrival, instead of Mr. Eevee's family welcoming them, they were greeted by someone who made Ash feel a bit of a headache.
"Ash, you finally made it! I've been waiting for you!"
With gray hair and a familiar outfit, the person was none other than Steven, the Champion of the Hoenn Region. Seeing Steven, Ash couldn't help but ask, "Steven, isn't it a bit much for you, as Champion, to keep running over to Kanto? Doesn't the Pokémon League have any objections?"
Steven sprang right in front of Ash, unconcerned. "Don't worry, my friend. I took a leave of absence this time. And I brought what you need!"
As he spoke, Steven revealed a large box, which Ash immediately hugged close to him. "Thank you so much! This is exactly what I needed! Is everything in there?"
"Rest assured, I had it made exactly to your specifications, and I used different colors for the gems. You can trust the craftsmanship of Devon Corporation," Steven said confidently.
"Thanks a lot!"
Ash carefully handed the large box to Meowth to hold onto, then said to Steven, "Later, I'll show you the upgraded move—thanks again!"
"No problem; after all, I received some compensation too."
Seeing how Ash treasured the box, Misty suddenly remembered something and asked with a sly smile, "What's got you so worked up? Can I take a look?"
Ash immediately blocked her, saying, "Don't be silly! This is valuable stuff; you can't just open it freely. We need to head to Mr. Eevee's place to see him."
"Come on, let me see! It's okay!"
"It's not okay! Be good! We'll check it out when there are no people around. Come on, everyone, let's go!"
Although Lyn and Brock were curious about what was in the large box, they decided not to ask any further since Ash had spoken. Only Suzy, who knew the situation, revealed an intriguing smile.
Steven watched Ash's antics and couldn't help but chuckle. "What a wonderful youth you have. If I wasn't so into rocks, maybe I'd be like you, Ash."
"So, can you spare a little of that interest towards finding a girlfriend? Mr. Devon has asked me more than once to help you out!"
As Ash blocked Misty from running to Meowth to grab the box, he teased, then escorted her toward Mr. Eevee's estate while Steven chuckled behind them.
"A wife? I think I'm not considering that at the moment. Maybe I haven't met the right one yet."
Hearing this from Steven, Ash could only feel a moment of sympathy for his friend Roxanne back in Hoenn.
'Sorry, Roxanne, it seems this guy doesn't plan on getting a girlfriend anytime soon. I hope you can wait until he comes to his senses.'
Meanwhile, far away in Hoenn, Roxanne was sneezing uncontrollably.
"Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! What's going on? Is someone thinking of me?"
As she prepared her teaching materials, Roxanne remained blissfully unaware that Ash was pitying her for Steven's lack of interest.
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