"Totodile is just so cute! I really want to catch one too!"
Inside Professor Elm's lab, the energetic and slightly dopey little Totodile had completely won over Misty's heart.
As a Water-type Pokémon Trainer, Misty was definitely dedicated—aside from the Togepi gifted to her by Ash, all her captured Pokémon had been Water-types.
In contrast, Brock, the former Pewter City Gym Leader, seemed a little less focused on his type specialty.
He had caught plenty of Pokémon that weren't Rock-types.
"Misty, the Johto Region has a lot of interesting Water-types too. For example, there's this Pokémon called Chinchou—it's both Water and Electric type!" Ash casually remarked.
But to his surprise, as soon as he said that, both Misty and Brock turned and stared at him like he'd grown another head.
"Why are you guys looking at me like that?"
Misty looked astonished. "Ash, you actually know about Water-type Pokémon from the Johto Region?"
"And now that I think about it," Brock added, "when you saw Cyndaquil earlier, you didn't even take out your Pokédex—you called its name right away!"
Ash gave a sheepish grin. It looked like the "slow learner" image was deeply rooted in their minds.
"Can't I study a little too? Misty, I've grown a lot, you know!"
Misty gave it a moment of thought and actually nodded. "Come to think of it, you have been acting a bit differently lately."
Especially that time in the forest, when Ash had shouted out the name—Suicune!
"Pika!"
Pikachu seemed to have noticed something.
Sure enough, a little girl wearing a yellow baseball jersey appeared in front of the trio, barking out instructions to a Chikorita.
"We can do this! This is our 100th match, the deciding round—we cannot lose!"
"Let's go, Chikorita! You've got this!"
"Charge, Chikorita! Charge!"
The Chikorita flapped the leaf on its head, clearly in the middle of some kind of training.
Since she had a Chikorita, this girl was likely a new Trainer who had just begun her journey from New Bark Town.
Professor Elm did mention that the Chikorita had already been picked up.
"So that's Chikorita!" Ash said—it was the Grass-type starter from Johto.
"She tied a headband on Chikorita's head!" Misty pointed out.
That headband was actually a type of Pokémon accessory, often used in Pokémon Contests.
But as a gift or decoration, it could also make a Pokémon happy and increase its friendship level with the Trainer.
At that moment, a wild Rattata jumped out in front of the girl and her Chikorita.
"Nene's starting pitcher is Chikorita! The batter is a wild Rattata! I hope Chikorita can strike Rattata out with a fastball!"
"Chikorita, let's go for a fastball to settle this! I've decided—we'll use Tackle!"
Ash was speechless. This Rattata had just stood there listening to her ramble and still hadn't run away or attacked—pretty unusual behavior for a wild Pokémon.
Chikorita charged in, but Rattata dodged with ease.
Still, Nene didn't lose heart. "That was a wild pitch! But Chikorita still has a second chance!"
"Chikorita, use Tackle again!"
This time she skipped the long monologue. Chikorita spun around and lunged forward, smashing straight into Rattata and knocking it out cold.
"We did it! Chikorita's fastball attack defeated Rattata! Now's the time—go, Pokéball!"
Nene threw her Pokéball and decisively captured the Rattata!
This girl was bursting with energy. After the capture, she even started singing a victory song, leaving the trio of spectators stunned.
"Come back, Chikorita!"
After recalling Chikorita, Nene quickly noticed Ash and his friends nearby.
Especially Pikachu on Ash's shoulder.
"Ahhhhhhh!"
With a scream of delight, Nene ran up to Ash, eyes sparkling as she looked at Pikachu. "It's Pikachu! Is this a real Pikachu?"
Then she scooped Pikachu into her arms. "This golden fur… and the pattern on its back… I can't take it!"
And then Pikachu electrocuted her into oblivion.
"I'm Nene, from New Bark Town! A Pokémon Trainer aiming to become a Pokémon Master!"
She explained that she especially loved yellow Pokémon. Her dream was to build a team made entirely of yellow Pokémon.
After the introductions, Ash smiled and said, "Nene, since we're both Trainers aiming for the title of Pokémon Master, and we've met on our journey—how about a battle?"
"Absolutely! In the world of Pokémon battles, it doesn't matter whether you're a rookie or a veteran! I accept your challenge! Please go easy on me, senpai!"
"Then let's go with three Pokémon each. Battle—begin!"
"My lead-off hitter is this one—go, Pidgey!"
Nene threw her Pokéball, and out popped a Pidgey.
Seeing it made Ash nostalgic—he wondered how Pidgeot, the one his former self had released, was doing now.
If he hadn't already been so close to New Bark Town when he arrived in this world, he definitely would've gone back to Viridian Forest to bring it home.
"Go, Snorlax!"
Boom!
Snorlax's massive body slammed into the field—it was the Pokémon Ash had caught during his journey in the Orange Archipelago.
Despite its size, it was a surprisingly agile fatty, even capable of swimming. And its strength was nothing to scoff at.
After a system scan, it turned out Snorlax had top-tier compatibility with Ash. Their bond level was sky-high.
"Snoooor!"
Snorlax stood tall and firm—well, as tall as it could stand—eyes forever squinting, but clearly full of energy.
Its sudden appearance made both Brock and Misty jump.
"Ash, Nene's just a rookie Trainer—don't you think using Snorlax is a little unfair? The level difference is huge!"
"Wait a sec—why's Snorlax awake?!"
Ash had used his Aura powers to confirm that Snorlax was awake before sending it out.
"Pidgey, use Quick Attack!"
The little bird flapped its wings and dive-bombed Snorlax… who didn't react at all.
"Headbutt!"
Snorlax lowered its noggin and slammed the Pidgey straight into the ground.
"Switch hitters! My second batter is—Rattata!"
Nene sent out her freshly caught Rattata. "Rattata, use Tackle and blow that opponent away!"
But once again, Snorlax didn't flinch in the slightest.
"Body Slam!"
With a massive belly flop, Snorlax flattened the poor Rattata beneath it.
"Nene, don't give up! A battle's not over till it's over!" Ash called out, cheering her on.
"Of course I won't give up! My third batter—Chikorita, use Vine Whip!"
Chikorita lashed out with its vines, smacking Snorlax over and over.
"Nice one! Keep it up, Chikorita!"
"Go! Go! Chikorita!"
But Snorlax stood firm like a mountain. In fact, it looked… relaxed.
Before long, it started snoring.
Chikorita whipped away until it was completely exhausted. It was obvious—Nene had lost.
"Come back, Snorlax. You've earned a good nap."
Ash smiled as he watched Nene recall her Chikorita. "Don't be discouraged, Nene. You love the Electabuzz team, right? Even though they've lost so many times, they still keep pushing forward."
"You're right! I won't give up! Let's battle again next time, Ash-senpai!"
Of course, Ash had an extra motive—system exchange points.
Right now, the only food Snorlax would eat was what Ash could exchange from the system.
Snorlax: 130/255