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What the hell do you mean you're still developing? Your age in decimals is probably older than me, isn't it?
Mammon was speechless, only able to say that the pink cat's shamelessness was growing thicker and thicker.
But it was fine; having such a childlike heart was quite good.
"It looks like you've been doing well recently, so I'm relieved."
Mammon had only intended to check on Regigigas and Mew's recent situation.
"Mew, you should also take more responsibility. After all, you are the master of the World Tree. Don't push everything onto Regigigas."
"Mhm, mhm I know, meow I'm very responsible."
Mew patted his chest, making a promise.
"?"
Mammon looked doubtful, but seeing that Regigigas next to him didn't say anything, he let it be for now.
Then Mammon asked Mew for a Time Flower from inside the World Tree.
The Time Flower could record and preserve past scenes, and by reawakening it, one could view the recorded past.
According to the movie's content, the heartfelt words Aron had spoken back then were also recorded by the Time Flower within the World Tree.
Such a small matter was naturally nothing. Mew scurried in and brought out the Time Flower.
Mammon returned to Ash and the others with the Time Flower.
"Ash, release that Lucario."
"Oh, oh, okay, Lucario."
Although Ash didn't know why, he still released Lucario from Orulean Castle.
Unlike the original, this Lucario seemed much closer to Ash compared to the movie, but Lucario's unresolved issue was still Aron from hundreds of years ago.
The Time Flower awakened and bloomed, displaying Aron's self-narration within the World Tree at the end of his life.
Lucario's eyes were blurred with tears, and Ash, with his strong empathy, was naturally deeply moved.
Afterward, Ash had a heart-to-heart talk with Lucario. Lucario resolved his inner conflict and accepted Ash's invitation, becoming his companion.
"Congratulations, Ash, you've gained another great general."
Mammon clapped his hands and congratulated Ash. This result was truly excellent.
"Hah~ With Lucario, I'll definitely win the Indigo Plateau Conference this year!" Ash was also full of fighting spirit and excitement.
"Pikachu Pikachu!"
The electric mouse was also very confident, cutely clenching his small fists.
"Hehehe…"
Paul sneered twice.
"You! What do you mean by that?"
Ash immediately became displeased.
"If even a mediocre Trainer like you can win the championship, then your Indigo Plateau Conference truly has no one left."
Paul said calmly.
"Huh?!!! You arrogant guy, you actually called me a mediocre Trainer?" Ash was furious.
Who was this person? He only won against him once, and he was already so arrogant!
"Isn't that so?" Paul stood with his hands in his pockets, still looking calm and indifferent, even retorting with a question.
"Poor command, no tactics, just relying on a burst of passion, unable to even utilize the Pokémon's inherent advantages in battle."
"A third-rate Trainer, a fourth-rate Pokémon, truly a waste of your talent."
Paul commented unceremoniously.
Undoubtedly, Ash's Trainer talent was definitely very good, as Paul could assert that Ash probably didn't do special training often.
But even so, Ash's strength was still very strong.
It was evident.
"Damn it!! Who are you calling a third-rate Trainer and a fourth-rate Pokémon! I'm going to challenge you to a duel!!"
Ash's face turned red with anger, and he rolled up his sleeves, ready to engage in a true man's duel with Paul.
"Calm down, calm down, Ash!"
"Exactly, exactly, don't be impulsive, impulsiveness is the devil!"
Misty and Brock quickly pulled Ash back, afraid that Ash would truly lose his temper.
"Don't stop me! Damn it, this poker face is really too much! He only won against me once!"
Ash refused to give up. This annoying deadpan, it was bad enough to insult him, but he even insulted his Pokémon.
How could he tolerate that!
"Emmm… Paul, isn't that a bit too much? We're all colleagues now."
Platinum thought for a moment and said softly to Paul.
Moreover, she felt that Paul's attitude towards Ash was a bit strange. Paul was usually a very rational person, so why did he enjoy mocking Ash so much?
"How about you apologize to Ash?"
Even Platinum felt that Paul's words just now were truly excessive.
"I refuse."
Paul turned his head away, then after a moment of silence, spoke again.
"I can't stand people who waste their talent like that. People who only talk about bonds and friendship, can shouting about these things really make you stronger?"
Platinum smiled awkwardly at Ash and his two companions. No matter what, in terms of relationship, she was definitely closer to Paul.
And Platinum also knew that although Paul was a bit strict at times, his nature was not bad.
"I'm sorry, Paul didn't mean it. That's just his personality, Ash, you don't need to take it to heart."
Platinum said to Ash.
Ash was huffing and puffing, clenching his fists and staring intently at Paul.
"Everyone is a colleague, don't cause trouble like this."
Mammon finally spoke, smiling and playing peacemaker.
"When it comes to Trainers, it ultimately comes down to strength. How about this, by the end of the year, Ash, Paul, why don't you two battle again?"
"If you, Ash, can defeat Paul by then, then Paul, you apologize to Ash for your inappropriate words today."
"If you, Ash, are still not Paul's match…"
Mammon looked at Ash.
"I won't lose to him again!! Absolutely not!" Ash's tone was extremely firm.
He could lose to anyone, but he absolutely would not lose to this poker face again!
Paul glanced at Ash and said nothing.
"Alright, you can handle your own matters." Mammon shrugged.
"By the way, I just saw a message. How about the three of you go on a trip?"
Mammon looked at his phone and said to Ash.
"Huh?"
"It's in Tokiwa City. There are a few traitors who not only betrayed the organization but also robbed a family's money and a child's Pokémon in the outskirts of Tokiwa City. Tsk~"
Mammon was still smiling, but anyone could tell there was no warmth in that smile.
"What? That's too much!" Ash immediately became enraged.
"Team Rockets traitors?" Brock frowned.
"Yes, the organization has only recently reformed, and many old-timers from the old era are unwilling to adapt to the new Team Rockets' rules, so such things are unavoidable."
Mammon nodded. Many former Team Rockets members had grown accustomed to a life of recklessness and indulgence. Now, suddenly being required not to do evil, their true nature could only be suppressed.
It was normal for some people to betray the organization because they couldn't stand such restrictions.
"Then they are inherently evil villains! Leave it to us, Mammon, we will capture these guys!"
Ash agreed without hesitation, assuring Mammon.
"Good, I will send you the contact information for Archer, who is in charge of this area. You can contact Archer for information on those traitors, and once you catch them, contact Archer to have him send someone to take over."
Mammon said with a smile.
Archer, huh?
Ash couldn't help but scratch his head when he heard that name. He still had some impression of Archer, the high-ranking Team Rockets executive. Archer was the leader of Team Rockets on the S.S. Anne back then.
He never thought that one day he would cooperate with Archer. The world's changes were truly… too outrageous.
However, it seemed that this Archer had also turned over a new leaf, which was a good thing.
"Okay." Ash agreed.
"Now that Team Rockets has changed, we must strike hard against those who are still ruining Team Rockets' reputation."
"Ash, I'm leaving this matter to you. You must catch them and also provide some compensation to the family that was harmed by these scumbags, as those rascals also ran away from our organization."
Mammon continued to Ash.
"As for the compensation amount, the organization will allocate it to you."
"Okay! Leave it to me, Mammon! I will definitely catch those traitors!"
Ash was full of enthusiasm, his eyes sparkling. He loved such chivalrous acts!
"By the way, if a Trainer like you joins the organization, the organization will reward you with an excellent Ultra Beast."
Mammon patted Ash's shoulder, then took out his phone and scrolled to the Ultra Beast sequence.
"Eh? This isn't…" Ash was stunned, then immediately prepared to refuse.
"Don't refuse. This is an organizational benefit, and it's also the organization's recognition of your potential. Platinum and Paul all have them."
"That's right, Ash. Ultra Beasts are very excellent Pokémon. If you want to defeat Paul in the future, an Ultra Beast will definitely be a great help."
Platinum chimed in, helping to persuade him.
"Exactly, exactly, Ash, take a look." Misty also thought it made sense. Ultra Beast, it sounded like a very powerful Pokémon.
Brock was speechless. He felt that Misty had already been 'bought over.'
"Emmm… Alright."
Ash scratched his head. To be honest, he was also very interested in Ultra Beasts. If he remembered correctly, the Buzzwole Paul used before was one of the Ultra Beasts, wasn't it?
"Come and see."
Ash leaned his head over: Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree…
"Wow! This Pheromosa is too beautiful!"
Misty couldn't help but exclaim.
Judging from the picture in the Pokedex, Pheromosa was indeed exquisitely beautiful.
"Not only is it beautiful, but it's also very strong." Platinum's pretty face revealed a sweet smile.
Hmm, she really liked her Pheromosa.
Misty's eyes lit up with hearts. Although Pheromosa didn't have a Water-type and was also a Bug-type, which she disliked, its appearance was truly magnificent!
"I don't have any special feelings for Pheromosa."
Ash, however, didn't quite connect with Pheromosa and scratched his head in distress.
"I actually like this one quite a bit."
Ash pointed to Poipole and Naganadel. Naganadel was the evolved form of Poipole.
"Then Poipole? Or the already evolved Naganadel?"
Mammon chuckled. Sure enough, Ash still chose Naganadel.
After all, Naganadel was one of Ash's main Champions in the Sun and Moon arc, which also showed that Ash indeed had an affinity for Naganadel.
"Poipole, I'd rather raise it myself." Ash awkwardly touched his nose.
Ash was still a bit shy about getting a gifted Pokémon with outstanding talent for free.
"Okay, wait a moment." Mammon made a call to Lusamine.
Ultra Beasts were generally kept at Aether Paradise.
"Ash, there's no need to be embarrassed. If you feel unworthy, then take Poipole to fight evil forces more often and work with the organization for a clear and blue tomorrow."
Mammon patted Ash's shoulder and said with a smile.
"I understand!"
Ash took a deep breath and nodded solemnly.
No wonder Gym Leader Erika was with Mammon. Sure enough, Mammon wasn't a bad person!
Mammon was someone who changed Team Rockets from its very roots. His ideal was to eliminate all other Evil Organizations, so how could he be a bad person?
Ash swore! He would definitely work hard with Mammon to fight evil forces! Team Rockets is righteous!