"Don't worry, I'll definitely get what you want!" Ash promised Misty with a bright smile.
After he finished speaking, he didn't look at Misty's blushing cheeks. Instead, he pointed the gun in his hand at the stuffed toys above.
The owner leisurely smoked a cigarette, unfazed by Ash's appearance. Although Ash was the Champion of the Quartz Conference, Pokemon battles and shooting were two different things. For someone without professional training, playing this game is always profitable for him.
Generally, managing to get a toy after three or four tries is considered pretty good skills; some people can't even win one after ten tries, and he might feel sympathetic enough to give them one.
So the owner was absolutely confident, with no fear of losing money—this was the result of long-term market experience!
"Bang!" With no warning, Ash fired a shot. He didn't even aim beforehand; he just picked up the gun and fired with one hand, startling the owner. Could this kid actually know what he's doing?!
However, Ash's first shot missed; the bullet was still a bit off from Starmie, not even grazing it. The owner sighed in relief, but in the next moment, the gunfire resumed!
"Bang! Bang! Bang!" Ash fired three more shots in quick succession, with each bullet hitting the corners above Starmie, causing it to lose balance and fall.
"Great, got one first!" Ash pumped his fist excitedly, then aimed the gun at the next toy, a Goldeen, which was also a Pokemon that Misty owned, surely something she would like.
Again, three shots, each hitting the toy's weak balancing point—within moments, Goldeen was claimed by Ash too.
Getting used to the recoil of the toy gun and the trajectory of the bullets, Ash took down a Tentacool and Poliwag with the next four shots.
All of this happened in a flash, and by the time the owner realized it, he had already lost four toys!
"Wow… that's amazing! Ash, how are you so good at this? Oh my god, they're all my favorites! You're awesome, Ash!" It took Misty several seconds after the last shot to react. She excitedly hugged Ash, with the Togepi in her arms getting squished.
However, this level of pressure was nothing for Togepi. Despite its small size, Togepi was actually quite sturdy, already at the Advanced Level, so even stronger pressure didn't bother it.
Ash found himself encircled by Misty's alabaster arms. A warm fragrance emanated from her body, her soft form pressed against him, leaving him flustered—being embraced by a girl like this was a first for him.
While Misty and Ash embraced joyfully, the stand owner was dumbfounded. He originally wanted Ash to draw in some attention, but didn't expect Ash to be so skilled!
Being good at Pokemon battles was one thing, but why was he so good at shooting as well? Ten bullets took down three toys, and one bullet even missed—this was just too outrageous!
If everyone was a sharpshooter like Ash, he wouldn't have a business to run anymore and might as well pack up and leave!
The owner watched Ash nervously, afraid that he might say he wanted to play again.
After hugging Ash in her excitement, Misty realized what she had done, and quickly let go, then tightly hugged Togepi, her face as red as an apple, unable to say a word.
Beside them, Pikachu covered its mouth, trying to hold back laughter, looking like a mouse that had snuck some treats.
After snapping out of it briefly, Ash said to the owner, "Um, could you please pack up the toys I won?"
"Sure… sure, I'll pack them right away!" Hearing that Ash clearly didn't plan to continue playing relieved the owner, who quickly started packing the toys into three separate bags for Ash.
Seeing Misty seemed to have her hands full, Ash decided to carry them himself and led Misty to the next location.
After Ash left, some people followed him while others started playing at the shooting stand. Since Ash had demonstrated, everyone knew how to make the toys fall.
But knowing was one thing, and doing it was another. The best result anyone could achieve was usually after about three rounds of shooting, costing them around 600 bucks for one toy, while those less skilled needed seven or eight rounds.
For the owner, even though he lost some toys, he made more than enough profit thanks to the crowd Ash drew in, exceeding several days of usual revenue. He didn't realize Ash's reputation was so beneficial; had he known, he would've given Ash two toys to take away as thanks.
After leaving the shooting stand, Ash took Misty through turns and bends, with Mewtwo's help, they shook off those who followed. Then Mewtwo used its superpower to blur their presence, and by the time they re-emerged, no one was following.
They spent the rest of the day having fun around the Quartz Plateau until the evening, making the outing quite rewarding for Misty—not only obtaining several toys, but also catching Goldeen, and enjoying good food and drinks. Whenever she was tired, Ash would carry her.
For Misty, the day was a sheer joy.
And for Ash, it was also a very special day. Even though they had been traveling together before, Misty felt different today.
Previously, they were just ordinary companions, but from the moment Misty mentioned "date", perhaps they had already started moving away from being just companions.
They walked all the way to the temporary lodging. After today, they would return to Pallet Town, and in five days Ash would head to Dragon Island. Standing at the doorway, both unconsciously spoke.
"Um…"
"Ash…"
Seeing each other about to speak, they both paused, and Ash scratched his head, "You go first."
"Um, I wanted to say… today I was very happy, Ash!"
"Same here."
"I like you."
"I also… huh?" Ash was about to respond with the same words but quickly realized what Misty had said.
Stunned, Ash looked at Misty. Although her pretty face was flushed red under the sunset glow, her emerald eyes met Ash's without any hesitation—she wouldn't shy away.
After spending time together today, Misty could tell that Ash had feelings for her as well. But waiting for him to confess, who knows how long that would take.
Although a girl confessing might seem a bit too forward, good things need to be pursued actively!
She was the Gym Leader of the Cerulean Gym, and even though she could currently travel briefly with Ash, she had to return to the Cerulean Gym. She couldn't always travel with Ash.
Ash's journey was just beginning—how long she could stay by his side, maybe a month, maybe two, before she had to return. Misty didn't want to have any regrets.
Be it the date she suddenly blurted out that day or the abrupt confession now, she had already prepared for these moments. No matter how shy or difficult they were to say, she was determined to express her feelings.
Whether the girl confesses or faces rejection, it doesn't matter; what matters is… no regrets!