Is there any new generation trainer in Kanto who can rival the fierce girl from the Sinnoh Region?
Misty finds this a bit difficult; Ash already seemed to be an incredibly talented trainer she's seen.
From what she knows so far, it seems only Ash's Brother Brother Red counts as one, and that Damian's little brother, who appears a bit darker, Silver?
But Silver is already about as strong as Ash, and who knows if Ash's Brother Brother Red can compete with Dawn?
Yet this isn't something she can just fantasize about; in the end, actual strength and on-the-spot performances matter most.
What follows is straightforward.
Entei has already been caught by that girl, Ho-Oh won't stay long.
When they arrived, they were happy; when they leave, their mood isn't beautiful.
After all, in such a short time, the Legendary Beasts that were already few are now even fewer, and Marshadow, who was adorable and useful, has been "snatched" by Damian.
Ho-Oh's mood can't stay good.
What's more noteworthy is that before leaving, Damian forced it to take photos together.
Well, this is Damian's personal reason; Ho-Oh originally didn't want to agree.
You this guy! Stealing two of my subordinates again, and you want a photo too? Ridiculous!
But under Damian's line, "You don't want me to take Ash to loot next," Ho-Oh reluctantly agrees.
It really doesn't want this pure-hearted child to be steered onto a path of ruin because of such things.
The only relief is that its eyes weren't wrong; that human named Ash, even after more than half a year, still has a pure heart.
Ho-Oh leaves,and Dawn, unable to wait any longer, released Entei and sprayed it with Hyper Potion.
"From today we are partners, Entei. Please look after me in the future."
Dawn gives Entei a big smile, very friendly.
Though she didn't initially appreciate Entei's looks, now that she's caught it, she likes it more the more she looks at Entei.
Dawn's bright eyes squint in a crescent shape, so happy—this is her first time catching a legendary Pokémon.
Entei feels the kindness from Dawn; in its heart it sighs, though it would love to serve Lord Ho-Oh for life, there's nothing it can do now.
Moreover, this is also Ho-Oh's tacit approval; it's not exactly betraying Ho-Oh, right?
Entei growls at Dawn, signaling its stance.
"I will lead you to the peak! Entei, I promise!"
Dawn happily hugs Entei's neck, making her most sincere promise.
Entei senses the girl's pure, honest wish and its eyes soften with a human-like smile.
Lightly nuzzling Dawn's hair with its big head, it gives a warm answer.
"That's lovely," Ash admires.
This Mount Tensei itinerary has brought them together again with Ho-Oh for battle.
Damian "picked up" that Marshadow, and Dawn caught Entei; all three have gained something.
"If you, Ash, request to catch Raikou from Ho-Oh, I think Ho-Oh won't reject; it will give you a chance."
Damian laughs.
After all, Ho-Oh's care for Ash is obvious; if Ash wants to catch a Legendary Beast, Ho-Oh would likely give a chance.
"At Ash's current level, that would be tough," Misty brushes off; she's honest.
"My Pikachu won't be worse than Raikou!" Ash retorts with dissatisfaction.
"And I'm not really interested in Raikou; I already have Pikachu."
Ash pats Pikachu on the shoulder and speaks his truth.
Not only Raikou; Entei doesn't interest him either—apart from looks, Electric-type Raikou and Fire-type Entei don't match his team's typings.
Misty helplessly flicks her forehead; Brock chuckles.
That Raikou is legendary!
Though it matches Pikachu's typing, training two Electric-type main roster Pokémon is still a problem.
Most importantly, that's Raikou!
Misty thinks it's a pity; while Ash's Pikachu is indeed stronger than others, it's also because Ash has poured his life into training.
In terms of combat power, Raikou would clearly be stronger than Pikachu, right?
But Misty understands that Pikachu means more to Ash, so she doesn't say more; understanding is enough.
"Ash, after we recover, let's battle Dawn!"
Ash invites Dawn to a battle; he's always a battle maniac and loves Pokémon battles.
Dawn is strong, but battles aren't always about winning; private spar training can be a special training.
"Sure, I'd love to battle you, Ash."
Dawn agrees with a refined, noble smile.
"I'm really looking forward to it!"
Ash is already eager.
Seeing this harmonious scene, Damian, who's still rubbing Marshadow's belly, can't help but smile.
Then he looks at Ash, ponders for a moment, and sends an info message.
From Mount Tensei, they move to the nearest town, have a dinner together, then head to a nearby training ground where Ash and Dawn spar.
The result isn't surprising: Dawn's strength is stronger than Paul's, and her tactics are superb.
Ash loses again, this time more decisively than when facing Paul.
But Ash's mood stays high; Dawn's savage trash-talking is different from Paul's, and a proper defeat isn't too discouraging.
"Dawn, you're amazing! It seems to take more effort to beat you," Ash remains energized, feeling pressure.
But this pressure is positive.
A rival this strong is fantastic!
"Keep going; I'm looking forward to our future battle," Dawn says with a poised smile, endorsing Ash as a worthy rival.
In Team Rocket's environment, training for growth is great.
"Ash, to beat Dawn, you'll need more than just effort; others are working hard too," Damian jokes.
"Then I'll work twice as hard!" Ash declares with unwavering confidence.
"Ha, that's so you, Ash. By the way, what's in your current lineup?"
Damian asks, amused at Ash's curiosity.
"Emmm..." Ash blinked, not understanding why Damian asked that.
"Pikachu, Charizard, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Snorlax, Gengar, Dragonite, Lucario, Poipole."
Misty answers from experience, having seen Ash's journey and catches.
Damian raises an eyebrow; Pidgeot or Butterfree included—are these out of the team?
"Come to think of it, why haven't Bulbasaur and Squirtle evolved?"
Dawn asks, puzzled; with Ash's capability, evolution should be easy.
Kemetics of evolution: evolves power up for Pokémon; Bulbasaur to Venusaur, Squirtle to Blastoise; who's stronger is obvious.
"Um… Bulbasaur and Squirtle are more resistant to evolution; I respect their choice."
Ash explains, respecting his Pokémon's will.
"Ah, I see…"
Dawn nods; if she were in Ash's place, she'd respect the choice too, though it might weaken combat power.
"Still, there's nothing wrong; even without evolution, proper raising makes them strong."
Ash remains optimistic.
"But against real strong foes, you're naturally at a disadvantage, Ash."
Damian notes; for two Trainers with similar strength, main roster makeups and matchups matter.
Especially for Ash and Dawn, who're "monsters" to rival.
Damian admits Ash's Bulbasaur and Squirtle are talented, but their lack of evolution is their weakness.
Of course, Pokémon can be mindfully resilient; even without evolution, they can surpass their lineage in time.
But can that compare to old monsters? Old monsters have trained many boys; how long has Ash trained?
Yes, Ash can eventually train Squirtle and Bulbasaur to be on par with his Gengar and Snorlax, but that would require a lot of time and effort. Currently, Squirtle and Bulbasaur are dragging Ash's team down.
Venusaur and Blastoise are stronger in terms of power and team tactics.
"Hmm… but they don't want evolution; I can't force them," Ash says, staying true to his original purpose.
Though he wants to grow stronger, not by forcing Pokémon will.
"No, no, I didn't say that. If Squirtle and Bulbasaur don't want to evolve, you can train other Grass- and Water-type main roster Pokémon as well."
Damian smiles.
"But… I just found you a potential Water-type little one; I think you and Ash's compatibility is great."
Damian pulls out a Poké Ball, smiling.
"Huh?"
Ash is curious.
"But as boss, when you joined the organization, I already gave you an Ultra Beast; you can't just get this Pokémon for nothing."
Damian's smile widens; he might be playful, but he's serious.
"You'll owe me a favor later; I won't force your will."
Yes, Damian has his eyes on Ash's family, straightforwardly saying he could pull Red into Team Rocket too. That would be interesting.
But that's a tall order; Red is much more rational and mature, and his view of Team Rocket isn't favorable.
But with Ash as his little brother, persuading might be fun.
The thought of inviting Red as a member of Team Rocket makes Damian excited.
"Helping is fine; can I first see this Pokémon?"
Ash is fine with helping; for him, as long as it's not too much or against his morality, helping is fine.
Ash is more interested in the Pokémon that fits him well.
"Of course, you can see it."
Damian hands the Poké Ball to Ash; this was procured through Lusamine's efforts via Kalos.
"Come out."
Ash releases the Poké Ball, and a pale blue Pokémon appears before him.
"This is… Froakie?"
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