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Pallet Town,
Misty slammed her cup on the table, the steam blurring her eyelashes.
"Do you know Professor Oak almost lost his glasses when he slammed the table in the Pokémon League meeting room? Do you know how hoarse his voice was from arguing, Ash?"
Brock added a pine branch to the bonfire, sparks crackling on the back of his hand: "Professor Oak's exact words were, 'Dare to touch Ash, touch me first.' He was literally putting his life on the line."
The boy's hanging hand suddenly clenched Pikachu's tail, the moonlight filtering through the distant treetops falling on his rapidly blinking eyelids.
Professor Oak: Actually, no, I, this old man, don't need to go to such lengths. My strength and status aren't as pathetic as you imagine.
Misty, Brock: Isn't this to strengthen your bond, and also to temper Ash's impetuous nature?
In the days following Pidgeot's return, Ash and his companions enthusiastically welcomed their old big brother.
However, after only a few days of calm, Ash set off again. This time, the companion he wanted to recall was his fighting master, Primeape, from his travels in the Kanto region.
Along the way, Pikachu was as excited as a happy little bird, bouncing on Ash's shoulder, seemingly able to genuinely feel the surging anticipation in Ash's heart.
But, would it really be that smooth?
Ash's poor sense of direction arrived as expected, successfully leading Pikachu astray as well.
On the evening of the Nth day, as Pikachu zapped the exhausted Ash up from the ground for the Nth time, the outline of a distant mountain range suddenly made the boy's pupils contract. That knife-sharp ridge was exactly where the fighting Gym had been years ago.
The wind and sand kicked up dust from his pant legs, as if it still contained the gravel from the fighting Gym that had clung to him when he left years ago.
At this moment, Anthony was intently leading a group of fighting Pokémon in a tense and orderly training session, among them was the Primeape that Ash had been longing for.
Ash recognized Primeape's highly distinctive figure from a distance.
The fists that used to make his ribs ache were now wrapped in thick bandages. Its back was straight as a spear, and as sweat dripped down the grooves of its muscles, every tendon gleamed with a bronze light in the sun, as if these years had kneaded the dawns and dusks of the fighting Gym into its training.
Primeape's physique was exceptionally robust at this time, dressed in fighting attire, standing at the very front of all the Pokémon, exuding a unique aura of steadiness and confidence.
"Mr. Anthony!"
Ash couldn't contain his excitement and shouted loudly.
Anthony heard the shout and turned around. When he saw it was Ash, he paused for a moment, then a complex smile appeared on his face, and he said:
"Oh, isn't it Ash? What brings you here?"
Ash quickly walked forward, his eyes firm and sincere, and said: "Mr. Anthony, I came specifically this time because I want to take Primeape back."
Anthony was slightly startled, then his gaze slowly shifted to Primeape, who was training diligently. A flicker of imperceptible hesitation crossed his face, and he said:
"Ash, as you can see, Primeape is training exceptionally well here. Its strength has made a qualitative leap."
Ash nodded vigorously, his voice firm as he replied:
"Yes, Mr. Anthony, I understand. But in my new adventure, I've faced too many challenges and have come to realize even more deeply the irreplaceable importance of Primeape to my team. My teammates are also looking forward to Primeape's return. I firmly believe that in future adventures, we will definitely be able to advance together and become even stronger."
Anthony was silent for a moment, a few traces of reluctance and greed flashing in his eyes, and he said:
"Ash, I understand your thoughts. However, Primeape has completely adapted to the current training methods and rhythm here. Whether it is willing to go with you, we still have to respect its own wishes."
Upon hearing this, Ash took a deep breath and walked towards Primeape with a determined gaze.
At this moment, Primeape, who was training, also keenly sensed Ash's arrival.
It instantly stopped training, its gaze firmly Lock-On Ash, a hint of indescribable complex emotions flashing in its eyes—the joy of a long-awaited reunion, and also a trace of resentment due to Ash's long-term neglect.
Ash walked in front of Primeape, a sincere smile on his face, and said softly:
"Primeape, long time no see. I wasn't mature enough before, leaving you here for so long. Now, after traveling through several regions, I have the ability to progress with you. I came this time hoping you would come with me, continue our unfinished adventure, battle trainers from different regions, and reach our peak."
Primeape looked at Ash silently, as if trying to recall the beautiful times they had spent together. Primeape slowly stepped forward and slowly raised its hand.
Just then, Anthony's figure appeared in front of Ash. He blocked Primeape's line of sight with half his body and said:
"Ash, I know you are determined to take Primeape away. But its current strength is not strong enough to truly help you in future adventures.
It would be better to leave it with me; I will train it well for you. Don't worry, deep down, you are always its most trusted and relied-upon trainer."
However, just as Anthony was about to take action to take Primeape away, Ash directly stopped him.
Anthony subconsciously caressed the gilded belt at his waist; it was the Champion medal Primeape had won for him in a challenge match three years ago.
When Ash first mentioned taking Primeape away, Anthony's fists unconsciously tightened, and the three characters "Fighting King" engraved on the pendant glinted blindingly in the sun.
Ash suddenly remembered the days of sparring in the fighting arena, Anthony always muttering to Primeape's back: "You will become a greater fighter than me."
Ash noticed that Anthony seemed to have other intentions for Primeape, subtly wanting to claim Primeape for himself, but he hadn't fully revealed his hand, so Ash couldn't accuse him.
Ash proposed a Pokémon battle with him.
A flicker of surprise crossed Anthony's eyes, but he quickly agreed happily.
"This battle is not only to prove to you that I am capable enough to take Primeape, but also to let Primeape see my current strength with its own eyes. I have the ability to lead it to a higher stage, not to be stuck in a small town for the rest of its life."
Ash said with a firm gaze.
The battle officially began, and Anthony unhesitatingly sent out his ace—the Fighting-type Pokémon, Hitmonchan.
Ash, full of confidence, sent out Pikachu.
The red light bursting from the Poké Ball had not yet dissipated when Pikachu, propping itself on its tail, spun out several circles of electric light.
The moment Hitmonchan's straight punch grazed its ear, a circular electric current suddenly erupted on the sandy ground. Pikachu danced with Thunderbolt, each leap leaving scorched claw marks on the ground.
When the third electric current hit Hitmonchan, the explosion startled all the Pidgey in the training ground, while Pikachu squatted in the smoke, wiggling its singed tail tip at Ash.
Hitmonchan, under Anthony's command, tried to quickly close in on Pikachu, but unfortunately, it was taken down directly by several Thunderbolt attacks.
(Why several Thunderbolt? Pikachu has something to say.
Pikachu: I'm just putting on a show for the sake of human relations; otherwise, one Thunderbolt would be enough.)
Hitmonchan, collapsed powerlessly!
Anthony retrieved Hitmonchan with a complex expression.
However, just as Ash thought the matter was successfully resolved, Anthony suddenly changed the subject and said:
"Ash, although you won this battle, Primeape has better development prospects here.
I believe it staying here would be more beneficial for its growth, so I cannot give it to you.
I must be responsible for Primeape!"
Upon hearing this, a surge of anger immediately welled up in Ash's heart, and his right fist unconsciously clenched. In the previous battle, he had already ascertained that Anthony's current ace Pokémon, Hitmonchan, was only at the half-Gym Leader level.
It was likely that Primeape's breakthroughs in cultivation for a long time prior had relied solely on its own talent.
But Anthony remained unwilling, trying to find excuses to keep Primeape.
Just then, Primeape, who had been watching the battle, could no longer hold back.
It saw the sincerity and current strength Ash displayed to take it away. The resentment in its heart largely dissipated, replaced by the deep affection and trust for Ash hidden deep in its memories.
Primeape strode in front of Anthony, looked at him with determined eyes, and let out a roar, seemingly expressing its resolve to go with Ash.
Seeing this, Anthony's face turned very ugly. He knew he could no longer forcibly keep Primeape. But he still said fiercely:
"Alright, Ash, take Primeape. But don't regret the decision you made today!"
Ash ignored Anthony's threat and directly took Primeape's Poké Ball. He walked to Primeape, gently stroked its head, and said: "Primeape, we can finally go on adventures together again."
Primeape happily cried out and jumped to Ash's side.
"Return, Primeape."
With a flash of red light, Primeape was successfully recalled into its Poké Ball.
The boy's fingers on the Poké Ball were tightly clenched. This former hothead was now as steady as a rock.
The red orb at his waist trembled slightly. The Charizard sleeping inside seemed to sense Ash's call, and the sound of its body rubbing came through the Poké Ball.
Don't doubt it; this was Professor Oak's signature move, and also Professor Oak's greatest teaching to Ash these days: when you're out, always ensure your own safety first.
If Anthony uttered any more unpleasant words or made any subtle moves, Charizard would take him down on the spot.
"Ash—"
"Come out, Charizard."
"Ah, you—"
The local Police Station chief arrived with his team; after all, it had been a long time since such a case had occurred in the small town.
When the Police Station chief saw it was Ash, his legs trembled uncontrollably.
Why is it this young master? Oh heavens, I haven't lived enough yet.
Last time, Professor Oak had directly confronted Officer Jenny's family, and incidentally attacked the Viridian City mayor and his Police Station.
This action led to all Police Station chiefs in Kanto receiving a portrait of Ash, specifically to prevent anyone from provoking Professor Oak's only disciple again.
Ash began to explain in detail to the newcomers, then turned his head and saw that the Police Station personnel had already tied Anthony up. Not only that, but Anthony's mouth was also gagged.
The Police Station chief had a fawning expression,
"You've worked hard. Leave the rest to me. You don't even need to go back to the Police Station for a statement as per regulations. We'll do it here on the spot, and then you can go about your business."
It just goes to show why he became a Police Station chief; he's proactive and has a sweet tongue.
In the end, Ash got Primeape back, and Anthony received a special prison package.
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