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Viridian Forest
This is the largest primeval forest in the world, home to a vast number of wild Pokémon, with countless strong ones hidden within.
And on this day, the returning Scizor, led by Charizard, Sceptile, Pidgeot, and Noctowl, arrived at this familiar yet unfamiliar forest.
"Cha~"
On a standard arena, similar to those planned for League battles, measuring a hundred meters long and fifty meters wide, Scizor wielded its crimson Metal Claws, glowing with a white light as it dueled its opponent.
Metal Claw!
Transforming into a blood-red figure, it charged towards its opponent with incredible speed, leaving a trail of dust in its wake.
Ding ding ding~
Scizor's opponent resembled a large hornet, with a three-segmented body and four legs growing from its abdomen.
It held two thick, large white stingers and was colored black and yellow.
In addition, a Poison Sting extended from its tail end.
This Pokémon was, naturally, the most common inhabitant of the forest—Beedrill.
A presence in Viridian Forest that made Trainers tremble with fear.
Because this Family had an extremely strong sense of territoriality; provoking one was equivalent to provoking a whole swarm.
But to Scizor's surprise, the individual Beedrill in front of it was actually fighting it to a standstill, which it found incredibly unbelievable.
Because it used to be a native of Viridian Forest, yet it had never heard of such a powerful Beedrill.
While Scizor was shocked, it also wondered how Noctowl managed to get Pokémon like Beedrill to engage in a head-on confrontation at this time.
Because in addition to the arena, there was also an old and composed Alakazam and Noctowl serving as referees in the middle of the field.
Around them, groups of Pokémon were gathered like spectators, surrounding them.
To Scizor, it felt like participating in a Pokémon battle without human command.
"Buzz~"
As Scizor was distracted, Beedrill suddenly flapped its wings, appearing behind it in an instant, using both its stingers and its tail's Poison Sting.
They both glowed purple, unleashing a fatal Poison Sting.
Scizor had no choice but to cast aside its many internal questions and focus all its attention on the battle, fully dealing with the extraordinarily powerful Beedrill in front of it.
"Roar~"
"Cha~"
"Pidgeot~"
The clanging sounds made Charizard, Sceptile, Pidgeot, and the other Pokémon below cheer loudly.
They were just like three spectators watching a show, perfectly blending into the crowd.
This was the first battle to commence in Viridian Forest today.
Ever since Noctowl became their strategist and planner, they had improved their battle mode, adopting 1v1 head-on confrontations.
Regardless of winning or losing, the Pokémon challenged by them would receive a corresponding amount of Pokéblock, which quickly attracted a group of strong Pokémon.
Coupled with the exhilarating battles, a group of relatively weaker Pokémon were drawn to watch.
And so, with Noctowl and Alakazam serving as referees, the rather peculiar scene before them was formed.
Not to mention how much stronger Charizard and the others had become during these days, Ash's data panel alone had gained a lot of gold coins.
This made Ash, on the other side, happily walk through the forest.
After the trio left Veilstone City, they embarked on their journey to Lake Valor.
During this time, they arrived at a lush forest, home to numerous Grass and Bug-type Pokémon.
Here, diligent Combee were almost everywhere, diligently collecting honey among the wild flowers.
In addition, there was the familiar sight of Beedrill, holding two thick, large white stingers, which made Ash feel a pang of nostalgia.
However, Ash currently didn't know the fact that there was a Beedrill in Viridian Forest strong enough to battle Scizor.
At this moment, he was enjoying the various Pokémon along the way with Dawn and Brock.
"There are so many Grass-type Pokémon here! Besides Budew, there are also Oddish, Vileplume, Hoppip, Skiploom…"
Looking at the patches of red and green figures, Dawn exclaimed while picking up her pokedex to scan and identify these creatures.
In front of these adorable creatures, Ash merely passed by, but a happy smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.
"Hmm, this feeling is…"
But just then, a strange Aura directly rushed into Ash's mind.
"What's wrong, Ash!" Brock asked curiously when he saw Ash suddenly stop.
This action also attracted Dawn, who was admiring the Pokémon nearby.
Rustle rustle~
Ash's expression was serious, and he didn't respond, only looking towards the nearby bushes.
Under everyone's gaze, the bush kept shaking, and accompanied by rustling sounds, an injured Riolu emerged from it.
"Oh, who is this cute child~" Dawn exclaimed in surprise.
The Riolu in front of them was blue, with black legs and upper torso, resembling a small puppy.
But what made Dawn exclaim was not only Riolu's cute appearance, but also because this little guy looked somewhat familiar.
"So it's Riolu!" The knowledgeable Brock immediately stated Riolu's name.
Hearing this, Dawn immediately took out her pokedex to check its detailed information.
For unknown reasons, Riolu looked somewhat panicked upon seeing Ash and his companions, turning around to leave.
"Wait~"
Unexpectedly, Ash was one step ahead, moving forward to grab Riolu.
"Pika~"
Pikachu carefully jumped in front of Riolu, stopping it with Ash.
"Olu~"
The wary Riolu quickly pulled away from Ash's hand and stepped back.
To Dawn and Brock's surprised expressions, it quickly condensed a powerful Aura Sphere and shot it towards Ash and his companions.
However, Ash opened his Aura and used a barrier to block it.
"Don't worry, I won't hurt you~" Ash said softly.
Seeing that Ash also possessed Aura, Riolu froze in place for a few seconds, but this did not make Riolu relax its guard, maintaining a cautious attitude.
"Ash, it seems to be injured~" Dawn tugged on Ash's sleeve, pointing to Riolu's left arm.
"Don't move yet~"
First, he nodded to Dawn to show he understood, then he bent down, telling Riolu not to make any rash moves.
Next, he extended his right hand, and from a distance of less than half a meter, he used Viridian Power to heal Riolu.
Olu!!
Feeling the wounds on its body gradually healing, Riolu felt somewhat incredible.
At the same time, it realized that the human in front of it seemed very special; besides having an Aura similar to its own, he also possessed a special healing ability.
"Riolu can use Aura Sphere~"
After seeing Riolu recover, Brock walked over, stroking his chin, looking at Riolu, who was still wary but hadn't launched another Aura Sphere.
"Ash, this Riolu's identity seems to be extraordinary!"
Based on years of experience, Brock made a bold assumption.
"…"
Ash, on the other hand, gave an awkward, speechless smile.
Because if nothing unexpected happened, trouble would soon be knocking on their door.