"So, why exactly are we running?"
The group followed a Machoke until they reached a large house. Misty finally couldn't hold back her urge to roast the middle-aged man leading them.
"The reason is... that...!"
The man was truly exhausted. He couldn't even speak clearly and could only point toward the house. They would likely understand soon enough.
Sure enough, several Trainers emerged from the house, accompanied by Fighting-type Pokémon. They addressed the man as "Teacher."
This man was indeed a martial artist.
In front of his disciples, the man forced himself to stand straight, putting on a dignified air. "Has everyone... been practicing hard?"
The answer was, of course, a resounding "Yes!"
"Ah! Ash, welcome to my Cianwood Gym! I am the King of Fighting Pokémon, the Trainer of Cianwood GymChuck!"
It was quite an imposing introduction, or it would have been if he hadn't been so out of breath by the end of it.
After a grueling training session came a massive feast. "Eat up, eat up! Take big bites, eat as much as you can! You need strength for a fighting match!"
Chuck was a straightforward man, piling a massive portion of fried rice into Ash's bowl.
"Haha, this is delicious!"
Molly had already started eating. If she was enjoying the food this much, the taste was guaranteed to be excellent.
"What a cute little girl. If it tastes good, eat more!"
Chuck's wife was delighted to hear her cooking praised. Seeing them eat with such gusto made her very happy.
"You must be the challenger this time, right?" She looked at Ash. "You have to do your best and take my husband down as quickly as possible!"
Ash felt like he had heard those words before. Years ago, Anthony's daughter had also approached him, asking him to defeat her father. However, looking at how affectionate this couple was, it didn't seem like Chuck neglected his wife.
After the meal, Ash wasn't in a hurry to start the Gym battle. He planned to head to the Pokémon Center first to let the food digest.
"The taste really was amazing!" Misty agreed. She planned to walk with Ash to avoid gaining weight.
"No, it's not just about the taste," Brock said seriously as he looked at the empty table. "Low fat, high protein, and very easy to digest! This kind of cooking is perfect for replenishing the stamina of both Trainers and Pokémon.
This Gym is very efficient and emphasizes scientific training. I plan to ask the lady for some advice. Ash, your Pokémon are training very intensely right now; I think these recipes would be a huge help to you."
With a Breeder like Brock around, Ash truly had much less to worry about.
"I'm full! Time for some post-meal exercise! Ash, let's battle!"
After eating, Chuck's stamina seemed completely restored.
However, Ash apologized. "Mr. Chuck, I'd like to go to the Pokémon Center first to exchange some of my Pokémon. Is that alright?"
Hearing this, Chuck naturally nodded in agreement.
"Ash, I was just looking for you! I have news from Mr. Anthony!"
As soon as the call connected, Professor Oak shared the good news.
"Really? What did he say about my Primeape?" Ash asked, surprised.
"No problem at all. Mr. Anthony has retired to become a coach, so Primeape doesn't have many chances to get into the ring anymore. He's returning it to you, and I've already received its Poké Ball!" Oak laughed.
The Professor had already checked the Primeape; it was incredibly strong. Ash had gained another powerful partner. "Well? Do you want me to transfer it over?"
"Yes, and please send Heracross over as well!"
Ash intended to use Heracross to fight fire with fireor rather, fighting with fighting. He wanted a head-on confrontation. Moreover, Ash's heroic Heracross had shown a very high compatibility since the moment it was caught. However, after it was sent to Professor Oak for research and the Starters began evolving one after another, its Bond Evolution had been delayed.
Although Ash knew that not every Pokémon could achieve Bond Phenomenon, there was no reason a Heracross with such high compatibility couldn't do it.
"But Ash, you already have six Pokémon on you. Which ones are you going to swap? Is Raikou okay?"
Professor Oak was still obsessed with Raikou. Ash didn't refuse. "Then send Raikou and Tyranitar back."
"You little rascal, you were hiding it from me! I didn't expect you to catch a Tyranitar too!" Oak's eyes lit up. Ash was becoming quite a powerhouse.
Nowadays, the Professor didn't even dare to walk casually in his backyard. It was filled with giants: Blastoise, Venusaur, Typhlosion, Rhydon, Slowking, and Snorlax. Now, adding a Tyranitar to the mix, he just hoped the big guy had a decent temper.
"Don't worry, he's very obedient. He gets along great with Molly!" Ash had discovered that Molly had a special talent for befriending all of his Pokémon.
Since he was sending Tyranitar back, Ash exchanged for a Forced Switcher and had Tyranitar wear it. For a Pokémon like that, a powerful physique was its greatest weapon.
"I choose you, Primeape!"
In the backyard of the Pokémon Center, Ash released Primeape.
This Primeape was the eighth Pokémon Ash had caught during his journey in Kanto. Back then, hearing that Gary had already sent back dozens of Pokémon, Ash had become obsessed with catching it after it stole his hat as a Mankey. It had eventually evolved into Primeape during a rampage, but Ash had successfully captured it nonetheless.
The pure Fighting-type was exceptionally muscular, with black metal rings around its arms and legs. Having been trained by Anthony and fought in the ring for so long, its height had reached 1.3 meters. It even wore the P1 Champion Beltits badge of glory.
"Primeape, long time no see!"
Unexpectedly, Primeape launched an attack immediately, throwing a left hook at Ash. The punch was fast and fierce, but Ash's body flashed with a blue light as he ducked to avoid it. However,
Primeape, an active ring fighter, attacked with the momentum of a crashing wave. Seeing Ash dodge, it grinned and spun around, throwing a downward elbow strike toward Ash's chest!
"Good one!"
Ash felt as though he were protected by Armament Haki. He raised an arm to block the strike and counter-attacked, throwing a punch toward Primeape's face. To his surprise, Primeape's footwork was incredibly swift. With a light tap of its toes, it retreated a small step, perfectly evading the punch, before crouching down and launching a Sky Uppercut toward Ash's stomach!
Whether it was reaction time, technique, or power, Primeape had been trained to an outstanding level.
"Ash!"
The series of exchanges happened in a flash. Brock only managed to react and cry out in alarm after it was over.
However, Primeape stopped just in time, breaking its stance. It reached down, pulled off its P1 Champion Belt, and handed it to Ash. Looking into its narrow pupils, Ash seemed to understand its meaning. Its past glories were behind it. Now that it had returned, its future glory would be created alongside Ash.
Ash took the belt and placed his own hat on Primeape's head. "Welcome back, Primeape!"
Primeape: Level 18
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