Serena looked at the Team Rocket trio, then turned to Ash with some confusion.
“Ash, who are they?”
Ash replied, “They are just a group of troublemakers who are always after other people’s Pokémon.
The chaos with Garchomp earlier was also caused by them.”
“Dedenne”
Bonnie completely ignored Team Rocket and happily ran over to hug Dedenne.
“Brat, this time we will take Pikachu and all your Pokémon!”
“Prepare yourselves!”
“That’s right, Boss Giovanni is waiting for our results, Meow!”
After their operations in other regions, Team Rocket’s equipment had indeed improved, which gave them the confidence to act so boldly.
Ash paid no attention to their declaration and directly commanded, “Fletchling, Quick Attack!”
Fletchling instantly dashed toward Inkay.
James shouted, “Inkay, use Foul Play!”
Just as Fletchling closed in, Inkay extended its tentacles, wrapped around it, spun it once, and slammed it heavily onto the ground.
Fletchling shook its head and stared at Inkay unwillingly.
In terms of strength, Fletchling was indeed slightly inferior.
“Inkay, Psybeam!”
“Fletchling, Razor Wind!”
The two attacks collided, creating a small explosion.
Seeing that Fletchling could not quickly gain the upper hand, Clemont shouted, “Diggersby, Double Slap!”
Diggersby rushed forward, swinging its powerful ear-arms toward Wobbuffet.
Mirror Coat could only reflect special moves.
Double Slap was a physical attack, and under the sudden assault, Wobbuffet was sent flying after several hits.
Ash said, “Fletchling, Quick Attack again!”
Taking advantage of the lingering smoke from the clash, Fletchling burst through and struck Inkay head on.
The impact left Inkay dizzy, its floating body wobbling as it nearly fell.
Seeing the opening, Ash called out, “Now finish it with Razor Wind!”
Fletchling flapped its wings, sending out sharp wind blades that knocked Inkay back toward James.
“Pikachu, Thunderbolt!”
Pikachu unleashed the finishing blow.
“What a miserable feeling!”
The Team Rocket trio was blasted away like shooting stars.
[Ding…
Battle settlement in progress…
Evaluation: C-]
[Ding!
Congratulations on obtaining reward: TM Ember ×1]
Ember.
Ash glanced at Fletchling.
This move was very timely.
Viola, the Gym Leader of Santalune Gym, specialized in Bug type Pokémon.
Fletchling already had a type advantage, and with a Fire type move, dealing with Bug types would be much easier.
After driving away Team Rocket, Bonnie successfully gained Dedenne’s trust using food.
Dedenne also enjoyed having its tail stroked.
Bonnie, however, had the habit of rubbing cheeks.
Since Dedenne was an Electric type Pokémon, that resulted in Bonnie getting lightly shocked.
…
After a full day of travel, Ash and his group finally arrived at their first destination, Santalune City.
Upon arriving, Ash did not rush to challenge the Gym.
Instead, he first went to the Pokémon Center to arrange lodging.
Compared to Lumiose City, Santalune City was much smaller.
If they arrived too late, there might be no rooms left.
After resting briefly, Ash had Nurse Joy restore all his Pokémon to peak condition, then headed toward the Santalune Gym.
Before even reaching the Gym, Ash encountered Viola, the Santalune Gym Leader and Alexa’s younger sister, in a fountain plaza.
Seeing the lively group, Viola instinctively raised her camera and took a photo.
“Thank you, you gave me a great shot.
You all look like a wonderful team!”
“Miss Viola, hello.
I’m Ash from Pallet Town.
Do you have time?
I would like to challenge the Santalune Gym.”
Ash went straight to the point.
Viola looked at the group, her gaze briefly resting on Clemont, then said, “So you are Ash.
My sister mentioned you.
If you want a Gym battle, come with me.”
Clemont felt her gaze and awkwardly lowered his head.
As Gym Leaders from the same region, it was natural for them to know each other.
However, Clemont focused more on inventions and less on social matters, so he was not very familiar with others.
Under Viola’s lead, they arrived at the Santalune Gym.
Before they could enter, a Helioptile ran out and jumped onto Ash.
Ash immediately recognized it as Alexa’s Helioptile.
Alexa walked out and greeted them, “Welcome, Ash, Pikachu.
You all look very energetic.”
“Miss Alexa, you’re here too?”
Alexa looked at Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie with curiosity.
“Are these your new friends?”
Ash nodded and introduced everyone.
Viola said, “Sister, it’s time for a Gym battle, not chatting.”
Alexa looked surprised.
“Didn’t you go out to take photos?
How did you come back with them?”
“They gave me a good shot.
Let’s go inside.”
Everyone followed Viola into the Santalune Gym.
Inside the corridors, photographs were displayed on both sides, showcasing Viola’s work.
“Ash, my sister is an excellent Bug type photographer, so she knows Bug type Pokémon very well.
Be careful,” Alexa reminded.
“The photos really show her love for Bug Pokémon!
I’ve decided, I will leave my brother to you, please take care of him!”
Bonnie suddenly knelt in front of Viola, just like Brock proposing to Nurse Joy.
However, unlike Brock, Bonnie’s intention was to find a partner for her brother.
Her words stunned both Alexa and Viola.
Clemont hurriedly said, “Bonnie, didn’t I tell you not to say that again?”
“Bonnie, do you mean…”
Serena tried to ask, but Bonnie interrupted with an innocent tone, “My brother is always alone.
I would feel more at ease if he had someone!”
“Ah, this is too embarrassing…
Aipom Arm, activate!”
Clemont shouted as a mechanical arm extended from his backpack, grabbing Bonnie and carrying her outside.