Although the carnival was briefly spoiled due to Ma Jian, since his reputation was utterly ruined, there was no need to care anymore. As for Ma Jian's future? No one would pity this guy. It's uncertain if James and the others included that additional dirt on him in their uploads, but they specifically pointed out that Ma Jian was an expert at pretending to be pitiful to exploit the kindness of others. Still, Team Rocket had hit the nail on the head!
---Line Break ---
"Purchasing herbs? Don't you have your own herb farm?"
As Ash Ketchum's group headed to the next town, he mentioned that he would buy some herbs in the upcoming town. Misty found it a bit strange since Ash seemed to have sources of herbs from the Joy family as well as the Laralamie tribe.
To Misty's confusion, Ash Ketchum pulled out a strangely shaped herbal plant and said, "This is Chinese medicine. I may have a place to grow herbs, but traditional herbs are quite hard to deal with and need professionals to cultivate them. Songzhao Town is my supply point, and I can conveniently procure some traditional herbs from Kiyomi for special potions. Let me tell you, the effects of traditional medicine are excellent; although, the taste might make you question your life because it's so bitter."
"Pidgeot!"
Hearing that the medicine might make one question their life, Pidgeot, just back from scouting, perked up with excitement. Ash Ketchum looked helplessly at Pidgeot staring at the herb in his hand.
"I'm telling you, Pidgeot, this is medicine, not food… Well, I suppose a small taste wouldn't hurt; this is for treating colds."
Saying this, Ash tore off a small piece and offered it to Pidgeot, who immediately displayed a blissful expression after tasting it. Meanwhile, Psyduck behind Ash turned away; he had a shadow over Pidgeot's food preferences already. Lyn, seeing Pidgeot enjoying it so much, cleared her throat before turning to Ash Ketchum and saying, "Ahem, well… Ash, unless it's absolutely necessary, I don't want to have Chinese medicine..."
"I don't either! If Pidgeot enjoys it that much, I'll probably have a hard time handling it…" Suzy, who was familiar with Pidgeot's tastes, completely agreed with Lyn's notion. After all, the happier Pidgeot ate, the more terrifying the bitterness of the medicine could be.
Looking at the herb in his hand, Ash Ketchum assured, "Don't worry; what I give you guys will definitely be flavored. As for Pidgeot…"
Glancing at Pidgeot munching away on the herb, Ash's lip twitched. Pidgeot was the most remarkable companion he had during his travels, but its taste was indeed… Well, he mused that bitter melon was a dish he made every day, so he could use that as training in cooking...
"Bitter flavor, huh? Generally, detox fruits tend to be bitter, right? Isn't it the same principle as traditional medicine?"
After listening to Ash Ketchum's explanation, Brock thought of detox fruits, but then shook his head; fruits were just too miraculous and couldn't be explained.
"Alright, when we reach Kiyomi's herbal shop, I'll explain more. And Pidgeot! If you dare eat something without permission, I'll literally tie you to a firecracker and launch you!"
"Pidge!" (Understood!)
Hearing Ash's words, Pidgeot immediately saluted with its wings but still kept its eyes fixed on the herb in Ash Ketchum's hand.
"Fine… here you go…"
"Pidge!" (Boss, I love you!)
Meowth and Pikachu exchanged bewildered glances over Pidgeot's utterly shameless behavior.
"This guy… has a really weird taste…"
"Pika! It feels like Pidgeot might have a taste bud problem…"
Soon enough, Ash Ketchum and his friends arrived at a Chinese medicine shop. Inside the shop, an old lady was grinding medicine, looking quite scary.
"Mistress Ash, are you sure this isn't a witch's shop?" Brock looked at the old lady, who seemed to be handling Magikarp's whiskers; he was a bit frightened by her unusual methods.
"That's very rude. You need to show a bit more respect to elderly people, you know? Except for scumbags. But Granny, your little shop is so gloomy; nobody would dare come to buy medicine! Take my advice; brighten this place up. I'd even pay to help..."
"Hehe, it's just my preference. A bigger shop wouldn't do any good since it's just Kiyomi and I managing it."
After kindly declining Ash's suggestion, the old lady stood up and asked, "So, what herbs can I help you with today?"
"Granny, do you have Revival Herbs?"
"!!! How did you know?"
Surprised, the old lady looked at Ash Ketchum, not expecting him to discover it. Ash Ketchum shyly pointed to the Pidgeot beside him, which was currently scanning the surroundings with sharp eyes.
"Sorry, Granny, my Pidgeot loves bitter stuff—really loves it…"
"Pidge!" (I can feel it! The ultimate bitterness!)
Pidgeot's eyes gleamed at a cabinet, and the old lady, seeing Pidgeot's excitement, couldn't help but chuckle.
"Hehe, your Pidgeot is different from my chief Pidgeot. A unique taste!"
As she spoke, the old lady walked up to the cabinet and took out a strange-looking plant.
"Indeed, I do have Revival Herbs."
"Pidge!" (This is it! The ultimate bitterness!!!!)
Seeing Pidgeot so excited, Ash Ketchum helplessly grabbed its wing, saying, "Don't mess around; if you dare eat that, I'll genuinely tie you to a firecracker and launch you!"
———— 🌟🌟 ————
ps:Support and join my Patreon
patreon.c@om/chenc11 [Remove @]
You can read up to 40 premium chapters.