c166: Parting Is For The Next Reunion!!
During the pursuit of the three "cooks," Ash had already identified their true identities due to Bird's detection abilities. Before they formally confronted the Rocket trio, Ash was aware of who they were. Despite that, he still led a group of inexperienced students with no combat abilities head-on, without hesitation.
When the trio declared themselves in classic Team Rocket fashion "Prepare for trouble, and make it double!" Ash, rather than showing fear, found himself amused. Deep down, however, he hadn't truly grasped the danger he was dealing with. These weren't just comedic villains from the cartoons they were elite agents directly under Giovanni, the head of Team Rocket. These were dangerous operatives capable of acts far worse than what Ash had assumed from watching the anime back on Earth.
If Nurse Joy, who was accompanying the group, hadn't acted swiftly during the confrontation, Ash, along with the other students especially Serena and Gary could have faced catastrophic consequences.
The Rocket trio's escape using a hot air balloon was not a joke, either. Unlike the fragile models seen in the anime, this one was equipped with real advanced tech and defensive capabilities. Even minor Pokémon attacks couldn't pierce it easily. Jessie had sent out not an Ekans, but an evolved Arbok classified at level 31 and their coordinated tactics showed that this was no slapstick act.
These weren't bumbling thieves. The manga has often shown Team Rocket using brutal tactics: melting captured Pokémon with acid, performing illegal genetic experiments like with Mewtwo, and even targeting children. Ash realized they were dealing with terrorists, not clowns.
Before they fled, Jessie and James ominously said, "Ash Ketchum… we'll be seeing you again very soon."
That line echoed in Ash's mind. He had no doubt now they were watching him. And if they were, then so was Giovanni. The Rockets had marked him. That alone was chilling.
> "I can't afford to treat this like a game anymore," Ash thought, laying back on his bed that night.
He knew now that having a system, two Psychic Pokémon, or even being noticed by the League didn't matter. Until he had real strength, talent and potential were meaningless. Power was what mattered.
He also realized that while he had to respect the threat the Rockets posed, he couldn't overestimate the League either. After all, under the nose of Professor Oak—a Champion-level Trainer Team Rocket still managed to infiltrate and steal Pokémon from the summer camp.
And the camp had full League support.
> "The summer camp was even being covered live by the Saffron City TV station," Ash muttered. "Still, the Rockets struck. They saw me… I stood out. It's too dangerous to be careless now."
Until his official debut at age ten, Ash decided to stay in Pallet Town. The Oak Pokémon Research Reserve could provide him with both safety and resources. He would train there quietly, but diligently.
Turning to the Bubble Frog Pokémon lying beside him on the pillow, Ash whispered, "Froakie, starting tomorrow, we're stepping up training."
"Froa—Quack~ (Understood.)" Froakie responded seriously, eyes calm.
"Good night, Froakie."
"Quack~ (^_^)"
As Ash drifted to sleep, a heavy fog rolled into the quiet valley. Darkness covered the land. The rows of cabins at the summer camp merged with the black woods outside, fading into silence.
---
Morning came quickly.
After breakfast, the students packed up their belongings and gathered at the camp dam. Each of them had their schoolbags and colorful luggage adorned with Pokémon stickers and cartoon mascots.
Two large white tourist buses, each with rainbow designs along the side, waited for them.
"Congratulations, everyone," Professor Oak addressed them warmly. "The summer camp is officially concluded. You'll be returning home today."
"This camp has had its ups and downs—Team Rocket's infiltration, unexpected battles—but I hope most of what you're taking home are good memories."
"From today on, I hope all of you continue studying Pokémon theory seriously. When your journey begins at age ten, you'll need that foundation to become not only skilled Trainers but responsible ones."
"Now, check your luggage and make sure nothing is missing. Then board your assigned bus."
"Students from cities other than Pallet Town, please board the first bus. You'll be taken to Viridian City for transfer."
"Students from the Kalos Region and those staying in Pallet Town, board the second bus. Since you stayed in Pallet Town homes before camp began, we'll give you a little more time to say goodbye to the families that hosted you."
"Okay, everyone—let's go!" Oak concluded.
Yes!!" the students chorused enthusiastically.
With bags in hand and energy buzzing despite the early hour, the students climbed aboard.
"Vroooom…"
"Vroooom…"
The buses started their engines and slowly drove away from the camp that had been their home for two unforgettable weeks.
Despite the chaos near the end the incident with Goh, and then the Rocket infiltration the overall camp experience was joyful. Many had made lifelong memories.
Ash leaned on the bus window, watching as the forest, the cabins, and the training grounds disappeared behind the trees. Like the others, he felt a tug of sadness.
But life, he thought, is just one journey after another.
This chapter the summer camp was over. But there would be more adventures ahead.
At the fork near the Liangshan Valley, the two buses finally parted ways.
The first bus took the route through Viridian Forest toward Viridian City, while the second, with Ash and Serena aboard, turned toward Pallet Town.
Although the bus moved slowly along the dirt roads, the camp wasn't far. Within five minutes, the bus approached the entrance to Pallet Town.
The townsfolk had received notice earlier that morning: the summer camp had ended, and the students—including those from Kalos who had stayed with local families were returning around 9 a.m.
Just like on the first day of camp, the Pallet Town residents formed a welcoming group. They stood at the entrance, waving and ready to greet their children—and their guests home once again.
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