Chapter 122: Pokedex Beep, Don't Panic When You Encounter a Wild Primeape
May 15, 2024 Author: Samsung Charmander (Author Name)
"How are you guys here???"
Ash's group of three quickly came closer, just in time to see James's perfect kick.
Although the pose was indeed very cool, the Mankey over there was planted headfirst in the bushes with only half its butt showing, twitching continuously. Something seemed to be wrong with its condition.
"Did I hear someone ask 'How are you guys here'?"
Hearing the key phrase, the Team Rocket trio jolted. Three pairs of eyes stared fixedly at Ash's group, and they immediately struck an exaggerated pose.
"Since you've asked the question with such sincerity!"
Ash: "No, I didn't ask."
"But I will *not* be merciful and tell you!"
The trio's opening line choked itself to death by the second sentence.
Ash: "?"
Team Rocket didn't allow for flashy opening lines. The trio's faces were now flushed bright red, their mouths puffed up like a Qwilfish, and their bodies trembled. They looked like they were miserably holding something back.
"If you want to say it, just say it boldly. No one is watching."
From the side, Ash whispered like a tempting demon, egging the trio on to continue with their lines.
He had spoken with Archer before. Team Rocket was currently undergoing internal reforms, working from the bottom up to vigorously improve the ideological and ethical education of its low-level members. Metaphysical opening lines were strictly prohibited.
He didn't care about anyone else, but Ash was still interested in hearing the flashy opening line from these three.
Jessie suddenly tossed her head and shouted:
"Hmph, you twerp, stop trying to change the subject!"
"That's right, no matter what, we're getting your Pikachu today!"
"Team Rocket is the strongest, meowth!"
Jessie and James quickly threw out their Poké Balls, revealing the familiar Ekans and Koffing.
Seeing this, Ash felt a distinct lack of enthusiasm. He had already beaten these two several times; without any new tricks, it was completely uninteresting.
When he won at the Vermilion Gym, his Trainer Level had already increased to 2H, which meant he could fight two Team Rocket units.
By now, he should be able to fight ten Team Rocket units, right?
But before the two groups could start fighting, a rustling sound suddenly came from the bushes. Everyone instinctively looked over.
The Mankey, which had been showing only half its butt from the bush, had already flipped itself over. With a great leap, it jumped onto a high platform.
Its expression was now furious. It swung its fists and stamped its feet, even more enraged than when its meal had been interrupted.
"Jii jii!!"
A strange white light began to shine from the Mankey's body. Within the hazy light, its form began to expand and deform, its limbs growing thicker. It was the unmistakable light of Evolution.
"Ah-hoo-hoo!!"
With a distinctly deeper roar, the Pokémon burst through the white light, holding its two fists before it as it roared.
The Pokémon's physique was now a whole size larger. Its long, thin tail was gone, and its limbs had become incredibly sturdy. Black shackle-like rings had even appeared on them, as if restraining its power.
Its face hadn't changed much; it still wore the same enraged expression, but now, veins bulged on its forehead, forming a '#' shape.
"Pokedex Beep. Primeape, the Mild-Mannered Pokémon. After Evolution, the Strength in its limbs becomes even greater, and its temper also improves, so it doesn't get angry easily."
The Pokedex announced automatically.
Ash's group of three quickly exchanged a glance. At this point, they wouldn't believe even a single punctuation mark of what the Pokedex said.
However, the pressure was now on Team Rocket. After all, James was the one who had kicked it earlier, so the Primeape's fury was now completely focused on the trio.
"ROOOAR!!"
The evolved Primeape's aura was powerful. Even though it didn't have the Intimidate ability, a single roar forced the Team Rocket trio and their Ekans and Koffing to retreat a step, hair standing on end.
So fierce!
"What do we do... It looks like we've provoked something terrifying."
"This monkey looks really angry."
"Maybe we should try giving it a banana, meowth."
The trio's goal was Pikachu; they had no desire to battle this muscle-bound monster in front of them, which looked incredibly tough.
Just as the trio and the Primeape were locked in a stalemate, the Pokedex at Ash's waist suddenly emitted an electronic voice, accompanied by a cheerful BGM reminiscent of a wilderness survival lecture, which immediately sounded very persuasive.
"Pokedex Beep. When encountering a wild Primeape, do not panic. Simply complete the following three steps to resolve the situation with ease."
The Team Rocket trio quickly exchanged a look. Although they didn't quite believe it, they still pricked up their ears to secretly listen in.
"Pokedex Beep. Step one, put on a righteous and awe-inspiring expression. Do not have any fear in your heart. Primeape is a paper tiger and is not scary."
Hearing this, the trio hesitated for a few seconds. But seeing that the Primeape in front of them hadn't actually attacked, a faint sense of trust in the Pokedex began to form in their hearts.
Their expressions changed abruptly. Glaring like tigers, an aura of confident, kingly dominance enveloped the trio.
At this moment, their confident gaze could climb the nine heavens and pluck the sun, moon, and stars!
"Pokedex Beep. Step two, shout loudly at the Primeape in front of you and throw small stones at it. At this point, the Primeape will be stunned by your actions!"
The Pokedex continued to instruct.
Seeing that the first step seemed to have actually worked, the corners of the Team Rocket trio's mouths curled up, full of confidence.
"Hey, you stinking monkey, scram!"
"Be careful or we'll turn you into a lion's mane mushroom, meowth!"
"Still looking? Believe it or not, I can play mahjong on your mom's grave and still win with a full flush?!"
The three shouted harshly and arrogantly, while James casually picked up a few small stones and threw them at it.
The Primeape, for its part, looked completely stunned. It didn't flinch or dodge, allowing the stones to smash against its forehead and crumble into dust.
"Haha, Team Rocket are truly the chosen ones!"
Seeing this, the trio placed their hands on their hips and laughed triumphantly. They then turned to look at the Pokedex in Ash's hand, signaling for it to hurry up and announce the final step.
Maybe they should change their dream? Forget Pikachu, maybe they should just go for this Pokedex instead?
Soon, the Pokedex gave a considerate reminder:
"Step three, adopt your coolest pose, and give the Primeape the middle finger."
Hearing this, the trio was overjoyed. Striking a pose was their specialty, and since they hadn't had enough earlier, they quickly assumed another exaggerated pose and, in unison, arrogantly gave the Primeape the middle finger.
A world-famous masterpiece.
"A-hoo-hoo..."
On this hot summer day, the Primeape trembled violently with rage. Its entire body was now covered in a terrifying red glow, and a layer of white steam from the sheer high temperature rose from its skin.
Its eyes were so bloodshot they looked as if they might drip blood, like an enraged demon god.
"Something doesn't feel right..."
The trio, still holding up their middle fingers, suddenly felt the pressure skyrocket and couldn't help but gasp.
"Pokedex Beep. Congratulations, Trainer. You have successfully and thoroughly enraged the Primeape. Please do not panic. You have already struck your coolest pose. All that's left is to peacefully wait for death."
The Pokedex flashed with a red light as it gave its kind reminder.
Team Rocket: "?"
In 0.001 seconds, their expressions froze. Their mouths hung wide open, and their souls nearly flew right out of their bodies to dissipate.
"ROOOOAAAAR!!"
The next second, an incomparably terrifying roar erupted, a booming sound so powerful it felt like it would shatter everyone's eardrums. It even carried the hint of a domineering and ferocious Dragon Roar.
The terrifying red glow on the Primeape's body reached its peak. With a mighty leap, it charged into the middle of the still-posing Team Rocket trio. It swung its sandbag-sized fists, and in that instant, a power capable of shattering mountains and rivers erupted!
Outrage!!!
(end of chapter)