"...Ash, look at the Butterfree!"
While Ash was still looking at his newly acquired traits, Leaf tugged on his sleeve.
Her voice was filled with surprise and disbelief.
High in the sky, the Butterfree flock that had been disturbed by Team Rocket wasn't fleeing in panic.
Thousands of Butterfree shimmering with a sapphire-like sheen were gently circling above the clearing where the group stood, fluttering in a strange, mesmerizing rhythm.
"Are they... thanking us?"
Yumi murmured, her eyes glowing with awe.
This sight had far surpassed any normal Pokémon behavior—it was nothing short of a miracle.
"Hooree~"
The flapping of Butterfree wings sent down a gentle shower of glowing scales, like a quiet rain of blue stars.
At the very center of the flock, surrounded on all sides, was the pink shiny Butterfree.
It flew lower and slower than the rest, its soft pink compound eyes fixed tenderly on Ash.
"Hooree~ Hooree~"
It gracefully circled Ash three times, and with each pass, it released more of its faintly sweet, glimmering powder, like offering the highest thanks.
"Ash, I think it wants you to catch it."
Leaf's voice cut through the moment.
Everyone had witnessed Ash defeat Team Rocket alone with ease.
Pokémon were highly sentient creatures, and the Butterfree knew it was Ash who had saved them.
"Butterfree, do you want to be my partner?"
Ash looked at the little one before him.
His voice was calm, clear, and filled with genuine respect.
This was the season for migration and reproduction.
Yet this pink Butterfree was choosing to stay and become his partner?
"Hooree!"
Without hesitation, the shiny Butterfree nodded.
It wanted to become Ash's companion, even if it meant giving up its chance to reproduce this season.
After all, there were thousands of Butterfree in the flock.
One more or one less made no difference to them.
But if Ash hadn't been there just now, those bad people would have captured all of them.
"Alright, Butterfree."
Ash was moved by its affection.
He took out a brand new red-and-white Poké Ball and met Butterfree's gaze in the branches above.
"Come into the Poké Ball."
He gently raised the ball and offered it to the shiny Butterfree.
The pink Butterfree showed no resistance.
With a gentle nod—and even a hint of anticipation—it lowered its head and lightly touched the top of the Poké Ball with its smooth forehead.
In the next instant, a soft red light enveloped its tiny body, pulling it gently into the ball.
The Poké Ball lay quietly in Ash's hand, wobbling twice.
Then the button in the center glowed steadily and emitted a crisp ding.
"It's a success!"
"I caught Butterfree!"
With the shiny Butterfree captured inside the ball, that meant—It had officially become Ash's second partner, after Pikachu.
"Pika~"
Pikachu looked at the Poké Ball in Ash's hand.
It gently tapped the ball with its little paw, as if to say:Welcome.
The touching scene moved many of the nearby trainers.
"Hooree~"
The Butterfree in the sky also offered their blessings.
Then, led by a slightly larger Butterfree—clearly the leader of the flock—they once again formed a flowing blue ribbon of light.
With hope for the future, they gracefully swept over the treetops and flew into the distance.
The meaning of life continued on.
...
"Ash, congratulations on catching the shiny Butterfree!"
"It's incredible that such a rare and spiritual Pokémon would choose you on its own!"
Once everything had settled down, Yumi walked over.
She said to Ash, "Your actions—defeating Team Rocket, protecting us and the Butterfree—were outstanding."
"When we return to Viridian City, I'll be sure to report everything to Officer Jenny."
"You've rid us of a threat. I believe the entire city—both its citizens and trainers—will be grateful."
She spoke the thoughts of everyone present.
What Ash had done convinced them all that he truly deserved this shiny Pokémon.
After all, he carried the aura of a gifted trainer from start to finish.
He even gave off a warm, approachable feeling that naturally drew people's respect.
"Congratulations, Ash."
The surrounding trainers also stepped forward to offer their congratulations.
His heroic act of defeating villains, coupled with catching a rare shiny Pokémon, was destined to become a celebrated tale in Viridian Forest.
"Thank you, everyone. I'll keep doing my best."
Ash responded to their kind words humbly, thanking them one by one.
At this moment, the sun was directly overhead.
Its scorching light filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.
It was already noon.
After a full morning of travel, everyone was getting quite hungry.
"Ash, why don't we head to the Pokémon Center in Viridian City for lunch?"
"There's one right on the edge of the forest near the city."
"Once we've rested, we can continue exploring in the afternoon."
Yumi offered the suggestion.
She always knew the right thing to do at the right time.
Everyone agreed with her idea.
Which left Leaf—who had brought ingredients intending to cook in the wild—a bit disappointed.
She'd been planning to show off her culinary skills to Ash again...
Pouting slightly and thinking this morning had been a letdown,her attention was suddenly drawn to a familiar silhouette.
That sturdy, adorable deep green body.
Those iconic short legs covered in emerald-green scales.
And most importantly, the large, full, bud-like seed on its back, symbolizing limitless potential...
"No... no doubt about it!"
"That's a Bulbasaur!!"
[End of Chapter]