Since that was the case, how could he possibly let Suicune down?
Capturing a Legendary Pokémon was without question a daunting task. Before that, however, if there was even the slightest chance to build rapport with one, then such an opportunity must never be missed.
"I'm not the only Trainer in this forest, am I?"
"From a certain point of view, I was chosen by Suicune as well… isn't that right?"
Yozora gave a self-mocking chuckle and quickly took out an Antidote to treat Kangaskhan's injuries.
At the same time, he used the system to check this Kangaskhan's stats.
[Pokémon]: Kangaskhan
[Type]: Normal
[Level]: Senior (High Stage)
[Potential]: Elite Level
[Description]: A Kangaskhan with decent potential. It was bitten by an Arbok, leaving it poisoned.
"Poisonous snake? Could it have been an Arbok?"
The thought flickered in Yozora's mind, though he didn't dwell on it.
After all, wild Pokémon often fought over territory or food. Nothing could be more ordinary.
The moon hung high, stars sparkling brilliantly.
Yozora lit a campfire and began preparing dinner.
Kangaskhan's poisoning had run deep, the venom spreading through its body. Even after treatment, it remained unconscious for several hours before finally waking.
During that time, Yozora and Charmander had already bonded with Kangaskhan's baby.
"Grr~"
Upon waking, Kangaskhan immediately grew close to its savior, happily licking Yozora's face with its long tongue.
By the time it stopped, Yozora's face was drenched in drool.
Even so, Yozora's heart was light. Though he hadn't found Scyther, he had gained a powerful Kangaskhan.
Yes.
Yozora successfully captured it—his sixth Pokémon at last.
[Pokémon]: Kangaskhan
[Type]: Normal
[First Ability]: Scrappy (Allows Normal- and Fighting-type moves to hit Ghost-type Pokémon. The user also possesses fearless spirit and cannot be intimidated.)
[Second Ability]: Huge Power
[Level]: Senior (High Stage)
[Potential]: Champion Level
[Moves]: Comet Punch, Focus Energy, Stomp, Crunch, Iron Head, Dynamic Punch, Body Slam, Hyper Beam
[Description]: A Kangaskhan with outstanding aptitude. With its iron fists, it possesses strength far beyond its current level.
Kangaskhan were known for their stamina, formidable offense, sturdy defenses, and surprising speed.
With such well-rounded base stats, their natural strength was undeniable—especially in physical offense.
And with Huge Power, its attack power doubled outright!
Once Yozora applied Huge Power to this Kangaskhan, its potential skyrocketed… straight to Champion level.
Once again, the frightening strength of Huge Power proved itself. Almost any physically inclined Pokémon blessed with this ability could ascend in a single leap!
"Besides, its original ability, Scrappy, is pretty cheeky too…" Yozora thought with a smirk.
As everyone knew—
Ghost-type Pokémon such as Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar were completely immune to Normal- and Fighting-type moves.
That immunity wasn't merely resistance, but an utter nullification: such moves would simply phase harmlessly through their spectral bodies.
Of course, there were exceptions—moves like Foresight and Odor Sleuth, or abilities like Scrappy.
And this Kangaskhan happened to have Scrappy.
Through this ability, it could strike a Ghost-type's true form with ease.
This alone gave Yozora an ace up his sleeve—one his opponents would never see coming.
"Most Ghost-types are fragile…"
"And my Kangaskhan has Huge Power. Hah… one punch, and the outcome will be deliciously brutal."
The very thought made Yozora's anticipation stir.
Next time he faced a Ghost-type user, Kangaskhan would definitely take the field!
"Hey, Suicune! If you're still out there, why don't you come share a meal with us?"
After finishing dinner, Yozora released all his Pokémon to eat together.
Not forgetting Suicune, he also called into the dark forest several times.
But his words brought back not even an echo, let alone Suicune itself.
Yozora only shrugged.
Even if Suicune did appear, he had no way of capturing it.
So for now, he would simply grow stronger. When the time was right, it would not be too late.
Over the next few days, Yozora lingered nearby, hoping to capture a Scyther.
But luck was not with him.
Despite searching for days, he never once saw its silhouette. At last, he gave up.
Scyther was rare, yes, but far from extinct. There would be plenty of opportunities in the future.
If it had been a pseudo-legendary from Kanto—or perhaps a Shiny Pokémon—Yozora would have gladly camped for months.
"It's time to move on. Scyther alone isn't enough to halt my journey!"
Packing up, Yozora once again set out, with Pidgeotto's help. It took several more days before he finally left Viridian Forest.
He arrived in Pewter City.
On the way to the Pokémon Center, he unexpectedly bumped into Ash and his companions.
Well—"companions" was perhaps overstated. At the moment, only Misty was with him.
Unlike in the original tale, the fifteen-year-old Misty had already matured. Her short orange hair now fell naturally around her face rather than tied into pigtails. Her skin was pale and luminous, her appearance fresh and vibrant.
"Ash, long time no see." Yozora walked up with a friendly greeting.
Both turned. When Ash saw who it was, his face lit up in delight.
"Yozora! I can't believe it's you. I heard you, Red, and Gary set out long ago—I thought you were way ahead of me. Didn't expect you to be slower than me!" Ash laughed heartily.
The corner of Yozora's mouth twitched. So that's why you're so excited? I thought you were happy to see an old friend…
With his sharp features and tall build, Yozora carried himself with a maturity beyond his years, born of two lifetimes and years of academic work.
That air of steadiness made him quite striking—especially in the eyes of a girl Misty's age.
From the very first glance, Misty's cheeks flushed crimson. Shyly, she asked, "Ash… who is this?"
Though the question was directed at Ash, her eyes kept flicking back to Yozora.
Yozora offered a polite smile. "My name's Yozora. Like Ash, I'm a rookie Trainer from Pallet Town. And this is my partner, Charmander."
"H-Hello, I'm Misty. Please take care of me…" she stammered, blushing deeper as she reached out a hand—only to be cut off by Ash's loud exclamation.
"Whoa! This is the Charmander I've been dreaming of!"
Ash's eyes sparkled as he stared at Yozora's Charmander, practically glowing with excitement.
Though he already had Pikachu, Ash still held a deep obsession with the Kanto starters. After all, they had once kept him awake at night.
Misty, too, glanced at Charmander—and gasped in awe.
"This Charmander looks so strong! And its tail flame… it's blue! Is it some kind of special mutation?"
(End of Chapter)