Tauros's compatibility with Ash rose to 238 after the win. Heracross was still with Professor Oak for research. Ash planned to travel with Tauros for a while, but they happened to see a Fire and Rescue Grand Prix being held outside town. Ash decided to bring back Squirtle and let it decide its own future.
"Hey, isn't that Ash?" He ran into a familiar face at the arena.
"Captain Aidan?"
The man, leading five Wartortle, saluted formally. "Long time no see! How have you been?"
Ash and Pikachu saluted back. "Great!"
Aidan's Wartortle team looked excellent. He was the head of Team Wartortle, an elite firefighting squad. Ash's Squirtle had once led a gang of delinquent Squirtle. While one followed Ash, the other four joined Officer Jenny to form their own firefighting team. Aidan was here for the Grand Prix, alongside other teams like Team Quagsire, Team Vaporeon, and Team Golduck.
Ash turned and saw Officer Jenny arriving with her Squirtle Squad.
"Squirtle, I choose you!" Ash summoned his friend, who immediately greeted its former companions. They high-fived with their tails, showing perfect chemistry.
"The Fire and Rescue Grand Prix is finally beginning! Firefighting teams from all over will compete in pairs for the championship!"
"The first match is a fire extinguishing race!"
Two wooden houses were set up, and they were instantly engulfed in flames.
"First up: Team Muk versus the first-time participants, the Squirtle Squad!"
Ash and his Squirtle sat in the coach's box. The four Squirtle in the squad looked terrified.
"Everyone, stay calm! Just show your usual strength!" Officer Jenny tried to comfort them, but it didn't work. They were used to local fires, but this large crowd made them freeze. When the race started, Team Muk used sludge effectively, while the Squirtle Squad lost their aim. Their Water Gun attacks were scattered and weak.
"What are you doing? You have to concentrate your targets!" Jenny was helpless. Her voice wasn't reaching them.
Ash's Squirtle was getting frustrated. Ash patted its head. "Go, Squirtle. They need you!"
Squirtle nodded and ran over. However, instead of talking to the squad, it sprayed a Water Gun directly into Jenny's face! She was dripping wet. She was about to scold it when she saw the look in its eyes. She realized her own anxiety was causing the squad's panic. This Jenny was young and far less experienced than the one they met in Spinarak Town.
Jenny took a breath. "Squirtle, thank you. Please help me!"
Squirtle nodded and shouted to the team. They were still in a daze, so it sprayed them with water too. They finally snapped out of it and looked at their captain! With Ash's Squirtle as the anchor, the squad regained their focus. Ash realized that a trainer's role was to be the steady foundation for their Pokémon.
The squad's Water Gun moves regained their power. They concentrated their spray and suppressed the flames. Team Muk was slow at extinguishing, giving them time to catch up. Finally, the Squirtle Squad extinguished their house first!
"Match over, the Squirtle Squad wins!"
The five Squirtle cheered together. Officer Jenny promised to lead them to become the best firefighters. Squirtle walked back to Ash and suddenly released a bright light. It had suppressed its evolution for a long time. Now, its potential finally exploded! The resulting Wartortle was powerful and stood 1.2 meters tall, far more impressive than the Charmeleon from before.
Wartortle: 190/215
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