Ash's system, while capable of using exchange points to obtain various items from the Pokémon world, could not provide such vital items capable of summoning legendary Pokémon.
By the time Ash tucked the Clear Bell away, Suicune had already vanished, and even the rain had stopped.
Ash rubbed Pikachu's head. "Pikachu, let's head back. One day, we'll catch Suicune and make it our partner!"
"Pikachu-pi!"
Returning to the villa, Molly was the first to greet them.
Ash had used his Aura Power to shield himself from the wind and rain the entire time, so he wasn't wet at all. Having superpowers was incredibly convenient, wasn't it?
After spending the night at the villa, Ash's group bid farewell to Anna. Interestingly, Brock's Zubat had evolved into a Golbat during the night.
Truly cause for celebration!
Soon, they were about to exit the forest, meaning Ecruteak City wasn't far off.
But just then, a Tauros suddenly charged out from behind them.
Ash quickly pulled Bayleef aside to dodge and scooped Molly up into his arms. Getting hit by a charging Tauros was no joke.
"Ash, look!" Misty cried out.
Misty noticed an old man walking slowly along the mountain path right in the Tauros's trajectory. The Tauros was incredibly fast; it would send the old man flying in the blink of an eye.
"Bayleef! Over here!"
Ash set Molly down, called out to Bayleef, and took a shortcut by sliding down the slope to stand beside the old man.
Noticing the old man reaching into his coat for a Poké Ball to face the stampeding Tauros himself, Ash gave a slight smile. "Old-timer, give the youngsters a chance!"
As he spoke, Ash pointed at the Tauros. "Bayleef, use Vine Whip!"
Bayleef's Vine Whip entangled the Tauros's horns, and with a powerful heave, slammed it into the ground.
A beautiful wrestling technique!
It was only natural; Bayleef was Ash's primary focus for training right now. Between carrying Molly on its back during the journey and undergoing special training whenever they had free time, Bayleef was overjoyed to be with Ash every day.
Currently, Bayleef's Bond Value had exceeded 200. Before evolution, this value would increase very slowly. However, Ash believed that after it evolved, it would soon be able to achieve Bond Evolution!
"Calm down, little guy!" Seeing the Tauros still struggling, Ash ordered with a smile, "Use Sleep Powder!"
The Tauros drifted off into a deep slumber.
"Big brother Ash!"
Misty and Brock caught up with Molly, followed by the Tauros's Trainer. After thanking them repeatedly, the Trainer recalled the Tauros into its ball.
It turned out the Tauros had been spooked in the forest after being stung by a Beedrill.
This was a minor incident for Ash, but the old man behind him approached with a look of deep appreciation.
"Young man, your Bayleef is exceptionally well-trained! I'm quite impressed. Please, you must come to my home for a visit!"
In short, Ash and his friends seemed to have run into a situation similar to their encounter with Muramasa. In a similar forest, they arrived at a private dojo.
A massive dojo!
From inside, the rhythmic sound of "one-two, one-two" echoed out.
"What is that sound?"
The old man's face twisted into a pained expression of disappointment. "It's my granddaughter, Chigusa, doing her useless training!"
"My family specializes in a dojo for Fighting type Pokémon. We are a sect with a long traditionthe Kenzo Style!"
The Kenzo Style Pokémon Dojo!
Stepping inside, they indeed saw many Fighting type Pokémon training with their Trainers: Machop, Mankey, Hitmonchan...
In terms of strength, they couldn't compare to Muramasa's dojo, and there were far fewer people. This took away Ash's desire to "crush some noobs."
However, following the principle that even a mosquito provides some meat, Ash decided to challenge this Kenzo Style dojo.
He loved dojos like this.
Leading the training was a girl who looked to be the same age as Ash. Beside her was a Hitmontop.
Possessing graceful and fluid kicking techniques like a dance, Hitmontopalong with Hitmonchan and Hitmonleewas one of the evolutions of Tyrogue.
However, the way this girl was training looked more like she was doing calisthenics, counting out "one-two, one-two."
Just then, Chigusa clapped her hands. "Everyone, pay attention! Maintain a beautiful posture in your kicks and punches! And don't forget to follow the rhythm!"
"Hmph!" A cold snort came from Kenzo. "Fighting techniques aren't some performance for people to watch!"
After Chigusa demonstrated Hitmontop's elegant Triple Kick, she waved goodbye to the other Trainers as they headed home. Only then did Kenzo walk over.
"Grandpa, who are these people?"
To their surprise, the old man declared, "I've finally found my successor!" as he patted Ash on the shoulder.
His meaning was clear: he wanted Ash to inherit the Kenzo Style dojo!
Wait, if I inherit the dojo, do I have to marry your granddaughter too?
Ash obviously didn't have such thoughts; he wasn't about to let a single dojo tie him down.
However, he didn't immediately voice his objection. The old man's hand gripped his shoulder like an iron band, clearly asking him to play along for a moment.
Sure enough, Chigusa grew anxious. "Grandpa! Are you really that opposed to me inheriting the dojo?"
"With your current state, you are incapable of inheriting it! That stuff of yours is just common dance-fighting; it's not the practical combat style of our sect!" The old man was brutally blunt.
He hit the nail right on the head!
"That's nonsense! My fighting style is very useful in real combat!"
Words were hollow, and the girl was eager to prove herself. She immediately aimed her spear at Ash, the "successor" Kenzo had chosen.
"If you want to be the successor of our dojo, you'll have to defeat my Pokémon first! Bring out a Fighting type Pokémon!"
Ash actually did have a Fighting type!
"I never turn down a battle that comes knocking on my door. Let's do this!"
"I choose you, Heracross!"
Heracross: 185/253
This was a Bug and Fighting type Pokémon.
Speaking of Fighting types, Ash had previously caught a Mankey that loved to steal his hat, which eventually evolved into a Primeape.
However, not long after catching it, Primeape had participated in a fighting tournament, and Ash had left it in the care of a Fighting Master named Anthony.
Primeape hadn't been released, nor was it traded; it was simply entrusted to Anthony. It was still Ash's Pokémon.
He really should go back and get Primeape eventually!
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