On the way out of Goldenrod City, Ash sent Tauros back to Professor Oak's Laboratory.
Compared to traveling with him, the vast ranch behind the lab was a much better place for such a wild and energetic Pokémon to run freely. He planned to call it back whenever he needed to train it.
His current companions were Pikachu, Pidgeot, Bayleef, Cyndaquil, Slowpoke, and the newly obtained Ponyta and Cyndaquil from the Pokémon Swap Meet.
The observant Brock noticed the relaxed expression on Ash's face and asked with a smile, "Ash, looks like you got quite a haul at the swap meet?"
"I really did meet some great partners."
Ash took out the Poké Ball containing the special Ponyta.
"Come on out and say hello to everyone!"
A flash of white light appeared, and the uniquely colored Ponyta landed gracefully on the ground.
The flames on its mane and tail shimmered under the sunlight, blending red, purple, blue, and green into a dreamlike display.
"What a beautiful Ponyta!" Misty was instantly captivated.
After examining it carefully, Brock pointed out, "Its coloring seems different from an ordinary Ponyta."
"I noticed that too," Misty agreed. "But that actually makes it even more special."
Ash gently stroked Ponyta's neck.
"I've already checked it over. It's perfectly healthy. This unique coloration is probably just a special trait. Besides, isn't it nice to have another adorable companion?"
For now, he had no intention of revealing that this Ponyta might possess Galarian ancestry. Such a thing was simply too rare.
The group continued toward Goldenrod City.
While passing through a small town, they were drawn by the sounds of lively cheering and excitement.
A Firefighting Grand Prix was being held on an open field outside town, with Water-type Pokémon gathered from all over.
Seeing the scene, something clicked in Ash's mind.
If he remembered correctly, in the original story, his Squirtle had eventually left the team because it couldn't stop worrying about its former squad members. After that, aside from the Silver Conference, its major appearances were mostly during the Battle Frontier arc.
Beyond that, it mostly appeared in flashbacks.
But things were different now.
Under his guidance, Squirtle had already evolved into Wartortle. He wondered how the little guy would react when it saw its old subordinates again.
Ash quickly made a decision. He sent Pidgeot back to the laboratory and switched it with Wartortle, who had been resting at Professor Oak's place.
What is meant to happen will happen eventually, Ash thought to himself.
Whether Wartortle ultimately chose to stay behind or continue traveling with him, he would respect its decision.
"Hey, isn't that Ash?"
A familiar voice called out.
"Captain Aidan!"
Ash immediately recognized the fire brigade leader he had met back in the Orange Islands.
Just as before, Aidan was leading his firefighting squad composed of Wartortles, having come specifically to participate in the competition.
Ash's Wartortle had once been the leader of a Squirtle Squad before choosing to travel with him.
As for its former squad members, they had later joined Officer Jenny and become part of the local firefighting team.
They had probably come to compete as well.
Sure enough, they found Officer Jenny in a corner of the venue, encouraging the Squirtles before the competition. However, it was obvious that the first-time competitors looked rather nervous and uneasy.
"Wartortle, go say hello to your old partners."
Ash released the Wartortle he had just transferred back.
"Wartortle!"
Wartortle excitedly ran toward its former subordinates.
The Squirtles immediately spotted their evolved former leader and rushed over in excitement. They greeted one another with their unique tail-slapping handshake, and the joy of their reunion spread to everyone present.
Brock was about to walk over and strike up a conversation with Officer Jenny when Misty quickly grabbed him and pulled him back.
Soon, the Firefighting Grand Prix officially began.
The announcer declared the rules:
"Each firefighting team will compete in groups of four Pokémon!"
The first event was a firefighting competition between the Muk Team and the rookie Squirtle Team.
As the match began, wooden houses on both sides of the field burst into flames simultaneously.
Lacking experience, the Squirtle Team appeared flustered and disorganized. The Muk Team, while not particularly suited for firefighting, cleverly huddled together and used their bodies to block oxygen, effectively controlling the spread of the fire.
"Focus your Water Guns on the flames!" Officer Jenny called out anxiously, but her instructions produced little result.
Ash gently patted Wartortle's head.
"Go help your partners."
Wartortle immediately rushed onto the field and lightly tapped each Squirtle on the head.
The Squirtles turned around with aggrieved expressions, only to see their former leader standing behind them. Their spirits instantly soared.
Under Wartortle's direction, the Squirtles quickly adjusted their formation. Four Water Guns shot out in perfect coordination, accurately targeting the flames and rapidly bringing the fire under control.
In the end, the Squirtle Team won the event.
Despite their victory, Wartortle turned toward Officer Jenny and fired a precise Water Gun straight into her face.
"Wartortle!"
Officer Jenny was about to get angry, but when she saw the serious look in Wartortle's eyes, she immediately understood.
During the remaining events, Wartortle stayed at the sidelines, constantly cheering on and guiding its old teammates.
With their confidence restored, the Squirtle Team fought better and better with each round, eventually winning the Firefighting Grand Prix championship.
After the celebration ended, Wartortle found itself caught in a dilemma.
On one hand, it worried about the teammates who still needed its guidance.
On the other hand, it wanted to continue traveling with Ash and learn even more powerful moves.
Ash crouched down and gently rubbed Wartortle's head.
"Follow your heart and make your own choice. Whatever you decide, I'll support you."
"Wartor..."
Wartortle looked at Ash, then at Officer Jenny and its former teammates.
Officer Jenny spoke solemnly.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure they become the finest firefighting team there is."
The Squirtles gathered around as well.
"Boss, after this competition, we've all grown up. You can keep traveling with Ash without worrying about us! We'll take good care of ourselves!"
Hearing those words, the hesitation in Wartortle's eyes gradually disappeared.
With a determined nod, it returned to Ash's side.
Under the setting sun, Ash recalled Wartortle into its Poké Ball and smiled at his companions.
"Let's go. Goldenrod City is still waiting for us."
After all, Wartortle had already evolved. Returning permanently to the firefighting squad would make it stand out a little too much.
...
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