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The Seaking Fishing Competition, like the Bug-Catching Contest, was held periodically throughout the Johto region, attracting a large number of fishing enthusiasts and trainers who, like Misty, loved Water-type Pokémon. Indeed, following Takuya to the competition venue, Ash and his group found a large number of trainers carrying fishing rods.
The competition venue was a pond rich with aquatic plants, where large schools of Seaking were likely to reside, most of them very well-developed. Misty also had a beautiful Goldeen that was of normal size and well-developed; it was one of Misty's main Pokémon, but for some reason, it had never evolved.
The competition rules were the same as the Bug-Catching Contest: fishing rods could be brought by participants or rented from the competition. Participants could catch as many Seaking as they liked within the time limit, but only one could be ultimately placed in the special Lure Ball provided by the competition. It was just like the Park Ball used in the Bug-Catching Contest.
The final criteria for judging the winner were much simpler than the Bug-Catching Contest, as it was only one type of Pokémon. The one who caught the heaviest Seaking would be the champion, and the champion would receive a champion trophy, which looked exquisite and featured a Seaking. In addition, the champion would also receive a year's supply of chocolate, which Snorlax would definitely love.
"It's decided! I'm joining the Fishing Competition!" Misty decided to participate. "My fishing partner is this Poliwhirl!" Ash, of course, wouldn't be left behind. "My partner is this Totodile!" "Pikachu, take good care of Mei!" The four boarded the boat. Pikachu was not competing and was held in Mei's arms. Misty had her own fishing rod, so Ash had to rent one.
"Big Brother Ash, Big Sister Misty, good luck!" Mei, riding a small boat for the first time, was very excited, holding Pikachu. After finding an ideal spot, the competition began. Ash knew nothing about fishing, but he had a cheat code! A blue light flashed around him, and Ash discovered that there were indeed many well-developed, large Seaking at the bottom of the water, but catching them seemed difficult.
Perhaps the water quality here was more suitable for Seaking's growth; other Water-type Pokémon, though present, were few. "Ash, you're using psychic powers for fishing?" Seeing the blue light around Ash, Misty couldn't help but complain. "Hehe, I don't know how to fish!" Ash wasn't ashamed at all. If he had a cheat code and didn't use it, how could he live up to his transmigrator identity? "Huh?" Ash's Aura power had already delved deep into the water, and he coincidentally discovered a rather large Cloyster!
To be able to survive in this territory dominated by Seaking, it clearly had its exceptional qualities. Ash's eyes glowed blue. He controlled his bait to sink to the bottom, teasing the Cloyster hiding there. Unexpectedly, this little fellow, upon encountering the hook, didn't hide. Instead, it opened its shell and clamped onto the hook.
"Oh, Ash, you already got a bite?" Noticing Ash's fishing line taut, Misty was surprised. Even with psychic powers, this cheating ability was too amazing! "It's not a Seaking!" Ash explained as he pulled the Cloyster out of the water. Looking at it, it was clearly larger than a normal individual. The water quality here was obviously very rich in nutrients, which was why such large Seaking were cultivated. "Totodile, Ice Fang!"
The Cloyster was instantly frozen and caught by Ash with a Poké Ball. This was the Seaking Fishing Competition; catching a Cloyster with his own Poké Ball wouldn't cause any complaints. After catching this Cloyster, he would train it for a while to boost its bond value. Then, it would be time for Slowpoke to evolve! Totodile, back on the boat, was still doing its cheerful dance. Then, its whole body began to emit a dazzling light! It was finally evolving! Its well-trained body continuously grew stronger in the light.
The evolved Croconaw was much taller and sturdier than Totodile. The red bone plates on its head, back, and tail made it look even more ferocious, befitting its crocodile prototype, a master of the water. After evolving, this Croconaw's personality became much calmer and fiercer. Although it wouldn't spontaneously dance anymore, its combat power and speed clearly showed significant improvement. "Excellent, Croconaw!" With this, all of Ash's starter Pokémon from the Johto region had completed their first stage of evolution. Meganium, caught first, would likely complete its final evolution soon.
With its bond value with Ash, it might even achieve a direct bond evolution after evolving! Ash was eagerly looking forward to this! "So cool!" Misty looked at Croconaw with envy. She just didn't have Ash's luck to catch a wild Totodile! "Big Sister Misty, you have a bite!" Mei noticed Misty's fishing line was taut and quickly called out. Misty had far more fishing experience than Ash and quickly reeled in the Seaking.
"It's huge!" This Seaking must have been over 50 kilograms! "Poliwhirl, use Double Slap!" Poliwhirl leaped up and furiously slapped Seaking's head. How ferocious! "Go, Lure Ball!" Misty threw her Poké Ball, capturing the stunned Seaking. This Lure Ball wasn't really a Poké Ball; it couldn't be used for capture battles but only for temporarily containing the Seaking. So, there wouldn't be any "ding, ding, ding" sound after capture! This was also true for the Park Ball used in the Bug-Catching Contest. Later, the organizers replaced the Scyther with a proper Poké Ball before giving it to Ash.
With Croconaw's evolution and the capture of a Cloyster, Ash was already satisfied with this competition. Moreover, if he had truly won by cheating with his Aura power, Misty would have been upset. Misty won this competition with her large Seaking, receiving the Seaking trophy and a year's supply of chocolate. "Yay! Chocolate!" Mei was the happiest. She took a box of chocolate Misty gave her and opened it, popping one into her mouth. "Candy earned through effort tastes the best!" "It was Big Sister Misty's effort, not yours!" Ash picked Mei up and placed her on Meganium. "Let's go!" "Mei helped cheer too!"