"Bayleef?"
As they stepped out of the forest, the Bayleef carrying Molly gave a happy cry.
In the meadow ahead of Ash and his friends, a vast number of Grass-type Pokémon had appeared: Oddish, Gloom, Sunflora, Bellsprout, Weepinbell, and more. The area was teeming with them, as the environment was perfectly suited for their growth.
"Oh my god, it's a Bayleef! Amazing, I'm actually seeing a Bayleef!" a boy's voice cried out from nearby. The boy was holding a Skiploom in his armsthe evolved form of Hoppip. It had a green body and a yellow flower atop its head.
"Hello! My name is Ephraim!" he introduced himself. "Are you guys heading to Ecruteak City?"
"I'm Ash, and these are Misty, Brock, and Molly. This is my Pikachu and my Bayleef," Ash replied. "That's right, we're on our way to Ecruteak City for a Gym challenge."
"Ash, you must be a really strong Trainer!" Ephraim's eyes were filled with earnestness and plea. "Please, would you battle my Skiploom with your Bayleef?"
"Of course. I never turn down a request for a battle!"
Since it was a friendly match, there was no need for a referee. Both Pokémon were already out of their Poké Balls.
"Go for it, Bayleef!" Molly's cheering marked the start of the duel.
"Skiploom, use Tackle!" Ephraim commanded decisively. Skiploom reacted quickly, but when it slammed into Bayleef, its light weight caused it to simply bounce off and tumble backward.
"Ephraim, Skiploom is too light for Tackle to be effective! You need to observe your opponent's condition, compare your strengths and weaknesses, and then make a judgment!" Ash coached from across the field.
Brock and Misty shared a smile. "Ash has gained so much experience now; he's no longer that impulsive rookie he used to be."
Ephraim quickly processed Ash's advice. "Thank you, Ash! Skiploom, use Double Team!"
Dozens of Skiploom surrounded Bayleef. It was clear they had practiced this move often. But Ash had seen this many times before. Even Bayleef didn't flinch, merely lowering its stance, ready to strike.
"Did you know there's a move that never misses?" Ash smiled confidently. Bayleef sprang into action!
"Magical Leaf!"
Green energy transformed into sharp leaves that swept through the clones, striking the real Skiploom and sending it flying!
"Now, Body Slam!"
Bayleef's massive frame charged forward, rearing up and bringing its weight down hard toward Skiploom.
"That's enough!"
Boom! Bayleef's foot slammed into the ground just beside Skiploom. The match was over.
"Ash's battling style is becoming so mature. Just like he said, he maximized Bayleef's advantages. The transition between his moves was perfect!" Brock praised. Ash was getting stronger and stronger.
Once the battle ended, they were just fellow Pokémon Trainers and friends. Ash and his group followed Ephraim back to his home, a warm house situated in the middle of a sea of flowers.
"I see. Ephraim and Skiploom worked very hard!" Ephraim's father said, immediately validating his son's efforts after hearing about the match.
Ephraim felt less discouraged. "I gave it my all, but Ash's Bayleef is just too strong!"
"And thank you, Ash. I learned a lot!"
Ephraim's father also thanked Ash. "Thank you all. A talented Trainer like Ash taking the time to practice with Ephraim really gave him a valuable lesson. Please, rest well at our home tonight."
Staying at a house was far better than camping in the wild, so the group gratefully accepted the hospitality.
"Ash, the flowers here are so pretty!" Molly absolutely loved the floral fields.
"My family and our Grass Pokémon cultivated these together," Ephraim's father explained. They believed that Grass Pokémon understood the feelings of plants better than anyone.
"Not only that, but Grass Pokémon are great in battle too!" Ephraim added. He was excited to participate in the local Grass Pokémon Tournament the next day.
It was a local event, similar to a Bug-Catching Contest, with a grand prize for the winner. Since they were here, Ash saw no reason not to enter. Besides, it was almost time for Bayleef to evolve! Once it did, it would bloom with a truly magnificent flower.
"Thank you for waiting, everyone! The town's annual Grass Pokémon Tournament is now officially open!"
Ash waited in the staging area, looking at the Grass types around him: Victreebel, Parasect, Vileplume, and others. They all looked well-raised. Given the town's specialty, the local Trainers were clearly skilled with Grass types.
"Ash, that Sunflora looks really weird!" Molly said, sticking close to Ash and pointing at a Sunflora nearby.
It did look odd. Ash scanned it with his Aura Power. Typical. It was Team Rocket againMeowth was disguised as a Sunflora to enter the contest. Ash couldn't be bothered with them; they'd likely get themselves disqualified anyway.
"Ash, it's almost your turn!" a staff member called out.
"Good luck, Ash! Go Bayleef!"
"Next to the stage is our guest participant, Ash!"
"Ash has had great results in the League before. Let's see what kind of performance he brings us today!" The tournament even had an announcer, and Ash quickly became the center of attention.
"Go, Gloom! Use Petal Dance!" Ash's opponent commanded. Gloom began to spin and dance, scattering petals from its body.
"Sweet Scent!"
As the petals drifted, a Sweet Scent filled the air, noticeably slowing Gloom's movements.
"Body Slam!"
Bayleef seized the opening, leaping forward and pinning Gloom to the ground.
"Gloom is unable to battle! Ash is incredibly powerful!" Even the announcer was stunned for a few seconds before shouting his praise.
The atmosphere of the tournament reached a fever pitch.
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