Since Lapras had only just been born, Ash naturally kept it by his side. It wasn't for training, but rather to nurture their bond.
Although Lapras was a Water-type Pokémon and couldn't stay out of the water for long, it wasn't a problem. Misty traveled with a Goldeen, after all. Besides, the Johto region was full of forests and plenty of waterways, so it was never an issue.
"Ash!"
Misty returned to the Pokémon Center with a young girl in tow, seemingly looking for him.
The group of four had split up to run errands. Brock was in charge of buying supplies, while Misty had attended a tea party organized by the Kimono Sisters. This young girl was Sakura, the youngest of the five sisters.
Having shared similar experiences, Misty and the girl had hit it off immediately and become fast friends.
"Wow, an Eevee!"
Molly scooped the Eevee into her arms, finding its fluffy fur incredibly soft and comfortable.
"Hello, my name is Sakura!" the young girl greeted Ash politely. Her name happened to be the same as Misty's eldest sister.
"I'm Ash. This is Molly, and this is Pikachu," Ash introduced them.
"Pika!"
Misty led Sakura closer to Ash. "Ash, Sakura says she wants to travel with us!"
Sakura could tell that Ash was the backbone of this team, even if he looked about the same age as her. His eyes were exceptionally spirited.
"Please, I want to participate in the Johto League too. Is that okay?"
Ash certainly wasn't going to refuse. The more companions on a journey, the more fun it was, and he was sure Brock would agree. "Sure, that's no problem at all!"
Hearing this, Sakura was overjoyed. "That's wonderful! I want to go home and talk to my sisters. Misty, will you all come with me?"
"Please!"
Since the girl asked so earnestly, Ash and Misty didn't refuse. Thus, they took Molly along to the Kimono Sisters' home.
"Sisters, please! I want to go traveling with Misty and the others!"
Sakura's four older sisters were all top-tier beauties, skilled in the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, possessing a quiet and charming temperament.
Ash and Molly sat behind Misty and Sakura. Molly contentedly munched on the exquisite snacks the five sisters had prepared for the tea party.
It was obvious that the four sisters wouldn't agree to Sakura's request so easily. "Sakura, your studies have only just begun!"
"Please! Please!" Sakura pleaded before turning to Misty. "Misty, help me talk to them!"
Misty looked at the four sisters and spoke up. "Please, let her come with us!"
"Ash, Molly, why are you sitting so far away? Come over and help us convince them!"
Hearing Misty call him, Ash simply shook his head. What standing or right did he have to speak? This Sakura didn't even have the courage to set out on a journey on her own, and she certainly lacked the ability. She didn't have the grit to stand firm in her conviction to travel; she even needed Misty's help to ask her own family.
She didn't even have as much spirit as a little girl like Molly!
"The affairs of a Pokémon Trainer should be settled with a battle!" Ash said, looking at the four beauties with a smile.
Seeing the look in Ash's eyes and his smile, the eldest sister, Satsuki, understood immediately. She nodded in agreement. "Fine. I'd like to see what kind of Trainer you are!"
Misty was a bit dazed by the sudden turn of events. They were jumping to a battle way too fast!
The match was moved to the backyard of the sisters' home. It was a one-on-one format: Sakura against her fourth sister, while Ash faced the eldest, Satsuki.
Sakura's battle ended quickly. Her Eevee was completely helpless under the assault of a Flareon. Without giving Sakura time to reflect on what she had learned from the loss, Ash and Satsuki's battle began immediately.
"Satsuki, this Ash is incredibly strong. Even Gym Leaders are no match for him. Are you really going to let Sakura go?" The other sisters were worried about the match.
Satsuki shook her head. "If only Sakura could understand our intentions. And I believe Ash feels the same way!"
Ash and Satsuki locked eyes and shared a silent, knowing nod.
Satsuki was the first to send out her Pokémonan evolution of Eevee: Jolteon! The five sisters each owned an evolution of Eevee; since Sakura's hadn't evolved yet, they were only missing an Espeon.
Ash gripped an Ultra Ball. "Misty, weren't you curious about what Pokémon I caught with this Ultra Ball?"
"Hmm?"
"I'll show you now! Raikou, I choose you!"
Facing Satsuki's Jolteon, Ash actually sent out the Legendary Beast of Lightning, Raikou!
"Roar!"
With the roar of a saber-toothed tiger, countless bolts of lightning snaked out from the thunderclouds on its back. They struck the garden grass, instantly leaving scorched, blackened streaks.
"What?!"
The four sisters were pale with fright. No matter how much they had overestimated Ash's power, they never imagined he would actually possess a Raikou! Behind them, Sakura covered her mouth in shock. What kind of god-tier move was this? She quietly poked Molly's shoulder. "Molly, who exactly is your brother?"
Molly said proudly, "Ash is just my brother! He's the best brother in the whole world! He's going to catch Suicune and Entei too!"
Sakura was stunned. She realized that this little girl traveling with Ash was definitely no ordinary person either!
The four sisters and the Jolteon were frozen in fear. How were they supposed to fight this? It was like a professional athlete bullying a toddler.
Seeing that the opposition had lost their will to fight, Raikou turned its head and walked back to Ash's side, the electricity around it subsiding. Pikachu and Molly immediately pounced on it, frolicking happily on its back.
Ash laughed. "Old Rai, you're too fierce. you've scared the beautiful ladies half to death!"
The four sisters glared at Ash. This is all your fault! Why would you summon a Legendary Beast in a setting like this? With a Raikou like that, let alone letting Sakura go traveling, he could have kidnapped them all and no one could have stopped him.
Raikou rolled its eyes at Ash before allowing itself to be recalled into the Ultra Ball.
Ash turned around to face Sakura, whose mind was still blank, and the Eevee in her arms, which was so terrified it was blowing bubbles.
Finally snapping out of it, Sakura ran to her four sisters and gave a soft bow. Then she turned to Misty. "I'm sorry, Misty. I don't think I can go traveling with you after all."
"You finally understand?" Ash smiled.
"Yes. Thank you, Ash!" Sakura said, clutching her Eevee. "If I travel with you now, I'll only be a burden! I plan to wait until I become a bit stronger before I set out!"
Satsuki also regained her composure. Although the process was a bit winding, the final result was a good one. "And Sakura, you're too dependent on others. It was wrong to ask Misty to speak for you when you wanted to travel with Ash's group."
"In a Pokémon battle, no one can help you! Ash, that's what you wanted to say, right?" Satsuki looked at Ash.
Ash nodded. He had no place to interfere in their family matters, but he could say a few words to Misty. "Misty, do you understand now?"
"I get it, I get it!" Misty replied. Although her attitude seemed casual, Ash knew she had taken the lesson to heart.
However, Misty was a bit sad about having to part with a friend she had just made. Ash patted her shoulder. "Misty, starting from Ecruteak City, Olivine City is to the left and Mahogany Town is to the right. We'll definitely come back to Ecruteak City eventually!"
"Really? Then it's a promise, Sakura! We'll have a Pokémon battle when I return!" Misty's spirit immediately lifted.
"Yes, it's a promise!"
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