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Ash recuperated at Charla's residence in Charicific Valley for three full days. During this time, Charizard and Pikachu stayed by his side, never leaving him. Fortunately, he was merely mentally exhausted and suffered no physical injuries, so he fully recovered after three days of rest. Not only that, but Ash also noticed his body seemed to be growing even stronger!
Charizard remained in Charicific Valley for its special training. This wasn't releasing it into the wild; rather, it was more accurately called fostering. If Ash needed Charizard's strength, or wished for Charizard to return to him, he could contact Charla at any time.
Stepping out of Charicific Valley, Ash threw out a Poké Ball. Chikorita, recently caught but very fond of Ash, leaped out. It immediately jumped onto Ash's shoulder, with Pikachu occupying the other shoulder.
"Next, your training begins!" Ash said with a smile, looking at Chikorita on his shoulder. This competitive little one, who never backed down, was actually a cute girl.
After Charizard left, those with Ash now were Pikachu, Squirtle, Heracross, Chikorita, and Snorlax. Of course, Ash would focus most of his energy on the newly caught Heracross and Chikorita.
Interestingly, after leaving Charicific Valley, Ash and his companions soon arrived at a place that seemed very suitable for training Chikorita.
"Ash, are you alright?" Ash's previous fainting had made Misty very worried about his health, especially with all the exposure to the elements during their journey. In fact, if Misty hadn't insisted, Ash would have been able to move freely and planned to continue their journey on the second day.
"Misty, don't worry, I've fully recovered after three days of rest!" Ash said with a reassuring smile.
"Speaking of which, don't you guys think it's really hot? The sun is so strong!" Brock was checking the map. They were supposedly close to Azalea Town, the location of the next gym.
"It's alright, I think it's pretty good!" Ash smiled faintly.
Brock glanced at Ash. "Of course, you think it's good, Chikorita's big leaf is blocking the sun for you!"
From Charicific Valley, Ash had continued to train Chikorita along the way. Since it was still a small one, its special training didn't cause much commotion. Unlike Charizard, which required a suitable open area to train. Throughout this journey, Chikorita had made good progress, even learning Magical Leaf. This little one, even before being caught, was well-known in the area for its competitive and unyielding spirit, yet Ash managed to capture it. In fact, it had accumulated quite a bit of experience before its capture. Ever since they arrived here, Chikorita had become especially energetic due to the increased sunlight. It loved basking in the sun.
"Hello there!"
A young woman holding a large wrench appeared before Ash and his companions. Only then did everyone notice a thick water pipe by the roadside here. She was likely inspecting the pipe to prevent leaks.
"Hello, beautiful and gentle older sister, my name is Brock, may I have your contact information?" Brock's old habit flared up again, and he was promptly pulled away by Misty.
"My name is Chisa!"
Ms. Chisa explained that this place was called Sunstone Town. The area received abundant sunlight, making it famous for cultivating Sunflora. Since they were here, of course, they had to visit.
The architecture in Sunstone Town was particularly interesting, built on the hillside like terraced fields, developed into steps. This likely maximized the use of the sunlight here. Chisa also raised several Sunflora at home. The pipe she was just checking brought high-quality spring water down from a nearby mountain. Using this excellent water, combined with Sunstone Town's abundant sun, allowed the Sunflora to grow naturally. The sheer scale of the water diversion project alone was enough to show Chisa's dedication to her cultivation process.
Upon returning home, Chisa turned on the sprinkler, and Chikorita jumped down from Ash's shoulder, lying under the spray to bask in the sun.
"Haha, Chikorita seems to really like Ms. Chisa's spring water too!" Misty chuckled at Chikorita's appearance. Honestly, perhaps this is how Grass-type Pokémon should be raised.
Since Chikorita liked it here so much, Ash and his companions stayed in Sunstone Town for a day of training before resuming their journey. Of course, training couldn't stop.
"Wow, it's a Vileplume! Togepi, be careful not to inhale its Stun Spore!"
"That's a Gloom!"
"And Bellsprout, Weepinbell, and Victreebel!"
Not long after setting out, the group found a large number of wild Grass-type Pokémon by the roadside. Chikorita trained alongside Ash, greeting each of them.
"Victreebel, how about a battle with my Chikorita?" Ash suddenly walked up to the largest Victreebel, knelt down, and greeted it.
"Ash, be careful!"
Approaching so recklessly, if these wild Grass-type Pokémon suddenly attacked, just the Stun Spore or Poison Powder alone would be enough to trouble Ash. Misty and Brock were almost frightened by Ash's sudden actions. However, that Victreebel nodded its pouch-like head, hopped out, and accepted the challenge!
Chikorita jumped off Ash's shoulder, full of fighting spirit. Immediately, Razor Leaf came showering down, very powerful. This Victreebel, after all, was a Pokémon that had evolved to its final stage!
"Dodge!"
Chikorita dodged left and right, easily avoiding the attacks. But Victreebel's attacks came one after another, and its single Vine Whip suddenly reached Chikorita, firmly binding it and hoisting it into mid-air.
"Alright!"
Ash gave a slight smile, seemingly unconcerned that Chikorita was bound and suspended in the air. His calm demeanor also affected Chikorita, helping it quickly calm down from its panic.
"Have you calmed down?" Ash chuckled. "Then use Sweet Scent!"
Chikorita raised the leaf on its head, and a sweet scent wafted out, enveloping Victreebel. Soon, Victreebel's Vine Whip loosened, releasing Chikorita!
"Use Magical Leaf!"
Magical Leaf was different from Razor Leaf. Razor Leaf shoots actual leaves, which are physical attacks. Magical Leaf, however, is Grass-type energy, a special attack, and it comes with a lock-on function, making its accuracy extremely high! Victreebel was knocked flying, though Grass-type moves usually didn't have much effect on it.
Just as the battle was about to continue, Misty and Brock suddenly spotted a pink Pokémon drifting from above. This was a Hoppip, a Grass-type Pokémon that gets carried by strong winds.
"Could you please help me catch that Hoppip!"
A young woman chased the Hoppip, running over. Hearing this voice, Ash decisively interrupted the battle.
"Heracross!" He tossed out a Poké Ball.
"Heracross, throw Chikorita up! Then Chikorita, use Vine Whip to grab that Hoppip, and Heracross, catch them both!"