132. Finding the Squirtle Squad

"In the final analysis, it was caused by humans themselves," Ash said calmly.

It was only after arriving in this world that he discovered how low-level some trainers really were. Many lacked perseverance, and only a few could become truly qualified trainers.

There were simply too many trainers in this world, so it often went unnoticed. But after facing the challenges himself, Ash realized that many trainers couldn't make it to the end.

"That's right! But there's no other way. Although I considered using force to drive them away, the people in town are unwilling because they understand the situation," Officer Jenny said, sounding helpless.

"Haven't you considered taking them in?" Ash asked as he glanced at Officer Jenny.

"Yes, we have, but there aren't many powerful trainers in town. And even if there are, most of them are out on their journeys. 

To tame them, you'd need to capture them all at once. They're always together, so if you try to tame one, the others will cause trouble. There's no trainer in town who can handle five at a time," Officer Jenny said, shaking her head. They had tried various solutions, but few worked. Subduing them would be the best option, but it wasn't easy to pull off.

"Even foreign trainers end up in the same situation as you. After hearing about the difficulties, they worry that they won't be able to control them after catching them, so they stay away."

For abandoned Pokémon, it's common that once trainers learn about their past, they're unwilling to take them in again. It's harsh, but that's the reality.

The three of them exchanged glances as they listened, realizing there wasn't much they could do. After understanding the situation, they left the police station.

"Really, why does stuff like this always happen to us? I don't know if we're lucky or cursed~!" Misty complained as they walked down the road. After so many similar experiences, she was starting to feel numb.

"It's unavoidable. In the world of trainers, this is actually quite common. Very few people truly become excellent trainers," Brock said with a shake of his head. As a Gym Leader, he had seen plenty of trainers give up after being defeated.

"Ash, what are you thinking? Why aren't you saying anything?" Misty asked.

"It's nothing," Ash replied, shaking his head slightly. He didn't want to dwell on the issue. Misty and Brock exchanged looks but said no more. The group headed to the Pokémon Center in town.

After handing their Pokémon over to Nurse Joy for care, they checked in for the night and went to the restaurant for dinner.

During their meal, they noticed some trainers entering the Pokémon Center looking rather beaten up. One of them mentioned Squirtle. Clearly, these trainers had also had a run-in with the Squirtle squad.

"Those Squirtles really don't give up!" Seeing the state of the other trainers, Misty felt relieved that Ash was with them today.

"If this keeps up, even the town's residents will lose their patience, no matter how sympathetic they feel," Brock said, concerned. The townspeople had their own lives to live, and if the situation got worse, they might be forced to take drastic measures.

"It can't be helped. This situation sounds really troublesome," Misty said, shaking her head.

"I'm full. I'm going for a walk. Take your time finishing," Ash said as he put down his utensils and got up from the table.

"Hey, Ash, where are you going? Seriously, you've been acting weird since we got here. What if you run into the Squirtle squad?" Misty called after him, dissatisfied, but Ash left without saying another word.

"Ash will be fine on his own, don't worry. By the way, I plan to stock up on supplies later, how about you?" Brock asked.

"I don't have anything else to do, so I'll go with you!" Misty replied. After Ash left, they discussed restocking supplies. They had been on the road for several days, and the last batch of supplies was nearly depleted.

Meanwhile, Ash approached the front desk. Pikachu and his other Pokémon had fully recovered, so he retrieved their Poké Balls and left the Pokémon Center.

The town was calm, and it was clear that without the trouble caused by the Squirtle squad, it would be a very peaceful place.

Ash had actually planned to search for the Squirtle squad, but even after looking all around and outside the town, he couldn't find them.

"Of course, I can't find them now that I'm looking," Ash muttered, glancing around.

Suddenly, a familiar figure descended from the sky—it was Pidgeotto, landing gracefully in front of Ash.

"How about it, Pidgeotto? Did you find them?" Ash asked, watching Pidgeotto land.

Pidgeotto let out a soft cry and shook its head slightly, indicating it hadn't found any trace of the Squirtle squad. They were well hidden. Seeing this, Ash didn't say much.

"Alright! Thanks for your hard work. Come back and rest," Ash said, taking out the Poké Ball and recalling Pidgeotto.

"Pika-pi?" Pikachu chirped from Ash's shoulder, looking at him with a puzzled expression.

"Are you asking why I'm looking for them?" Ash replied with a thoughtful look. "Hmm... I just think they're pretty interesting!" He grinned.

Pikachu's ears drooped slightly, clearly not fully understanding Ash's reasoning. Ash chuckled and reached out to rub Pikachu's head, causing Pikachu to purr contentedly and scratch his head shyly.

"They're a bit like you, don't you think?" Ash added, smiling warmly at his partner. Pikachu responded with a happy squeak.

"Well, let's head back. They're probably waiting for us," Ash said, still a little disappointed that he couldn't find the Squirtle squad. He turned around with Pikachu and began making his way back.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Misty and Brock, who had left to purchase supplies, were also on their way back to the Pokémon Center...