41. Endless Entanglement

In the second battle, when Ash saw that the samurai boy also dispatched Metapod, he continued to use Harden and wasn't just playing around.

First, Ash wanted to test if the samurai's Metapod only knew Harden. The result was obvious; it did only have one skill, just like in the anime.

Second, Ash aimed to have his own Metapod maximize its Battle Condition. In the game, Harden is purely a defensive skill without any offensive capabilities. However, Ash learned that in this world, a Trainer must use every resource available. Here, the game mechanics don't fully apply. In reality, under the same conditions, the stronger side prevails.

It's like throwing objects with equal weight and force: if one is a stone and the other an egg, the stone naturally has more impact. Harden may seem purely defensive, but in reality, it can be offensive. Ash's Metapod had a tougher body.

Additionally, it wasn't just about a simple collision. By using String Shot to pull and enhance the power of Tackle, the two Metapods collided like stone against egg. Unsurprisingly, the samurai's Metapod couldn't withstand the impact.

Regarding Ash's strength, the samurai boy was now completely convinced. Despite having the same Pokémon, Ash's superior tactics showcased his greater strength.

"It's amazing, I lost! You truly deserve to be a Trainer from Pallet Town," the samurai boy said.

"The battle with you has taught me a lot. I thought I knew Pokémon well, but after fighting you, I realize I still need to improve."

The samurai boy recalled his Metapod and extended his hand to Ash, openly admitting his defeat.

"Thank you!" Ash simply responded, shaking his hand.

He wasn't modest. The samurai boy's strength was indeed lacking. Even if it wasn't a Trainer from Pallet Town, many others could defeat him.

Secondly, if someone really wants to ask, Ash can only say, "Yes! Pallet Town's Trainers are really strong, there's no doubt about it."

Although it was not explicitly mentioned in the anime, it was clear from various conversations among adults over the past few years since he came to this world.

Although Pallet Town is small, it has long been hailed as the birthplace of talented trainers, and many elite trainers have emerged from there over the years. It could also be inferred from the conversations between Delia and Professor Oak that their fathers were powerful trainers in the past. However, the adults never mentioned where they went or what they did.

So if others question the strength of Pallet Town's Trainers, there is no need to be humble.

"Help!!!!"

At this moment, a sharp cry suddenly echoed, and several figures emerged from the jungle.

The three of them looked in the direction of the sound and saw two figures in uniform, a man and a woman, running out in panic, followed by a Meowth.

As they ran out, one of them stumbled, causing the others to trip as well. The samurai boy looked bewildered, while Ash and Misty appeared a bit speechless.

"It's you? What the heck are you two doing here?" Misty recognized them as Team Rocket, who had attacked the Pokémon Center in Viridian City.

"Since you asked what we were doing..."

"Then we will tell you mercifully!" The pair suddenly regained their composure, stood up, and struck their signature poses, leaving Ash and Misty even more confused.

The samurai boy listened with a dazed expression as they finished their lines, then exclaimed, "Meowth can talk?!"

"Hmph! This cat is different from other Meowths," Meowth said proudly, standing with his hands on his hips.

"What are you doing here?" Misty couldn't help but ask again.

"Our Rockets show up, of course, because of rare Pokémon. Hand over your Pikachu, and maybe we'll let you go!" Jessie demanded, focusing on Pikachu.

"You were defeated last time; where do you get your confidence?" Ash asked, baffled by their persistence.

"Pikapi!" Pikachu spread his hands and shook his head helplessly.

"Don't be so smug! Last time we were careless. This time, we'll teach you a lesson," Jessie retorted, out of breath as she spoke. Both she and James took out their Poké Balls.

No matter how confused the samurai boy was, he knew they were troublemakers, but his Pokémon were too exhausted to help.

"Come on out! Ekans! Koffing!" Team Rocket shouted, releasing their Pokémon.

Pikachu quickly jumped in front of Ash, ready to fight. "Pikapi!!!"

"Ash, there are two of them. Maybe we should retreat," the samurai boy suggested worriedly.

"I won't run away. Watch the strength of a real Pallet Town Trainer," Ash said firmly.

"Ekans, use Wrap!"

"Koffing, use Sludge!" Jessie and James commanded simultaneously. Ekans lunged at Pikachu, while Koffing spat out a stream of purple sludge.

"Pikachu, use Agility! Metapod, use String Shot!" Ash commanded.

Pikachu swiftly dodged the Sludge attack with Agility. Meanwhile, Metapod, still on the field, released several silk threads, which sprayed directly onto Ekans' face, blinding it.

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