Chapter 112: Witness Someone's Path to a Comeback (Part One)
The Yamcha and Dark WarGreymon, who were deeply feared by the father-and-son duo from the Zoldyck family, had already left this world after arranging their friend Kexinshi's affairs.
Yamcha made sure to emphasize one thing to Kylar: if other countries showed interest in the equipment and mechas he brought out, they could be sold as long as the price was right or the benefits were sufficient—there was no need to cling to them.
After all, even if those countries managed to replicate them, the Red Ribbon Army's tech had already evolved through countless generations.
Instead of returning to the Dragon Ball world, Yamcha and Dark WarGreymon headed straight to another world they had visited before.
In a café in Viridian City.
Yamcha and Dark WarGreymon, cloaked in a wide cape, were enjoying the unique cuisine of the Pokémon world from a private booth.
Not long ago, the Viridian City Gym had collapsed due to an accident and was under repair. Trainers who came to challenge the gym had to leave disappointed.
"Judging by the time, it should be about right," Yamcha said as he spit out the straw from his drink, stretched, and spoke to Dark WarGreymon.
"Let's go, partner."
"I'm taking you to meet our future teammate and comrade… and witness someone's road to a comeback."
Yamcha grinned mischievously as he spoke.
"Oh, and make sure to record it. We'll have something to laugh about later."
Dark WarGreymon, although puzzled, nodded.
The weather was clear and sunny, the warm sun shining down on the earth, with white clouds drifting in a blue sky.
By the coast, a boy aspiring to become a Pokémon Master lay weakly on a table, his stomach growling loudly.
"Brock, is the food ready yet?"
The boy shouted.
"It still needs a bit more time," replied a more mature-looking boy with squinty eyes.
"Can't you go any faster? I'm starving."
Brock's squinty eyes gleamed with wisdom: "Ash, cooking is like raising Pokémon. It has to be done step by step. You can't skip any part."
"Instead of just whining, can't you help out, Ash?"
A pretty girl holding a Togepi complained, "Brock can't handle everything alone."
Ash snapped back, "Then why don't you help, Misty?"
"You sure you want me to help?"
Misty perked up and pulled a ladle from somewhere. "I was just thinking of trying out a new recipe I came up with."
"It's time for the beautiful Misty to show off her skills!"
Hearing this, Brock frantically signaled Ash with his eyes, but his eyes were too small to be noticeable.
Still, Ash got the message. He immediately recalled Misty's last dish—
A black, gooey paste emitting a strange smell?!
Reportedly, Misty had added glowing mushroom spores and a mix of unidentifiable spices to make the food "shine."
The result: a mess of radiant black goo.
"Uh… I think slow-cooked meals are great."
Just thinking of that horrifying taste made Ash shiver. "Actually, I'm not that hungry anymore."
Just as Misty was about to explode in anger, a strange voice called out behind them.
"Hey, you kids over there."
A man wearing something like a pirate bandana appeared out of nowhere and pointed at Ash.
"Wanna have a thrilling and intense Pokémon battle?"
"What are we waiting for?!"
The moment he heard "Pokémon battle," Ash sprang back to life, fully energized.
The bandana guy talked big, but his skills were lacking. Even though his Pokémon were all fully evolved, Ash's "baby team" completely wiped the floor with them in just a few rounds.
Not far from the battle, on a cliff, a trio of a man, a woman, and a talking cat were watching through binoculars.
"Ash and Pikachu never disappoint—they're getting stronger and stronger," Meowth said.
"But we won't give up," Jessie added.
"We'll catch that Pikachu and present it to the boss. Then…" James said.
"We'll get promoted and become department heads!" they said in unison.
But none of them knew that everything happening was being recorded by a camera mounted on a Fearow's neck, and the footage was transmitted thousands of miles away.
On a distant offshore island, inside a majestic castle...
"Master, should we send invitation letters to these individuals?"
A cold, emotionless female voice asked.
A single finger moved slightly.
"I understand," the woman replied.
Moments later, a window in the castle opened, and a large yellow creature flew out at incredible speed.
Dragonite, an extremely rare Dragon-type Pokémon from Gen 1, known for its overwhelming strength. It's said (though unconfirmed) it can circle the Earth in 16 hours. Even in Gen 9's Paldea region, where Dragon-types are no longer dominant, Dragonite still has a solid place in competitive battles.
In Gen 1, it was stronger than the legendary birds and held in the highest regard.
Even in Gen 2, it was worshiped as a totem by the Dragon Tamers of the Johto League.
But now, this mighty Pokémon was acting as a mere courier.
Yes, Dragonite carried a small satchel stuffed with ultra-modern holographic invitation letters.
Dragonite's mission: Invitation delivery.
Every powerful trainer would receive one, inviting them to the Pokémon Castle on New Island one week later for the ultimate trainer's gathering.
The boy named Ash was one of the recipients.
Unsurprisingly, he accepted.
At nearly the same time, Yamcha arrived at Vermilion City's port from Celadon City, holding an invitation identical to Ash's.
But Yamcha hadn't received his from Dragonite—he'd won it through a Pokémon battle.
"Master, all invitations have been sent as requested."
The elegant female voice echoed once more.
"Dismissed," came a curt reply.
With that order, the woman vanished from the palace.
On the grand throne, a finger extended and lightly flicked. A blue light gathered at the fingertip, and in an instant, the world outside the castle changed—the skies darkened, storm clouds gathered, the wind howled, and massive waves surged.
This was the prelude to a storm.
And the one sitting on the throne had summoned it with just one finger.
(End of Chapter)