Officer Jenny took Ash and the others to the police station, along with the Squirtle Squad. The Squirtle Squad's presence alone attracted a lot of attention.
Many people followed, initially thinking the Squirtle Squad was about to be "brought to justice." But soon, Officer Jenny used the broadcast to inform everyone in town.
About the Squirtle defeating Team Rocket and also helping the town put out the fire outside. Hearing this, the townspeople were a little surprised.
It turned out these Squirtle weren't just troublemakers. Officer Jenny also took the opportunity to announce that she had decided to hire the Squirtle Squad as the town's fire brigade, on the condition of peaceful coexistence. The town would also be responsible for taking care of the Squirtle daily.
Although fires might not necessarily happen, sometimes it's better to be safe than sorry. If one did happen, sometimes it would be too late.
Learning that the Squirtle had saved the town, and that doing this would prevent them from causing trouble again, the townspeople were overjoyed.
Soon, Officer Jenny's proposal was adopted by the town residents, and the Squirtle were officially hired as the town's fire brigade. And it wasn't just talk; Officer Jenny seriously made preparations.
Ash and his two companions bid farewell to the Squirtle and returned to the Pokémon Center. After a battle, Ash once again entrusted his Pokémon to Nurse Joy for care.
As for Brock and Misty, they had originally gone to restock supplies, but due to Team Rocket, they now had to re-purchase everything.
Ash, having nothing else to do, went with them. It wasn't until evening that they finished their shopping. After dinner, the three rested early.
The next morning, many town residents gathered at the police station entrance. The entire Squirtle Squad was present. Officer Jenny provided them with firefighter uniforms and banners, officially appointing them as the town's firefighters.
And the Squirtle also turned over a new leaf, no longer causing trouble, becoming part of the town's protection.
After watching the award ceremony, Ash and his two companions also bid farewell to Officer Jenny and the others, continuing their journey.
Pika?
Walking on the road leading out of town, Pikachu's ears twitched on Ash's shoulder. Then it looked behind. Ash, seeing Pikachu's reaction, also turned around to look.
"What's wrong?" Misty asked, seeing Ash stop.
Squirtle! Squirtle! Squirtle!
Then Brock and Misty also heard familiar voices. They turned their heads and saw a familiar figure standing behind them.
"It's that Squirtle!" Misty said in surprise, seeing the figure behind them.
With its distinctive butterfly-shaped sunglasses, he recognized it at a glance. It was the Squirtle leader. At this moment, it stood behind them. When Ash and the others turned around, its expression seemed hesitant, as if it didn't know how to speak.
"Do you want to come with us??" Ash looked at Squirtle, couldn't help but smile, then raised his hand to signal.
Squirtle? Squirtle! Squirtle!!!
Squirtle was a little surprised when Ash spoke. Then it quickly ran up and jumped directly towards Ash. Ash, seeing this, also smiled and instinctively reached out to embrace it.
Squirtle!
Squirtle, held by Ash, took off its sunglasses, revealing blue-purple eyes like water droplets. Looking at its big eyes, it was no wonder it wore sunglasses. Without them, it didn't look fierce at all.
Misty and Brock exchanged glances, both understanding tacitly. This wasn't the first time they had seen such a situation. They had long grown used to it.
"I caught Squirtle!!" Ash said, holding Squirtle up.
...
Professor Oak's Laboratory, Pallet Town.
"Grandpa, I'll trouble you to take care of my Pokémon." At this moment, on the other side, at Professor Oak's Laboratory, Professor Oak was standing by the phone. And at this moment, the figure on the phone was none other than Gary.
"Don't worry, just leave it to me! You also be careful out there." Professor Oak nodded slightly, hearing his grandson's words. Taking care of Pokémon was something no one needed to tell him.
"I know, that..." Gary nodded slightly, then seemed to want to ask something, but hesitated.
"What's wrong?"
"Um, has Ash contacted you?" Gary hesitated for a moment, then asked, pretending not to care.
"Oh?? You want to ask about Ash? Don't worry, he's only sent three Pokémon so far. Including Pikachu, he only has eight Pokémon."
Professor Oak, hearing Gary's words, knew what he wanted to ask, and without wasting time, directly told Gary Ash's current capture status.
Ash currently only had eight Pokémon, including Pikachu. Gary, on the other hand, had captured over forty. But Ash's Pokémon had no duplicates, while Gary's had some duplicates.
However, if only counting non-duplicate Pokémon, the number Gary had captured was still far greater than Ash's.
"Eight? Ash shouldn't be so bad, should he?"
Gary was slightly startled upon hearing this. Although he was arrogant in front of others, even more so in front of Ash, Gary inwardly acknowledged Ash's strength. With his strength, he shouldn't be that bad!
"Ash doesn't seem to capture every Pokémon he sees. He seems to carefully select each one!" Professor Oak responded.
Hearing Professor Oak's reply, Gary frowned slightly and fell into silence.
Ding! New Poké Ball transferred, please check immediately!
Just then, a sound rang out. Gary, on the other end of the phone, also heard it.
"Oh? Someone else sent Pokémon over. Who could it be? Gary, please wait a moment." Professor Oak said to Gary, then walked to the transfer device.
"Oh? It's Ash! Ash's capture efficiency has improved these past few days!" Seeing the name on the transfer device, Professor Oak took down the Poké Ball.
"Let me see!!" Professor Oak took the Poké Ball and opened it. As the Poké Ball opened, light flashed. The figure of a Squirtle landed on the ground.
Squirtle!!!
🔥 WANT TO READ AHEAD? STOP WAITING!
Consider to Support this story and get instant access:
✅ 400+ Advance Chapters (Binge the next arcs right now!)
✅ 2 New Chapters Updated Daily!
👉 Patreon.com/flokixy
🛍️ Want full story bundles? Access them directly on Patreon without a monthly commitment!
Thank you to everyone supporting the daily updates! ❤️