Azalea Town.
While smaller than the bustling Violet City, this town held a unique prestige. Much like Pallet Town was known for Professor Oak, Azalea was the home of Kurt, the legendary craftsman who fashioned specialized Poké Balls from Apricorns. It was also the site of the region's Bug-type Gym.
Ash arrived with a specific mission: deliver the mysterious GS Ball to Kurt for investigation. However, as they approached, the group was met with a brutal, scorching heat. The fields were parched, and the crops looked near death. It was clear the town was suffering from a devastating drought.
"Bayleef, Quilava, come out for a bit," Ash called. Despite the heat, he wouldn't waste the opportunity. Under the intense Sunlight, his Grass and Fire types found their training sessions twice as effective.
Misty, wanting to help, released her partner. "Starmie, use Water Gun to cool everyone down!"
The refreshing spray fell like rain. While Bayleef soaked in the moisture to grow stronger, Ash was careful to give Quilava water from a bottle—getting blasted by a Water-type move would be painful for the fire-breathing Pokémon.
Once they entered the town, they saw Slowpoke everywhere. They lounged on corners and rested on porches in perfect harmony with the residents. The locals referred to them as the "Slowpoke Gods." Legend said that 400 years ago, a Slowpoke's yawn had summoned a rainstorm that saved the town from a similar disaster.
Suddenly, a massive Slowpoke collided with them near Kurt's gate!
"Pikachu, wait!" Ash shouted, stopping Pikachu from instinctively shocking the intruder.
He realized it wasn't a Pokémon at all, but an elderly man in a full-body Slowpoke costume. "Ow... my back!" a muffled voice groaned from inside the suit.
"Sir, are you okay?" Ash and Brock rushed to help.
The "Giant Slowpoke" winced, clutching his waist. "No time! I heard strange noises coming from the Slowpoke Well! I have to go, but my back... it's stuck!"
Without hesitation, Ash hoisted the costumed man onto his back and sprinted toward the well.
Deep inside the sanctuary, they found the Team Rocket trio. They had built a specialized machine to kidnap the Slowpoke, hoping to exploit their rain-summoning reputation.
"Team Rocket! Not again!"
The trio didn't stick around to fight. They activated their drill and tunneled into the earth, disappearing with the stolen Pokémon. Ash prepared to use his Aura to track them, but a specific Slowpoke stepped forward. It was larger than the others, and its eyes held a sharp, uncommon intelligence.
This Slowpoke let out a resonant cry, and every other Slowpoke in the well responded. Led by this leader, the herd marched to a high cliff outside. Together, they began to yawn—but this was no ordinary nap. They were using a collective Rain Dance.
In moments, heavy black clouds blotted out the sun. A torrential downpour washed over Azalea Town, flooding the tunnels and flushing Team Rocket out like rats.
"You won't get away!" Ash shouted.
Pikachu crackled with energy, but the intelligent Slowpoke waddled up to him first. The two exchanged a series of quick sparks and chirps. Pikachu turned to Ash with a delighted grin, signaling that they were in sync.
"I get it! Let's do it! Slowpoke, Water Pulse!"
Unlike the sluggish members of its species, this Slowpoke reacted instantly. A vibrating sphere of water shot forward, merging with Pikachu's electricity to create a Hydro-Electric combo that sent Team Rocket blasting into the sky.
The old man in the costume gasped. "Unbelievable... the Slowpoke God has acknowledged this boy! Ash, you must capture this Slowpoke!"
Ash didn't need to be told twice. He looked at the remarkable Pokémon. "Alright then. Slowpoke, let's go!"
He tossed a Poké Ball. It hit the target, drawing the Slowpoke inside. The ball shook once, then clicked silent.
Slowpoke Sync: 130/180