"Ash, your luck is seriously incredible lately! You've already caught so many Pokémon."
Misty sat by the riverbank, her tone heavy with envy. Back in Kanto, it had taken Ash an entire journey and eight badges to collect his team. But here in Johto, with only two badges in hand, he had already recruited Heracross, Bayleef, Quilava, Slowpoke, and Houndour.
As a Water-type specialist, Misty hadn't caught a single new member yet. Even Brock had managed to pick up a Pineco.
Ash had recently sent his Slowpoke to Professor Oak's lab for a temporary stay. He was focusing heavily on his Houndour Alpha, who had already accumulated immense battle experience as a pack leader. Ash knew that with proper training and evolution, Houndour would likely reach the peak of its Compatibility very soon.
"Don't be so salty, Misty," Ash joked. "Weren't you the 'Genius Angler' who was going to teach us how to fish? Why aren't you catching anything?"
They were using Lure Balls, which were specifically effective for Water-types. Everyone knew Misty's suggestion to fish was just a cover—she was desperate to catch a new partner of her own.
"I'm hoping for a Shellder," Ash remarked, enjoying the relaxation. "Then I could finally help Slowpoke evolve."
"If you need a Shellder, the Cerulean Gym has plenty. I could ask my sisters to transfer one over," Misty offered.
Ash shook his head. "I'd rather catch my own. By the way, Misty, your Staryu is at a very high level. Have you thought about evolving it?"
Staryu was Misty's most reliable partner, but like Pikachu, it required an evolution stone—a Water Stone—to become Starmie. Evolving would grant it Psychic powers and a massive power boost. For the current Ash, obtaining stones was easy through his system store.
Before Misty could answer, her rod jerked. She pulled it up, only to find a rusty old kettle.
"Ugh, forget it!" she huffed, tossing the junk aside.
Just then, Ash's rod doubled over.
"Hmph!"
Ash didn't bother with fancy fishing techniques. His arms surged with strength, and he yanked the line straight up. A small, blue crocodile came flying out of the water. It was the Water-type starter of the Johto region: Totodile.
"No way! You even fished up a Totodile!" Misty groaned, her envy reaching a boiling point.
As soon as it hit the ground, the Totodile didn't attack. Instead, it opened its mouth and began a joyful, energetic dance.
"It's so cute!" Misty's heart melted instantly.
Ash didn't hesitate. " Bayleef, I choose you!"
"Bayleef, use Vine Whip!"
Two powerful vines lashed out at the dancing crocodile. Surprisingly, the Totodile used its rhythmic dance steps to weave through the attack with ease. Its movements weren't just for show—it was a natural dodging technique.
"That's quite the dance," Ash noted. "Use Sweet Scent!"
The flowery aroma wafted from Bayleef's neck. The Totodile's movements slowed as it became drowsy and relaxed.
"One more Vine Whip!"
The vines struck true. Ash immediately hurled his Lure Ball. The ball shook once, twice, and then clicked shut.
"I caught a Totodile!"
"Pika-Pikachu!"
"Ash, battle me with that Totodile right now!" Misty suddenly challenged, sending out her Poliwag. "Go!"
Ash accepted. Totodile jumped back out, having recovered from the scent, and immediately resumed its dancing.
"Poliwag, use Water Gun!"
"Totodile, you use Water Gun too!"
The two streams of water collided in mid-air, perfectly matched in power.
"Poliwag, use Tackle!"
"Totodile, dodge and use Bite!"
Totodile's unique footwork allowed it to slip past the attack, and its powerful jaws clamped down hard. With a forceful tug, it flung the Poliwag back toward Misty.
Suddenly, a bright light enveloped the little tadpole.
"Poliwag is evolving into Poliwhirl!"
The newly evolved Poliwhirl stood tall with strong arms and legs, looking like a miniature powerhouse. Misty forgot all about the battle, rushing over to hug her new partner.
"Wow, you look so cool! This muscle feels so smooth!"
Misty laughed and withdrew her Pokémon. "Sorry, Ash. I just wanted to see your strength for myself. You already know exactly how to use Totodile's rhythm."
Ash smiled and handed her a shimmering blue gem. "Misty, take this Water Stone. Whether you use it for Staryu or Poliwhirl, I know you'll reach your dream of becoming a Master."
"A Water Stone? Ash, thank you!" Misty's eyes sparkled. "You've gotten so much stronger... I won't let you leave me behind!"
Totodile Sync: 110 / 160
Bayleef Sync: 203 / 215