Strong winds are truly an exceptional training aid for Flying-type Pokémon.
Ash's Noctowl, with its unique coloring and high intelligence, had lived quite a successful life in its original dark forest. However, after being caught by Ash, it needed to keep pace as its teammates grew stronger and the opponents became tougher. This was the duty of a Pokémon Trainer.
Of course, Pokémon have their own personalities; some simply don't enjoy battling and won't cooperate with special training. This was exactly why Ash followed the "Elite Route," focusing on catching Pokémon with high initial compatibility.
This Noctowl's compatibility with Ash had been high from the start. Not only did it complete Ash's training tasks perfectly, but it also mastered the powerful Flying-type move: Sky Attack.
Furthermore, through the constant exhaustion and minor injuries sustained in the gale-force winds, it learned the move Roost. However, this move required careful use in battle; as Noctowl lands on the ground, it temporarily loses its Flying type, becoming a pure Normal type and leaving it vulnerable to Fighting-type attacks.
The greatest gain, however, was the steady increase in Noctowl's bond, which reached 170/205. Since Noctowl was already in its final evolutionary stage, its overall compatibility ceiling wasn't considered exceptionally high yet. Reaching a full Bond Evolution would still require significant effort.
Ash's group trained in that windy valley for three days before finally descending the mountain to find a Pokémon Center.
"Is anyone here?"
Nurse Joy isn't always waiting at the front desk; she isn't a robot, and in fact, she has many duties to attend to.
"Lucky!"
That was the sound of her partner, Chansey. Following that, a "Nurse Joy" appeared before the group. "Nurse Joy just stepped out for a medical consultation!"
Misty, looking at someone who appeared identical to Nurse Joy, said in confusion, "Isn't she Nurse Joy?"
However, Ash interjected, "The Aura is different. This isn't the real Nurse Joy."
Having traveled so far, Ash had dealt with many Nurse Joys. While all members of the Joy family shared similar Auras, the person in front of them felt completely different. Moreover, looking at Brock gave it away. Usually, he would have used an "Extreme Speed" of his own to teleport in front of her with a bouquet of flowers. If it weren't for his genuine skills and heartfelt care for Pokémon, the Joy family would have blacklisted him long ago.
"Haha, Ash, how did you know? I thought my transformation was perfect!" As the voice fell, this "Nurse Joy" revealed her true face.
It was a sunny girl with green pigtails—Duplica, whom they had met during their travels in Kanto. She aspired to be a Ditto Master. Consequently, the Chansey beside her reverted to the slime-like form of a Ditto.
Ditto has the ability to transform into other Pokémon, and without a certain level of knowledge and experience, a trainer cannot hope to master it. Duplica was not only a Ditto expert but also an exceptional mistress of disguise herself.
"Ash, long time no see! How have you been lately?"
"Wow, so this is a Ditto? This is Molly's first time seeing one!" Molly stepped forward and poked the Ditto, finding it surprisingly bouncy. Not just Molly, but Pikachu and Togepi also enjoyed squeezing Ditto's face.
Ignoring the kids, the others asked, "Duplica, why are you here?"
"It's because I was invited to participate in this festival!" Duplica handed over a poster for the Pokémon Performance Celebration.
Pokémon entertainers from across the country would gather here for a full week to compete with their various skills and special talents. It was a very famous event; being invited proved that Duplica had achieved a certain level of fame. It was truly impressive.
"Ash, Duplica, your Pokémon check-ups are finished!" The real Nurse Joy had returned a while ago. Ash had entrusted his team, especially Noctowl, to her care.
Duplica's Pokémon was, naturally, another Ditto. To distinguish it, she had named it Mini-Dit.
"Is something wrong with Mini-Dit's health?" Brock asked with concern, noting how energetic the Pokémon looked. However, Nurse Joy confirmed that Mini-Dit was perfectly healthy.
As the two Dittos played with Molly in the garden, it became clear that Mini-Dit's transformation was quite unique. During transformation, its weight didn't change. This meant even if it transformed into an Onix, it remained tiny and portable. Such a transformation made it a perfect playmate for Molly—no plush toys required.
From this perspective, it wasn't a "flaw" at all.
"Ash, Professor Oak left a message for you!"
Evidently, due to the discovery of Slowking's evolution method and the capture of the Unown, the rewards Professor Oak had been petitioning the League for had finally arrived.
"Ash, it seems you're in great form lately! I heard from Gary that he ran into you a few days ago?" Professor Oak sounded very pleased on the phone. Ash and Gary were the only two left of the four trainers who started from Pallet Town together who were still pursuing the dream of becoming Pokémon Masters.
"Yeah, Gary's Eevee evolved into an Umbreon. That kid ran away as soon as he saw me; he must be scared of losing again!" Ash said with a laugh.
"Haha, you brat!" Professor Oak was very satisfied with Ash's growth. "Your rewards are ready. They should have been delivered to your current Pokémon Center by now."
"What rewards?" Whatever they were, Ash knew they had to be good.
Professor Oak stayed mysterious and hung up without telling him. Then, Nurse Joy arrived carrying a Pokémon Egg, while Chansey carried a tray with six Ultra Balls.
"These are six Ultra Balls, and this egg arrived two days ago. I've already checked it; it's very healthy!"
It was an icy-blue Pokémon Egg. Since it came from Professor Oak, it had to be an impressive Pokémon!