Pokemon: A different Ash

"Uh...that...that...it has nothing to do with us, let's go!" 

The sight left everyone stunned. The surrounding Trainers, already unnerved by Tentacool's intense gaze, were preparing to leave as quickly as possible. 

However, as soon as anyone turned to retreat, the Tentacool formed a barrier, blocking their path and making escape impossible. 

Fear gripped the Trainers, and some were on the verge of tears. 

"Please, let them go! I believe that after this, no one here will harm your home again! Please!" 

Misty stepped forward, calling out to Tentacruel, who towered above the sea. 

She felt deeply sorry for the Tentacool and Tentacruel. But she knew that if the standoff continued, it would only escalate into a conflict, harming both the Pokémon and the humans. 

Tentacruel turned its piercing gaze toward the people on the shore, eventually focusing on Ash and his group. After a moment of tense silence, its expression softened. 

"Cruel!!!" 

Tentacruel let out a deep, commanding growl. Hearing it, the Tentacool on the shore began retreating into the water. Their gelatinous bodies shimmered as they moved, reluctant to stay on land where they would quickly lose moisture. 

"Thank you!" Misty said, her voice filled with relief and gratitude. She watched as Tentacruel and the Tentacool placed their trust in her words. 

As the Tentacool dispersed, the Trainers sighed in relief. None dared to linger, especially not to confront Ash and his friends, who had just saved them. Defeated, they quietly gathered their Pokémon and left the coastline. 

Before leaving, Tentacruel's gaze shifted to Horsea, who rested in Misty's arms. 

"Tenta!!!" (Do you want to go with them?) 

"Hooorsea!!" (Yes, I love them! They are kind and gentle!) 

"Tenta Tenta!!!" (I see. Take care!) 

"Hooorsea!" (Thank you!) 

The two Pokémon exchanged their heartfelt goodbyes, but Misty remained oblivious to their conversation. She didn't realize that Horsea had already decided to join her and her friends. 

Tentacruel and Horsea shared one last glance. Then, with a sense of finality, Tentacruel led the Tentacool back into the ocean. 

Clearly, the Pokémon living in this sea were familiar with one another. Despite their bond, Horsea's behavior—its trust and affection for humans—had upset some of the Tentacool. That discord had led to Horsea's injuries. 

Still, not all Tentacool had wished to harm Horsea. Just as with humans, when a group grows large, differences in thought and behavior naturally arise. The same held true for these Pokémon, though their emotions were far purer. 

"It's so naive. Even if you say that, people will still make the same mistakes over and over again!" The red-haired boy sneered, looking at Misty standing by the sea. 

"You don't know that for sure, so why say it?" Misty shot back, her tone carrying a hint of defiance. 

"I know enough. People are selfish. Everyone is. When it suits them, humans will do whatever benefits them without hesitation," the boy replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He then silently retrieved his Pokémon into its Poké Ball, turning away from the conversation. 

"Why are you so cynical? Ash, Brock, say something!" Misty turned to Ash and Brock, frustration evident in her voice. She hoped they would support her argument. 

"This kind of thing isn't so simple, Misty," Ash replied with a shrug. "It's not like avoiding the truth will make it go away. Look, there's a Silver Granny here causing trouble. Who's to say there aren't copper and iron Grannies out there too?" 

His tone was casual, but his words carried weight. Coexistence between humans and Pokémon was the way of the world, but it wasn't without its flaws. 

Ash continued, "If Granny's hotel had accommodated the Tentacool instead of driving them away to build her hotel, this whole mess wouldn't have happened. In fact, the Tentacool could've become a unique feature for her business and attracted guests. But as long as people exploit the sea, Pokémon defending their home is inevitable." 

Misty fell silent, reflecting on Ash's words. In Lam Pluchi, there had been Brutella; here, there was Nastina. Just as Ash had said, no one could predict how many others like them existed in the world. 

"Charmander, Axew, you both worked hard. Take a rest now," Ash said softly, crouching to pet the two Pokémon. Then, he returned them to their Poké Balls with a gentle smile. 

"Hmph! At least someone here has some sense," the red-haired boy said, slightly surprised that Ash shared his perspective. He snorted and turned to leave. 

"Hey, wait! What's your name?" Ash called after him, curious if this was who he thought it might be. 

"I don't owe you that information," the boy replied curtly, walking away without so much as a backward glance. 

"What a strange person! Hmph!" Misty huffed, crossing her arms and turning away in irritation. 

"Still, he's got a genuine heart," Ash remarked with a faint smile. 

"That's true," Misty admitted reluctantly. "Thinking about what he did for the Tentacool, even if his methods were rough, he meant well. I guess I'll let it slide this time." 

"Alright, enough delay. We need to get moving!" Ash glanced at the departing boy before checking the time. 

The group had lost a lot of time dealing with the Tentacool incident. Their ship to the next destination had been delayed, but now that the sea was safe again, they needed to make their way there quickly. 

"Ah! You're right, let's go!" Misty exclaimed, snapping out of her thoughts. 

As they headed toward their ship, Misty couldn't help but smile. Horsea had chosen to stay with her, and she happily welcomed the little Pokémon into her team. With her spirits high, she felt confident about the journey ahead.