Chapter 100: A Special Night and Arrival at Mulberry City!
Ash's Pokémon lineup after their intense training now looks like this:
Charizard: Level 72 (Champion Tier)
Sceptile: Level 62 (Elite Four Tier)
Tyranitar: Level 60
Snorlax: Level 61
Pidgeot: Level 62
Gardevoir: Level 60
Pikachu: Level 68
Gengar: Level 65
Primeape: Level 55
Primeape, despite being the lowest-level, shows promise with its potential and hard work. Since Ash doesn't currently have another Fighting-type Pokémon, he decided to include Primeape in his primary team for training. Fortunately, with the system's spatial storage, Ash can carry more Pokémon than typically allowed, which gives him flexibility in managing his team.
As the evening settled after an intense day of training, Misty and May approached Ash.
"Ash, didn't you prepare some fruit wine for special occasions? Since our training is done, let's celebrate!" Misty suggested with an innocent grin.
Fruit wine?
Without suspecting anything, Ash brought out the drinks. Little did he know, the girls had their own plans for the evening.
"Pikaaa~!" Pikachu chirped cheerfully, distributing homemade cookies that May had prepared earlier.
As the evening unfolded, Misty and May's faces grew flushed—not from exhaustion, but from the fruit wine.
Watching the scene, Ash couldn't help but smile wryly. By now, he had pieced together their intentions. These two… had planned this all along.
While Ash hadn't initially planned for things to progress so quickly, the conditions were now perfect. Of course, he wasn't going to reject their feelings.
"Good thing I prepared my system space for situations like this," he thought, retrieving an unexpected item: a luxurious, fully-enclosed pink tent.
The tent was beautifully set up—soft pink fur carpets, sparkling star-shaped lights, and plenty of room for comfort. This was something Ash had prepared long ago but never used, as it would have been hard to explain its presence.
Gathering all the Pokémon back into their Poké Balls and using his Aura powers to ensure the area was secure, Ash prepared for a night he wouldn't forget.
The Next Morning
The first rays of sunlight illuminated the camp as Misty and May woke up, radiating a newfound feminine charm. They didn't mention the events of the previous night, and neither did Ash. However, from this day on, his care and attentiveness toward them grew even more.
Pokémon World physiques were extraordinary, and by the second day, Misty and May were walking almost as usual, though there was a slight awkwardness in their gait.
"Pikachu! Let's say goodbye to Tyranitar's mother and head to Mulberry City!" Ash said with renewed energy.
"Pika-pika!"
Saying their goodbyes, the group set off toward Mulberry City, located just beyond Mt. Silver. May was particularly focused, brainstorming strategies for the upcoming Mulberry City Contest—the last chance to earn a Ribbon before the Grand Festival.
Ash, although not a contestant, offered invaluable advice on how to highlight her Pokémon's unique strengths and captivate the judges. With his help, May's confidence soared.
After five days of traveling and training, they finally arrived in Mulberry City, heading straight to the Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy checked over their Pokémon, confirming they were in perfect condition.
The Contest Antics Begin!
With the Contest's prestige and proximity to the Grand Festival, competition was fiercer than ever.
"Don't worry, May," Misty encouraged her. "You'll win this Ribbon for sure. Believe in yourself!"
Ash surveyed the Pokémon Center and spotted a familiar, flamboyant figure: Drew Harry, aka "Green Hat Harry," striding over with his characteristic dramatic flair.
"Hello, May! And Ash, Misty, what a delightful surprise to see you all here. Truly, it must be fate~!" Harry exclaimed, twirling his wrist with exaggerated elegance.
May immediately scowled, recognizing her rival.
"Harry! You're here too? Fine! Listen up—I'm going to win the Mulberry City Contest. No way I'm letting you take this Ribbon!"
Harry smirked condescendingly. "Oh, my dear May. I'd love to let you win, but I'm afraid it's impossible. You see, I've already collected my five Ribbons and qualified for the Grand Festival!"
He dramatically "accidentally" dropped a small bundle from his pocket—a Ribbon case containing his five Ribbons.
In the original storyline, this was where May, out of kindness, would've picked up the bundle and realized her rival's superiority, spurring her determination. But things were different now.
As Harry's case hit the floor, Ash noticed the act immediately.
"Pikachu, Misty, let's head to the Contest Hall to register," he said, standing up nonchalantly.
"Pika-pi!"
"Sure!" Misty replied, following him.
Harry's inner monologue gleefully played out:
"Perfect! May will pick up my Ribbons, see how far ahead I am, and—wait, what?! No!"
To Harry's horror, Ash's foot was already coming down hard on the bundle.
"CRUNCH!"
The sound was deliberate—Ash's way of sending a message. Though he didn't actually damage the Ribbons, Harry certainly believed otherwise.
Calmly, Ash slid the case under the nearby sofa with his foot, leaving Harry frozen in shock. May, distracted by Ash's sudden movement, hadn't even noticed the case at all.
Watching the trio leave, Harry trembled in anger. Scrambling to retrieve his case, he realized the sofa was bolted to the floor. No amount of pulling would free it.
"Curse you, Ash!"
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