NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Setting Off to the Hoenn Region – The Real Protagonist Appears
In the backyard of the Oak Research Institute, Ash's Pokémon had gathered together, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.
"Long time no see, Pidgeot! I didn't expect you to become so strong!" Bulbasaur said, eyes gleaming with admiration.
"Of course! But I'm still not as strong as I could be!" Charizard boasted, puffing out his chest.
"Hah! You were a real problem child before learning some discipline." Pidgeot teased, ruffling its feathers.
Charizard's eye twitched as he glared at Pidgeot. "Excuse me?! I was just young and reckless! Don't make me battle you right now!"
"Tch! Bring it on then!" Pidgeot challenged back.
Before things escalated, Bulbasaur sighed. "Oh boy… here we go again."
Meanwhile, an overconfident Eevee smirked at the gathered Pokémon. "Listen up! You all better not underestimate me just because I'm weak right now. Sooner or later, I'll surpass all of you—even that yellow furball Pikachu! If you want to challenge me, do it now while you still have a chance!"
Bayleef's eyes twitched. "Brothers! CHARGE! Teach this arrogant Eevee some humility!"
"A-Ah! Wait! A gentleman talks things out—NOT FIGHTS! HELP!" Eevee yelped as Bayleef and the others charged after him.
Pikachu shook his head. "Pika… Pika…" (Here we go again…)
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A New Journey Begins!
As the farewell party came to an end, Ash's mother, Delia, approached him, holding a neatly packed set of clothes and a new backpack.
"Ash, these are for you! I've prepared everything you'll need for your journey in Hoenn."
Ash took them with a grateful smile. "Thanks, Mom!"
Professor Oak then stepped forward, handing Ash a new Pokédex. "This is my latest version of the Pokédex, containing data on Pokémon found in the Hoenn region. Consider it a parting gift. Also, when you arrive, you should visit Professor Birch."
Ash's eyes sparkled as he accepted the device. "Oh, wow! Thank you, Professor Oak!"
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The Journey to Hoenn!
The next day…
Ash stood at the port, ready to board the ship to Hoenn. "I'll be careful, Mom! Pikachu, let's go!"
"Pikapi~!" Pikachu chirped in agreement.
After boarding the cruise ship, Ash released Eevee and Phanpy onto the deck.
"Come on out, Eevee! Phanpy!"
"Bui~" Eevee leaped onto Ash's shoulder, proudly taking Pikachu's usual spot. (If Bayleef saw this, she'd definitely get jealous!) Meanwhile, Phanpy excitedly ran around the deck, its small trunk wiggling with enthusiasm.
Ash took in the vast, endless ocean, enjoying the peaceful journey… but peace never lasted long when he was around.
From a hidden spot, a pair of binoculars peeked out. A trio of familiar troublemakers—Jessie, James, and Meowth—were spying on them, eyes locked on Pikachu.
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Team Rocket Attacks!
Late that night, inside Ash's cabin, everything was quiet… until—
Click!
The door creaked open. A robotic claw snuck in and latched onto Pikachu, yanking him out of bed!
"Pikachu~!" Pikachu jolted awake, struggling in the grip of the mechanical arm.
Ash shot up, instantly alert. "What's going on?!"
From outside the door, a familiar voice rang out—
"Hahaha! Since you sincerely asked for advice…"
"We'll answer with great delight!"
"To protect the world from devastation~"
"To unite all people within our nation~"
"To denounce the evils of truth and love~"
"To extend our reach to the stars above~"
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light~"
"Surrender now or prepare to fight~"
"Meowth, that's right!"
"Wobbuffet~!"
Ash groaned. "Of course it's you guys! I should've known you wouldn't leave me alone." He quickly grabbed a Poké Ball and bolted after them.
Outside, Pikachu was struggling inside an electrified cage as Team Rocket prepared to escape.
"Hahaha! Pikachu is finally ours!" Jessie laughed.
"Let's get outta here, fast!" Meowth urged.
"Not so fast!" Ash yelled, throwing a Poké Ball. "Pidgeot, let's go! Use Gust to clear the smoke, then break that cage with Steel Wing!"
Pidgeot soared into action, blowing away the smoke before diving at high speed.
"Wobbuffet, use Counter!" Jessie commanded.
"Arbok, Poison Sting!" James added.
But Team Rocket underestimated Pidgeot's speed. With a powerful Steel Wing, Pidgeot shattered the electric cage, freeing Pikachu!
Pikachu leaped onto Pidgeot's back, eyes blazing. "Pika!"
Ash wasted no time. "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt! Pidgeot, use Hurricane!"
"Pika~CHUUU!" A bolt of lightning struck Team Rocket, while a fierce wind sent them flying into the night sky.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again~!"
"Wobbuffet~!"
As peace returned, Pikachu hopped back into Ash's arms.
"Great job, Pikachu! Thanks, Pidgeot!" Ash grinned.
"Pika~!"
"Bi~!"
[ Ding! Achievement unlocked – Defeat Team Rocket for the first time! Reward: 5,000 points. ]
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Training for Hoenn!
With Team Rocket gone, Ash focused on training. Pikachu practiced Iron Tail on the ship's metal floor, guided by Pidgeot. Meanwhile, Phanpy and Eevee trained together, quickly improving.
Ash used his earned points to buy items:
✔ Sharp Beak for Pidgeot (boosting Flying-type moves)
✔ Heat Wave TM for Pidgeot (a powerful Fire-type move)
✔ Two Power Bracers for Eevee and Phanpy (to enhance training speed)
After days of practice, Pikachu successfully mastered Iron Tail, while Phanpy learned Iron Head! Their training was paying off!
As the journey continued, Ash finally spotted land on the horizon. The Hoenn region was in sight!
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A New Beginning in Hoenn!
Hoenn was a land of vast beauty—lush forests, towering mountains, and an ocean that stretched as far as the eye could see. Its climate was warmer than Kanto's, and the region featured diverse environments, from deserts to tropical rainforests. Volcanoes loomed in the distance, shaping the land with their presence.
Meanwhile, in a certain Hoenn city…
A girl with a red bandana hopped onto her bike. "Mom! Dad! I'm heading out now!"
Her parents waved. "Take care, May!"
With a determined grin, the girl pedaled away. A new adventure was about to begin!
To be continued…