31. Iron Tail Practice

"Okay! Let's try attacking with your tail ! Put all your power into your tail and swing it vigorously!"

Regardless of everything else, there is a natural potential in a Pokémon's body as long as it is a move they can learn.

As long as you don't try to make Charizard learn Hydro Pump, their innate talents and potentials will naturally help them master the move. We're not worrying about accuracy and power now; we just want to enhance the power of your tail.

"Pikachu!" After listening to Ash's words, Pikachu began to focus all his strength on his tail as instructed.

His lightning-shaped tail straightened instantly and trembled slightly. It was clear he was using a lot of power, causing the tail to tremble.

"Keep this position now, aim at that tree, and pour all your strength into it!" Ash commanded, looking at a nearby tree as the target. Pikachu nodded and followed the order.

"Pika~~~chu!!!" Pikachu ran forward, then jumped high, somersaulted in the air, and swung his tail out, aiming at the tree in front of him.

He gathered his strength and released it in one breath, but as his body descended, the strength in his tail seemed to vanish when it hit the tree trunk.

The hardness of his tail was still no match for the thick tree trunk. When his tail touched the tree, the strength was canceled out. His lightning-shaped tail was pressed flat like a spring, and then his whole body was ejected.

"Pikachu!" Seeing this, Ash ran forward to catch the falling Pikachu.

"Are you okay?"

"Pikapi!" Pikachu responded with a bit of disappointment, not hurt, but let down by the failure.

"It's fine, don't worry, it's always like this at the beginning. Let's try again!" Ash comforted with a smile, then placed Pikachu on the ground again.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu regained his energy, ready to try again.

"Okay, get ready! Don't worry, no matter how many times you fall, I will catch you." Ash reassured Pikachu earnestly, to help him feel secure.

"Pika~~~chu!!!" Pikachu once again poured all his power into his tail, trying Iron Tail again. But this attempt wasn't much better than the last; the strength still canceled out upon hitting the tree trunk. After all, it was just the beginning. The tail wasn't as flexible as hands and feet, and it hadn't yet reached the hardness needed for Iron Tail.

Ash caught the falling Pikachu again, and they continued to try over and over. More than an hour passed before they knew it, with people faintly visible on the road.

Despite countless attempts, Iron Tail still didn't manifest. However, it was clear that Pikachu's tail strength had significantly improved. More precisely, Pikachu's control over his power had become stronger.

When Pikachu's tail hit the tree trunk, it often bounced back, and the same was true for the other side. After all, the forces were equal unless one was much stronger. However, when it hit the trunk, there was a noticeable sound, and eventually, some marks appeared on the bark, as if scratched by a blade.

Although the scratches didn't look neat and were a bit rough, there was significant improvement. It was satisfying to see such progress in just one morning.

"It's getting late, let's stop here for today. It's time to go back; Misty should be awake by now," Ash said, glancing at the time and addressing the panting Pikachu.

"Pikapi!" Pikachu nodded and then jumped onto Ash's shoulder.

"Huh?" Just as they were about to leave, Ash felt something strange, as if someone or something was watching them. He instinctively looked around.

"Pikapi???" Pikachu, noticing Ash's reaction, tilted his head in confusion.

"It's nothing, I guess I was mistaken. Let's go!" Ash reassured Pikachu, looking around once more. Seeing only some passers-by and nothing unusual, he shook his head slightly.

When Ash and Pikachu left the park and returned to the Pokémon Center, it was already bustling with more people. Many were still chatting about what had happened the previous night. There were still some police officers outside, indicating that Team Rocket had not been caught yet. They certainly seemed to be the luckiest villains.

Upon entering the Pokémon Center, Ash met Misty in their room. Misty had finished washing up and was waiting for Ash to return. After greeting her, Ash went to shower and change clothes.

After handing Pikachu and Magikarp to Nurse Joy for recovery and feeding, they headed to the restaurant to meet Misty. The two had breakfast together, but Misty seemed a bit absent-minded.

As they finished breakfast, Ash went to the front desk to find Nurse Joy.

"Okay! Pikachu and Magikarp are in great condition," Nurse Joy said, placing Magikarp's Poké Ball and Pikachu on the table.

"Thank you, Nurse Joy!" Ash said, attaching the Poké Balls to his belt. Pikachu jumped back onto Ash's shoulder.

"You're welcome. I should be thanking you," Nurse Joy responded gently. It was thanks to Ash that they managed to fend off Team Rocket last night.

"It was nothing, just a small effort. Thank you for your care. We'll be leaving now," Ash replied, and then he and Misty left the Pokémon Center.

"Misty, what's wrong? You've been acting strange since this morning," Ash asked, noticing Misty's silence and distracted demeanor.

"Ah!" Misty was startled by Ash's question. She hadn't expected him to notice.

"Well... what are you planning to do next, Ash?"

"Me? I need to collect enough Badges to challenge the Indigo Plateau Conference. The nearest city is Pewter City, so I plan to challenge the Pewter Gym!" Ash revealed his next goal.

"Is that so? Then... can I come with you, Ash?" Misty hesitated for a long moment after hearing Ash's plan, then mustered up the courage to ask.

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