285. Suzie Lecture

Really, Ash doesn't know Misty's thoughts at all!

On the other hand, Misty left Suzie's store angrily, complaining about Ash along the way.

In truth, it's not that she doesn't understand what Ash means. The inside is important, but the reason she thinks the outside matters more is because she grew up in the Cerulean Gym.

Her three sisters had been beautiful since childhood and were always admired by others, but Misty was treated like an ugly duckling. Therefore, she has always felt that if she were as beautiful as her eldest sister, she would be as popular as they are.

It wasn't surprising to have such thoughts, and she knew Ash wouldn't understand them.

As for Ash, people might think like this, but Pokémon don't need to.

Maybe some Pokémon enjoy being dressed up, but certainly not all of them. In Ash's eyes, it was wrong to ignore the true feelings of Pokémon and compare them to each other based on vanity.

After venting for a while, Misty realized she had wandered far from her intended path. She glanced around and wanted to return, but she couldn't figure out the way back. She noticed Trainers and their Pokémon dressed for contests passing by.

"Is it really that bad?" she murmured. Like in the anime, Ash and Misty often quarreled, and these spats were common, but the intensity of this particular argument left Misty uneasy.

Boom!

psy!

Suddenly, her backpack made a loud noise. A blue light flashed, and then a yellow figure appeared in front of her. Psyduck stood there, looking as if it were deep in thought.

"Psyduck! Who told you to come out without permission? Can't you see I'm in a bad mood right now?" Misty snapped, her frustration spilling over.

psy?

Psyduck tilted its head, still wearing its wise expression. Seeing this, Misty felt like yelling, but she held back.

"Forget it. Even if I told you, you wouldn't understand," she muttered. "What should I do now? Ash and Brock won't leave without me, right?" Worry crept into her voice. She didn't want to be left alone, and now she felt a twinge of regret.

At that moment, a sound in the air caught her attention. Looking up, she saw two Pokémon flying by, each carrying a small bag.

"Huh? That's Ash's Pidgeotto and Devileon!" While she wasn't certain about Pidgeotto, Devileon was unmistakably Ash's.

The two Pokémon soared beyond the street, and Misty watched them in confusion.

"What are they up to?" she wondered. Just then, a piece of paper fell from Devileon's bag. Misty instinctively stepped forward to catch it.

"'Pokémon care lectures will help you learn more about Pokémon health care.'" She read the flier and noticed the address. It was Suzie's store.

Clearly, they were helping Suzie with her promotions. Seeing this, Misty crumpled the flier in her hand, unsure of how to feel.

He glanced once more at the vibrant Contest store nearby. After a brief pause, he lowered his hand, sighed, and curled his lips.

"If you don't want to go, then don't go! Psyduck, let's head back!" 

He turned and began walking back toward Suzie's store, deciding against entering the Contest shop after all.

Meanwhile, thanks to the efforts of Ash's Pokémon, the promotional campaign was a success. Some Trainers were intrigued enough to bring their Pokémon for care and treatment, drawn in by the store's revitalized style.

Unable to find a suitable alternative, many Trainers who heard about Suzie's store made their way there. Additionally, those outside Breeder's Lane noticed the promotional fliers distributed by the Pokémon and found them interesting, prompting them to visit as well. 

The store's lively atmosphere also attracted Trainers who were passing by, and as the crowd grew, the lecture began. Ash asked Pikachu to assist with the demonstration, and in the meantime, Pikachu also received Suzie's expert treatment.

Under Suzie's skillful hands, Pikachu's fur became visibly shinier and healthier. The effects were evident to anyone watching, and Pikachu's relaxed, cheerful demeanor showed how much it enjoyed the care.

The Trainers present were captivated. Seeing Pikachu's transformation sparked a sense of excitement and hope as they turned their attention to their own Pokémon. The growing crowd soon overwhelmed Suzie's small store, prompting the lecture to move outdoors to accommodate more attendees.

Passing Trainers couldn't resist joining the gathering. Suzie's demonstration became the center of attention.

"The most important part of Pikachu's body is the electric sacs on its cheeks," Suzie explained, skillfully massaging Pikachu. "Because Pikachu battles often, these sacs tend to stiffen. Trainers should regularly massage them after battles or have them cared for at the Pokémon Center."

She continued, "This Pikachu's electric sacs are soft and supple, which shows its Trainer has taken great care of it. Keeping them relaxed allows for smoother electricity flow, enhancing both power and efficiency."

Her words resonated with the Trainers, who began to reflect on their Pokémon. Many glanced at their companions, noticing the gaudy decorations and thick paint that dulled their Pokémon's natural charm. The difference between their neglected Pokémon and Pikachu's radiant appearance filled them with envy.

As they listened, the realization struck: they had been too focused on contests and appearances, neglecting their Pokémon's overall well-being. Ash's devotion to Pikachu shone through in its health and performance, leaving many feeling ashamed.

At that moment, they resolved to improve. As Trainers and breeders, they had much to learn from Suzie's advice and Ash's example.