289. Restoring The Trend

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"Since you've already been exposed, what nonsense are you talking about? Hurry up and capture Pikachu, nya!"

At that moment, Meowth leapt forward, rushing straight towards Ash and Pikachu. Jessie and James, not missing a beat, gave their commands in unison. Koffing and Ekans immediately surged into action, charging forward.

"Pikachu, use Zippy Zap! Charmeleon, Thunder Punch! Axew, Dragon Claw!"

Ash swiftly released another Poké Ball, commanding all three Pokémon at once. Pikachu dashed ahead, Zippy Zap knocking Meowth away. Charmeleon's Thunder Punch sent Koffing reeling, while Baby Tooth Dragon's Dragon Claw slashed through Ekans with precision.

The attacks sent Jessie, James, and their Pokémon crashing to the ground in a heap.

"Let me show you this move! From now on, you'll remember it well—Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu jumped into action, cheeks sparking furiously. A surge of golden electricity enveloped its body before bursting outward in a blinding stream of lightning. The powerful Thunderbolt struck Team Rocket and their vehicle directly, sending the surrounding trainers scattering to safety.

Boom!!

"Ahhhhhh! This is… more… shocking than usual!" Jessie exclaimed, her voice trembling.

The power of Thunderbolt far outstripped Pikachu's previous Thunder Shock, its continuous, overwhelming output rivaling even the explosive force of Electro Ball.

BOOM!!!

With a deafening explosion, the vehicle was launched skyward. In the aftermath, Team Rocket and their Pokémon lay defeated in a smoking pile.

"How could this happen? We should have known better!" James lamented.

"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" Jessie groaned.

The surrounding Trainers watched Ash in awe. Despite their own skills, they knew few could command three Pokémon so effectively in such a chaotic situation.

"That was amazing!" Suzie said, breathing a sigh of relief.

Some Trainers began removing the decorative costumes from their Pokémon, while others wiped off the painted designs. Watching this, both Suzie and Brock smiled, their relief evident.

Ash, however, focused on praising Pikachu and the others for their outstanding teamwork. Just then, a hesitant figure stepped into the crowd. It was Misty.

When Misty realized Ash had noticed her, she quickly looked away, her expression flustered. After all, she had left in anger earlier and now felt too embarrassed to approach.

Ash, however, felt relieved to see her. Thankfully, she wasn't dressed in the odd costume from her last appearance in the anime.

"Um..." Misty hesitated. In truth, she had returned during Suzie's lecture and witnessed the entire battle unfold, but she was too embarrassed to make her presence known. When Team Rocket appeared, she wanted to step in and help, but Ash had resolved the situation so quickly that there was no need for her assistance.

She suddenly felt a pang of inadequacy. Compared to her sisters, she wasn't as striking, nor could she contribute as much in battle. The realization weighed heavily on her heart.

"Are you okay?" Ash noticed her unease and approached with concern.

"No... it's okay! I'm sorry!" Misty was touched by his thoughtfulness and apologized sincerely.

"It's okay. Don't worry about it!" Ash reassured her with a smile, and Misty felt a little more at ease.

Because of Team Rocket's interruption, Suzie had to conclude her lecture early, and the Trainers gradually dispersed. Despite the disruption, the incident served as a valuable lesson for those who had been overly focused on appearances.

Ash watched the crowd as they walked away. He didn't deny that appearances had their importance, but he believed they weren't as crucial as true substance. This philosophy extended to Pokémon. How could they effectively battle when adorned with unnecessary decorations? While some Pokémon might not need to fight, their preferences should always be considered.

For example, MEGA Evolution involved wearing a Mega Stone, but it didn't hinder a Pokémon in battle—instead, it enhanced their abilities. On the other hand, Tyson from Hoenn had a Meowth that wore boots due to an injury, but it was clear that if it weren't for the injury, the Meowth would have preferred to battle without them.

Misty thought to herself that it was fortunate she hadn't visited that store earlier. If she had, she might have been caught by Team Rocket, causing more trouble for Ash and the others.

Later, the group returned to Suzie's shop. Suzie was busy giving Vulpix a bath, with Brock eagerly offering to help. Misty sat in her previous spot, gazing at the bustling road outside.

She knew she had been wrong to prioritize appearances, but she still couldn't fully accept the idea that wanting to look good was a flaw.

"What's on your mind?" Ash asked, noticing her pensive expression.

"It's nothing, Ash. Do you really think beauty is useless?" Misty asked softly, her voice tinged with doubt.

"I never said that," Ash replied, shaking his head gently. "I just think what's inside matters more than the outside. Of course, many people value appearances, and there's nothing wrong with that. A good first impression can help, but it's not everything."

Misty looked out the window, resting her chin on her hand. "I grew up in Cerulean Gym, watching my three older sisters. They've always been so beautiful, and I believed that being good-looking was everything. But since I wasn't as pretty as them, I felt like no one liked me growing up."

Ash's expression softened. "Haven't we seen enough of how shallow it is to judge people by their looks? Isn't it time we focus on what really makes someone beautiful—a kind and strong spirit?"

He continued, "Why compare yourself in areas where others excel? Some people are naturally attractive from a young age, and others grow into their beauty over time. You're obviously one of the latter. And it's not just about looks—your strength as a Trainer will surpass your sisters' one day. Comparing yourself now is only making things harder for yourself."

Misty's eyes glistened as she listened to Ash's words. Something in her heart shifted, and she began to see herself in a new light.