Chapter 123: Sunshine, Beach, and Dating

As Ash, Misty, and Brock walked toward Rampurqi's city center, a construction site on the sea caught their attention.

"By the way, what's being built over there?" Ash asked, pointing toward the structure emerging from the ocean.

"Why don't we ask someone?" Misty suggested, intrigued. She approached a nearby shop, bought iced drinks, and inquired about the construction.

"That's Grandma kesu project. She's building a luxury hotel on the sea," the shopkeeper replied.

Hearing this, Ash's brows furrowed. He recalled a similar scenario from the original anime, where the construction of a luxury hotel led to a mutated Tentacruel attacking Rampurqi. Ash wasn't sure if the same incident would occur here in the real world, but the memory unsettled him.

On their way to the Pokémon Center, Ash's thoughts were restless. The image of Rampurqi submerged in water, as seen in the anime, haunted him. "Could this actually happen? Would the Tentacool and Tentacruel retaliate like they did in the show?"

Ash tried to calm himself. "The Alliance promotes peaceful coexistence between humans and Pokémon. They wouldn't allow harm to Pokémon caused by such a project. I just have to trust them."

A Visit to the Beach

Once they arrived at the Pokémon Center, Misty wasted no time. After checking into her dormitory, she quickly changed into her swimsuit, wearing a light dress over it. She then knocked on the door of Ash and Brock's dormitory.

"I won't go," Brock said, waving his hand with a knowing smile. "You two enjoy. I have… other plans."

Ash raised an eyebrow. "You're sure?"

Brock chuckled nervously. "Absolutely. I, uh… need to meet some lovely locals." He quickly left, muttering something about avoiding Ash's Bulbasaur, which often interrupted his interactions with women.

Misty rolled her eyes but seemed pleased with the turn of events. She grabbed Ash's arm and led him outside.

The Pokémon Center wasn't far from the beach, but Misty insisted they take a cab, saying she wanted to enjoy the ride with Ash. After arriving, they stopped by a shop to rent beach supplies like umbrellas and chairs. Misty also bought herself a popsicle, happily savoring it while Ash carried their gear.

The beach was lively, with people swimming, playing games, and enjoying water sports. Ash and Misty set up their spot under a large umbrella before applying sunscreen and letting Pikachu roam freely.

Fun in the Sun

After resting for a while, the trio decided to cool off in the water. They brought along a beach ball and played a game of toss with Pikachu, who seemed to be having as much fun as the humans.

"Having fun, Pikachu?" Misty asked as they returned to their umbrella to rest.

"Pika-pika!" Pikachu nodded enthusiastically.

Misty glanced at the water sports area. "We should try those next! I've always wanted to ride a jet ski… and maybe that banana boat too."

Ash smiled. "Sounds like a plan."

The group spent the afternoon exploring various water activities. They rode jet skis, splashed through waves on the banana boat, and even tried paddleboarding. By evening, they returned to their umbrella, watching the sunset over the horizon.

The sight was breathtaking—the orange glow of the sun melting into the ocean created a serene atmosphere. Ash and Misty sat quietly, enjoying the moment together.

A Sweet Goodbye

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Ash and Misty packed up their belongings and left the beach. Instead of heading back to the Pokémon Center, they decided to grab dinner at a nearby restaurant.

"I had such a great time today. Thank you, Ash," Misty said as they stood outside her dormitory.

Before Ash could respond, Misty leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the cheek. Blushing furiously, she quickly darted into her room and shut the door, leaving Ash frozen in place.

"Pika-pika," Pikachu said with a knowing shrug, hopping off Ash's shoulder and heading toward their dormitory.

Ash eventually snapped out of his daze, touching his cheek and mumbling, "What just happened?"

Brock's Day

Back in their dormitory, Brock sat by the window, gazing out at the moonlit sky. When Ash entered, he noticed Brock looking unusually melancholic.

"What's wrong, Brock?" Ash asked.

Brock sighed dramatically. "Ash… do you think I'll ever find someone who likes me?"

Ash tilted his head, confused. "What do you mean?"

Brock explained his afternoon at the beach, where he had tried—and failed—to strike up conversations with several women. His repeated rejections left him feeling dejected, especially when he thought about Ash and Misty spending the day together.

Pikachu tried to comfort him, patting his shoulder reassuringly.

Suddenly, Brock leapt to his feet. "No! I can't give up. There's someone out there for me, and I'll find her!"

Ash shook his head, half-amused by Brock's theatrics. "Alright, well, get some rest. Tomorrow starts two days of intense training."

As Ash headed to the bathroom with Pikachu, Brock stretched out a hand dramatically. "Pikachu, don't leave me!"

"Pika…" Pikachu gave Brock a helpless look before the bathroom door closed.

Brock collapsed to his knees, clutching his chest in mock despair. "Even my best ally has been taken from me…"

Ash ignored his antics and focused on preparing for the grueling days ahead.