Chapter 371: 371. Leaving The Safari Zone
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Ash contemplated for a moment before deciding to send Scyther back to Professor Oak's laboratory first. He was concerned that a Pokemon like Scyther might struggle to get along with the other Pokemon there.
Scyther possessed an aggressive nature, similar to his Primeape and Devileon, but the three were fundamentally different in their temperaments.
The Primeape had what Ash considered simple hyperactivity. It couldn't stay still and constantly sought attention, much like his Tauros who loved to run wild. When there were no rivals around, the Primeape would even headbutt trees just for entertainment.
Simply put, that Pokemon was rather simple-minded. The Devileon's belligerence, on the other hand, stemmed from its refusal to admit defeat and its desire to challenge powerful rivals. Yet it knew when to exercise discretion—fighting when appropriate and showing restraint when necessary.
The first two Pokemon didn't care about timing or situational awareness at all.
Scyther was somewhat similar—rational yet bellicose—but in truth, it also had a tsundere personality.
It appeared cold on the surface, but it had stopped attacking when it saw Ash protecting Pikachu. It had helped Dragonair and Dratini when it saw them in danger, though it rarely displayed such emotions openly.
Scyther wasn't good at expressing these softer feelings. Although Ash was confident that Ivysaur could manage it at the lab and believed his other Pokemon would coexist peacefully with it, he worried Scyther might become too withdrawn. After careful consideration, he decided to keep it with him for now.
"You want to send Scyther there? No problem, but which Pokemon do you want to exchange for it?" Professor Oak asked through the video phone.
"Devileon! Besides, Professor, you wanted to study its information, so let it stay there for a while!"
After thinking briefly, Ash decided to send Devileon back first. It had recently evolved, and its training had been excellent during this period, reaching a natural pause point.
It was also an undiscovered Pokemon species. Professor Oak was eager to study it more thoroughly, and by allowing the Professor to research it, Ash could learn more about his Pokemon's capabilities.
"Devileon! That's perfect, as I need it to cooperate with some research. Get ready for the transfer!" Professor Oak's eyes lit up with excitement. He took Scyther's Poke Ball, placed it in the transfer machine, and gestured to Ash.
"Great!"
"Devileon, stay with Professor Oak for a while and try to get along with everyone," Ash said as he took out Devileon's Poke Ball. He spoke directly to the ball, causing it to tremble slightly in response.
Ash wasn't worried about it feeling lonely. There were many other Pokemon at the lab, including some with similarly difficult temperaments like Gyarados, the Primeape, and Tauros, so Devileon wouldn't lack for companions or sparring partners.
He placed Devileon's Poke Ball on the teleporter and pressed the transfer button. On the other end, Professor Oak placed Scyther's Poke Ball on his machine and did the same.
Sizzle!!!
Soon, an electric current appeared above the teleporter, enveloping the Poke Ball and pulling it into the machine. After a moment, a green Poke Ball materialized. Ash reached out and retrieved Scyther's Poke Ball.
It was different from his other Poke Balls. Ash hadn't replaced it because he thought the green color matched Scyther's appearance perfectly. Even if Scyther evolved in the future, this Pokemon would always retain its unique character.
Perhaps even after learning to socialize better with other Pokemon, Scyther would maintain its cool, aloof demeanor.
"I'll be counting on your strength in the future, Scyther!" Ash said, looking at the Poke Ball in his hand.
The Poke Ball shook slightly in acknowledgment. Ash didn't release Scyther since it had been injured in the battle with Charmeleon. Without proper medical equipment nearby, Ash decided to let it rest inside the Poke Ball for now, planning to have Brock treat it later.
"Professor, everything's fine on my end!" Ash said, walking back to the phone and waving the Poke Ball to signal the successful transfer.
"Everything's good here too! Devileon, say goodbye to everyone!" Professor Oak responded with a smile, releasing Devileon from its Poke Ball so it could stand in front of the screen.
Grr!!
Feh!!
Hearing Devileon's growl, Pikachu jumped in front of the screen and raised a paw to wave goodbye.
Devileon turned its head away arrogantly when it saw this.
Pikachu was long accustomed to Devileon's temperament and even seemed somewhat fond of it.
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu patted the screen affectionately.
Devileon, hearing Pikachu's endearing voice, opened one eye slightly to peek, then tapped the screen with its long tail in reluctant acknowledgment.
"Hahaha!!" Everyone laughed at this exchange before Ash continued.
"Well, Professor, I'm leaving both Devileon and Tauros in your care!"
"Absolutely! No problem! Just leave it to me!" Professor Oak replied generously, waving away any suggestion that it might be troublesome.
"Only a dozen Tauros! Food might be a concern, but... with this situation, I can quickly apply for additional research subsidies," he added, looking quite excited at the prospect.
After saying their goodbyes, they hung up the phone. With the Pokemon transfer complete, the three trainers—Ash, Misty, and Brock—packed their belongings and prepared to continue their journey.
This wasn't a place where they could stay long-term. Although leaving now meant they would likely have to sleep outdoors, the three were already well-accustomed to wilderness camping.
After gathering their things, they bid farewell to Kaiser, who expressed his gratitude once more.
"I truly can't thank you enough for your help!"
"You're welcome, though we just happened to be in the right place. We didn't do much—the wild Pokemon in this area were the ones who really protected Dragonair and Dratini," Ash replied modestly, admiring the old man who had safeguarded the rare Dragon Pokemon for so many years.
"Regardless, I owe you all a debt of gratitude. Be careful out there, and try not to be so reckless if you encounter dangerous characters again!"
Although they had only known each other for a day, Kaiser had grown fond of these young trainers, speaking to them almost like a mentor to his juniors.
"We understand! We'll be on our way now. Take care of yourself, Mr. Kaiser!"
The three trainers formally said their goodbyes, then turned and departed, leaving behind the nature reserve and wilderness area as they set off toward their next destination.
"Ash! You'll do great in the competition, I'm sure of it!" Kaiser called after them, a proud smile on his face as he watched their retreating figures.
Behind him, near the house, Dragonair and Dratini hovered in the sky, watching the three trainers who had helped them in their moment of need as they disappeared into the distance.