Chapter 374: 374. Bosozoku
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At that moment, the roar of engines filled the air as several figures wearing leather jackets and pants rode motorcycles toward the group of teenagers, observing them with disdain.
"Well, look who it is—Chopper and Tyra! What happened? You guys look pathetic!" sneered the leader, a sturdy man wearing a turban with a fierce expression. He continued revving his motorcycle's engine, which produced a steady, threatening rumble.
"Mars?!" When the gang leader saw the man before him, his expression changed instantly, fear evident in his eyes.
"After all, they're just a bunch of kids on bicycles. It's too early for them to call themselves real bosozoku!"
The others in Mars's group began mocking the teenagers. Hearing this, the Cycle gang members appeared angry but remained silent, not daring to speak up.
"Who embarrassed you like this? For old times' sake, I can help you get revenge!" Mars, the bosozoku leader, suddenly offered.
Tyra, the Cycle Gang leader leader, couldn't help but frown. He knew Mars wasn't genuinely offering to help—he just wanted to cause trouble to prove his gang's superiority. They had been humiliated by others, and these motorcycle guys were looking for an excuse to assert themselves as "real bosozoku." In simple terms, they were just looking for someone to intimidate.
"Hmph! They went that way. If you're so capable, go find them yourself!" Though reluctant, Tyra had no choice. Compared to Mars's gang, they were indeed just a bunch of kids playing pretend.
"Haha! Let's go! Follow if you can keep up! We'll show you what real bosozoku are made of!"
Mars smiled mockingly before riding off with his gang members.
"Tyra! Is this really okay?" A girl approached Tyra with concern.
Unlike the others, she was dressed more conservatively, with long dark green hair and much less face paint and accessories than her peers.
"Even if Tyra hadn't told them, they would have gone after those travelers anyway."
Tyra shook his head in response. Based on his understanding, those guys would have pursued Ash's group regardless, especially since there were only two directions on the bridge.
"Should we go after them and see what happens?" Tyra frowned slightly and asked.
"Let's go look." After a moment of silence, Tyra picked up his bicycle and followed. The others did the same when they saw him go.
Meanwhile, Ash, Misty, and Brock continued forward, unaware they had become targets. They had already reached the halfway point of their journey and could vaguely see the outline of the next city.
"I can see it—Sunnytown!" Misty exclaimed excitedly. The trip was indeed quick, and they hadn't expended much energy.
"At this pace, we'll arrive in less than half an hour," Brock added, still concerned about the Pokémon awaiting the medicine.
"Let's pick up the pace!" Ash encouraged.
Just as they were about to accelerate, they heard the roar of engines approaching.
VROOM VROOM!!!
"Huh??" All three turned to look behind them, but the sound was already surrounding them. Colorful-clad figures on motorcycles had pulled up alongside them.
Misty and Brock hesitated, instinctively moving closer to Ash. Brock frowned while Misty looked frightened.
These guys appeared much more intimidating than the boys from earlier. Riding motorcycles and sporting tough expressions, they clearly weren't to be taken lightly.
The gang rode beside them, giving sarcastic glances before accelerating ahead. They soon blocked the path, drifting in circles before forming a barrier in front of Ash's group.
Mars, the leader, smiled proudly before revving his engine and charging directly toward Ash.
Brock and Misty stopped in alarm, but Ash continued forward without slowing down. Misty was horrified.
"Ash!!!"
Ash seemed not to hear her call, maintaining his pace. Mars was momentarily stunned—was this kid crazy? Who would challenge a motorcycle with a bicycle?
Mars had planned to merely frighten Ash, to show him who was boss. However, when their eyes met, he saw Ash's calm, unflinching gaze, completely devoid of fear.
"This kid... isn't scared? No... impossible!"
Even Tyra's gang hadn't dared to stand up to them, let alone engage in a head-on confrontation.
Ash continued pedaling forward, his expression neutral. Mars's confidence began to waver. The distance between them was rapidly closing—collision was imminent if neither changed course.
Even Mars's gang members looked shocked. While they often engaged in dangerous racing, there was a difference between risking their own lives and potentially causing someone else's death. If they actually killed someone, there would be serious consequences.
As the gap closed, Mars's face finally showed panic. He was torn—avoiding Ash would mean losing face, but continuing would mean risking serious injury to them both.
"Huh??"
While Mars hesitated, he glanced forward again. In that moment, he saw Ash smiling—a cold, piercing smile that sent chills down his spine. Despite years of riding, this was the first time he'd felt genuine fear.
Ash's smile seemed to convey a clear message: "If you've got the guts, come at me."
Pikachu, startled by Ash's boldness, lowered himself into an attack position, ready to strike if Mars collided with them. But then...
"AHHH!!!"
Mars let out a panicked shout and suddenly swerved to the side!
"I can't look!"
Hearing Mars's scream, Misty covered her eyes in fear. Then came a loud crash. Misty was terrified by the sound.
The motorcycle had smashed into the bridge's guardrail, mechanical parts scattering across the ground.
Fortunately, Mars had jumped off before impact, rolling several times on the pavement.
Thanks to his leather jacket, he wasn't seriously injured, but he found himself in a humiliating position.