Bab 21: A Duel with a Samurai
Half a day had passed since Ash and Misty set off together on their journey toward Pewter City. The forest around them was peaceful, and for the most part, the day had been uneventful.
The only sounds were the rustling of the trees and the occasional wild Pokémon darting through the underbrush. Ash had his team out to stretch their legs as they walked—Pikachu perched on his shoulder, with Spearow and Pidgeotto flying overhead.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a familiar voice echoed through the trees.
"Prepare for trouble!"
"And make it double!"
Ash groaned as he instantly recognized the voices. "Not again..."
In a flash, Team Rocket—Jessie, James, and Meowth—appeared, blocking their path with their usual dramatic flair.
"To protect the world from devastation!" "To unite all peoples within our nation!"
Ash quickly readied himself for battle, and Pikachu leapt off his shoulder, sparks of electricity crackling in the air. "Pikachu, you ready for this?"
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded, determined.
Misty stood by his side, confused and frustrated. "Who are these clowns?"
Ash sighed. "You'll see soon enough."
Team Rocket sent out their Pokémon—Ekans and Koffing—but the battle didn't last long. Ash quickly commanded Pikachu to use Electro Ball and with one powerful strike, both Ekans and Koffing were knocked out. The electric ball surged toward Team Rocket, and with a loud explosion, they were sent flying into the sky.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they yelled as they disappeared into the distance with a twinkle.
Ash dusted his hands off and looked over at Misty, who was still staring after the trio in disbelief.
"That was… strange," she finally said. "Who were they?"
Ash chuckled. "That was Team Rocket. They're always trying to steal Pikachu, but they never really stand a chance."
"Have you met them before?" Misty asked as they resumed walking.
"Yeah, I actually ran into them at the Pokémon Center a while back," Ash explained. "They tried to steal a bunch of Pokémon there, including Pikachu. That was our first run-in. This was the second time."
Misty shook her head. "They seem pretty determined for a group that doesn't stand a chance."
"Yeah, that's kind of their thing," Ash replied with a smirk. "But they're persistent, I'll give them that. I just wish they'd stop following me around."
Misty laughed. "I guess we'll be seeing them a lot more, huh?"
Ash nodded. "Seems like it."
As they continued their journey, the sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky. The encounter with Team Rocket had been brief, but it left them both in high spirits as they pressed onward, knowing that more adventures awaited them.
After the encounter with Team Rocket, Ash and Misty decided to take a break for lunch. They found a nice clearing in the forest and sat down to rest.
Misty unpacked the food while Ash made sure his Pokémon were comfortably enjoyed a meal, reenergizing after the day's travels.
As they finished eating, a sudden rustling in the bushes broke the tranquil atmosphere. Out of nowhere, a boy clad in samurai armor leaped forward, brandishing a sword and charging straight at Ash.
Without skipping a beat, Ash calmly sprang to his feet, while Misty let out a terrified scream.
Having been honing his Aura and Psychic abilities, Ash reacted with impressive speed. He sensed the boy's presence even before the attack. With a steady hand, he raised his palm and channeled his Psychic powers.
In an instant, the boy was frozen mid-air, his sword hovering just inches from Ash, suspended in a shimmering aura.
The tension crackled in the air as Ash maintained his calm gaze on the boy.
"Why are you attacking us?" Ash asked calmly, but with authority.
The boy struggled to move, his body suspended and helpless. "I—I wasn't trying to hurt you!" he stammered. "I just wanted to scare you!"
Hearing this, Ash released the boy, allowing him to drop safely to the ground. The samurai looked up at him, now feeling guilty for the misunderstanding. Misty rushed over, her heart still racing from the sudden attack.
"What's wrong with you?!" Misty yelled, scolding the boy. "You can't just run up on people with a sword like that!"
The samurai boy stood up, dusting himself off and bowing his head in apology. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean any harm. I was testing you," he explained, his voice sincere. "I've been challenging Trainers who come through Viridian Forest. I thought you might be from Pallet Town."
Ash, now curious, relaxed a bit but kept his guard up. "Why do you care if I'm from Pallet Town?"
The boy, still holding his samurai sword but now with no intent to use it, explained, "I've been waiting for Trainers from Pallet Town to come through here. I've already battled three others, and I wanted to challenge the fourth."
Ash raised an eyebrow. "You're talking about Gary and the others, aren't you?"
The boy nodded. "Yes! I've fought them all, but I've been waiting to battle the final one. Are you from Pallet Town?"
Ash crossed his arms and smiled confidently. "Yeah, I'm from Pallet Town. And I guess that makes me the fourth one you've been waiting for."
The samurai boy looked excited, but also a little nervous after witnessing Ash's Psychic abilities. "I didn't expect you to be so strong... But I'd still like to challenge you to a battle. Please!"
Misty, now calmer, crossed her arms and gave the boy a stern look. "Maybe try asking for a battle next time instead of coming at people with a sword."
The boy blushed in embarrassment and nodded. "I'll remember that."
Ash glanced at Misty, then back at the boy. "Alright, I'll accept your challenge. But next time, let's skip the sword stuff, okay?"
The samurai smiled in relief. "Deal!"
As the sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow through the trees, Ash felt a sense of calm settle over him. "Alright, Pikachu, it's time for you to test the moves you've been mastering," he said, looking at Pikachu
"Pika!" Pikachu responded, ears perked up and ready for action.
The samurai boy also nodded, ready for the challenge. "Let's see what you've got."
Battle 1: Pikachu vs. Pinsir
The boy sent out his sturdy Pinsir. "Go, Pinsir!" he called confidently.
Ash took a deep breath and called out, "Pikachu, let's do this!"
"Pika!" Pikachu responded, ready for action.
As the battle began, Pinsir charged forward with a strong tackle. "Dodge it, Pikachu," Ash instructed calmly. Pikachu sidestepped, evading the attack
"Now, use Thunder Wave," Ash said, his voice steady.
Pikachu released a spark of electricity, enveloping Pinsir and paralyzing it. The boy watched in awe as Pikachu moved in for the next attack.
"Finish it with Floaty Fall!" Ash announced.
Pikachu leaped into the air, glowing with energy, and descended with precision, landing a decisive hit on Pinsir. The impact knocked Pinsir out, and the boy recalled his Pokémon, a mix of surprise and admiration on his face.
"That was impressive," the boy said, a smile creeping onto his lips. "I didn't expect that!"
"Thanks! We've been training hard," Ash replied, his confidence growing. "What's your next Pokémon?"
With a determined look, the boy sent out a Metapod. "Get ready for this one!"
Battle 2: Pidgeotto vs. Metapod
"Pidgeotto, you're up," Ash said, releasing his bird Pokémon.
"Use Gust," he instructed, his voice steady.
Pidgeotto flapped its wings, sending a powerful gust that struck Metapod. The cocoon Pokémon held firm, but Ash remained composed.
"Now, follow up with Quick Attack," Ash said, watching intently.
Pidgeotto dashed forward, striking Metapod with precision. The boy adjusted his strategy, calling for Metapod to use Harden.
"Let's finish this with another Gust," Ash said calmly, his focus unwavering.
Pidgeotto generated another blast of wind, and Metapod couldn't withstand it this time, fainting gracefully. The boy recalled his Pokémon, admiration shining in his eyes.
"Your Pidgeotto is really strong," he acknowledged.
"Thanks. I'm proud of my Pokémon," Ash replied with a small smile.
The boy sent out his final Pokémon, a swift Scyther. "Let's see how you handle this!"
"Alright, Spearow, you're up!" Ash called, releasing his trusty Spearow.
Battle 3: Spearow vs. Scyther
Spearow flapped its wings, poised and ready. "Use Quick Attack," Ash instructed gently.
Spearow darted forward, landing a quick hit on Scyther. "Now, let's try a Steel Wing," Ash continued, feeling the calm focus of the moment.
As Spearow prepared to strike, Scyther retaliated with Fury Cutter, landing a hit that sent Spearow back.
"Stay strong, Spearow! Use Steel Wing!" Ash encouraged, sensing the determination in his Pokémon.
With resolve, Spearow charged at Scyther, its wings shimmering with energy. The attack connected, and Scyther stumbled, visibly shaken.
Just then, Spearow began to glow brightly, the energy of evolution filling the air. Ash watched in awe as Spearow evolved into Fearow, its form becoming more powerful.
"Wow! You evolved!" the boy exclaimed, eyes wide with amazement. "That's incredible!"
Fearow let out a proud cry, ready for action. "Use Wing Attack," Ash commanded, feeling the excitement of the moment.
With newfound strength, Fearow soared into the air, diving gracefully toward Scyther and delivering a solid hit. The boy recalled Scyther, looking both impressed and reflective.
"You're really strong," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "I didn't expect you to evolve your Spearow mid-battle."
"Thanks! It's all about teamwork," Ash replied, smiling. "I enjoyed this battle. We should have a rematch sometime."
"I'd like that. I'll train harder for our next encounter," the boy said, extending his hand for a friendly shake.
As they finished their battles, Ash felt a sense of calm and accomplishment wash over him. He knew his Pokémon were growing stronger, and that made the journey all the more rewarding.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone