"Miss Officer Jenny, we'll leave these three pieces of non-burnable trash to you. If it weren't for them, Blackthorn City wouldn't have had a power outage."
When Ash and the others dragged the battered and foul-smelling Team Rocket members to the police station, Officer Jenny looked at the trio through her gas mask.
"Got it, understood. We'll lock them up, but those Grimers—"
Watching a group of Grimers, led by a Muk, swarm around Ash, Officer Jenny didn't know what to say. Once again, Ash's affinity with Pokémon was—
"Ah, Officer Jenny, don't worry. Muk and the others have been continuously absorbing the polluted water here, which is why—"
The pollution in Black Cloud City exceeds standards, but it is still under control.
As he spoke, Ash didn't hesitate to hug the Muk, saying, 'I know Muk. They only attacked because these three entered the polluted water, making them think they were here to steal food.'
'Muk!'
Muk smiled as Ash hugged it. As for its toxins? Pokémon are beings that respond to the heart. Just like how Ponyta won't burn someone it acknowledges, how could Muk ever let its toxins harm Ash?
"But if the county says it's like this—"
Ash looked at Muk and the Grimers and suddenly came up with a great idea.
Two-two dividing line - one
"Hey, you over there! Hurry up and install all the pollution discharge outlets at the designated locations. The Grimers will eat these pollutants as food."
In the city of Black Cloud. Countless factories are discharging pollutants into designated areas, and upon seeing these pollutants, the Grimers cheer and swarm forward to find their favorite meals.
Meanwhile, Ash, wearing a gas mask, stands beside his Muk, watching the scene of Grimers feasting on the pollutants.
'These pollutants are difficult for humans to handle, but for you, these items that aren't particularly enhancing are more like delicious food.'
'Muk! (That's right, you pointed it out so well back then)'
"But with your help, the environment in Black Cloud City should improve a lot in the future. When that time comes, we'll be counting on you to help protect Black Cloud City."
Hearing Ash say this, Muk fell silent for a moment, then reached out and pointed at Ash's Luxury Ball.
Seeing Muk's gesture, Ash didn't even need Meowth's translation to understand what it meant.
'You're a top-tier boss-level Pokémon now. Are you really sure you want me to be your trainer?'
'Muk! (Of course, you defeated me many years ago with a piece of cake)'
"Hmph, well then, go! Luxury Ball!"
Ash's Luxury Ball easily captured Muk, and then Ash released Muk again, extending his hand.
"Once again, hello Muk. Long time no see."
'Muk! (Long time no see, Ash!)'
Then Ash's hand and Muk's hand shook together.
When Ash returned to the Pokémon Center, he first went to take a shower, because even if Ash didn't mind, the unpleasant smell on his body still needed to be washed off. After showering, Ash asked Professor Oak to transfer one of his Pokémon to him.
"Come out, Arbok!"
"Arbok!"
The deep purple Arbok emerged, quietly resting on Ash's lap while Ash stroked it and said, "You've worked hard protecting Mom and the others. But with Gastly helping out, it should be much easier for you."
"Arbok... (Not hard work, as long as it's your wish)"
"Thank you, Arbok... I appreciate your hard work."
"Arbok... (As long as it's your wish. Then there's no problem at all)"
The Arbok no longer carried the cold intensity it had when protecting Hanako and Shion at Ash's home. Now, it was just like the Ekans of old, who loved to curl around Ash and act spoiled. Its favorite thing was to quietly lie on Ash's lap and let him stroke it—because that warmth belonged to Arbok alone.
Pikachu watched Arbok like this and didn't disturb it or Ash. Compared to itself, who had always been by Ash's side, Arbok and the others had sacrificed so much in the shadows.
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