After leaving Celadon City, Ash and his group were on the road to Saffron City. However, it was now lunchtime.
Sizzle!
Amidst the rich aroma of cooking, Ash and Brock busily prepared dishes under Misty's awestruck gaze. Misty couldn't help but marvel at how convenient it was to travel with two people who could cook. By the time they finished, Misty had already set the tableware. The trio and their Pokémon settled down to enjoy the meal, with Ash sharing tips on tailoring food to suit different Pokémon's tastes.
"Brock, Rock-type Pokémon should have special minerals added to their meals. It'll help their growth. Misty, you should pay attention to the water quality for Water-types—clean water makes a big difference. That's what they've told me themselves," Ash explained.
Meowth, munching on a fish nearby, chimed in, "Yeah, makin' Pokémon happy with their meals takes extra care, ya know?"
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu nodded while hugging its beloved ketchup bottle.
Misty nodded thoughtfully. "Got it. I'll buy some high-quality water later."
As they chatted, a Mankey sniffed its way toward their food, drooling hungrily. Noticing its desperation, Ash kindly handed it a portion.
"Here, eat up if you're hungry."
The Mankey gratefully accepted the food and sat nearby to devour it.
"Pikachu…" Pikachu suddenly sighed, prompting Meowth to chuckle. "Yeah, back in Pallet Town, even the Nidoran and others used to mooch meals like this, huh?"
After finishing their meal, the group bid farewell to the Mankey, which waved goodbye as they departed.
"Hey, twerp! We finally found you!"
Team Rocket—Jessie, James, and Meowth—blocked their path yet again. Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu, Meowth, and Chansey all stared at the trio in exasperation.
"You again? What do you want this time?" Ash asked flatly.
"Whaddya think? We're takin' Pikachu, of course!" Meowth snapped.
"Honestly, a talking Pokémon like you would be way more popular. Look how much attention my Meowth gets from professors," Ash remarked casually.
Jessie and James suddenly looked thoughtful.
"Now that you mention it…" Jessie mused.
"Maybe he's right…" James added.
Meowth smacked both with its claws. "You idiots! He's just stallin'!"
Slash!
"Waaah!" Jessie and James howled in pain.
Ash pulled out a Luxury Ball, ready to blast them off, but the Mankey suddenly leapt in front of them, glaring furiously at Team Rocket.
"Huh? Mankey, what's up?"
"Man-key! Key!" It gestured for the group to step back.
"Meowth says it's repaying your earlier kindness," Meowth translated.
"Oh? Alright then, we'll leave it to you, Mankey," Ash agreed, stepping aside. Misty frowned. "But can it handle Team Rocket alone?"
Ash grinned. "Why do you think it wants to repay me? I added growth supplements to its food earlier. Most Mankeys travel in packs, but this one's strong enough to go solo. Now it's about to break through to the next level."
As he spoke, Mankey's body glowed with evolution energy, transforming it into a Primeape.
Roar!
The newly evolved Primeape fixed Team Rocket with a bloodthirsty glare. The trio froze.
"Uh-oh…" Jessie gulped.
"Something's… wrong…" James stammered.
Roar!
Primeape lunged forward, delivering a vicious uppercut to Jessie's face. The force sent her flying backward, her head embedded in a rock.
Screams!
James and Meowth stared in horror. Ash winced. "Yikes… A woman's face is her pride and joy. Misty, stay back—this'll get messy."
"R-right…" Misty paled, imagining the punch landing on her face.
Brock sighed. "Why don't I get any attention from ladies when I'm this considerate…?"
True to Ash's prediction, chaos erupted. Enraged by the hit to her face, Jessie ordered Ekans and Koffing to attack while charging in herself. James and Meowth reluctantly joined the brawl.
Ash cheered from the sidelines. "Primeape, left! Yes! A perfect uppercut! Watch out for Koffing's sneak attack on the right! Nice dodge!"
Primeape, already experienced in group fights as a Mankey, thrived under Ash's guidance.
"Now, Primeape! Use a combo to send them flying!"
Roar!
Primeape's eyes gleamed. A flurry of punches later, Team Rocket soared into the sky.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off agaaaaain!" *3
"Great job, Primeape!" Ash grinned as the trio vanished. Primeape nodded proudly.
"So… wanna join our journey?" Ash asked.
Growl? Primeape paused, then adopted a battle stance.
"Hold on—you're injured. Let's heal first, okay?" Ash suggested.
Primeape nodded, allowing Ash to treat its wounds. Once healed, Ash tossed a Luxury Ball.
"Come out, Squirtle!"
Squirtle emerged, blinked at Primeape, then immediately took a fighting stance.
"Squirtle, take a deep breath and focus."
Following Ash's order, Squirtle inhaled deeply. Its aura shifted dramatically, leaving Primeape, Misty, and Brock stunned.