Pokemon: This Ash Is Too Versatile

"If we don’t first let it lose the power to resist, Ash won’t be able to use the Power of Viridian to clear the rampant energy within it."

"We’ve been controlling the attack power from the beginning, and Kleavor’s injuries have already been treated."

Cynthia explained, having seen all sorts of people since becoming Champion, while Xipu’s personality may be strange, it was still within an acceptable range.

"But your use of force has still not changed."

Xipu turned back to look at the two of them.

"Team Galactic uses Pokeballs to capture wild Pokemon, then makes Pokemon fight under human commands; this approach in my view is inherently a compulsion on Pokemon."

"I won’t let Ursaluna accept your treatment, nor will I change my decision because of Pearl Clan’s request."

Hearing this, Ash felt a bit of discontent rising in his heart; he could understand Xipu’s concern for Pokemon.

But Ursaluna had already shown abnormalities and leaving it unchecked would harm not only humans and Pokemon in Crimson Mirelands, but Ursaluna itself would also be tormented by its irritable emotions.

"But Ursaluna’s condition is worsening, and if nothing is done, the impact on it will only become more severe."

"That is also a matter between me and Ursaluna." Xipu turned back to face the wall, "You may leave now."

She’s really stubborn! Ash wanted to continue speaking, but Cynthia raised her hand to stop him.

From Xipu’s current attitude, continuing to explain would only make this elder more resistant.

If persuasion doesn’t work, we’ll have to try a different approach.

"Since Warden Xipu is unwilling to accept our help, we’ll leave for now."

Cynthia glanced at the fragmented plate on the wall.

"But there’s one thing I hope you’ll seriously consider."

"Letting Ursaluna remain in its irritable state isn’t good for humans and Pokemon in Crimson Mirelands."

"And the one who suffers first would be Ursaluna itself."

Xipu did not respond.

Seeing this, Cynthia did not linger further and took Ash along the same path out of Solaceon Ruins.

Only after their footsteps had completely faded did Xipu slowly turn around.

She looked at the empty passage, her mind replaying Cynthia’s last words.

The one who suffers first would be Ursaluna itself.

Xipu’s gaze shifted slightly, but when she looked at the fragmented plate on the wall again, her hesitation was quickly suppressed.

"Team Galactic people..."

...

Ash and Cynthia kept walking until they exited Solaceon Ruins and stopped near the entrance.

"Grandma Xipu is really stubborn." Ash couldn’t help but look back towards the depths of the ruins, "We defeated Kleavor to help it regain its sanity."

"Letting it continue to be rampant will only harm more Pokemon in the end."

In terms of valuing Pokemon, Ash had never been second to anyone.

If someone were to harm a Pokemon without reason, he would undoubtedly be the first to stand up and stop them.

But when a Pokemon loses its sanity and begins attacking everything around it, constraining its actions through battle and then finding a way to help it return to normal is the truly responsible approach.

Kleavor was already unable to communicate at the time.

If we don’t first let it lose its resistance ability, Ash wouldn’t have found a safe chance to use the Power of Viridian.

"Warden Xipu has lived in Crimson Mirelands for decades, and her prejudices against Team Galactic have also accumulated over a long time; trying to change her mind with a few words is basically impossible."

Cynthia also showed a hint of helplessness; dealing with such a difficult person isn’t something that can be resolved with just a few words.

"So what do we do now? We can’t just watch Ursaluna continue to rampage, right?"

"Certainly not." Cynthia recalled the scene inside the ruins earlier, "Warden Xipu was standing in front of that fragmented plate."

"Her purpose in coming to Solaceon Ruins should be to decipher the ancient text on the plate."

"If we can help her retrieve the missing plate fragments, her attitude toward us might change."

Ash finally reacted.

"So you were observing that plate earlier, huh? But where could that fragment be?"

Cynthia was silent for a moment.

"So what we need now is to first investigate the whereabouts of the fragment."

Ash: "..."

After saying so much, we still haven’t got any clues.

Just as they were about to discuss where to start the investigation, a gentle voice suddenly came from behind.

"I do have some clues about the lost plate fragment."

Ash and Cynthia turned to look simultaneously.

A blonde-haired young man in Ginkgo Guild attire was standing not far away, his face adorned with that relaxed smile that lowers one’s guard.

"Volo?"

Cynthia quickly recognized the person before her.

"I’m glad Miss Cynthia still remembers me."

Volo politely bowed to them.

Cynthia slightly bowed in response and Ash followed suit, yet his eyes remained fixed on Volo.

He hadn’t forgotten the strange Aura he felt from Volo during their last encounter.

That aura resembled Giratina’s somewhat, yet held obvious differences.

But now, Volo’s aura didn’t have any anomalies... has Giratina’s presence been concealed?

"Mr. Volo."

Cynthia looked at the young man in front of her, who might very well be related to her by blood.

"You just said you know where the plate fragment is?"

Volo’s sudden appearance behind them and his accurate mention of the plate fragment did indeed seem suspicious.

One possibility was that Volo had been following them all along; the other was that he just happened to come to Solaceon Ruins and overheard their earlier conversation.

On the surface, the latter seemed more likely.

The interior of Solaceon Ruins currently only has one passage, if Volo were following closely behind, Ash and Cynthia should have heard footsteps.

But Ash wasn’t letting his guard down.

Since Volo could conceal that Aura similar to Giratina, no one could be sure of what other abilities he might have.

"First, I must apologize to the two of you."

Volo maintained a gentle smile and proactively explained: "I initially intended to visit Solaceon Ruins, not expecting to run into you by chance."

"Recently, Ginkgo Guild received a message; someone seems to have taken a plate engraved with ancient text from within Solaceon Ruins."

"I wanted to personally confirm whether this message was true and happened to hear your conversation as I arrived."

Cynthia didn’t immediately believe this afterward, yet she didn’t directly express suspicion either.

"Who took the plate fragment?"

"Miss Fortunes."

Volo didn’t keep them in suspense and promptly shared the information he had.

"They are a group of thieves that have appeared recently in Hisui Region."

"Although only three people, their reputation spread quickly, or more accurately, their infamy spread quickly."

"They snatch money and items from passersby and also steal items they deem valuable."

"I’ve heard they visited Solaceon Ruins some time ago and dismantled a plate from within."

"Considering what you said earlier, the fragment Warden Xipu is searching for should be what they took."

Ash and Cynthia had never heard the name Miss Fortunes before.

But a group of three thieves, specifically those who rob various things, immediately brought to Ash’s mind three familiar figures.

Jessie, James, and Meowth.

"Miss Fortunes..."

Ash’s expression turned slightly odd.

"How come they sound so much like those three from Team Rocket?"

"Perhaps it’s just a coincidence."

Cynthia responded in this manner, yet a touch of amusement appeared at the corners of her lips.

Judging by their name and conduct, there’s indeed some resemblance between Miss Fortunes and Team Rocket trio.

But for now, the priority is retrieving the plate fragments...