"Why set a trap to frame us? This is the first time we've met, right?" Ash asked, frowning in confusion.
"Squirtle Squirtle!" Humans aren't any good!
As soon as it finished speaking, the leading Squirtle took a quick step and left Ash's sight with its gang.
Ash didn't chase after the Squirtles; instead, he turned his gaze toward the nearby town.
"These Squirtles seem to dislike humans a lot. Judging by how they set traps here, it looks like they've been living in this area for a while. Let's go into town and find out more about the situation."
Hearing this, Misty and Brock were slightly surprised, staring at Ash in amazement. Ash was puzzled by their surprised expressions: "Why are you looking at me like that? Did I say something wrong?"
"You're absolutely right... but that's exactly what's surprising. I never expected you, Ash, to think on that level. Normally, outside of battles, you're always kind of clueless," Misty said with an air of disbelief, spreading her hands.
Although Ash has always been sharp during battles, he's usually rather naive about many everyday issues. However, from the looks of it now, he's quietly making progress in daily life too.
The two of them bickered as they made their way into the town and asked Miss Jenny there.
And sure enough, the Squirtles have quite a 'glorious' record in the vicinity.
These Squirtles were abandoned by their Trainer. The Squirtle leading them, wearing unique sunglasses, organized the other abandoned Squirtles and settled near this town.
Being abandoned by human Trainers, they hold a large grudge against humans and often cause trouble in the town, making the lives of the townsfolk miserable.
Ash, Misty, and Brock all exchanged glances. In each other's eyes, they could see the mutual surprise.
Another abandoned Pokemon! And it's one of the Three Starters!
What's up with that? Are the Three Starters so worthless these days? For beginners, they're almost the best Pokemon to start with.
In terms of racial abilities, evolution, and training, they're the most suitable for newcomers. Even a Quasi-God isn't necessarily better than the Three Starters for a newbie.
It takes a lot of effort, financial resources, and countless battle experiences to grow a Quasi-God.
Quasi-Gods are more suitable for experienced Trainers, while newcomers are better off with the Three Starters.
Yet, a Three Starter, which wouldn't even be traded for a Quasi-God, was abandoned... How ridiculously high are their standards?
Ash, who could see through the talent of the Squirtles, couldn't help but criticize endlessly in his mind. If all those Squirtles were E-grade in terms of talent, having trouble learning skills and leveling up slowly... that might be a reason to abandon them, though not forgiving.
Yet, the talents of those Squirtles are above average within their species. The leading Squirtle knows many skills, with four A-grades in talent, which is top-notch within the species!
Despite that, they were still abandoned. Were those Trainers brainless?
Given the circumstance, the Squirtles' actions are understandable. The pain of being abandoned is indescribable.
"... Being abandoned means they currently have no Trainer, right? Can I capture them?" Ash clenched his fist, looking seriously at Jenny.
"Of course, no problem. But you need to gain their acceptance first. If you catch them through battle, they might not listen to your commands later on," Jenny suggested thoughtfully, lightly touching her white, tender chin with a finger.
"Don't worry, that's my specialty, right Pikachu?"
"Pika Pika!"
For other Trainers, the only way to capture Pokemon might be through battle. But for Ash, among the six Pokemon, four weren't captured through battles.
Pikachu was impressed by the show of strength in human form, Ralts acknowledged him upon hatching from the Poke Egg, Bulbasaur was persuaded by him, and Charmander was moved by his actions and chose to follow him.
It was only Caterpie and Pidgeotto that were caught through battle.
So, he has quite a bit of experience in winning over Pokemon.
After restocking food and essentials in the town, Ash and Brock also used the town's kitchen to prepare some Pokemon food.
This was jointly made by him and Brock, designed to suit the tastes of most Squirtles.
As long as those particular Squirtles don't have very peculiar tastes, this food is sure to match their preferences.
There's a saying that goes, to capture a Pokemon's heart, one must first win over its stomach. First, use food to establish a good relationship, then win them over with reason and emotion, gradually breaking down their guard until they are captured!
The formula for victory has been laid out, and now it's time to find the Squirtles.
After preparing everything, it was already close to dusk when Ash and the others were ready. It would be quite difficult to find those Pokemon in the dark, but that's only for ordinary people.