No one knew exactly what Ash and Giovanni discussed afterward, but somewhere in the city, a certain Pierce suddenly felt a chill down his spine. Undeterred, he calmly resumed plotting his scheme to overthrow the Rocket leader.
Meanwhile, Ash prepared to depart after Gladion captured two Nidoran♂. Before leaving, Ash left the Miltank—responsible for producing milk—at home for Lillie to practice Pokémon massage techniques. After all, Lillie didn't want to feel like deadweight. Growlithe also stayed behind, having hit a plateau in its training. Now, it simply needed rest and guidance from Ash's Totem Pokémon.
Ash's current team included:
Pikachu and Meowth (who refused Poké Balls)
Chansey (rarely kept in its Ball)
The Kanto starters: Charmeleon, Wartortle, and Bulbasaur
Kirlia
Pidgeot and Beedrill
The oversized Heavy Ball resident (grown unexpectedly from nutrient overload)
"Ghost," Ash said to his spectral guardian, "I'm counting on you to protect Mom and Lillie. Gyarados and Nidoking will handle perimeter security. Oh, and someone will deliver something for you to absorb later."
"Understood. No harm shall come to them," the disembodied voice replied.
"Master Ash, I'll await your return," Lillie said, embracing him warmly before seeing him off. Lusamine, after some…private farewell time with Ash, also prepared to leave with Lillie and Gladion.
"Don't overwork yourself at Aether Paradise," Ash reminded her, patting the Poké Ball containing his giant Dragonite. "Call me if you need anything. This big guy makes quick trips possible."
Lusamine smiled, her elegant demeanor returning. "Worry about yourself. The giant Dragonite and Tentacruel incidents weren't jokes." Her expression suddenly sharpened as she gripped his arm. "If you die recklessly, I'll resurrect you just to kill you again!"
Ash chuckled nervously. "Don't worry—I'm very attached to living."
Finally, Ash turned to Lillie and Gladion, handing them two black cards. "Final gifts. These grant access to the Grand Continental Hotel's services, privileges at the Chinese restaurant, and even mercenary assistance through the Hunter Network."
"But we've already received so much…" Lillie protested, cradling her Cleffa. Ash ruffled her hair gently. "Consider this an apology for not joining you in Alola yet. When your journey begins, I'll be there. Your mother approved."
After hesitation, they accepted. "Thank you, Papa Ash."
"Gladion," Ash said firmly, "keep practicing the techniques I taught you. That Nidoran♂ is my Nidoking's offspring—train it well, and it'll become your ace."
"Yes, sir! I won't let you down!" Gladion tightened his grip on the deep-purple Nidoran♂.
Ash then dialed a number. "How's the private jet to Alola?"
"All set, boss-slash-Champion!" came the reply.
"Good. One last thing—Lusamine, meet the second-strongest Nidoking and Nidoqueen from my colony." Two Champion-tier Pokémon emerged from their Balls. "They'll ensure your safety. And Elesa? Stop pinching me—your security detail's already arranged!"
The model pouted but released her grip on Ash's backside. "Took you long enough."
Ash addressed the poison-types sternly. "Protect Lusamine and her children at all costs. Authorization granted for Toxic Touch Protocol."
Twin earth-shaking roars answered him. Lusamine raised an eyebrow. "Toxic Touch?"
"My herbal medicine studies included…creative applications," Ash said with a grin that masked lethal intent. The group shuddered, sensing the unspoken threat beneath his cheer.