Chapter 122: Bonfire Festival, Faith and Legends
"That's right, Ash is exactly that kind of person," Natsu nodded naturally.
"Uh..." Lara wanted to say sothing but couldn't find the words.
"Go on, ride her Ponyta!"
Encouraged by Natsu, Ash took the reins and t Ponyta's gaze.
After a mont, Ash swung onto its back.
"Wow, I did it!"
He turned to share his joy but realized everyone had disappeared.
Creak~
The door swung wide. Misty, Brock, and Giselle each entered, holding a Pokémon.
A Staryu of Misty, a Starmie lent to Brock, and the Horsea lent to Giselle.
Three Water-type Pokémon, all aid at Ash.
"Hey, you didn't get burned!" Misty said in surprise.
"."
"Ash, I'm counting on you," Lara stepped forward from behind them, looking at Ash sincerely.
She knew her Ponyta's temperant best; it took two full days for her to earn its trust.
"Don't worry, Miss Lara. Since you're letting us stay overnight, I'll make sure we win!"
Ash clenched his fist. The reins tightened suddenly, making Ponyta frown.
With a flick of its hind legs, Ash was thrown off.
"Ow!" Ash fell to the ground.
"Looks like Miss Lara needs to teach him so basic riding first," Misty said, covering her face.
"Let's go to the bonfire festival. There's a large open space there, perfect for lessons," Lara suggested with a smile.
Soon, the group arrived at the bonfire festival.
"On the day before the competition, we hold a bonfire festival. It's our tradition," Lara explained with a smile.
There were dozens of bonfires of all sizes.
The largest bonfire had a high platform.
"What's that?" Ash asked, pointing at the platform while holding Ponyta.
"That platform is where our ranch chief makes the oath."
"Oath… is it like a ritual?" Natsu asked, intrigued.
From what he knew, many tribal rituals involved legendary Pokémon in so way.
"Yes. The great God of Hunting and Abundance, and the God of Breeding, bless the Laramie Ranch with continued prosperity!"
Lara said, pressing her hands together at her chest. The firelight reflected her sincere gaze.
What the…?
Natsu was baffled. He had never heard of these two Pokémon before.
Respecting traditions, he didn't ask further and focused on an elder on the platform.
The elder's body was covered with colorful juices, feathers scattered around his head like a hat.
He held a bell in his hand.
With a swing, a clear chi echoed through the night sky.
Natsu stared at the bell, surprised that such a small object could make such a sound.
Using telekinesis, he discovered it was actually a mini speaker shaped like a bell.
"Keeping up with the tis," Natsu shook his head and glanced at the detectors in his hand.
He hadn't found Diglett yet and planned to combine the detectors into a stronger version.
At least the sound of Tauros running wouldn't affect the results.
Suddenly, Natsu looked up. So of the elder's words caught his attention.
"Thanks to the God of Breeding, who transforms into various forms to diate conflicts among the grassland Pokémon…"
Natsu's expression grew strange.
Had w acted as a diator here for so ti?
As for why the Laramie Ranch considered w, the one in charge of Gene Authority, as the God of Breeding, Natsu had no idea.
But from this, he could make a guess.
The so-called God of Abundance and Hunting was probably another legendary Pokémon that had stayed here at so point.
Because it had helped the Laramie Ranch, its deeds were passed down, and it gained that title.
"Finally, we thank the alliance-designated supporting sponsor of the Laramie Ranch!"
"Mr. Giovanni, CEO of Rocket Co., for your help and infrastructure support for the Laramie Ranch!"
When the chief finished speaking, Natsu looked up sharply.
Recalling w earlier, he felt sothing was off.
"Team Rocket!" Misty exclaid.
"Miss Lara, isn't Team Rocket the villainous group that steals other people's Pokémon?" Ash asked, confused.
"Ah?"
Lara tilted her head, not fully understanding.
"Team Rocket also has many legitimate businesses," Natsu's voice sounded.
Moreover, Team Rocket had countless connections with many Kanto families, making it hard for the League to act.
As long as the market existed, organizations like Team Rocket could never be completely eliminated.
Wildfires can't be fully extinguished; new growth always cos with spring.
Without Team Rocket, other evil organizations in the region would seize the opportunity to infiltrate Kanto.
If rival organizations fought over territory, the Kanto region would suffer far worse consequences than Team Rocket alone.
So the League's current strategy is to turn a blind eye, keep Team Rocket under control, and even use them if possible.
"But… but!" Ash wanted to say more, but didn't know how to explain.
"In one word, do you think owth and the others treat other people's Pokémon well?" Natsu asked.
"No." Ash and Misty shook their heads.
"Are they bad people?"
"Yes!" Ash and Misty nodded.
"Do they treat their own Pokémon well?"
"Yes." Ash and Misty thought for a mont, then nodded blankly.
"Are they good people?"
"...Yes?" Ash and Misty exchanged a glance, each confused.
So contradictory.
Natsu didn't explain further, letting Ash and Misty think for themselves.
At this age, they saw the world purely in black and white.
Nearby, Brock stared at the fire, nodding and shaking his head at the sa ti.
"What are you all talking about?"
A clear, professional voice spoke.
The group turned to see Nash.
"Hello, Natsu. I'm Nash."
The mont he saw Natsu, he stepped forward confidently to shake hands.
"Mr. Nash!" Ash and Misty snapped back to attention and stood to greet him.
"There aren't many acquaintances at the other bonfires. Can I join you?" Nash said, sitting across from Natsu.
Behind him, a black-haired girl with a large cara also sat down.
Under the cara, two small Magnemite hovered, easing her burden.
The girl seed shy, keeping her head down as she fiddled with the cara.
"Mr. Nash, could you introduce us?" Natsu handed over his business card.
He sensed this host was talented.
"Ha, this is my partner, responsible for directing the matches," Nash said, gesturing to the black-haired girl.
She looked up, stamring:
"I-I'm Helen Scott. Please take care of ."
"So you're the director that Nagasuke was talking about? I didn't expect that… I always thought you were a guy," Ash said, realizing.
"By the way, Miss Helen, are you and Nagasuke a couple?" Misty leaned in with a gossiping expression.
You can read more (around 100 free chapters) of Natsu's adventure ad-free at [sravenarchives/book/pokemon-who-let-him-leave-pallet-town]. Bulk uploads is a ss here, so updates here might be irregular.
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