Pokémon, Ash is going to become a perfect man from now on.

(This is the power of the stone tablet. If you bring it to a Pokémon now, it might only provide less than 10% of the Rock-type boost, but in the future it could reach terrifying levels.)

(Wow, that's amazing?) Ash's eyes lit up.

The dark, lumpy "coal ball" in his hand seemed to be much stronger than he had imagined.

But why is it in a lump?

A slate... shouldn't it be a slab, as the name suggests?

(To maintain their power, the stones seal themselves in different ways before being acquired by a Pokémon.) The managing spirit explains, (Unsealing a stone requires special power or an item... Coincidentally, the protagonist's aura that binds you is the item to unseal the stone.)

(Red chains...) Ash unconsciously touched his chest. As if sensing his thoughts, a chain-like force was activated through his fingers, instantly transforming the lumps of coal into a palm-sized square stone slab!

Xiao Zhi examined it carefully for a while, and behind the stone slab, he discovered a series of inscriptions carved in ancient script.

The flute music played by the one who gathers the power of the stone slabs is the music he listens to.

It was a strange feeling; even though Ash didn't recognize a single word, he was able to immediately understand the meaning.

(The inscription contained a trace of transcendent power; it appeared to be words, but in reality, it would directly penetrate into the heart.)

(I see.)

(Also, you must be careful when deciding who wears it.) The manager patiently added, (The stone tablet is essentially an item; once you wear it, you can't wear anything else... and unlike regular items, once worn, it won't leave the Pokémon's body until it dies!)

(I see...) Ash hesitated.

It turns out that the item is permanently locked, meaning this thing is a one-time deal.

But thinking about it, it's acceptable. After all, it's a treasure passed down from the beginning of creation, so it has to have some prestige.

(Okay... I've decided!)

To Ash's surprise, Ash didn't hesitate for long before finding a secluded corner to release Rockruff.

(Was the decision made so hastily...? I thought you would hold onto it for a while longer.)

(There's absolutely no need to delay!) Ash shook his head and said, (I've only caught this one Rock-type Pokémon, and it's quite special, so this is definitely the most suitable thing for it. Besides, didn't you say that the power of the Slate needs to be developed, so it's definitely better to equip it as soon as possible~)

Ash always adheres to the principles of immediacy and pragmatism when it comes to items; he uses them as soon as he gets them.

He doesn't harbor the expectation of getting bored easily, thinking that he will definitely be able to catch a more powerful Rock-type Pokémon in the future.

Even the legendary Regirock might not be as suitable as Rockruff in his eyes!

"Little one, take this with you~"

"Woof...woof!" The rock dog raised its paw to touch the stone slab with some doubt. The next second, the stone slab instantly turned into a stream of light and entered its body!

Its muscles bulged suddenly and trembled for a long time before gradually returning to normal.

Ash also noticed a special red gem under Rockruff's neck.

That thing couldn't be removed; it was like it was embedded in the skin.

"Little guy, let's get stronger together from now on." Ash smiled and patted Rockruff's forehead. The latter seemed to sense Ash's expectations and wagged its tail happily.

...

"Hey, Ash, you're here!"

In the bustling shopping mall, Misty and the three Alola girls finally met up with Ash.

Each of them was carrying large bags and bundles, clearly having gone through a shopping spree.

“We bought a lot of things, including Pokémon Beans and all sorts of accessories,” Xiaoxia said to Xiaozhi, carrying her bag. “By the way, the owner of that accessory shop said there’s a Treasure Island nearby that produces a lot of beautiful accessory materials. We’re planning to go check it out.”

"Okay, let's borrow a boat to get there then." Ash readily agreed.

"Why do we need to borrow a boat? We can ride Water-type Pokémon, and I want to try not using equipment... uh~" Lana was initially making the suggestion excitedly, but she quickly realized something.

She had heard Misty talk about her trip to the Orange Islands and longed for the feeling of riding a Water-type Pokémon without any equipment, but she forgot that there was Lillie in the group.

Realizing she had disappointed everyone, Lillie, while secretly grateful for Ash's thoughtfulness, also lowered her head in frustration...

Chapter 430 Shocking! Lillie has a younger sister, Moen's illegitimate daughter!

"Aaaaaah! A bug!!"

The peaceful and tranquil beach was shattered by a loud scream.

Xiaoxia, who had just hit a high note, was clinging to Xiaozhi, her arms tightly wrapped around her boyfriend's neck, her feet... no, every part of her body seemed to be resisting the beach.

Stunned by her sonic boom, the three Alola girls are now in a daze... The Pokémon that originally wanted to surround them also instantly fled.

When they first arrived at Treasure Island, the group was very happy. The soft sand, the lush green forest, and the beautiful scenery were breathtaking.

But when a group of 'cute little ones' surrounded her on the beach, Xiaoxia suddenly felt terrible.

"Wow, that's a really loud scream!" Mao exclaimed, covering her mouth in surprise. "I never expected Miss Xia to be afraid of cowards."

Although they haven't had much contact, the Alola children are all familiar with Ash's companions. Misty usually gives the impression of being a strong and reliable older sister, but her current behavior has completely overturned everyone's perception.

"That doesn't make sense. The Cowardly Bugs are clearly water-type... and they're probably the ones who're more scared, they've all run away." Water Lily added, tilting her head to the side.

"Even so, a bug is still a bug!" Xiaoxia shivered in Xiaozhi's arms. "At most... we just scared each other, so we're even!"

Honestly, Bug Pokémon are Misty's mortal enemies. She can't coexist peacefully with them in any situation other than battles.

Especially those with a lot of legs and segmented bodies, they were right on her nightmare spot... So the coward unfortunately got hit.

It was thanks to their timidity that they ran away as soon as Xiaoxia's extremely loud voice swept over them; otherwise, everyone would have had to continue to endure the ear-piercing noise.

Just as Xiaoxia was looking around anxiously, a Pokémon with large wings but a small body leisurely flew out of the forest, immediately attracting everyone's attention.

"It's a baby fly!" Mao exclaimed excitedly. "With a baby fly around, we might be able to find a beautiful flower field. Let's go take a look!"

"Agreed!" *2

Water Lily and Lillie also raised their hands at the same time.

"Let's go then." Xiao Zhi nodded, carrying the girl in his arms as he walked into the woods.

"Hey, put me down!" Xiaoxia struggled shyly for a while... but Xiaozhi held her even tighter.

"Don't worry, I won't get tired," Ash said with a light laugh. "Besides, there are Bug Pokémon in the forest, so it's safer, isn't it?"

"Ew...what a big mouthful of food!" "I'm choking..."

Mao and Shui Lian exchanged a glance and simultaneously revealed a teasing smile.

Lillie followed closely behind the group, her eyes darting between Ash and keeping an eye on the surroundings—she was always busy trying to keep up.

The group walked through the forest and, sure enough, came across a very beautiful flower field.

A gentle breeze carries a sweet fragrance that is intoxicating with just one breath.

"It's so beautiful here! Let's go quickly!" Mao, who loves nature, couldn't wait and immediately dragged Water Lily and Lillie into the flower field, where they wandered and played among the colorful flowers.

Xiao Zhi also thought it was indeed a wonderful view, reminding him of a beautiful woman sleeping soundly in a flower garden...

Now that he heard that, he couldn't help but start to miss it too.

Once I've finished things here, I'll head back to Kanto, and then continue my travels...

"Indeed, this place really is... Ah!!"

Lillie was walking through the flowers when a group of Pokémon like the Squirrel and the Flower Healer suddenly surrounded her. She froze on the spot and let out a scream that was just as loud as Misty's!

The shout startled the Pokémon in the flower field. One Flower Wing dropped its flower wreath and immediately became teary-eyed.

The lead butterfly fly couldn't help but show an angry expression.

“This…” Lillie’s expression tightened. She could feel the Pokémon’s anger, but she was completely pale and had no idea how to deal with it.

"She didn't mean it. If she offended you, I apologize on her behalf." At this moment, Ash and Misty stepped forward and stood in front of Lillie.

"She actually likes you guys a lot, but she can't touch the Pokémon for some reason, which is why she screamed. She really didn't mean to scare you."

“Moe…” The lead Butterfly circled around Ash, and after confirming the power of Viridian on his body, it reluctantly nodded.

"Here, this is for you." Ash put Misty down for the moment and took out a packet of pollen from his backpack.

The scent, sweeter than any flower field, immediately caught the attention of the butterfly fly, which quickly gathered it up and happily flew away.

As it left, all the Pokémon nearby retreated far away and never approached Ash and his friends again.

"Ash, what did you give Ribbon?" Mallow asked curiously. "It smells so good."

"The pollen from my Venusaur is a favorite of Bug Pokémon."

Heracross's favorite treat is more than just a snack; she'd risk her life for it!

"This... thank you." Lillie bowed her head to Ash with difficulty.

They helped me out of a predicament, but I also lost a packet of pollen. It would be really inexcusable not to thank them.

"It was nothing," Xiao Zhi said nonchalantly.

Seeing this, Mao, sensing the tense atmosphere, rolled her eyes and secretly tugged at Shui Lian's sleeve.

"Xiaoxia, there aren't any Pokémon here. Can we go for a walk on the beach? I want to try swimming with Pokémon without any equipment." Lana immediately understood and approached Xiaoxia.

"Of course, let's go~" Xiaoxia probably understood that she was trying to distract her, but she still readily agreed.

Despite her complaints, she didn't mind Xiaozhi being alone with any woman... as long as it was his own choice.