Chapter 122: Bonfire Festival, Faith and Legends
"That's right, Ash is exactly that kind of person," Natsume nodded naturally.
"Uh..." Lara wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.
"Go on, ride her Ponyta!"
Encouraged by Natsume, Ash took the reins and met Ponyta's gaze.
After a moment, 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 aimed 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 temperament 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 some 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?" Natsume asked, intrigued.
From what he knew, many tribal rituals involved legendary Pokémon in some 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…?
Natsume 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 chime echoed through the night sky.
Natsume 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 times," Natsume 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, Natsume looked up. Some of the elder's words caught his attention.
"Thanks to the God of Breeding, who transforms into various forms to mediate conflicts among the grassland Pokémon…"
Natsume's expression grew strange.
Had Mew acted as a mediator here for some time?
As for why the Laramie Ranch considered Mew, the one in charge of Gene Authority, as the God of Breeding, Natsume 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 some 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, Natsume looked up sharply.
Recalling Mew earlier, he felt something was off.
"Team Rocket!" Misty exclaimed.
"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," Natsume'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 comes 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 Meowth and the others treat other people's Pokémon well?" Natsume 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 moment, then nodded blankly.
"Are they good people?"
"...Yes?" Ash and Misty exchanged a glance, each confused.
So contradictory.
Natsume 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 same time.
"What are you all talking about?"
A clear, professional voice spoke.
The group turned to see Nash.
"Hello, Natsume. I'm Nash."
The moment he saw Natsume, 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 Natsume.
Behind him, a black-haired girl with a large camera also sat down.
Under the camera, two small Magnemite hovered, easing her burden.
The girl seemed shy, keeping her head down as she fiddled with the camera.
"Mr. Nash, could you introduce us?" Natsume 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, stammering:
"I-I'm Helen Scott. Please take care of me."
"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 Natsume's adventure ad-free at [https://ravenarchives.com/book/pokemon-who-let-him-leave-pallet-town]. Bulk uploads is a mess here, so updates here might be irregular.