Ash watched Eichi disappear from view. Though he was deeply reluctant to part, he still forced a smile.
Professor Oak sighed beside him. "Ash, you need to work hard too. Once Eichi leaves, he'll soon soar to great heights."
"He's one of the most promising Trainers I've ever seen."
"Of course, you are too, Ash, so you need to keep at it."
Professor Oak's few words set Ash's blood boiling, and he shouted, "I'll definitely become Champion!"
"Brock, Misty, we're leaving tomorrow. It's time for us to hit the road too."
Brock and Misty nodded in agreement.
A new journey awaited them.
Having left Pallet Town, Eichi rode his bicycle through the forest.
He had already been away from Pallet Town for three days. In a few more days, he would reach Tokiwa City. He would first go home to pick up Joltik and Volcarona, then head to Cerulean City and take a ferry to Indigo Plateau.
But he was in no hurry to return to Inspector School.
He planned to use this stretch of the journey to further train his Pokémon's practical combat abilities.
He had already asked Director Zhi Guan for leave from the school, taking three months off.
During this time, he would stay out in the wild and battle wild Pokémon for practical experience.
That would allow him to improve quickly. Besides, he was not short on money now, and basic training was no longer of much use.
What he needed was real combat training. Time was pressing, and he had to undergo a comprehensive upgrade before the Elite Four Selection Match.
Especially since no one could possibly have only six Pokémon in the Elite Four Selection Match.
Most people would prepare two or even three lineups to face any opponent.
But he could not