Episode 127: Just Us

Ash, Brock, and Brenda are sitting down on a blanket for a picnic lunch. Brock is handing out sandwiches.

Ash says eagerly, "Oh boy, I haven't eaten since breakfast!"

Brenda laughs. "That's kind of how lunch works, Ash."

Ash ignores her in favor of taking a big bite out of his sandwich.

Our heroes sit down for a delicious lunch, courtesy of resident chef, Brock. Boy, those sandwiches do look tasty.

Ash is about to take his second bite when a menacing voice announces, "Slash!"

Then another Pokémon cries in fear, "Marill!"

With his mouth still wide open, Ash looks up in surprise. "What was that!?"

Brock says, "It sounds like someone's in trouble!"

Everyone drops their food and rushes over to the top of a nearby hill to look down. They see a group of frightened Pokémon, including a Marill, Whismur, Fletchling, and Chipmunch. These Pokémon are surrounded by three nasty looking Pokémon. The Pokémon stand on two legs but have a bestial look to them. Their entire bodies are covered entirely by various sharp objects, including claws, fangs, a horn, and spikes. The Pokémon has stark white skin and crimson eyes.

The leader of the three repeats, "Slash!" as it beckons towards the small pile of berries next to the helpless Pokémon.

The Marill cries as it pleads, "Marill! Mar, marill!"

The opposing Pokémon shakes its head and gives one last warning. "Slash."

The other two bear their claws in an act of intimidation. It works, as the other scared Pokémon leap back.

Ash realizes, "They're trying to steal those poor Pokémon's food!" He and Pikachu instinctively prepare to intervene, but before they can, another Pokémon suddenly appears between the two groups.

This Pokémon is colored entirely black. Its humanoid body is sleek, being built for speed and agility. Its red eyes are surrounded by a rectangular patch of dark blue. Overall, the Pokémon has the appearance of a ninja. The one-legged pose it stands in further reinforces this image. It declares, "Ninjitsu!"

The innocent Pokémon cheer in joy.

One of the attacking Pokémon sneers, "Sharp…" The two stare at each other silently.

This pause gives Ash the chance to pull out his Pokédex. "Slasharp, the Lethal Pokémon, and a Steel and Fighting Combo-Type. It will attack anything that moves with a brutal efficiency. Despite this, it maintains its own code of honor that it will never stray from. Evolves into Slashogun by leveling up while holding a Samurai Helmet."

Then, "Ninjitsu, the Stealth Pokémon, and a Dark and Fighting Combo-Type. Ninjitsu are masters of stealth and blade combat. They have a strong sense of justice and will protect the weak. Evolves into Ninjato by leveling up while holding the Ninja Scrolls."

The silence is broken when the lead Slasharp leaps in to attack with its claws. Ninjitsu holds an arm out and its hand turns into formless purple shadows, which then morphs shape into that of a blade. Using its blade-arm, it parries Slasharp's attack.

While they're crossing blades, the two other Slasharp leaps in to attack as well.

Ash shouts, "That's not fair!"

He begins to move, but Brock puts out an arm to stop him and explains, "Ninjitsu and Slasharp have a natural and dangerous rivalry. Getting in the middle of a fight between the two would not be wise."

Ash clenches his fist in frustration.

Ninjitsu quickly musters the strength to force back the first Slasharp, then transforms its other arm into another shadow blade. With each of its arms, it blocks the incoming attacks from both sides. Seeing the first Slasharp rushing in for another attack, Ninjitsu leaps straight up, allowing the two to fall in towards each other, and the first to crash into them.

The Pokémon being protected all cheer.

Ninjitsu lands on the ground several feet away.

The lead Slasharp snarls angrily at Ninjitsu. It and one of the others leap at Ninjitsu to attack again. Once again, Ninjitsu leaps up to dodge, but this time the third Slasharp is already above Ninjitsu and attacks downwards, knocking Ninjitsu to the ground. The three Slasharp then proceed to beat up on the fallen ninja Pokémon.

Ash shouts, "Ninjitsu!" He pushes his way past Brock and runs forward, shouting, "I don't care how dangerous it is, I can't let a Pokémon trying to protect the innocent get hurt like that!" He runs down the hill with Pikachu. "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"

"Pikaaaaaa chuuuuuu!" Pikachu zaps the attacking Slasharp, stunning them.

Ash offers a hand to Ninjitsu. "Ninjitsu, are you alright?"

Ninjitsu looks up at Ash, unwelcoming. It gets up on its own, ignoring Ash's offer of help.

Ash suggests, "How about you team up with Pikachu and I to take down those bullies?"

In response, Ninjitsu slashes a blade-arm at Pikachu. The attack was purposefully restrained, but still had enough power to knock Pikachu back. It warns Ash, "Nin."

Before Ash can object, the Slasharp have gotten back up and leap in to attack Ninjitsu once more.

Realizing this too late to counterattack, Ninjitsu instead throws something at the ground, causing a cloud of smoke to erupt, leaving the Slasharp coughing. Once the smoke clears, Ninjitsu and the Pokémon it was protecting have all disappeared.

The Slasharp look around with momentary confusion before they realize Ninjitsu and the others have escaped. The leader snarls angrily. "Sharp." It then looks to Ash and says as if in warning, "Slash." The three Slasharp then retreat.

Ash walks over to pick Pikachu up off the ground and sighs. "I just wanted to help…"

Ash is deep in thought as he and the others are back on the road. Brenda walks up to him and says, "Penny for your thoughts."

Ash sighs. "I just can't stop thinking about that Ninjitsu and the Slasharp. That was just wrong the way those Slasharp attacked out of nowhere. The Pokédex says they have a code of honor, but that wasn't what I saw."

Brock explains, "The Slasharp perceive honor in a very different way. To them, combat and victory is honorable above all else. I'm not sure what would lead them to steal food from defenseless Pokémon, but whatever it is, it fits within their code."

Ash kicks a rock to vent frustration. "That doesn't make it right."

Brock points out, "I never said it did."

"And that Ninjitsu did everything it could to protect those Pokémon and got seriously hurt in the process." He sighs again. "I wish I could have helped more."

Brenda reminds him, "Ninjitsu sure didn't seem to want your help."

"It doesn't matter, Ninjitsu needed it."

Brock suggests, "But did it? In the end, Ninjitsu and the other Pokémon got away in the end. Everything worked out alright."

Ash has caught up to the rock he kicked and kicks it again. "It's not just about that though. It's about fairness. It just wasn't fair."

Brenda says, "To risk sounding cliché, life rarely is fair."

In frustration, Ash asserts, "That doesn't mean you can't try to make it."

A Slashogun sits atop a throne made of stone. In front of it is Jessie, James, and Meowth. Behind it is a large pile of berries and other foods. Meowth says in an overly-revenant voice, "Honorable feudal lord Slashogun, you have done well in your efforts to control this region's food supply. You have taken our advice carefully, and for that we are grateful. Control the food, control the region. Before long, this entire area will have no choice but to follow your honorable rule." Jessie and James simply nod along in agreement.

Slashogun doesn't appear amused, but it listens to Meowth's platitudes.

Then the three Slasharp appear before it on one knee with their heads lowered respectfully. The Slashogun asks sternly, "Shogun?" as it beckons towards the pile of berries. Team Rocket leaps out of the way.

The lead Slasharp admits, "Sharp slash."

Slashogun looks at them with disapproval.

The Slasharp explains, "Slasharp! Sharp slash sharp! Slasharp."

Meowth's ear lifts upon hearing this. James asks, "What is it, Meowth? What's it saying?"

Meowth grins. "According to the Slasharp, the raid was interrupted by that meddlesome Ninjitsu, but this time he dishonorably received help from a boy with a Pikachu."

Jessie grins. "A Pikachu, you say? This could be an opportunity for us." They all grin mischievously.

They leap in front of Slashogun, also kneeled in respect. Without looking up to Slashogun, Meowth declares, "Oh great and honorable feudal lord Slashogun, we know of the one which dishonored your men. He is an ignoble twerp with no sense of honor. Countless times he has used underhanded methods to get the better of us."

Slashogun looks Meowth with interest. "Slash."

Meowth continues, "And if he has teamed up with that wretched Ninjitsu, then you will be experiencing trouble."

James can't help but chime in to add, "Make that double."

Meowth shoots him a disapproving look, then continues, "The Twerp and his Pikachu must be captured, or you will never be able to restore honor to your land."

Slashogun angrily pounds a fist down on the armrest of its throne. "Slashogun!" It stands up and holds an arm out, ordering, "Shogun!"

At its command, several more Slasharp appear to join the original group. Then together, the large group all run off.

Team Rocket take glance to each other and chuckle in pleasure.

Who's That Pokémon!?

If anything invades its territory, it will swarm and tear at the intruder with its pointed fangs. On its own, however, this Pokémon turns suddenly timid.

Ash, Brock, and Brenda continue their trek, Ash still looking disturbed. Suddenly, the horde of Slasharp leap out from the surrounding area and surround Ash and friends.

Ash instinctively reaches to grab a Pokéball off his belt, but the closest Slasharp swiftly leaps across Ash's path and slashes through his belt, causing his Pokéballs to fall to the ground.

Thinking fast, Ash shifts focus and begins to order, "Pikachu, use-!"

But the Slasharp are prepared for that too. Another one leaps in and grabs Pikachu. Pikachu shouts in shock, "Pika!"

Brenda asks in shock, "What's going on!?"

Brock suggests, "We must have angered them before!"

Ash rushes at one of them and shouts, "Give back Pikachu!" He's knocked back by the brutal Pokémon.

Then things get worse when Team Rocket's balloon descends from the sky. Brenda shouts, "No way! Not them, too!"

Jessie announces, "Prepare for trouble from our allies!"

James adds, "Make it double, it's ninjas they despise!"

"To forge alliances that make us strong!"

"To sign a treaty that won't last too long!"

"To team up with others to help our case!"

"To cooperate and put you in place!"

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket helps out at the speed of light!"

"Surrender to our squad or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth, that's right!"

"Wobbuffet!"

"Mime mime!"

The Slasharp that grabbed Pikachu deposits it into a container hanging from the bottom of Team Rocket's balloon.

Brock demands, "Team Rocket, what lies did you tell those Slasharp!"

Jessie feigns innocence. "Us? Lie? Whatever would make you think that?"

James points out, "All we're doing is giving solid advice to these Slasharp and their leader. And we advised them it would be in their best interest to get rid of you!" They all laugh together.

Ash rushes forward to try to get Pikachu back, but is knocked back again by a Slasharp. He shouts in pain, "Ah!" Another Slasharp moves in to attack him further.

As if responding to the cry of pain, Ninjitsu leaps in from above and launches a surprise attack against the attacking Slasharp, forcing it back. "Ninji!"

Ash shouts in surprise, "Ninjitsu! You came to help!"

Ninjitsu ignores him, and focuses its attention on Team Rocket. It leaps in to attack their balloon.

Meowth laughs, "We were expecting you." He pulls out a remote.

James declares, "We'll be killing two birds with one stone, we'll rid the Slasharp of a thorn in their side, and we'll get a powerful Pokémon to give The Boss."

Meowth presses a button and announces, "We're stuck on you!"

A cannon lowers from the bottom of the balloon and a gooey glob is shot at the incoming ninja Pokémon. It impacts Ninjitsu, and hurls it back, crashing it into Ash. The glob also sticks to Ash. But that's not the end of it. The force is of the glob is so much that it now sends both Ash and Ninjitsu flying back, until they're hurled into a river behind them.

Jessie takes a moment to contemplate. "Hm… I think that might have been too powerful of a shot."

Meowth slowly nods. "Noted for the future."

James shrugs. "Oh well, we got Pikachu, and the Twerp and Ninjitsu are out of the way. I'd call that a win."

With that, they promptly fly off, declaring, "Vital victory of value!"

Brock and Brenda are too distracted by Ash's misfortune to stop them. Brenda shouts, "Ash!"

With both of their targets swept down the river, the Slasharp all run to hunt them down.

Brock and Brenda rush to the river too, watching as the Slasharp disappear from sight. Brock shakes his head. "It's no use, the current is too strong. They're long gone by now."

Brenda asserts, "But we have to go after them."

Brock nods. "I agree, but there's also Pikachu. I think Ash would rather us help him."

Brenda pauses. "You're right, he would. Ash can handle himself. Let's save Pikachu." They both run off in the direction Team Rocket flew.

It's Carvanha!

Ash and Ninjitsu, stuck together by Team Rocket's goo, both struggle to keep afloat in the river rapids. At one point, each of them goes around either side of a rock that sticks out from the water. This causes the goo that sticks them to catch. It begins to stretch as the powerful current pulls Ash and Ninjato away from the rock. Moments later the now stretched sticky mass slips over the rock. Ash and Ninjitsu are carried away once more, now with a stretched band connecting them.

After a while of this, the current subsides and the two are washed up on the side of the river. Both just lie there momentarily. Ash spits out some water and gasps for breath.

Ninjitsu is the first to get up. Ash follows. He asks, "Are you alright, Ninjitsu?"

Ninjitsu ignores him, instead focusing on the stretched strand of adhesive binding them together. It tries to pull it off of it, but it's stuck on firmly.

Ash tries the same and also fails. "It's no use, this stuff is too strong."

Ninjitsu transforms one of its arms into a blade and slashes at the strand. "Nin!" The blade bounces right off.

Ash scratches his head. "Huh, I guess it's too strong to be cut, too.

Refusing to give up, Ninjitsu yanks at it with all its strength. This ends up just pulling Ash to the ground.

Ash complains, "Hey, isn't it obvious that's not going to work? No reason to yank me all around."

Ninjitsu crosses its arms and turns away from Ash.

Ash suggests, "How about we both try pulling in opposite directions at once? That might snap it."

Ninjitsu doesn't seem fond of the idea of working with Ash, but it's even less fond of remaining bound to him. So, it and Ash both get a firm hold on the strand and tug with all their strength. The strand begins to stretch slowly.

Ash cheers, "I think it's working!"

Then the strand suddenly snaps back, pulling both Ash and Ninjitsu forward, causing them to crash into each other.

Ninjitsu gets back up and angrily shouts, "Ninjitsu! Ninjit! Jitsu!"

Ash, getting aggravated himself, shouts back, "Hey, don't blame me! We had to give it a try!"

Ninjitsu sighs and looks upriver. "Jitsu…"

Ash calms down as well, and asks, "You're thinking about those Pokémon you protect, aren't you? You're afraid of what's going to happen if you're not there to protect them."

Ninjitsu reluctantly nods.

Ash looks upriver too. "I'm in a similar spot. Team Rocket got ahold of Pikachu. I need to save my friend." He looks to Ninjitsu. "Look, I know you don't like me very much, but we're both stuck in this together, and we both want to get back. So how about we put aside our differences and work together to get back so you can protect others from the Slasharp, and I can save Pikachu? Deal?" He extends a hand.

Ninjitsu sighs but is unable to argue with Ash's logic. It shakes his hand.

Ash nods. "Great. Then let's get moving."

Brock and Brenda are hiding behind some bushes. Peeking up over the bush they can see the Slashogun on its throne, surrounded by several Slasharp guarding it. Behind it, Team Rocket lounges around lazily, occasionally swiping a berry or two from the stockpile when a Slasharp isn't looking. Pikachu remains imprisoned in the container from before.

Meowth suddenly gets up and announces, "What are we doing lazily lounging around here!? We just achieved our number one goal and captured Pikachu!"

James asks, "Are you saying we should get out of here and give Pikachu to the Boss before we inevitably tempt fate and lose Pikachu back to those wretched twerps like has happened so many times before?"

Meowth and Jessie look to James questioningly, then both crack up laughing. Meowth shakes his head. "Of course I'm not saying that! We're Team Rocket Invictus today! We can't be beat, and that calls for a celebration!"

James laughs. "Of course, what was I thinking?"

Brock whispers, "I don't think this is going to work. We might be able to beat Team Rocket, but there's just too many Slasharp. Not to mention the Slashogun."

Brenda shakes her head. "No, there has to be something we can do. We can't just let Team Rocket keep Pikachu."

"I agree, but we need to wait for the right opportunity."

Brenda grins. "A stakeout it is, then."

Ash and Ninjitsu walk together in silence. The Sun has set. Ash yawns.

Realizing Ash is tiring, Ninjitsu groans and reluctantly suggests, "Jitsu nin."

Ash looks to it. "You want me to get some sleep, is that what you're saying?"

Ninjitsu nods.

"I appreciate the offer, but we have to keep on moving. I need to save Pikachu, and you need to protect your friends."

Ninjitsu stops for a moment and looks over Ash, perhaps showing a hint of respect for the first time. The two move on without another word.

But as the night continues, Ash gets more and more tired. He now struggles to keep his eyes open as they walk up the river. He yawns deeply. "Maybe I shouldn't have stayed up late last night doing that special training…" He yawns again as he nods off. He quickly shakes his head to wake himself back up. "No, we need to get back. We need to stop Team Rocket and the Slasharp." He yawns again and suddenly falls asleep where he stands.

Ninjitsu quickly notices this and leaps forward to catch him before he falls to the ground. Ninjitsu doesn't seem to mind so much.

When Ash wakes up later, he looks around with surprise. "Huh? What happened?" He finds himself leaned up against a tree next to the river. A campfire burns next to him. He notices Ninjitsu off to the side, vigilantly keeping watch. Ash smiles. "You really are an amazing Pokémon, you know that?"

Ninjitsu briefly looks back at Ash, then returns wordlessly to its watch.

Ash continues, "You act all stoic, like you're a lone wolf, but you really do care about others. I think that's really cool."

Ninjitsu continues to keep look-out, not reacting to Ash's words. Involuntarily, Ninjitsu yawns.

Ash chuckles. "Guess you caught my case of the yawns." He gets up. "That nap was good for me. How about you get some shut-eye next and I'll keep watch."

Ninjitsu eyes Ash skeptically. After it yawns again, it decides there's no use in arguing. It sits back and leans against the tree to get some rest.

Before it falls asleep, Ash adds, "My friends told me earlier that life's not fair, and sometimes we have to accept it, but you and I know better. We're the same, we both know that life only isn't fair if you do nothing about it. If we work to change things, rather than just accepting it, we can make the world better." Saying his piece, Ash begins his watch, looking out in the distance.

Ninjitsu opens one eye and studies Ash carefully. It nods to itself before allowing itself to drift to sleep.

Brock and Brenda are nodding off themselves. Their stakeout seems to be going very slowly. Brenda complains, "Don't those Slasharp ever go to sleep?"

Brock yawns then comments, "Forget the Slasharp, what about Team Rocket?"

Just as they attested, they would, Team Rocket are celebrating. Somehow, Wobbuffet is at a DJ station playing techno music and thrusting an arm in the air, while Jessie, James, and Meowth energetically dance to it. Pikachu is holding its hands over its ears doing its best to block out the music. The Slashogun and its gang seem to be mostly ignoring them, but they do look annoyed.

Brock sighs. "They could at least have a better taste in music…" He messages his forehead.

Pikachu looks up towards the starry sky above and says, "Pika-pi…"

Ash is looking up at the same stars. He says with determination, "Don't worry Pikachu, I'm coming for you." He yawns as he looks around. He says to himself, "Guess that wasn't quite enough sleep for me after all." He glances towards Ninjitsu and sees it sleeping soundly. "Still, Ninjitsu needed rest too."

Ninjitsu's eyes suddenly burst open. "Nin!"

In surprise, Ash asks, "What is it?"

Ninjitsu leaps up and gets in front of Ash just in time to block an incoming slash from a Slasharp.

Ash gasps. "Slasharp! They've found us!" Following the first one is a large group of Slasharp, finally having caught up with them from before.

As Ninjitsu trades blows with the Slasharp, it shouts at Ash, "Ninjitsu nin!" and beckons to the tree.

Ash shakes his head. "There's no way I'm hiding while you're stuck here fighting! Either we run together, or we fight together!" He looks around and notices a large tree branch on the ground. He picks up and holds it like a sword. Seeing another Slasharp moving in to attack Ninjitsu from the side, Ash swings his branch in to intercept it. Catching the Slasharp unaware, he's able to knock it away. But then another Slasharp leaps in and uses its claws to cut right through Ash's makeshift weapon.

Realizing he's in a bad spot, Ash throws the end of the stick he still holds at the Slasharp, temporarily stunning it, then he leaps back just in time to avoid an attack from another Slasharp.

Ninjitsu has forced back the first Slasharp, then slashes its blade at another. It looks towards Ash, noting his determination and courage. It notices another Slasharp leaping at Ash from behind. It rushes forward to intercept it, knocking it away with a powerful kick.

Ash grins at Ninjitsu. "Thanks for that." Then his eyes widen as he warns, "Behind you!"

Ninjitsu is able to quickly pivot around in order use its blade to dispatch of a Slasharp that had launched a sneak attack against it. Ninjitsu looks back to Ash and thanks, "Nin."

Ash nods back to it. "You've got my back, I've got yours."

But despite their best efforts, Ash and Ninjitsu are soon surrounded by the horde. Ash shouts, "There's too many of them! We can't win this! But we can't give up either!"

Ninjitsu warns, "Jitsu!" Ash realizes what it means and ducks down. Ninjitsu spins around and throws several pellets which release its Smokescreen attack. The smoke quickly engulfs the Slasharp, sending them into a coughing fit.

When the smoke clears seconds later, Ash and Ninjitsu have disappeared. The Slasharp look around angrily. One barks, "Sharp slasharp!" The others obey, as they run off up-river, assuming that's where Ash and Ninjitsu fled.

However, they are actually hiding behind a nearby bush. Ash marvels, "Wow, that was awesome."

Ninjitsu shushes him.

Ash whispers, "Right, stealth mode. Sorry."

After a few moments more, Ninjitsu gets up and declares it safe to move on. "Jitsu."

Ash stands up too. "I guess any more sleep is out of the question. Let's continue back."

Ninjitsu nods in agreement and they set off once more.

The obnoxious sounds of Team Rocket's party still echo. Brenda covers her ears as she complains, "It's been hours. How can they still be partying?"

Brock remarks, "Even if a beautiful Nurse Joy ever asks me out to night club, I'm going to have to say no." On second thought he adds, "Well… that's open to debate…"

Brenda suddenly notices something and gets worried. "Oh no, we have a problem."

Brock asks, "Worse than the music?" He looks over to where Brenda points and sees three Slasharp leading the group of Pokémon that Ninjitsu saved from them before. Most of them are crying, the others look very afraid. "Oh no, it's Ninjitsu's friends."

Brenda realizes, "With Ninjitsu gone, that means there was no one to protect them."

Brock stands up. "No, there is. We're here."

Brenda nods. "It's time to do something."

They both step out into the open, holding Pokéballs. Brock announces, "Leave those poor Pokémon alone!"

The Slasharp and Slashogun turn their attention to Brock and Brenda. Slashogun growls with annoyance, "Slasho"

The three Slasharp position themselves for battle.

Brock and Brenda ready themselves too, calling upon Meteorfight and Rabbolt. The Pokémon all leap forward for battle.

Despite the brawl breaking out close by, Team Rocket's music seems to be too loud for them to notice anything. They just continue to dance the night away.

Ash and Ninjitsu hide behind a boulder as a Slasharp passes them by without noticing. Once it's gone, they begin to move again. Ash says, "It really is cool how good you are at this stealth stuff. I guess it's what you're known for, but still. I couldn't imagine being able to move through the shadows like you do."

Ninjitsu gives Ash a small nod of acknowledgement.

Ash continues, "You know, you actually remind me a lot of this guy I know. His name is the Guardian. He's a ninja superhero who protects the innocent of Tenno. He's all about stealth, while also enforcing justice."

Ninjitsu looks to Ash with curiosity but doesn't say anything.

"I've teamed up with him a few times now as we've come across each other. He battles alongside his sidekick, a Ninjato. Together the two of them do anything they can to make the world a better place. I bet you'd get along really well with him." He laughs. "If I could introduce you, I would."

This leaves Ninjitsu contemplating something.

Ash looks around as he realizes something. "Hey, we're back where we started, before we were flung into the river!"

Ninjitsu nods, agreeing with the assessment.

"Looks like Brock and Brenda aren't here. They must have gone after Pikachu." He looks to Ninjitsu. "Team Rocket was working with the Slasharp, so maybe they went back to wherever they live. Do you know where that is?"

Ninjitsu nods and beckons for Ash to follow it. "Nin." They both run off.

Meteorfight and Rabbolt are at their limit. They're surrounded by the horde of Slasharp and have sustained great damage. Brenda shouts, "We can't give up! Use Bounce!"

Rabbolt leaps into the air to try to attack the Slasharp from above, but one of them leaps up as well and uses its claws to smack Rabbolt back to the ground.

Brock tries, "Meteorfight, give them your quickest Comet Punch!" Meteorfight attacks the fastest it can muster, but the Slasharp are still able to adeptly intercept and counterattack. Meteorfight is thrown back as well.

Even with all the intense battling going on so close to them, Team Rocket continues to celebrate, their loud music making them oblivious to the brawl.

Brock grunts. "I don't know if we can do this. We need help."

That's when Ash announces, "Then it's a good thing help has arrived!"

Brock and Brenda both shout in surprise and relief, "It's Ash!"

Ninjitsu leaps into the fray, launching a surprise attack against several Slasharp at once, successfully repelling them. Ash runs in behind Ninjitsu and uses the strand of adhesive between them to clothesline several more Slasharp. The two join up with Brock and Brenda.

Brenda says, "Boy, am I glad to see you."

Brock agrees, "Your timing is perfect. I'm just sorry we didn't go after you."

Ash shakes his head. "No, you made the right choice. Pikachu needed to be saved. Besides, I had Ninjitsu with me. Speaking of, Ninjitsu's got a plan."

Ninjitsu steps towards Slashogun and starts to declare, "Nin-" but cuts itself off when it realizes how annoying Team Rocket's music is. In one fluid motion, Ninjitsu disappears with a burst of speed, then reappears next to Wobbuffet's DJ table and cuts the wires, ending the music. Brock, Brenda, and Slashogun all breath a collective sigh of relief.

For several seconds more, Jessie, James, and Meowth make fools of themselves by continuing to dance in ridiculous ways. Then the realization that the music has stopped dawns on all of them at once as they freeze up.

Seeing Ninjitsu is the cause, Jessie shouts angrily, "Hey, what gives!? We've got ourselves a party-crasher!"

Meowth adds, "And not in the fun way!"

Ninjitsu ignores them and returns to facing Slashogun. It announces, "Ninjitsu ninji! Jitsu nin jit!"

James leans down to Meowth and asks, "Meowth, what's it saying?"

Meowth translates, "It's challenging Slashogun to single combat, a one-on-one, winner takes all fight."

Ninjitsu continues, "Jitsu ninjitsu! Ninji ninjitsu!"

Meowth continues, "The loser will leave this area forever, while the winner gets to keep all the spoils."

"Ninjitsu!"

"Including Pikachu." Meowth gasps, "Including Pikachu!? No way, José! Not happening! We don't agree!"

Ash points out, "Are you sure about that? If Slashogun wins, then we'll step aside and let you take Pikachu without a fight. Isn't that what you want?"

Brock leans in towards Ash and whispers, "Are you sure about this, Ash?"

Ash nods confidently. "I believe in Ninjitsu. It won't let me down."

Jessie ponders the possibilities. "A get out of twerp free card does sound quite nice."

James adds, "And we'd be relying on Slashogun's strength instead of our own, so the odds are favorable."

Meowth declares, "Okay, we accept!"

Ninjitsu looks to Slashogun and asks, "Nin?"

Slashogun growls, then stands up from its throne, beckoning for the Slasharp to move. They all clear away instantly.

Ninjitsu grins. It then beckons to the strand connecting it to Ash. "Jitsu."

Meowth translates, "It says they can't have a fair and honorable fight with Ninjitsu still bound to Ash."

Jessie laughs. "All the better!"

But Slashogun disagrees. It leaps forward and uses its ultra-sharp blade to cut through the strand right where it connects to Ash, leaving the thing hanging off of Ninjitsu.

Ash comments, "I guess Slashogun's blade is sharp enough to cut even through this stuff. Now you can take him down!"

Now Ninjitsu and Slashogun prepare for combat. Slashogun leaps in to make the first attack, but Ninjitsu is ready and gracefully dodges away with a backflip. Once it's lands back on the ground it takes the strand that hangs from its side, swings it around in circles, then throws it at Slashogun. The cut sticks right to the Pokémon, who snarls angrily.

Brock exclaims, "Ninjitsu has improvised a weapon out of that adhesive! Now the entire battle dynamic has changed!"

With both of them stuck together, Ninjitsu walks in a slow circle around Slashogun, while Slashogun stands in place, turning to keep its eyes on its opponent. Ninjitsu leaps in from one angle to attack with a sword, but Slashogun parries. Ninjitsu leaps back, only to quickly attack from another. It does this twice more, being blocked each time. It then throws Slashogun off by grabbing the strand and yanking it, throwing its opponent off-balance. This allows the chance for Ninjitsu to land several quick blows.

But the moment Slashogun recovers, it manages to sink its fangs into Ninjitsu's arm. Ninjitsu shouts in pain as it leaps back. Sick of the strand, Slashogun slice right through it.

The fight now erupts into a clash quicker than the eyes can see. The two Pokémon leap at each other, only to bounce off of the other's blade. This continues in quick succession, each blow growing more powerful than the last.

Eventually both opponents tire, and momentarily stop to catch their breath. Knowing they're both one decisive attack away from victory, Ninjitsu and Slashogun turn all of their attention to each other. For several moments they simply stare at each other, attempting to read the other's movements.

Brenda gulps with nervousness.

Without warning, Slashogun makes the first move, leaping forward and brandishing its wrist-blade. Ninjitsu immediately responds by leaping forward with its own blade. The two Pokémon pass by each other in the air, attacking with movements too quick for the eye to see. They both land where the other once stood, facing away from each other. For several more tense moments they simply stand there. Slashogun suddenly succumbs to Ninjitsu's attack and collapses.

Ash, Brock, and Brenda cheer. Ash shouts, "Way to go, Ninjitsu! I knew you could do it!"

James shouts, "Hey! No fair! Slashogun was just standing a second ago! I didn't see any damage!"

Slashogun slowly gets back up. It angrily bares its fangs at Ninjitsu. The Slasharp all prepare for another fight, but then Slashogun raises an arm to signal them to stand down. It bows its head, accepting defeat. "Slashogun."

Meowth shouts, "You may have too much honor for your own good, but Team Rocket doesn't! We're not giving back Pikachu! No way!" All three of them make rude faces to taunt Ash.

Slashogun looks to them angrily and shouts, "Shogun!" At its command, several Slasharp launch quick and brutal attacks against Team Rocket, launching them to the sky.

As they fly off, they shout, "We're blasting off again!"

With that taken care of, the Slashogun and its followers retreat from sight as well. Ninjitsu's friends all cheer now that their oppressors are gone.

Ninjitsu smiles at them and beckons towards the large stockpile of food. The small Pokémon all jump for joy then rush to the pile and start eating.

Ninjitsu then turns its attention to the container holding Pikachu and slashes through it.

Pikachu leaps into Ash's arms, "Pika-pi!"

"Pikachu!" Ash hugs his partner. He then looks to Ninjitsu. "Thank you for everything, Ninjitsu. You really helped out."

Ninjitsu nods a wordless acknowledgement.

"What are you going to do now that your enemies are gone? I get the feeling that you're a Pokémon that needs enemies to overcome."

Ninjitsu is taken off-guard, obviously not having thought about that. "Jitsu…?"

The Marill notices its strife and stops eating. It walks over to Ninjitsu and taps it on the leg. When Ninjitsu looks down to it, Marill points to Ash and asserts, "Marill mar!"

Ninjitsu is taken aback. It asks with uncertainty, "Ninjitsu?"

Marill nods and points to its friends happily eating. "Marill marill rill."

Brenda asks, "What are they saying?"

Brock guesses, "I think Marill is saying that Ninjitsu no longer needs to protect them. They'll be fine without it, now that Slashogun and the Slasharp are gone."

Ninjitsu contemplates things. "Ninji…" It then nods at Marill and agrees, "Jitsu."

Marill happily cheers, "Marill!"

Ninjitsu then approaches Ash and declares, "Ninjitsu nin."

Ash eyes widen. "Are you saying you want to travel with me?"

Ninjitsu nods. "Jitsu."

Ash grins. "There will always be obstacles to overcome and people and Pokémon to help with me. I think you'll like it."

Ninjitsu nods in agreement. "Ninjitsu."

"In that case." He pulls out a Pokéball and tosses it upwards. Ninjitsu leaps up, meeting the Pokéball at its apex and getting pulled in. The ball lands, then shakes several times before clicking. Ash grabs the Pokéball, holds it up triumphantly, and enthusiastically shouts, "All right! I just caught a Ninjitsu!"

Pikachu celebrates, "Pik-pikachu!"

Brenda marvels, "Wow, a ninja Pokémon. This is going to be interesting."

Brock agrees, "Very."

Interesting indeed! Ninjitsu really is quite the Pokémon, and it and Ash really make the quite the team! This should certainly keep things lively, as the journey continues!

As Ash, Brock, and Brenda walk off to return to their camp, Brenda can't help but hum the tune that Team Rocket was dancing to all night.

To Be Continued…