Upon arriving at the laboratory, May decided to freshen up first. After all, she was soaked all over and felt thoroughly uncomfortable, so she wanted to wash up before choosing her first Pokémon. Natsuki felt the same way. Although she hadn't been hit by Mudkip's Water Gun, she had been frightened into sitting on the ground by the Poochyena earlier, leaving her covered in dirt and mud. She too decided to clean up and change.
Ash didn't mind at all. After dropping off his luggage, he planned to walk around the surroundings of the laboratory with Pikachu until May and Natsuki came out.
Professor Birch's laboratory wasn't as large as Professor Oak's, and Ash and Pikachu finished walking around it in no time. Glancing inside and seeing that May and Natsuki weren't done yet, Ash decided it would be better to squeeze in some training. No matter where he went these days, Ash always made time to practice, keeping his Pokémon in top fighting shape.
Chapter 36