After Delia recognized Serena, there wasn't much of a stir. After all, regardless of whether Ash and Serena knew each other as children, Delia had already sensed something was amiss.
Of course, the signs weren't from Ash's side, but from Serena's.
As for how Ash will interact with Misty and Serena in the future, that's her son's business.
Whether he has one daughter-in-law or two, their family can afford it; ultimately, it depends on Ash's choice.
After the photo controversy subsided, Misty curiously asked Ash what he had talked about with Professor Oak and why he took so long to return.
They had initially assumed Ash had simply gone to return a GS Ball, so they hadn't followed. How long could it take to return a Poké Ball? He should have been back in no time.
But Ash didn't return for almost two hours! Clearly, it wasn't just about returning a Poké Ball!
"I battled Gary and also decided on our next destination." Ash casually recounted his battle with Gary and how Gary had become incredibly powerful.
He kept Gary's possession of parallel world memories a secret. Without Gary's permission, Ash wouldn't go around telling everyone, even those he trusted.
After all, it was Gary's privacy, not his.
Ash told Delia and the others everything else.
They were setting off tomorrow, their destination being New Bark Town in the Johto region, also known as the City Where the Wind Blows, the recognized starting point for the Johto region.
Only by going to New Bark Town could they register for the Silver Tournament. When the Silver Tournament first started, New Bark Town was incredibly crowded. Now, after about a month, while it was still bustling, it wasn't as chaotic as before.
When registration for the Silver Tournament first began, it was truly difficult to even get into New Bark Town. Now, things had eased considerably.
"Leaving first thing tomorrow morning? So soon?" Delia's words carried a hint of reluctance. Ash had only been back for less than a day, and he was leaving again tomorrow. This made Delia, who hadn't spent much time with Ash, instinctively feel a pang of sadness.
However, Ash nodded nonchalantly, saying, "Yes, I've fallen quite behind. If I don't catch up, it'll be a problem if I don't collect all the badges. Don't worry too much about me; a fledgling eagle grows up and goes out into the world..."
"Are Misty, Serena, and Brock all going? Why don't you let Ash go alone? You can stay here. Misty and Serena can keep me company, and Brock can help with cleaning and cooking. Anyway, Ash can manage on his own." Before Ash could finish speaking, he heard his mother's heartless words.
This immediately made Ash, who had wanted to express his feelings, fall flat. So Delia wasn't reluctant to part with him, but with Misty and the others!
"Hey! That's too much, Mom! I'm your son!"
"Hehe, Auntie was just joking with you. She really does miss you! But Auntie, this trip is really important for Ash. Just wait for our good news at home. Ash will bring back the Silver Conference Championship trophy and the Master Eight Championship trophy for you! The whole of Pallet Town will be famous then! Ash will bring glory to the family!"
Misty covered her mouth and chuckled, comforting Delia.
Actually, Delia was just reluctant to part with Ash, but she was using this method to ease her own feelings. What mother wouldn't worry about her son going on a long trip?
Of course, if you stay at home for too long, your mom will definitely kick you out. The first day back is full of mother-son bonding, two days a bit bland, and after three days she'll be asking why you haven't left yet.
But Ash has only been home for less than a day now; he's far from getting tired of it, so there's no need to worry. It's normal to feel a sense of loss.
Regarding Ash's trip, Brock expressed his desire to continue accompanying Ash, as he didn't want to return to his position as the Pewter City Gym Leader.
Leaving aside the fact that Gym Leaders worldwide are overflowing due to the Silver Conference, the Johto League, as the host city of the Silver Conference, would be a real shame to miss it.
With such a major event, not going would be a lifelong regret.
At this point, there are two choices: one is for Brock to go alone, but that would involve...
The journey was incredibly boring. Deeply wounded by heartbreak, he needed companionship on his travels, and Ash was undoubtedly the best choice.
However, Ash was different now. He already had two beautiful girls by his side, so whether Ash needed him was another matter. Therefore, when Brock made his request, he was already prepared for Ash to refuse.
If Ash refused, he'd just go back to being the Gym Leader of Pewter City. Traveling alone was no better than continuing as the Gym Leader.
However, Ash's answer was remarkably straightforward—"Okay!"
Ash agreed to Brock's request without hesitation.
Actually, without Brock by his side, Ash felt something was missing. Now that Brock was willing to continue traveling with him, how could he refuse?
"Ash, you're such a good brother! Don't worry, I'll definitely help you!" After receiving Ash's promise, Brock grabbed Ash's shoulder, tears streaming down his face.
Ash was a little confused. Help him with what? Was it to help him more on the journey?
Ash patted Brock on the shoulder and said, "Don't be so formal. We should be helping each other. We're all brothers; isn't it only natural to look after each other on the road?"
Brock: ...
Looks like this kid's emotional intelligence is still so low. Ash will definitely invite him to the head table at his wedding.
Finally, the number of travelers was finalized, increasing from three to four. They would set off for New Bark Town early the next morning!
...
The fifth day of Ash and his group's journey—
In a misty forest, Ash and his companions were slowly making their way forward. For most people, it would be extremely easy to get lost in such mist; even with a map, it would be impossible to find directions.
But for Ash, who possessed the power of Aura, it was no different than having a map etched into his mind and following GPS.
The mere fog was utterly useless against the power of Aura.
"Just ten more minutes and we'll reach New Bark Town! Hang in there, everyone!" Ash called out, turning to the two slightly exhausted girls.
Misty and Serena, being girls, had no stamina compared to the two boys, especially Ash, whose stamina was monstrous.
The long journey over the past few days had left them both mentally and physically exhausted. Most importantly, there were practically no places to shower in the wild, making the two clean-loving girls feel extremely uncomfortable—a double torment of mind and body.
Now, hearing that they would reach New Bark Town in ten minutes, the two girls instantly perked up: "What are we waiting for? Let's hurry, Ash!"
"Yeah, yeah! I'm going to die if I don't shower soon!"
With that, the two girls dashed ahead, while Ash, Pikachu, and Brock exchanged glances, then shrugged helplessly and followed.
Five minutes later, Ash, who had been leading the way again, suddenly stopped. Serena, who was following closely behind, accidentally bumped into him and fell backward due to inertia.
"Smack!" Ash grabbed Serena's delicate hand, pulling her back from the brink of falling. "Be careful, Serena."
"Th-thank you... wait, Ash, why did you suddenly stop?" Serena initially thanked him, her face slightly flushed, but she quickly realized that it wasn't her carelessness; Ash had suddenly stopped without warning, causing her to bump into him and nearly fall!
If anyone was at fault, it should be split 50/50!
"Because there was a situation ahead." Hearing this, Serena looked past Ash and curiously ahead. A blue figure blocked their path, emanating a soft, light blue aura that gave off a very comfortable feeling.
However, at the same time, everyone could feel an immense pressure emanating from the light blue figure. This Pokémon's strength was formidable!
"Ash, could this be…?" Misty carefully examined the figure opposite her, then suddenly her pupils contracted, and she asked Ash uncertainly.
"Yes, this is Suicune, the embodiment of the North Wind!" Ash revealed the true identity of the figure before him: Suicune, one of the three messengers under Ho-Oh's throne, known to the outside world as one of the Three Legendary Beasts, the embodiment of the North Wind, the Water Legendary Beast!
The Three Legendary Beasts primarily inhabit the Johto region. Although they rarely appear before the world, those rare sightings almost always occur in Johto.
Even Ash hadn't expected that they would encounter Suicune so soon after arriving in Johto. Speaking of which, New Bark Town is known as the town where the wind blows; could the wind have earned that nickname because of Suicune, the embodiment of the North Wind?
"Whoa~~" Suicune cried out towards Ash and the others, or more precisely, towards Ash. The aura emanating from it gradually dissipated, revealing its true form.
It was a truly divine form, its entire body covered in clear, translucent ice-blue fur. The fur was as smooth as flowing liquid gemstones, shimmering with a delicate pearlescent light in the dim mist. Every strand of hair seemed meticulously polished.
Its physique was more slender than that of ordinary Pokémon, with smooth, upright shoulders and back, exuding the majestic aura befitting a legendary beast.
"So...so beautiful..." Serena instinctively covered her mouth, her voice filled with amazement. Her almond-shaped eyes were fixed on Suicune, even her breathing became soft, as if afraid to disturb this legendary Pokémon.
She had seen many graceful Pokémon, but none had ever blended elegance, divinity, and power so perfectly as Suicune, a being seemingly straight out of mythology.
Even Lugia's appearance didn't shock her as much as Suicune's. As for Misty beside her… thank you for the invitation, she's already getting heart-eyed.
Brock also showed some surprise, but he was more concerned about why Suicune would deliberately appear before them.
Was it for Ash? After all, Ash was chosen by Ho-Oh!
"Want to battle?" Ash asked, surprising everyone by Suicune's call. Misty was stunned.
"Hey, Ash, are you really going to challenge Suicune? Isn't that a bit too rash? Although Ash is very strong, defeating Suicune is probably unrealistic. It's a legendary Pokémon!"
Unless Ash uses Mewtwo, there's practically no chance of winning, but using Mewtwo… that's a bit like bullying a Pokémon.
"It wasn't me who suggested it, it was Suicune," Ash said, shaking his head.
This time, it wasn't that he was really craving battles; Suicune had actually asked to battle him. Even he found this a bit strange. A legendary Pokémon appearing before him just to battle him?
No one would believe such a thing.
"Whoa~~"
"You mean, this is Ho-Oh's test? Only by defeating the three legendary Pokémon can one be qualified to challenge Ho-Oh? I see. Does Ho-Oh think I'm qualified to accept the test? Then come on, Suicune! Let's battle!" Suicune's words cleared up Ash's confusion.
He had been wondering how Suicune knew his location if it had specifically sought him out. Now everything made sense.
Suicune probably sensed the Rainbow Feather on him. The Rainbow Feather was still inside Charizard, and Ash always carried Charizard with him. Even through a Poké Ball, sensing the Rainbow Feather wouldn't be difficult for Suicune.
"Huh?! Challenging Ho-Oh?! Is it the legendary Ho-Oh?"
Of the entire team, only Serena was unaware of Ash's connection to Ho-Oh. After all, Ash hadn't had a chance to tell Serena about Ho-Oh along the way.
He couldn't very well tell Serena everything that had happened during their journey, could he? However, Ash didn't intend to hide it from Serena, so after Suicune's words, he proactively explained it to everyone.
"I'll tell you about Ho-Oh later, Serena. I'll defeat Suicune first!" Hearing this, Serena nodded, then stepped back along with Brock and Misty.
Suicune let out a long roar, and the surrounding mist instantly dissipated, revealing a perfectly clear arena in the center. A little further away from Ash and the others, mist still clung to the area, surrounding the hollow center, making it look as if a battleground had been specially cleared out.
"Then this battle is in your hands, Pikachu!"
"Pika Pika!!"