Not being caught in a Poké Ball… really doesn't count as being released. Compared to Ash's previous releases of Pokémon like Lapras and Pidgeot, Larvitar was never truly one of Ash's Pokémon. So… there was no need to use the title of "The One Who Releases" this time.
[Lance:] But I think Black Ash could have befriended that Larvitar… With his abilities, he could have healed Larvitar's mental trauma without even needing the Unown's help!
[Ash:] To be honest… I don't even have thoughts of 'catching up' to my other self anymore. I have to try, but whether I actually can… I'm not sure at all.
[Ash:] After the other me reached the Silver Conference, he practically became superhuman! The sheer versatility of his Aura power is just outrageous!
Aura power is indeed a potent ability, but no matter how strong… in Black Ash's hands, it's on a whole other level! Fighting, communicating with Pokémon, having his attributes altered by Unown—he can change them at will—and many other abilities… Ash is certain that even if he awakened his own Aura power, he probably couldn't develop so many fancy applications within a year. What's more, his other self didn't develop them in a year, but over who knows how many years. The only thing known is that the other self must have developed his Aura power by age eight, otherwise, how could he have competed with an Elite Four member at eight! Hmm… well, it seems that other self's physical prowess isn't too shabby either.
In short… Black Ash spent more than ten times the time and effort that he has now! How could he possibly catch up to Black Ash in a short period? Did watching Black Ash's experiences just give him direction for the future? So, right now, Ash has no illusions about catching up to Black Ash… It's laughable to even think he could! But at least… at least he can close the gap a little!
The white screen turned dark, and the black screen lit up once more.
...
In the Black World —
Ash and his party left the water city and headed for Rustboro Town. Their general trajectory was similar to the White World's. They were also entrusted by Professor Elm to go to the Oceanic Research Institute to retrieve a Pokémon Egg. But upon seeing the research institute, a strange look crossed Ash's face.
"What's wrong, Ash? Is there something off about this institute?" Brock asked, noticing Ash's odd expression.
"Hmm… Nothing's wrong with the institute. It's just… it seems my Dragonite just happened to bring his flock here."
"Dragonite? Oh! The Dragonite you caught in the Orange Islands, right?" Brock was momentarily puzzled, as he hadn't accompanied Ash on the Orange Islands journey, but Ash had told him about it, so he caught on quickly.
"Leader… Could it be, Ash, that your Dragonite has become the leader of those Dragonite?" Misty asked with some surprise. Since Ash used the term "leader," it meant the little Dragonite was already the head of its flock? That was incredibly fast progress!
Ash nodded, confirming Misty's thoughts. "I always believed that little guy had the potential to surpass his kin. Even without me, he is an outstanding Pokémon! He mentioned they'd be in Johto's waters. I was wondering when I'd see him again, but I didn't expect… the reunion would come so soon!" As he spoke, Ash grew a little excited. Being able to see the Dragonite he'd raised from an egg again made him feel like a proud father. He wondered how much that once-obedient little guy in his team had grown now…
Basically, every so often, Dragonite would chat with Ash. While Ash hadn't witnessed Dragonite's growth firsthand, he'd heard all about it. However, without seeing it for himself, he couldn't fully grasp how far the other had come!
"Let's go! Hurry!" With that, Ash took the lead and ran ahead. The other three exchanged glances and shook their heads helplessly. An excited Ash like this… was a rare sight.
Soon, the four arrived at the Pokémon Dream Ocean Research Center and met the institute's director—a gentle, mature big sister named Cissy. Cissy's appearance directly triggered Brock's old habits and, simultaneously, Sabrina's psychic reflexes… The moment Brock made a move, Sabrina's psychic power caught him. It was a conditioned reflex. In just a few months, they'd trained Sabrina into having this conditioned reflex. Brock could really be proud of himself.
...
[Sabrina:] …Why am I so practiced at this?
[Misty:] It's normal. If you weren't here, Sabrina, my instinct would be to pull his ear.
[Misty:] The reason we react subconsciously is that we don't want to be too embarrassed… After all, whose partner rushes to flirt with a pretty woman the moment he sees one!
[Sabrina:] …Same.
Sabrina took a moment to put herself in her video-self's shoes and immediately understood the exaggerated conditioned reflex. Brock is so embarrassing! Letting him embarrass himself like that… wouldn't just shame Brock, but them too! For their own sakes and for Ash's, they couldn't let Brock do this!
[Brock:] What's so shameful about it…? Don't I have the freedom to pursue love?!
[Misty:] Who could ever fall for someone like you?!
[Gary:] Well… Brock, you certainly think big! If Ash weren't a complete blockhead, he might have been influenced by you.
[Ash:] Who are you calling a blockhead?!
[Caitlin:] It's not all about being a blockhead. Ash's standards for romance aren't that high~ Look at Black Ash. He's emotionally intelligent and surrounded by beauties. Doesn't he have a sizable harem?
Given Black Ash's qualities, if he wanted a harem, who knows how many would line up. Gary could have six girlfriends not just because he's good at picking up girls, but also because Professor Oak is his grandfather. And Black Ash… he himself is an incredibly powerful Trainer. In this world… powerful Trainers do have certain privileges…
Gary curled his lip and didn't refute. Compared to others… Black Ash's girls all came to him on their own. Though Black Ash currently has fewer girlfriends than him, that's because Black Ash never takes the initiative. Even so… there are already four now. So Caitlin was right; Black Ash doesn't have a strong drive for romance. At least not as strong as his drive for strength…
...
In the Black World —
Brock's behavior left Ash speechless, but under the watchful eyes of Sabrina and Misty, even if Brock couldn't change his ways, at least he wouldn't cause trouble for others for the time being.
After preliminary greetings, Ash looked toward the flock of Dragonite in the distance. The Dragonite group was also stunned upon seeing Ash, then all looked to the Dragonite in the center. The central Dragonite appeared slightly more youthful than the others, as if it had just reached maturity. Ash also looked at it with proud eyes, then spread his arms.
"Long time no see, Dragonite!"
"Woooh~~"
Dragonite was dazed for a few seconds, then cheered happily, swiftly swimming up to Ash. It stretched out its slender neck and rested its head directly on Ash's shoulder, pure joy written on its face.
"Haha, you've grown so much… Hearing about it and seeing it really are different." Ash released Dragonite, and the two looked at each other. The former was also observing the latter's changes. Its youthful face had matured considerably, its body had grown larger, and the biggest change was its strength… In just a few months, without his direct help, Dragonite had gone from a beginner Gym-level to a high Gym-level! Even though it was only two minor tiers, for ordinary Pokémon, improving those two tiers might take half a year, even a full year. And that's with a Trainer's help. This showed just how powerful Ash's Dragonite's talent was. Of course, before parting, Ash had left Dragonite with a training regimen, and its diligence and relentless training played a huge part too. Otherwise, even with great talent, it wouldn't have reached this level.
"Dragonite… will you come with us next?" Ash invited Dragonite. They had agreed during their parting that the young Dragonite would stay with its flock—partly to make up for the lack of family companionship before, and partly to let it spend its youth happily among its kin. Though Dragonite's face still held a hint of youth, there was no doubt it had fully entered maturity. In other words… it was time for their agreement!
Of course, even if Dragonite didn't follow him, Ash wouldn't say anything. After all, its family was here.
"Woooh~woo~"
At Ash's invitation, Dragonite nodded directly, then turned and chirped twice. Father, Mother, I'm going to continue my journey with Ash. I leave the flock to you. Between its family and Ash, Dragonite chose Ash without hesitation. Blood is thicker than water, but Ash had saved Dragonite when it was young, taught it, and during their time together, they had forged a solid bond. It wanted to repay Ash and continue staying with him… So in the end, Dragonite chose to continue traveling with Ash!
The expressions on Dragonite's family members' faces were complex, but they still nodded in agreement. Perhaps… this was something they had long since accepted.
"Thank you, everyone, for entrusting Dragonite to me… I will definitely take him to the pinnacle of the world!" Ash stroked Dragonite's smooth forehead, then bowed to the distant Dragonite flock—both a thank you and a promise!
Thus, Dragonite successfully returned to Ash's side! Presumably, at the Silver Conference… it would show the world just how powerful it was!
PS: I've been releasing chapters daily . Honestly, it hurts seeing almost no support on Patreon after all that work.If you're enjoying the fic, even a little, supporting me would mean a lot. It helps a student stay independent .
complete fic (soon all chapters will be added ) are already up on Patreon → patreon.com/Sagamaster789
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Sagamaster789