When the silent light enveloped the entire sky.
When the long-silent screen began to brighten,
Everyone's eyes flickered slightly, their expressions turning excited.
[Caitlin]: So, are we going to watch Black Ash's performance in the Silver Conference next?
[Cynthia]: This is what I look forward to most. He definitely won't disappoint.
[Brock]: This is it.
…
Everyone spoke with anticipation on the huge screen, their eyes alight.
In the Black World —
Ash, Brock, and Misty walked toward the Silver Conference registration site.
Their eyes shone with a blazing light, especially Black Ash in the center—his gaze held only the expectation of victory.
For him, participating meant he must win.
Nothing would change except victory. Nothing would differ except victory.
No one's eyes held any other meaning now. They merely clenched their fists slowly, waiting.
Arriving at the registration venue, Black Ash skillfully signed the form, then took Pikachu aside to train.
Pikachu still wore the black training rings—an 80-kilogram weight set.
Other trainers nearby were taken aback, but since it was Black Ash, they simply said, It's normal.
[Caitlin]: As expected, Black Ash still uses the same training method.
[Cynthia]: Though it seems harsh, the results are top-tier.
[Steven Stone]: I once wanted to try a similar method, but I couldn't manage it.
[Lance]: Don't even mention you—I couldn't either.
In the Black World — The qualifying rounds would begin soon.
After parting from Brock and Misty, Ash headed to his match.
His opponents were Jun and Megan.
Jun and Megan stared intently at Black Ash, their eyes burning.
They truly wanted to battle him.
Jun stepped forward first, speaking loudly upon seeing Ash.
"Ash! I've heard of you—the Chosen Rainbow Hero. I didn't expect to be grouped with you. I won't hold back!"
"Are you ready for my storm?!"
Hearing Jun's words, Black Ash merely glanced at him and offered a calm smile.
"You two come at me together. It'll be faster."
Upon hearing this, Jun and Megan both showed anger, as if Ash were mocking and belittling them.
Seeing their expressions, Black Ash quickly shook his head and explained.
"Don't misunderstand. I'm not mocking you. I'm genuinely in a hurry."
"So, which Pokémon would you two like to see?"
[Professor Oak]: Black Ash is still a bit arrogant.
[Caitlin]: I don't think he's arrogant—he's just stating a fact.
[Cynthia]: Our Ash could do that, so Black Ash can definitely do more. It's understandable.
In the Black World —
Jun and Megan sensed the sincerity in Ash's eyes and instantly understood: Ash wasn't mocking them arrogantly.
He genuinely believed it. For Ash, this situation truly suited him.
Understanding this, they exchanged a look and nodded simultaneously.
"In that case, let's get straight to it," Jun said.
The Pokémon he summoned was a Marill.
Beside him, Megan summoned his Pokémon—a Scyther.
Seeing both ready, Ash released Pikachu without hesitation.
"Pikachu, rush in. Use Iron Tail."
Ash's voice was calm, without doubt.
Pikachu moved instantly, reaching Scyther at incredible speed.
Before everyone's eyes, Pikachu's tail swung.
Bang!
Scyther was slammed to the ground and didn't get up—instantly knocked out.
Megan was stunned. He hadn't intended to send out Scyther first, but since it was two-on-one, he thought he could overwhelm Ash's Pokémon, then decide the match with Jun.
He never expected his ace Scyther would be one-shotted.
Jun, beside him, was stunned momentarily, then his eyes flashed with fighting spirit.
"Marill, use Water Gun!" he shouted.
But at that moment, Ash's eyes gleamed.
"Pikachu, jump up. Use Thunderbolt."
As he spoke, Pikachu released a massive Thunderbolt forward.
A sizzling sound echoed as Marill resisted with all its might, but was still struck.
It collapsed, smoke rising, and didn't get up.
Another one-hit KO.
The audience cheered, but Black Ash remained calm, leaving the arena with Pikachu.
[Lance]: As expected, it's still shocking.
[Caitlin]: Black Ash's battles are so cool. How can he handle two opponents one-on-one and end it so smoothly?
[Lorelei]: They're clearly not on the same level.
[Lorelei]: In other words, the power Pikachu displayed surpassed others of its tier.
Everyone sighed and said no more, continuing to watch the screen, eager to see if Black Ash's next battles would also exceed their imaginations and excite them.
With this thought, they looked forward in anticipation.
In the Black World —
After resting, Black Ash arrived at the Silver Conference main stadium.
Upon entering, he immediately spotted his opponent: Gary Oak.
Gary looked at Black Ash with anticipation.
"Ash! I won't hold back in this fateful showdown between us."
Hearing this, Black Ash smiled softly and waved his left hand, summoning Pikachu.
Pikachu appeared, calmly watching Gary.
Seeing this, Gary didn't hesitate.
He took a Poké Ball and pressed the switch.
With a red flash, his Arcanine appeared.
Right from the start, Gary used his strongest Pokémon.
He knew the gap between him and Ash, so he couldn't hesitate.
He had to use his strongest Pokémon to defeat Ash's Pikachu completely to regain his confidence.
"Come on, Arcanine! Use Fire Blast!"
Gary gave the order immediately.
Arcanine spat a massive Fire Blast toward Pikachu.
Pikachu's eyes remained calm—an attack at this speed was negligible.
"Pikachu, dodge it," Ash said softly.
As his voice fell, Pikachu used Agility to evade the Fire Blast.
In the next instant, Pikachu rushed to Arcanine's side at blinding speed.
"Pikachu, now. Thunderbolt."
Ash's voice was calm, devoid of emotion.
Pikachu released a high-voltage Thunderbolt, striking Arcanine squarely.
Arcanine collapsed with a sparking cry, unable to rise.
Gary took a deep breath. He knew he might lose, but not like this.
He looked at Ash, his eyes filled with helplessness.
"You're stronger than I imagined. But I won't admit defeat!"
"Nidoking, come out!"
As he spoke, Nidoking appeared.
Seeing Nidoking, Ash had no intention of switching.
"Pikachu, rush in. Iron Tail."
Pikachu cried out and charged forward, its speed increasing until it broke past a limit.
In the next moment, it appeared before Nidoking.
Its metallic tail flashed and swung.
The result was no different from before.
Ash won, easily.
Though Gary was unwilling, he knew it was inevitable.
As Trainers, they competed not just on pedigree, but on effort, talent, and bond with their Pokémon.
In all these, Ash was far superior.
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