"Still, no matter what," Ash continued, looking at Pidgeotto with a confident smile,
"I'm certain you're not far from evolving into your final form—Pidgeot. Before that happens, I plan to help you learn two high-tier signature moves."
"They are the Flying-type Hurricane, and the Normal-type Hyper Beam."
"Both are long-range special attacks, and they're also your same-type moves. Whether now or in the future, they'll always be your core finishing moves—the kind you rely on when it's time to deal real damage."
"Pidgeotto—"
Hearing this, Pidgeotto's eyes lit up with unmistakable yearning.
Seeing that expression, Ash smiled slightly.
A Pokémon's desire to grow stronger was always something that made him genuinely happy.
[Ding! TM successfully used. Pidgeotto learned Hurricane and Hyper Beam!]
Over this period of running the skill web store, Ash had copied quite a few rare, powerful, and even top-tier moves from customers' Pokémon.
However, true powerhouse moves like Hurricane and Hyper Beam were still extremely rare—even for him. Every use meant one fewer left in reserve, unless he managed to copy them again from another Pokémon in the future.
Even so, Ash felt no regret at all using them on his own Pokémon.
On the contrary—
Letting such moves sit unused and gather dust would be the real waste.
"Pikachu, Frogadier—you don't need to be jealous," Ash added with a chuckle.
"Once your move sets are more complete, I'll help you learn your own high-tier moves as well."
"And Frogadier, just a reminder—your Water Shuriken can still be upgraded. When fully developed, its power won't be weaker than a high-tier move. It can even surpass them, so make sure you keep exploring its potential."
Ash glanced at Frogadier as he spoke.
Pidgeotto was now LV.35, and Frogadier had reached LV.34—both were already close to their final evolutions.
"Spearow," Ash said, turning his attention to the smaller bird,
"You don't need to worry about anything else for now. I'll help you learn the full speed trio: Quick Attack, Agility, and Double Team."
"Your task is to master these three moves as quickly as possible."
"Normally, a Spearow evolves into Fearow at LV.20. You're already LV.23 now—I'm sure your evolution isn't far off either."
"You might even evolve before your brother Pidgeotto," Ash added teasingly.
"So give it everything you've got."
"Chee-chee!!"
Before Ash could finish, Spearow puffed up proudly, wings fluttering excitedly.
"Before my brother evolves? Alright! I'll definitely work hard!"
"Chee-chee—!"
"Brother, how about this—let's compete and see who evolves into their final form first!"
"Pidge-pidge—"
Boring.
Pidgeotto replied flatly, unimpressed.
"Chee-chee—!
What, are you scared? Afraid you'll lose to me?"
Smack—!
Pidgeotto casually smacked Spearow with one wing, looking down at him with clear disdain.
"If you want to compete with me," Pidgeotto said coolly,
"then first master the Quick Attack, Agility, and Double Team that Ash arranged for you."
"Chee-chee—!
Don't underestimate me! I'll master the speed trio quickly—and then evolve before you!"
Ash watched the brothers bicker, amused.
"Valor, Lumina," he said, turning toward the shallow water of the river,
"For Water-type Pokémon, stamina is extremely important. I'm going to help you learn Aqua Ring."
"During today's morning training, your goal is to raise Aqua Ring to Skilled level."
"After morning training, during the main session, I'll take you both out to grind against wild Pokémon and level up."
"Splash~! ^o^"
"Gurgle—!"
Hearing that they'd be heading out to grind and level up later, both Pokémon became visibly excited.
They wanted to evolve as soon as possible.
Although Feebas didn't require a specific level to evolve into Milotic—only Beauty—
under Ash's influence, Feebas had firmly embraced the belief that:
"True strength equals eternal beauty."
Perhaps one day, when it truly felt strong enough,
that would be the moment it willingly evolved into Milotic.
"Alright," Ash clapped his hands,
"everyone knows today's morning tasks now. Let's begin training."
"Pika!"
"Frogi!"
"Pidge!"
"Chee-chee!"
The Pokémon responded in unison and sprang into action, each one brimming with motivation.
Some longed to evolve.
Others aimed to fully master their assigned moves so Ash would later teach them powerful high-tier techniques—
so they could dominate the battlefield when the time came.
Just as Ash finished assigning training tasks, Gary finally arrived at the gravel riverbank.
After helping Squirtle, Eevee, and Magikarp set up their own training routines, Gary joined Ash and trained alongside him.
In the original anime, Gary and Ash had once shared a love-hate rivalry. During the Kanto journey, Gary had acted spoiled and flamboyant—driving a convertible filled with shallow girlfriends.
Anyone watching back then might have thought he was a playboy on vacation, not a Pokémon Trainer on a journey.
Overall, in the original first-generation storyline, Gary had been… disappointing.
He was eliminated in the Top 32 at the Indigo League.
And that was despite being Professor Oak's grandson—
while Ash, from an ordinary family, with no resources and barely any formal education,
had still reached the Top 16.
That alone showed just how badly Gary had underperformed back then.
But now—
Ash had crossed over and taken the place of his former self.
Before even setting out on his journey, he had already become a household-name prodigy across Kanto.
And Gary, influenced by Ash, had changed as well.
He obtained his starter Pokémon early, at just six years old.
His personality grew calmer and more composed.
He studied theory diligently and trained his Pokémon seriously.
Ash didn't know how much his presence as a transmigrator had altered the future storyline.
But for the people around him—
especially Gary, once a rival-turned-side character in the original first and second generations—
There was no doubt.
Ash had changed him.
And it wasn't a negative change.
Because of Ash, Gary was becoming stronger, steadier, and more exceptional by the day.
And that—
was a future worth looking forward to.
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T/N:
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