"Build your foundation solidly. Complete your skill system. Train your Special Attack and Speed to a level I consider truly excellent."
"Can you do that?" Ash looked at Pidgeot, his expression serious despite the recent victory where it had single-handedly defeated two opponents with Mega Evolution.
"Pidgeot—!" (I can do it.)
Pidgeot nodded firmly. In the hearts of all his Pokémon, Ash carried a natural authority—they respected and trusted him deeply, never once defying his words.
Unlike the Charizard from the original story, which had grown arrogant and disobedient after evolving, Pidgeot showed none of that prideful defiance.
Because Pidgeot wasn't that Charizard.
And Ash… was no longer the inexperienced trainer from before, driven only by passion and love but lacking strength.
"Good. Then continue your training. I want you to bring Hurricane and Hyper Beam up to Mastered proficiency as soon as possible. You still have many areas that need improvement."
"And aside from skill mastery, don't forget to spar with Fearow—use chasing and aerial combat to improve your speed and evasiveness."
"Speed and evasion are your core strengths. They're also Fearow's focus. No matter what, you must never neglect training those two aspects."
These words weren't just for Pidgeot—
They were equally meant for Fearow.
"Pidgeot—!"
"Kyaa—!"
The two birds responded in unison. Seeing that Ash had no further instructions, they spread their wings and soared into the sky.
For bird Pokémon, whether training or battle—
The vast sky was their true domain.
—
With his first-tier team already immersed in training, Ash turned his attention to Magikarp and Feebas.
"Valor, Lumina—this morning, I'll take you to the river's estuary."
"We'll battle wild Water-type Pokémon there."
"While keeping your fundamentals solid, you need to raise your levels as quickly as possible. Once you evolve, you'll be able to move freely on land and join me in battles at the city arena."
"Splash—!" (Got it, Ash!)
"Blub—!" (Understood!)
The two shiny Pokémon nodded eagerly, their eyes filled with determination—and a strong desire to evolve.
"Alright, then let's head downstream."
—
As Ash walked along the riverbank toward the estuary, system notifications echoed continuously in his ears:
"Ding! Move Electroweb proficiency +1"
"Ding! Move Night Slash proficiency +1"
"Ding! Move Sucker Punch proficiency +1"
"Ding! Move Shadow Sneak proficiency +1"
"Ding! Move Hurricane proficiency +1"
"Ding! Move Hyper Beam proficiency +1"
"Ding! Move Drill Run proficiency +1"
"Ding! Move Drill Peck proficiency +1"
True Pallet Town lay at the southwestern foothills of the Indigo Plateau, bordering the Viridian Forest while also being close to the sea.
Following the river downstream toward the southwest, Ash soon arrived at the estuary where it met the ocean.
Along the way, the system constantly reported the training progress of Pikachu, Greninja, and the others.
Ash simply lowered the notification volume rather than muting it entirely—this way, it wouldn't disturb his routine while still allowing him to monitor his Pokémon's training in real time.
—
A gentle sea breeze blew across the surface of the water, creating shimmering ripples.
The vast ocean stretched endlessly before him, its scenery breathtaking.
Just looking at it made one feel refreshed—
As if even the mind had expanded along with the horizon.
—
"Valor, Lumina—focus. Get ready for battle."
After briefly admiring the view, Ash returned to business.
"Splash—!"
"Blub—!"
The two Pokémon, half-submerged in the water, nodded seriously.
—
"Since you're ready… I'll call in some opponents."
Ash activated both his Viridian Power's Natural Affinity and his Aura Power's Telepathy, projecting his voice across the waters before him.
"To all the Water-type Pokémon living in Pallet Town's river, estuary, and nearby sea—I'm Ash from Pallet Town. I'm back again."
"Same rules as before—"
"I'll be setting up a challenge arena at the estuary. My Magikarp and Feebas will be taking on challengers."
"Win or lose, every participant will receive Pokémon food, and I will use my abilities to cleanse and enhance your potential once."
"Those interested can come to the estuary and participate."
"My Magikarp and Feebas are currently at LV.15."
"So challengers must not exceed LV.20. There's no lower limit—join according to your own strength."
—
Ash repeated the broadcast twice more.
Through his Aura perception, he could sense it clearly—
The moment his message spread across the water, the surrounding Water-type Pokémon immediately reacted.
They stopped what they were doing…
And began swimming toward the estuary.
The name "Ash of Pallet Town" was already well known among the wild Water-type Pokémon in the river and nearby seas.
Ever since he had established his clinic at Stone Bridge and continued treating injured Pokémon, his reputation had spread far and wide.
Many Pokémon had received his help.
Many had been healed by him.
And in their hearts—
They remembered his kindness.
Now, hearing his call again—
And knowing he had come to train his Pokémon through battle—
They responded eagerly.
Especially one particular Pokémon—
A Gyarados that had interacted with Ash during the Pokémon Summer Camp, to whom Ash had promised a potential boost.
And another—
A female Gyarados, its partner, who had helped spread Ash's reputation throughout the nearby sea when the clinic first opened.
Ash had promised both of them the same reward.
Suddenly—
The previously calm sea erupted into towering waves.
And from within those surging waters—
Two Gyarados emerged side by side.
--------------
T/N:
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