Whoosh...
Crash...
Warm sea breezes swept across the coastline.
Waves rolled endlessly onto the shore, sending white spray dancing into the air.
The coconut trees and palm trees lining the beach swayed gently, their leaves rustling softly.
Above them, a flock of Wingull rode the ocean winds, their cheerful cries echoing across the sky.
Compared to the cool atmosphere of the morning, the afternoon felt far warmer.
The sunlight bathed everything in a pleasant golden glow.
The ocean breeze had lost most of its chill, carrying instead a gentle warmth that made people feel relaxed and comfortable.
Under the lazy embrace of the sun, it was hard not to feel drowsy.
"Ash, Gary, Clarissa."
"That shop over there rents diving and surfing equipment."
"They also sell swimwear and beach supplies."
"Take whatever you need."
"Most of the stores along this beach belong to our family anyway."
After arriving at the shore, Daisy pointed toward a nearby diving and surfing shop.
Ash blinked.
"They're all owned by your family?"
He couldn't hide his surprise.
The fact that the sisters owned the five-star international hotel they were staying in was already impressive enough.
Now he was being told that most of the beachfront businesses also belonged to them.
For a moment, Ash didn't know what to say.
His understanding of the Sensational Sisters' business talents rose to an entirely new level.
As daughters of the Cerulean Gym Leader, the three sisters might not possess exceptional talent as Trainers.
But their business ability was undeniably outstanding.
Calling them nothing more than pretty faces was completely unfair.
In fact, it was practically an insult.
...
...
The group entered the diving and surfing shop.
Besides selecting surfing and diving equipment, everyone also chose swimwear and changed clothes.
The three older sisters all picked stylish three-piece bikinis.
The result was stunning.
Youthful.
Vibrant.
Elegant.
And undeniably attractive.
The moment they stepped onto the beach, they instantly became a breathtaking sight.
Misty selected an orange one-piece swimsuit.
Meanwhile, Clarissa chose a pink two-piece swimsuit with a skirted design.
Both girls looked energetic, adorable, and full of youthful charm.
As for Ash—
Because the photographer would be accompanying him and Milotic throughout the afternoon, he deliberately chose something more conservative.
Rather than wearing only swim trunks, he selected a tropical beach outfit decorated with colorful fruits and palm leaves.
After all—
He had absolutely no interest in providing special fan service.
And if he accidentally attracted the attention of certain overly enthusiastic admirers...
That would be troublesome.
Seeing Ash choose a beach outfit, Gary thought for a moment before abandoning the swim trunks he had been considering.
Instead, he picked a bright yellow tropical shirt covered in coconut trees and pineapples.
"Ash..."
"Could you help me apply sunscreen?"
A shy voice suddenly spoke up.
"Ash, me too."
Misty and Clarissa emerged from the changing room wearing their swimsuits.
Both girls' cheeks were flushed pink.
Their expressions were visibly embarrassed.
Even though they were already in a relationship with Ash, this was the first time they had worn swimsuits in front of him.
Exposing so much of their figures left them feeling incredibly self-conscious.
Compared to their nervousness, however, Ash appeared far more relaxed.
He glanced over the two girls.
Healthy.
Energetic.
Full of youthful vitality.
A smile appeared on his face.
At the same time, a trace of guilt surfaced in his heart.
Originally, this trip to Cerulean City had been intended as an opportunity to spend time together.
He had brought Clarissa here partly to meet Misty.
A long-awaited in-person meeting after their online relationship.
A chance for everyone to deepen their bonds.
Yet after arriving in Cerulean City, events had unfolded one after another.
First came the Water Pokémon Beauty Contest.
Then the preparations for Feebas's beauty guide publication.
Then Pokémon training.
Then sightseeing activities.
Before he knew it, he had barely spent any time alone with either girl.
Today...
I'll focus on them.
Ash quietly made the decision.
For once, he pushed work and responsibilities to the back of his mind.
"This beach gets a lot of sun."
"Let's go sit under those umbrellas first."
He pointed toward a nearby row of beach umbrellas and lounge chairs.
"Okay."
"Mm!"
The two girls nodded obediently.
One walking on his left.
The other on his right.
Together they headed toward the shaded area.
Once they arrived, Ash released all of his Pokémon.
"Pikachu, Greninja, Pidgeot, Fearow, Valor, Lumina."
"Come on out, everyone."
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Red lights flashed.
A moment later, six Pokémon appeared on the beach.
"Pika!"
"Gren!"
"Pidgeot!"
"SKREEE!"
"Magi!"
"Milotic!"
The beach instantly became much livelier.
"Alright."
"Go have fun."
"Just don't wander too far."
Ash smiled as he gave his instructions.
"Pika! We know!"
Pikachu immediately waved excitedly.
"Greninja, let's go surfing!"
"Gren."
Greninja nodded calmly.
"Brother!"
Fearow excitedly turned toward Pidgeot.
"Let's fly over the ocean!"
"Sounds good."
Pidgeot agreed.
"Lumina, let's go swimming."
"Milooo~"
Soon, the Pokémon scattered across the beach.
Some rushed toward the sea.
Some headed for the waves.
Others flew into the sky.
Each one eagerly began enjoying their own vacation.
Meanwhile, Ash brought Misty and Clarissa beneath a large beach umbrella.
The two girls lay down on neighboring lounge chairs.
Then Ash picked up the sunscreen bottle.
"Alright."
"Let's get this done before you two get sunburned."
"Mm..."
"Okay..."
The moment his hands touched their skin, both girls instantly became even more embarrassed.
Their bodies stiffened slightly.
Their cheeks turned bright red.
Yet despite the overwhelming shyness, their hearts felt incredibly sweet.
The atmosphere between them grew warmer.
The way they looked at Ash gradually became softer and more affectionate.
As he carefully applied the sunscreen, Ash suddenly spoke.
"Misty. Clarissa."
"I'm sorry."
The two girls looked up simultaneously.
"Hm?"
"Sorry?"
Ash nodded.
"I came to Cerulean City to spend time with you both."
"But after arriving, I kept getting caught up in competitions and work."
"Without realizing it, I ended up neglecting you."
His tone was sincere.
Misty immediately shook her head.
"Ash, you don't need to apologize."
"Just having you come to Cerulean City was enough to make me happy."
"And besides..."
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
"The Water Pokémon Beauty Contest was extremely important to Cerulean Gym."
"The fact that you helped us."
"That you personally brought Feebas to compete."
"That meant a lot to me."
Compared to the fiery and outspoken girl from the original anime timeline, the current Misty appeared surprisingly gentle and sweet.
It made Ash like her even more.
Clarissa also quickly shook her head.
"That's right, Ash."
"You really don't need to apologize."
"This trip has already given me so many wonderful memories."
"I got to compete in the Water Pokémon Beauty Contest together with you and Misty."
"We even stood on the winners' podium together."
Her eyes sparkled brightly.
"That's something I'll never forget."
"And besides..."
Clarissa lowered her head shyly.
"You never neglected us."
"You're just someone who becomes completely focused whenever you're working."
A faint blush spread across her face.
"And honestly..."
"I think hardworking Ash is the most handsome version of Ash."
By the time she finished speaking, her voice had become almost inaudible.
Yet the affection hidden within her words was impossible to miss.