"No, Master, I still prefer a close-combat style. I believe Fighting-type Pokémon can shine in the arena—just like how you overturned everyone's old view of Venusaur."
Emiya Shirō's answer made Ash genuinely satisfied. At the very least, Shirō was firm in his chosen path; he did not waver. For a trainer, that unwavering conviction was the greatest affirmation of one's efforts.
And Shirō wasn't wrong. In the current Kanto region, many trainers were beginning to imitate Ash's team composition. As a result, Bulbasaur and Charmander had skyrocketed in popularity among Kanto's three starters.
"If it's close combat, I currently have three original techniques I can teach you. All three are SS-rank at minimum. Unfortunately, with the Pokémon you have, only Hitmonlee and Primeape can learn them."
Ash's self-developed techniques were Soru (Shave), Geppō (Moon Step), and Rankyaku (Tempest Kick)—body-enhancement arts inspired by ninjutsu footwork. Hitmonlee could learn them all, but Primeape would likely only manage Soru. Due to Primeape's body build, techniques like Geppō or Rankyaku were unrealistic; weight and limb structure mattered.
"Three? Are they the same kind of movement skill your Pikachu used before?" Shiro's eyes lit up with excitement. After witnessing Pikachu use Soru, he knew how terrifyingly fast it was—almost comparable to Teleport in sheer speed.
"Exactly. The three skills are Soru, Geppō, and Rankyaku. Right now, Pikachu has only mastered Soru. It's a body-technique that creates explosive acceleration by striking the ground dozens of times in an instant."
"Primeape is too big, and her limbs are too short. She can barely learn Soru, but Geppō and Rankyaku are impossible. Hitmonlee, however—his entire fighting style is leg-based. All three techniques suit him perfectly."
"Your Hitmonlee should be able to train in this direction. As for your other Pokémon, they must wait until their bodies reach a certain threshold. Otherwise, they'll destroy their own muscles attempting it."
Ash wasn't exaggerating. Mastery of techniques inspired by Rokushiki-style body arts required a powerful physique as foundation. Even Ash himself hadn't let Shinmu touch them yet, precisely because the training was so demanding.
"I understand! If that's the case, then I'll definitely have Hitmonlee learn all three techniques!" Shirō clenched his fists, his blood boiling. His earlier indifferent calm was gone—this was the fire of a true martial artist.
"There's still quite a distance before we reach Ecruteak City. Tonight, I'll help lay the physical foundation for both Hitmonlee and Primeape." Ash smiled slightly. He knew that excitement well—he had felt the same thrill when he first realized ninjutsu-style techniques could exist in this world.
By around three in the afternoon, the group arrived beside a small riverbank surrounded by lush green grass and trees.
"There's clean water, and the environment is good. If we keep walking, we definitely won't reach Ecruteak before dark. It's better to camp here tonight." After surveying the area, Ash made the decision.
Ash and Shirō then set up two tents—one for Ash and Sabrina, and one for Shirō. Thanks to the scroll storage, they had plenty of preserved food that remained fresh indefinitely.
After finishing their setup, Ash and the others released their Pokémon to rest. Keeping them inside Poké Balls all the time wasn't healthy; they needed occasional fresh air to maintain their condition.
"Is this your Primeape? Not bad—her training isn't sloppy."
Ash glanced at Primeape, who was devouring the Pokémon food with huge bites.
The food Ash prepared was special. During one of his system draws, he had obtained the Pokémon Food Maker, allowing him to craft customized meals tailored to each Pokémon's preferred taste. Judging from how happily Primeape ate, it was clear Shirō's travel rations had been… far less appealing.
Primeape was massive—almost rivaling a Snorlax in sheer presence—round, muscular, and wrapped in a yellow sumo-style cloth belly guard. Her hands were thick and padded, clearly meant for fighting. She looked every bit like a heavyweight grappler.
"Yes. This Primeape belonged to my father. Back then… under my parents' cover, and with Primeape's help, I finally managed to escape from that place."
Emiya Shirō clasped his hands tightly, resentment burning in his eyes. His hatred toward the Chiye family had already reached an irreparable point.
At the moment, only Hitmonlee and Primeape could learn Soru. Thinking of this, Ash took out a long-unused drawing board and picked up a sketch pen.
"Master, what are you doing?" Shirō tilted his head in confusion.
"Nonsense. I'm mapping the meridian pathways of your Primeape and Hitmonlee. Otherwise, how would I know how to craft new body-techniques for them?"
With his Three Tomoe Sharingan, Ash could clearly see the internal chakra pathways of both Pokémon, allowing him to sketch them with precise detail.
Half an hour later, two complete anatomical diagrams lay before Shirō.
Many researchers spent their entire lives discovering Pokémon meridian networks, yet Ash had analyzed and drawn them in under thirty minutes.
Ash immediately began the foundational training for Hitmonlee and Primeape.
First, he had Kirlia use Gravity Field on both Pokémon—a recently learned Psychic skill. It was extremely practical, and Kirlia had picked it up surprisingly quickly.
By nightfall, everyone settled down to rest. Hitmonlee and Primeape had already collapsed asleep on the ground, showing just how brutal the Gravity Field training had been. Although Ash could use Mokuton's vitality to heal them instantly, he refrained.
The body needed to remember the training through fatigue and natural recovery. Before that adaptation was complete, healing them repeatedly would only hinder progress.
This was Ash's first apprentice since his second life began, and he held high expectations for Emiya Shirō.
The significance of taking an apprentice wasn't small—it meant that if Ash ever faced circumstances where he could not act directly, Shirō could one day stand in his place and make decisions for him.
(End of Chapter)
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