"Oh?"
Ash stopped walking.
His gaze met Leaf's bright, clear eyes.
In those eyes danced not just the liveliness of a young girl, but something deeper—like a dream taking shape.
"Go ahead," he said calmly, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity.
Leaf didn't keep him in suspense.
She got straight to the point.
"Ash, did something awaken in you recently?"
"Like… a special talent? Something kind of like those superpowered people we see on TV, but different?"
She was referring, of course, to the mysterious power Ash had shown during his battle today.
Right now, Pikachu's strength wasn't supposed to be enough to beat Gary's Squirtle.
And yet…
The outcome of a Pokémon battle has never been decided by a Pokémon's strength alone.
It's the Trainer who tips the scales.
That instant one-hit knockout earlier had made it clear—
Ash possessed something far beyond normal Trainer strength.
"Of course~"
Leaf playfully winked before Ash could deny anything.
"Whether you admit it or not doesn't matter."
"What I wanted to say is that even though most people are born with these kinds of powers…"
"It's not impossible to gain one later in life."
"Not far from Pallet Town, in Viridian City, there's a forest."
"It's said that Trainers fated to do so can receive a very special power there."
"They call it the Power of Viridian."
"That power allows you to connect with Pokémon on a deep level."
"You can even heal their injuries without using medicine."
As she said that, Leaf clenched her small fists.
"My first destination is Viridian City!"
"I'm going to get that power!"
"Ash, do you want to travel together?"
She finally spoke her real reason for coming.
Like many of the other students, Leaf wanted to team up with Ash for their journey.
But unlike the others, whose desire came only after witnessing his victory today, Leaf had already decided long ago.
No matter what happened today, she had always planned to invite Ash to join her.
It was part of a childhood promise.
"Sounds like you know a lot about these kinds of powers."
Ash looked at her with interest.
She'd guessed his trait-based abilities just from today's battle.
And now she was bringing up the Power of Viridian?
She must've done her research.
Leaf didn't deny it.
"Of course."
"Unlike that guy Gary, I don't have a grandfather who's a Professor."
"And I'm not like you or Lance, born with natural power."
She gave a shrug, and for the first time, a hint of frustration flashed across her normally cheerful face.
"No choice, right? So I'll just work harder than everyone else~"
Then that frustration transformed.
Into determination.
"After all, I want to be Champion too!"
Leaf laid her dream bare.
And from her words, Ash could feel her resolve.
It made him smile.
Good.
A Trainer full of fire.
That honest ambition, that stubbornness that refused to submit despite the gap, that pure passion willing to give everything for a dream…
All of it shone brilliantly.
Traveling with someone like that wouldn't be boring.
"Of course, if you don't want to…"
Seeing Ash silent but smiling, Leaf suddenly realized how embarrassing her speech had been.
She started to backtrack.
"If you don't want to travel with me, I'll just go alone…"
But before she could finish, Ash cut her off.
"See you tomorrow morning."
No drawn-out promises.
Just simple words.
He didn't wait for her response, either.
He casually waved behind him, turned around, and walked away.
His silhouette stretched long in the sunset.
Steady.
That single moment made the girl behind him light up.
Her eyes sparkled.
He agreed.
Ash actually agreed!
Starting tomorrow, they'd be travel companions!
And just as Leaf's heart thumped wildly with excitement, nearly making her jump on the spot—
"Kreeeeeee!"
A piercing, echoing cry shattered the peaceful twilight.
The sound was sacred.
Ancient.
As if it came from beyond the clouds, straight into the soul.
Ash froze and snapped his head upward.
"Kreeeeeee!"
High above Pallet Town, a massive golden silhouette glided across the sky.
Its great wings stirred the clouds with every beat.
Under the setting sun, its entire body shimmered in rainbow light.
Brilliant, majestic, and divine beyond words.
[Ding! System Notification: Legendary Pokémon detected—Ho-Oh!]
[Ho-Oh: A sacred beast symbolizing the sky and rainbows, known to possess the power to resurrect the dead. It only appears before Trainers it deems righteous. According to legend, those who see it are blessed with eternal happiness.]
[Traits: Rainbow Miracle (Gold), Life Rebirth (Gold), Flames of Nirvana (Gold), Blessing of Joy (Gold).]
As the panel appeared in Ash's mind, time seemed to slow.
Ho-Oh's sudden arrival felt like it had been summoned for the two young Trainers who had just made a promise to begin their journey.
"Kreeeeeee!"
The majestic cry rang out again.
Then—
A single glowing feather broke free from the tail of the radiant Ho-Oh.
It shimmered with the colors of the rainbow, floating like a living snowflake.
Carried gently by the wind, it drifted downward.
Toward Ash.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host has obtained the Rainbow Feather!!]
[End of Chapter]