Just as Ash was deep in thought, the system notification chimed again without warning.
A new panel appeared—unlike the usual ones, this one had a dark red border and a different tone.
[Plunderer System – Hidden Function Unlocked: Effective Only on Female Characters]
Function Description: Through a specific type of deep intimate interaction, a trait can be plundered while allowing the target to retain the trait's power for seven days.
If the target fails to replenish energy (via specific energy infusions) within that time, the plundered trait becomes invalid.
If energy is replenished in time, the trait is fully restored (the portion plundered by the host remains unaffected).
"Seriously? That's possible?"
Ash's pupils narrowed slightly as he stared at the newly unlocked hidden function.
In other words, he could now plunder traits from female companions using a special method that still let them keep their powers—at least for seven days.
Of course, that depended on whether they were willing to cooperate.
A playful smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Interesting…"
After reviewing Leaf's trait panel, Ash glanced at his own.
Now that [Legendary Attraction Physique] was activated, a new trait had appeared beneath it—
[Aura Guardian] (Inactive).
This was the trait tied to his future encounter with Mew at the Tree of Beginning.
And yet, it seemed he was going to awaken it ahead of schedule.
"Looks like not everything is following the original storyline…"
"But at this point, that doesn't really matter."
Ash no longer feared deviations from the original timeline.
Thanks to the system, his strength was growing fast.
Power—true power—was the foundation of everything.
He was no longer the clueless idiot being dragged around by fate.
With that certainty in his heart, Ash closed his eyes and gradually drifted off to sleep.
Next to him, Pikachu's tail unconsciously flicked against his cheek.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through his bedroom window.
Delia's voice called up from downstairs.
"Ash, wake up already~ You've got a friend here!"
Ash stretched lazily. "Got it."
He was curious—who would come find him so early?
As his footsteps thumped down the wooden stairs, the sight in the living room made him pause.
Leaf was sitting at the dining table with a soft smile on her face.
Today, she wasn't in her school uniform.
Instead, she wore travel-ready beige shorts and a pale green sleeveless top, her whole look fresh and vibrant.
Her sleek hair shimmered healthily in the morning light.
"Leaf?"
He hadn't expected this girl to show up at his house.
And… she was helping make breakfast?
Clearly trying to get on his mom's good side.
Leaf had known Ash since childhood, but she never once came over to his house.
"It's probably because I've gotten stronger," Ash thought.
He could sense the shift in Leaf's attitude.
And he knew exactly why.
If he were still the same clueless Ash from the original plot—throwing Poké Balls at wild Pokémon without battling, sending Caterpie against Flying-types, trading Butterfree for a Raticate…
He'd have no chance with a girl like her.
Girls are drawn to strength. Simple as that.
"Auntie, you should lay the ham like this—it spreads more evenly," Leaf's crisp voice called out from the kitchen, full of energy and enthusiasm.
She worked the ingredients skillfully, clearly used to this kind of task.
A few neatly made sandwiches were already plated on the table, alongside a small basket of freshly washed Berries.
"Oh my, I'm just so surprised~" Delia beamed from the side.
"I had no idea our Ash managed to land such a pretty girlfriend at school~"
Her eyes sparkled with warmth and affection as she looked at Leaf.
"Auntie! I'm not his girlfriend!" Leaf's cheeks turned bright red like a ripe Pecha Berry.
"I just came today to start our journey together…"
She bit her lip shyly, but her hands didn't stop moving as she finished assembling the sandwiches.
Now that they were forming a fixed team, she wanted to show what she could do.
Cooking was an important skill on any adventure team.
"Right, right, silly me~" Delia quickly corrected herself.
"I meant such a pretty girl friend~"
But the look on her face said she knew exactly what was going on.
She'd been a girl once, too.
Leaf's little thoughts were all too obvious to a seasoned woman like her.
Before long, Ash's breakfast was ready.
"Ash, come try Leaf's sandwiches! They're delicious!" Delia called warmly.
She placed a sandwich piled with ham, egg, and a special sauce in front of him, along with a steaming cup of Miltank milk.
This breakfast was far more lavish than usual.
"Coming."
Ash sat down without hesitation under Leaf's slightly anxious gaze and took a big bite.
The bread was fluffy, the ingredients were fresh, and everything was perfectly balanced.
"Mmm. It's really good."
He praised her sincerely.
Leaf's ears flushed pink again, but her eyes sparkled with pride.
"I'm glad you like it."
After the meal, under Delia's emotional yet encouraging gaze, Ash and Leaf stepped out of the house together.
The morning air was crisp and cool, tinged with the scent of fresh grass.
Neighbors from Pallet Town waved and called out their blessings as the two passed.
The journey that symbolized mystery and adventure…
Had officially begun.
"Our first stop," Leaf said, "is the nearest city—Viridian City."
[End of Chapter]