Indigo League, Cinnabar Gym. Someone was currently challenging Blaine, the Gym Leader.
"Volcano Badge, you're mine! Graveler, use Earthquake!"
Blaine, calm as ever, gave a faint smile."Ninetales, jump up and use Flamethrower!"
Johto League, Blackthorn Gym.
"Leader Clair! No matter what, I must win this battle. With the Rising Badge, I'll finally be able to challenge the Elite Four!"
Clair smirked confidently."I won't go easy on you, BOY! Kingdra, use Ice Beam!"
Hoenn League, Sootopolis Gym.
Gym Leader Wallace had just defeated yet another challenger. Seeing the young man's crestfallen face, he quickly offered words of comfort."Take it like a man! The Rain Badge will be right here waiting for you. When you're strong enough, come back and claim it!"
In this world, there existed mysterious creatures called Pokémon. They lived alongside humans, forming bonds of friendship, serving as loyal partners. Some Pokémon of legend were said to possess the power to shatter the very earth and sky.
Those who captured, trained, cared for Pokémon, and battled with them were known as Pokémon Trainers. Most Trainers traveled the world with the dream of becoming a Pokémon Master—completing the Pokédex, collecting Gym Badges, honing their skills, and ultimately challenging the Pokémon League or even the Elite Four. The one who triumphed would stand as a Pokémon Master, admired by all.
Kanto Region, Pallet Town. 10 p.m.
It had been two years since Hayato arrived in this world. Even now, staring at his youthful body in the mirror, he still hadn't fully adjusted.
Back when he was eighteen, he had been struck by lightning. When he opened his eyes, he found himself here in Pallet Town—his body reverted to that of his eight-year-old self. No, not just appearance—he was eight years old again.
In this world, his parents were Pokémon archaeologists who had mysteriously disappeared during an excavation. These past two years, thanks to Delia, Ash's mother, his life had been stable enough. Naturally, he and Ash became the best of friends—practically inseparable.
Now, watching the rerun of a Pokémon League match on TV, Hayato's blood burned with excitement. He had always been a die-hard Pokémon fan back in his old life. He'd often wondered—how did Team Rocket survive all those explosive blasts and thousand-meter falls without a scratch? But more importantly—his dream of becoming a Trainer would finally begin tomorrow.
"Tomorrow, Ash and I turn ten! We'll get our very first starter Pokémon from Professor Oak and set off on our adventure! No hesitation—Charmander's my pick. Charizard is insanely cool, and once it Mega Evolves, it's a total powerhouse!"
Ash was just as restless that night. Too excited to sleep, he picked up the phone and dialed Hayato's house.
"Hayato! Which Pokémon do you think I should pick? Bulbasaur is so cute, Squirtle is super cool, and Charmander's not bad either! What about you—have you decided?"
Hayato blurted out without thinking,"Pikachu! I choose you!"
Ash was stunned. "Huh? Pikachu? That's even an option?"
Hayato froze, embarrassed. Truthfully, he wasn't sure himself."I don't know! I just got caught up in the moment! They always say that line on TV. But if I'm serious—yeah, I've decided. Charmander."
"Oh, I see! In that case, I'll pick Squirtle, hehe!"
Ash grinned mischievously. Type advantage 101—Water beats Fire. If all else was equal, Squirtle could beat Charmander hands down. Though they were best friends, rivalry was inevitable.
But then came Delia's scolding voice from the other side."Ash! Do you know what time it is? Go to bed already!"
"But Mom! I can't sleep! I'm leaving on my journey tomorrow!"
"Rest is important! You need energy for your trip!"
Ash had no choice but to hang up and head to bed. Soon after, Hayato drifted into sleep as well.
Morning sunlight streamed through the window, warm and holy. Yet the two lazy boys were still fast asleep.
Ash finally cracked his eyes open, groggy—"Ah! I overslept! Oh no!"
He tumbled out of bed, threw on his clothes, and bolted for Professor Oak's lab.
Hayato, on the other hand, had set his old alarm clock the night before and wasn't worried at all. But fate had other plans—the battery had died.
"Charmander, wait for me! …Huh? Why's it so bright? What time is it?"
He checked the clock—it was 3:20 a.m. in the middle of the night. By the time he truly woke, panic set in. He dashed for the lab just like Ash.
"Crap… what if Charmander's already taken? Don't tell me I'll end up with Pikachu. I don't wanna get zapped!"
Outside the lab, Gary was already surrounded by squealing girls. His popularity had always been sky-high. He and Ash never did get along.
"Gary! Gary! You're so amazing!"
Hayato shoved through the crowd."Outta the way, outta the way! Move!"
Gary sneered."Wow, even later than Ash. What's the point showing up now? Hahaha!"
At the lab door, Hayato scratched his head nervously and bowed to Professor Oak."Sorry, Professor! I'm late!"
"Well, young man, the thing is—"
But Hayato didn't wait. He dashed straight to the machine holding the three Poké Balls.
"Charmander, I choose you!"
Click. Empty.
"Then Squirtle or Bulbasaur!"
Also empty.
Professor Oak gave a troubled smile."Those three have already been taken. You're too late… and come to think of it, I don't recall you having a reservation."
Hayato froze. Reservation? Right… only adults could make them on behalf of children.
"Oh no—I forgot to ask Auntie Delia! Damn it… Professor, when's the next distribution?"
"At least two months from now. Pallet Town doesn't have many kids, so demand is low. Sometimes it can take half a year."
By now, Ash surely had his starter. Waiting half a year wasn't an option.
"Professor, do you have any other Pokémon available?"
Oak grinned slyly."No more starters. But I can give you five Poké Balls. You can always knock out a Caterpie and catch it yourself."
Hayato took a deep breath. He refused to give up.
"Thank you, Professor. I'll make do!"
"Hold on—take this Pokédex. May it guide you on your path to becoming a Pokémon Master."
At the edge of Pallet Town, Ash was already waiting.
"What's taking him so long? Did he leave without me? We promised to start together!"
A figure came running up—it was Hayato.
"Finally! You're here. By the way, my Pikachu is super unique. Hehe… though it's already shocked me three times."
Hayato eyed the yellow mouse nervously."Um… Ash, where's your Pokémon? Show me!"
Ash blinked. "What about yours? Let's have a battle first!"
Hayato hesitated. "Actually… I don't have one yet."
"What? You don't? How come?"
"I forgot to ask Auntie Delia to make a reservation. By the time I got there, they were gone! But don't worry—I'll catch my own soon. You go on ahead."
Gary was already gone. Ash naturally didn't want to fall behind. After all, their promise was just to leave town together—the rest was up to fate. Rivalry required mystery, after all. Their shared goal was the same: to become Pokémon Masters.
"…Alright then. Good luck! I know you'll make it."
After parting ways, Ash headed out, while Hayato turned toward the forest to seek his very first Pokémon.
(End of Chapter)