Misty and Brock exchanged glances. Brock was fine with it, even if he went back to Pewter Gym for a while it wouldn't be a problem. After all, it wasn't a farewell; they'd definitely reunite at the Quartz Conference.
But Misty felt conflicted inside; she didn't want to return to Cerulean Gym, she wanted to stay by Ash's side.
However, it was obviously inappropriate for her as a girl to bring this up, right? She wasn't shameless!
So she could only wait to hear what Ash had to say. But with Ash's emotional intelligence, Misty had already guessed what he would say...
"Of course you're coming back to Pallet Town with me! They still have to join me in special training!" Ash said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
They've traveled together for so long, and his journey wasn't over yet. Misty and Brock had just visited their Gyms to ensure everything was running smoothly and were doing well.
There was no rush for them to return to their Gyms, so naturally, they would train with him!
That way, when they return to their Gyms later, they'll have stronger Pokémon to face Gym challengers more easily. Ash could further train his Pokémon through battles with Misty and Brock.
Though their Pokémon might not be the strongest, their abilities as Trainers were undeniable. If it was two against one, it would definitely provide Ash with enough pressure to qualify as sparring partners!
Upon hearing Ash's words, Misty's face lit up with joy. Her head bobbed up and down like a pecking chick. "Yeah, yeah, we have to train with Ash. Without us, Ash would lose his best sparring partners, wouldn't he?"
Gary's mouth twitched, and he rolled his eyes, saying, "You've reached this level and you're still going overboard? How about leaving some room for others in the Quartz Conference?"
"It's none of your business. I'm set on winning this year's Quartz Conference!"
"Hmph, that's not certain. Not to mention you haven't even faced me yet. There are at least five Trainers I know who have traveled for over a year and a half participating in this year's Quartz Conference."
Gary was a bit embarrassed when he said the first part, but became more solemn as he continued.
The Quartz Conference only allows Trainers who have traveled for up to two years to participate, but in the past, most contestants had only traveled for about a year.
This year, however, there were several Trainers who had traveled for over a year and a half, and the intensity was completely different from previous League matches.
Don't underestimate the extra half year. For normal Trainers, the first two years of travel are the most rapid years of development.
Within those first two years, you might be improving every second. After two years, improvement depends more on talent, resources, and understanding.
As you advance, improvements become harder. Perhaps within two years, you can develop an entire team of Elite Level or even Professional Level Pokémon, but afterward, you might not be able to upgrade your Pokémon from Professional Level to Gym Level, even in ten years.
So when Trainers participating in competitions increase their travel time from one year to one and a half years, there is actually a qualitative leap in strength.
If it's just a Trainer with average talent, that's one thing. But if they're at the genius level, a year and a half might even allow them to train Gym Level Pokémon.
Look at Ash—a mere three months and he already has three Pokémon at their Professional Level Peak, as well as a full team of Professional Level Pokémon. But Ash has to be considered an exceptional Trainer, not within the scope of normal human capabilities.
Even if those genius Trainers who've been out for a year and a half don't pose a big threat to Ash, it's different for me, Gary, isn't it?
Isn't this just purely increasing the difficulty for me?
"Trainers who've been traveling for a year and a half… who are they? Any specific information?" Ash rubbed his chin, asking with interest.
"No, I only know one of them named Paul, who came from the Sinnoh Region. He seems to have participated in the League Conference in Sinnoh and achieved an impressive rank of the top sixteen in his first competition." Gary shook his head, indicating that he knew information about only one of the Trainers.
The person named Paul reached the top sixteen in the Lily of the Valley Conference in Sinnoh. For a Trainer on their initial challenge, that result was definitely noteworthy.
The Lily of the Valley Conference is unlike the Quartz Conference, which only allows beginners and Newbie Trainers to participate. There are no age restrictions, and anyone with eight badges can enter.
While being in the top sixteen may not sound impressive, achieving that position in the Lily of the Valley Conference is actually not easy.
This achievement alone was enough to prove that the one named Paul was a formidable rival!
And that only accounts for Paul; the standard of other participants remains unknown.
It seems this year's Quartz Conference won't be easy… Ash thought to himself, further solidifying his resolve for the special training over the next two months.
Using Aura Fusion against Elite and Champion Trainers is one thing, since they really are competitors at another level, and using special techniques respects them.
But if he needs to use that move against Trainers his own age and level, that would be outright embarrassing.
Therefore, Ash didn't plan on using Aura Fusion at the Quartz Conference. He wants to win the championship with his own strength!
...
A day later, Ash and his group of three finally returned to Pallet Town. Gary and his girlfriends had already driven back ahead of them. Gary had asked if he should come pick up Ash.
But Ash stated he wanted to return to Pallet Town one step at a time, just like how he started his journey!
Gary didn't understand but respected it, and then hit the gas, arriving back at Pallet Town by last night.
As for Ash's team, they barely reached there by this afternoon.
Upon returning to Pallet Town, before Ash and his team even got to see their homes, the news of their arrival spread across every corner of town. Those townsfolk who had once come to send Ash off all rushed out again.
Unlike their departure, where they left quietly, the returning Ash had become a big celebrity!
He was quite famous even throughout Kanto, let alone in his hometown of Pallet Town.
Almost the entire Pallet Town was aware of the incredible achievements Ash had accomplished in those short three months since leaving.
The extent of his feats made people exclaim in disbelief!
Now Ash was like someone who left a humble place and returned after achieving great accomplishments, a prominent figure coming home in glory.
Though there was still a gap between Ash and truly top figures, for the residents of Pallet Town, Ash had already become the pride and face of their town!
Currently, Ash had become the child all other parents in Pallet Town talked about, as well as the most admired role model among local kids!
So after Ash returned to Pallet Town, even without visiting Professor Oak or his own home, he was surrounded by townsfolk asking questions. Ash could only force a smile and respond warmly to everyone.
They didn't have any ill intent; they just wanted to chat and speak with someone from their hometown who had achieved such great success, and hoped Ash could also teach their children who hadn't started traveling yet.
This fervent atmosphere lasted almost ten minutes before the townsfolk finally let Ash go.
If it had been anywhere else, without using Teleport, Ash might not have gotten away even in an hour.
However, in Pallet Town, while the people were eager, they weren't insane, and kept their interactions within boundaries.
They knew Ash would want to return home as soon as possible, so after chatting a bit and taking some photos, they voluntarily dispersed.
Finally, Ash and his group found themselves at his doorstep.