[Lance: Calm, composed, without arrogance or haste… compared to White World Ash, Black World Ash really does carry the poise of a true Trainer.]
[Misty: Exactly! Back then, as soon as Ash reached Pewter City, he just rushed into the Gym! He didn't study the opponent's tactics, didn't check his own Pokémon's condition, not even basic prep work!]
[Ash: Alright already, Misty! Stop digging up my old black history!]
[Brock: Sure, White World Ash could be reckless, impulsive, and maybe a bit full of himself at times. But one thing's certain—his love for Pokémon is second to none!]
[Ash: Wait, is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult?!]
[Cynthia: Hehe. You three really make quite the team. I'd love to meet you in person someday.]
[Brock: Oh! Miss Cynthia! I've long admired you! My heart has already been captured by your brilliance—]
Inside the Pokémon Center room—
Misty immediately yanked Brock's ear so hard it stretched a few centimeters.
"I swear, you flirt in person, you flirt through a screen—you just never stop, do you?! And who even is this Cynthia?!"
When it came to Pokémon knowledge, Misty and Ash weren't nearly as well-read as Brock.
Upon hearing the question, Brock whipped out a thick book titled World Champion Directory.
He flipped to Cynthia's page and recited with dramatic flourish:
"Cynthia—the youngest Champion in Sinnoh's history! Also hailed as the strongest Sinnoh Champion of all time! A tactical genius who commands her Garchomp to absolute dominance! And most importantly… she's a stunning blonde beauty whose looks are top-tier even among the elite!"
The last line was conveniently ignored by Ash and Misty.
But the rest left them stunned.
The youngest and strongest Sinnoh Champion…?
So that's who Cynthia really was!
In the Black World—
Ash and Misty arrived at the entrance of Pewter Gym.
This time, they successfully met the Gym Leader—Brock.
Standing on the battle platform, Ash introduced himself politely. Brock froze for a moment.
"You're Ash… from Pallet Town?"
"That's right. Something wrong with that?"
Brock rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his narrow eyes glinting faintly.
"Hmm… before you, three other trainers from Pallet Town came to challenge me. After each battle, they all asked about you."
"Especially a boy named Gary Oak—he seemed very interested in you. They all said the same thing… that you're the strongest among Pallet Town's new trainers."
His tone carried a curious spark.
"To be honest, this batch of rookies has the best overall combat sense I've seen in years. But if even they speak of you with respect… I can't help but wonder—just what kind of trainer are you?"
Ash blinked.
He was actually the first to leave Pallet Town,
yet somehow ended up being the last to reach Pewter Gym.
Then again, that made sense—he'd spent extra time training in Viridian Forest.
The others had probably rushed straight here.
"Well, why don't we find out through a battle?"
"Heh. Fair enough." Brock nodded.
"Battle format: two-on-two. All Pokémon must fight until they can no longer battle. As Gym Leader, I'll make the first move."
"Go, Geodude!"
He tossed his Poké Ball, releasing a rock-bodied Pokémon with massive stone fists.
Ash smirked. "Then it's decided—you're up, Pikachu!"
"Pika!"
Pikachu leapt forward, cheeks sparking eagerly.
Strictly speaking, this was his first official Gym battle.
He could feel the thrill coursing through his tiny frame.
[Roxanne: Wait, seriously? An Electric-type against a Ground-type again? Don't tell me Black World Ash doesn't know type matchups either!]
[Wattson: Odd. Given how composed and tactical Black World Ash is supposed to be, he shouldn't be making such a rookie mistake.]
[Ash: What's wrong with that? I beat Brock with an untrained Pikachu before—so I'm sure Black Me can do even better!]
[Lorelei: Um… technically, your "victory" was more of a… charitable donation. If not for that broken water pipe shorting Onix…]
[Misty: Exactly! Stop acting like you single-handedly shocked the Gym into submission! Beating Brock now—that I'd believe. Back then? Not a chance.]
[Ash: …]
[Ash: Anyway, I trust the other me's got a plan! Pikachu, you got this!]
"Pika pika!"
The Pikachu in Ash's lap also pumped his tiny fists in encouragement for his alternate self.
In the black world again—
When Brock saw Ash send out an Electric-type, a flicker of disappointment flashed through his unreadable eyes.
So this is the kid everyone called Pallet Town's strongest rookie?
Doesn't even grasp basic type advantages?
An Electric-type against Ground? Any beginner would know better!
Up in the stands, Misty was equally dumbfounded—and a little anxious.
What's going on? Didn't Ash say he had a counter-plan? Why's he sending out the cute mascot first?!
Brock shook his head with a sigh.
"Ash, looks like you still have a lot to learn. Out there, battles aren't just playtime. Let me show you what a real Gym match feels like!"
"Geodude, use Rollout!"
"Geo—!"
Geodude tucked in its arms and began spinning rapidly, rolling forward like a boulder down a mountain.
Ash's lips curved upward.
"So that's your move, huh? You're the one underestimating us…"
"Now, Pikachu—jump! Use Iron Tail!"
"Pika!!"
Pikachu leapt high into the air, his tail shimmering with a metallic sheen—
then came crashing down like a hammer!
Geodude, still mid-roll, was perfectly aligned with the strike zone.
BOOM!!
A shockwave burst across the arena, dust flying everywhere.
When it cleared—Geodude lay motionless, embedded in the cracked stone floor.
✨ Special Thanks to our supporters