"Hmm..." Choosing a starter Pokémon was no small decision. Ash hadn't expected Serena to ask for his opinion.
Recalling the events of the original timeline, Ash remembered that Serena eventually chose Fennekin, the Fire-type starter from Kalos. But even among Fennekin, personality and temperament varied.
After carefully choosing his words, Ash replied, "I think the Fire-type Fennekin from the Kalos region suits you really well, Serena. But when it comes to choosing a Pokémon, it's all about the connection."
"So when the time comes, just follow your heart. Pick the one you feel the strongest bond with."
"But all three starters are nurtured by the League specifically for new Trainers. With proper training, they'll each become your most loyal and reliable partner."
After hearing Ash's words, Gary and the others all nodded in agreement.
As for Serena, her focus remained on the particular Pokémon Ash had recommended.
[Fennekin... the Kalos Fire-type starter Pokémon? Alright, I'll remember that. When the time comes, I'll choose Fennekin as my starter.]
Though they hadn't known each other for long, Serena found herself feeling a deep sense of trust and closeness with Ash. She believed in his words—almost instinctively.
As they continued their breakfast, the group conversation drifted from starter Pokémon to speculating about today's summer camp activities.
Not just Ash and his group—many campers in the cafeteria were buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Some of them hadn't done well in yesterday's challenge, so they were eager for a chance to catch up in today's event.
After breakfast, Professor Oak gathered all the campers in the open yard of the camp.
"Good morning, everyone!!" he greeted with a bright smile.
"Good morning, Professor Oak!" the campers responded in unison, full of energy.
"Did everyone sleep well last night?" Oak chuckled, seeing the lively faces before him.
"Yes!" the campers chimed in again.
"Looks like it's another sunny day—perfect for summer camp activities!" Oak looked up at the blue sky, then back at the crowd.
"I'm sure you're all wondering what today's event will be?" he asked with a grin.
"Yes!!" came the enthusiastic chorus.
"Haha, glad to see you all so excited," Oak laughed. "Today's summer camp activity is... fishing!"
Cheers erupted.
"We'll head out to the stream behind the forest and fish for Water-type Pokémon!"
"But that's not all—today's competition will be scored based on the size and weight of the Water-types you catch."
"So give it your best shot, everyone!" Oak encouraged.
"Yes!!" the campers cheered.
"Alright, everyone come here and collect your fishing rods. Once that's done, we'll set off together toward the forest stream!"
The campers quickly lined up to receive their rods from the open crates in front of Professor Oak.
"So today's activity is fishing... and we're being judged based on the size and weight of what we catch?" Ash muttered to himself as he stood in line with the others.
Fishing was a humble but enjoyable pastime, and Ash was no stranger to it. In his previous life, he'd fished often, especially in creeks. Even in this world, memories of fishing with Gary near Pallet Town resurfaced.
His skills weren't expert-level, but he wasn't worried either.
"Hey, Ash." Gary nudged him with his elbow after grabbing a rod. "Let's have a contest. See who can catch the bigger Water-type!"
Ash rolled his eyes. "Again? You better not push me into the river this time!"
"Haha, that was an accident! Besides, you forgave me already. And you promised not to bring it up anymore!"
"Fine, fine. I won't tease you about it again," Ash smirked.
"But Gary, you don't need to challenge me separately. Today's activity is already a competition for everyone. Let's just do our best. After all, as my friend, you're only allowed to lose to me—not to anyone else."
"Hah! That's my line!" Gary laughed. "Ash, as the rival I've acknowledged, you better not let anyone else out-fish you today!"
"You can only lose to me!"
Just as the campers were finishing up collecting their rods and chattering excitedly, Professor Oak clapped his hands to regain everyone's attention.
"Alright, now that everyone's got their rods and I see you're all fired up—let's move out!"
"Let's use the walk to the stream as a chance to observe the wild Pokémon in the forest too."
"Okay!!" the campers cheered, raising their rods high.
Without wasting time, Oak led the energetic group out of the camp and into the forest.
"Hey, look over there! A wild Pokémon!"
"Whoa! What is that? I've never seen anything like it in Kalos!"
Unlike Ash—who had already explored the forest yesterday and had interactions with wild Pokémon—many of the other campers were venturing out for the first time, and their excitement was uncontainable.
Every wild Pokémon they spotted brought waves of excitement through the group.
"That's a wild Caterpie," someone pointed out.
"You can catch wild Pokémon by battling them first and then throwing a Poké Ball."
"When you all turn ten, you'll be eligible to become official Pokémon Trainers. The League will gift you a starter Pokémon, and you'll get to begin your own journey."
"But before that, you should all focus on learning as much as you can about Pokémon," Oak advised kindly.
"Yes, Professor Oak!" the campers replied in unison.
"I already know a lot about Pokémon!" Goh shouted proudly from within the group, raising his hand excitedly while standing alongside his roommates—Puff, Henri, and Nobita.
...
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