After arranging two powerful water-type Pokémon for Tierno and Trevor, Ash began making silent preparations for the rest of his friends:
For Green — a Goldeen.
For Shauna — a Goldeen.
For Gary — a Poliwhirl.
For Serena — an Azumarill.
While most campers were catching water-types weighing around 10 to 15 kilograms, the Pokémon Ash arranged for his friends to hook all started from 20 kilograms upward.
One by one, Gary and the others eagerly ran off to Professor Oak to get their Pokémon weighed, their scores soaring as they quickly overtook 97% of the campers and climbed right into the top three.
Watching this unfold, Ash finally withdrew his focus from the others and turned his eyes toward the gently flowing river in front of him—his expression turning sharp and deep.
"…Now it's my turn. Froakie, are you ready?"
Ash looked at Froakie, who was quietly sitting beside him on the riverbank, loyally keeping him company while he fished.
"Froaaakie!"
Though Froakie had no idea what kind of opponent they'd face, it still gave an enthusiastic cry full of spirit.
"Alright… let's begin." Without hesitation, Ash raised his rod. With a smooth cast, the hook—loaded with a dense chunk of bait—splashed into the deep waters with a heavy plop.
Beneath the surface, the Gyarados waiting in the water didn't hesitate. With its enormous, menacing jaws wide open, it bit down hard.
TON!!
The bobber that was peacefully floating a second ago was ripped under the surface by a monstrous force. Froakie's eyes bulged as it watched the bobber vanish—and its gaze instantly snapped into sharp focus, like strands of rain-slicked wire.
Whoooooooosh—!!
The tightened fishing line sang like a blade slashing through the water, slicing through the wind, howling like a siren.
Ash stood steadily at the bank, one hand locked on the rod like a veteran angler, the other expertly spinning the reel—releasing and retrieving line in rhythm with the pull of the Gyarados below.
It was a fierce tug-of-war between hunter and prey.
BOOM!!
The struggle below churned the once-clear water into a whirlpool of brown silt and white froth, as waves surged up and lashed the banks.
Though most campers had already gone to Professor Oak to record their catches, some still remained by the riverside—patiently waiting for something worth catching.
But the moment Ash's rod began to strain, the entire river was thrown into chaos.
And those who were still fishing?
They couldn't help but shout in shock.
"Holy crap, what was that?! Don't tell me Ash just hooked a Gyarados?!"
"Don't jinx it! Sure, catching and taming a Gyarados would basically guarantee a perfect score and first place, but do you forget what happened to that loser Goh earlier? Gyarados wrecked him!"
"Still… this is Ash we're talking about. He's the strongest in our whole batch. He's nothing like Goh. Maybe he really can pull it off?"
"Stop guessing, you guys! The water's too murky to see anything! The Pokémon hasn't even shown itself yet—we don't know what he's hooked!"
Ash's wild rod swings and the waves on the river had drawn everyone's attention. Even the students who were busy registering their scores with Professor Oak came running back to see what was happening.
"Whoa!! What is that thing?! It's massive!"
"Is it… really a Gyarados?!"
"Don't say that! Ash is handsome, strong, and so kind—I don't want him to get hurt!"
Students crowded the banks, their faces a mix of excitement, fear, and curiosity as the river raged before them.
Professor Oak and his assistant Thorne, however, didn't look thrilled at all.
Ash's rod was causing an even bigger commotion than Goh's did earlier—and if it really was another Gyarados, then this was about to become a serious problem.
Oak's expression turned grim. He hadn't expected there to be another Gyarados in this stretch of the river, let alone one even more ferocious.
Quickly, he released his trump card—his Champion-level Dragonite—ready to act at a moment's notice.
Although Oak had to remain "fair" to all campers as the organizer of this summer camp… fairness had its limits.
Between Goh and Ash, the difference in potential was like heaven and earth. Oak had always hoped this camp would help the League discover future top-tier Trainers.
Sure, he spoke about fairness.
But in Oak's heart, Ash was infinitely more important than Goh.
It wasn't just favoritism. It was personal.
Goh was from Vermilion City—an outsider.
Ash was from Pallet Town—his own hometown, the boy he'd watched grow up.
More than that, long ago during his travels, Oak had journeyed through time with the guardian of the forest, Celebi, and forged a deep, unforgettable bond with Ash—crossing four decades of fate.
For Oak, whether it was out of respect for local ties, hope for a prodigy, or simply affection for an old friend, one thing was clear:
He wouldn't let anything happen to Ash.
RUMBLE...
With the attention of the entire riverbank locked on him—including Oak—Ash knew the timing was perfect.
He sent a message with his Aura, rippling through the water to the Gyarados below.
[Gyarados, it's time. Pretend to fight me—then act like you're exhausted and let me capture you.]
"ROAR—!!"
A massive roar exploded from the water!
The enormous, majestic, and terrifying body of Gyarados burst through the surface for the second time—right before Oak and every single wide-eyed camper.
"AAAAAAH!!! It's Gyarados!!"
The moment they saw it, the memories of Goh's brutal injury came flooding back, and students began panicking—faces pale, legs retreating, voices filled with fear.
Professor Oak's face darkened as well.
Gyarados attacking Goh was already a serious failure on his part as the organizer.
Now this? Another Gyarados in the same river?!
He was already reaching for Dragonite's Poké Ball.
"Ash, run!!" Oak shouted anxiously.
But Ash didn't even look back.
"Professor, I've got this. Trust me!"
His voice was full of confidence.
Still holding tightly to his fishing rod, Ash stepped forward and declared his challenge:
"Gyarados! I'm going to catch you—fight me!!"
"ROOOOOAR—!!!"
Gyarados let out a mighty bellow, as if accepting his challenge.
The river thundered once more.
And the final act of Ash's fishing operation had begun.
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