After showering together with Froakie and finishing up their nightly cleanup, Ash helped Gary's Fletchling learn a new ranged move — Ember — and finally turned in for the night.
Among the four Pokémon distributed to their dorm group — Ash's Froakie, Tierno's Poliwag, Trevor's Sandshrew — all had ranged attacks.
Only Gary's Fletchling lacked any ranged special move, which significantly limited its overall battle potential.
Though Fletchling wasn't Gary's personal Pokémon and wouldn't stay with him after the camp, he still had to rely on it during the remaining events.
So, to boost Gary's chances of making it into the camp's top three, Ash had gone out of his way during dinner to copy Ember from a classmate who had received a Fire-type.
It might be a basic move, but for Pokémon distributed in this camp — all around Level 5 — even a simple Ember could make a huge difference in combat!
As for whether helping Gary might cost Ash his shot at "Outstanding Camper," he wasn't worried.
Final rankings were based on scores — and with smart point control, multiple people could tie for the top three.
Besides, the entire purpose of this Pokémon Summer Camp was to discover talented Trainers.
The more "Outstanding Campers" there were, the happier Professor Oak and the Kanto League would be.
"Goodnight, Froakie!" Ash said after finishing the skill lesson.
"Frooa~"
Lying on the blanket, Froakie gave a sleepy chirp back before instantly drifting into a deep slumber.
Today had been exhausting, especially that intense battle with the Gyarados earlier.
Outside the window, the moonlight bathed the camp in a soft glow. Tree shadows danced quietly as the forest fell into peaceful silence.
—
By the time the stars began to retreat from the early dawn sky, the night passed without incident.
Bzzzzt!
At exactly 6:30 AM, Ash's alarm clock rang sharply.
But… the body's old habit of sleeping in hadn't been entirely erased just yet.
Froakie opened its bleary eyes with the alarm, but Ash was still out cold.
Froakie: "..."
First, a gentle nudge.
Didn't work.
Time to stomp the chest.
Even though they'd only been together for two days, Froakie had already perfected the art of waking up its Trainer.
"Ugh—blugh!"
"Morning, Froakie," Ash groaned, opening his eyes to find his Pokémon perched squarely on his chest. He tilted his head and exhaled with a puff.
"Froaa~"
"Heh…"
Ash yawned wide but didn't hesitate. He quickly got up and dressed.
Brushing teeth, washing up, applying Kids Skincare Cream…
After a simple morning wash routine, Ash quietly shut the door behind him and headed out for morning training with Froakie.
Their destination?
The same secluded training spot at the edge of the forest camp from yesterday morning.
"Froakie, yesterday during training, we couldn't raise Aqua Ring from 'Novice' to 'Skilled.' Let's continue today."
"And we're adding one more move to the routine — Water Pulse. Think you can handle it?"
"Froa!"
Froakie nodded confidently.
Yesterday's mission was to train two moves — Aqua Ring and Quick Attack — from scratch, both starting at zero proficiency.
But today, only Water Pulse was starting from zero.
Aqua Ring had already reached 86 proficiency points thanks to yesterday's grind.
Compared to yesterday, today's training would be significantly easier.
Froakie had every reason to be confident.
"Alright then — let's begin!"
"Froa!"
Froakie responded with energy and immediately dove into its practice.
The system panel said Froakie's nature was [Serious] — and that was no joke.
Whether in training or daily routines, Froakie showed remarkable focus and dedication.
Even without Ash hovering over it, Froakie followed every training plan to the letter — not cutting a single corner.
Ash was genuinely pleased.
In his eyes, Froakie — with its disciplined personality — would absolutely grow to become one of his core powerhouses, just like in the original timeline.
Except now…
Froakie had joined Ash far earlier, practically like a starter Pokémon, just like Pichu once was.
Even if future legends like Charizard, Snorlax, Heracross, Sceptile, Infernape joined the team later on…
That wouldn't shake Froakie's position.
Because that position wasn't just earned through Ash's affection —
It would be won by Froakie itself, through its own power.
[Ding! Aqua Ring trained — Proficiency +1]
[Ding! Water Pulse trained — Proficiency +1]
Ash had learned his lesson from yesterday. Today's training routine was more manageable, and by 7:30 AM, Froakie had already completed its objectives.
…
[Pokémon: Froakie]
Level: LV.14 (72/88)
Type: Water
Nature: Serious
Ability: Torrent
(Hidden Ability: Protean | Ethereal-Gifted Ability: Bond Transformation)
Stats:
· HP: 41
· Attack: 56
· Defense: 40
· Sp. Atk: 62
· Sp. Def: 44
· Speed: 71
· Total: 314
Potential: (Purple)
[Blessed by the fate of the Kalos region, destined to save Kalos from a future catastrophic crisis.]
Learned Skills (Copyable):
[Mastered]: Pound (37/1000), Bubble (36/1000)
[Skilled]: Growl (23/500), Aqua Ring (12/500), Water Pulse (7/500), Quick Attack (12/500)
[Novice]: Lick (1/100)
—
While Froakie trained, Ash wasn't idle either.
Even though both his aura powers — Aura Force and the Viridian Blessing — had already awakened and didn't require further physical activation, he still chose to exercise.
Aura had its "All Things Hear" meditation method.
Viridian had its "Fragrant Hands, Lingering Grace" way to grow stronger through kindness.
So technically, he didn't need to train physically anymore.
But as a Trainer who would be traveling across dangerous lands, Ash believed that keeping his body fit was non-negotiable.
He didn't see himself as some fragile mage casting spells from afar.
No — Ash Ketchum was a warrior.
And someday, he'd be carrying a full-grown Pikachu on his shoulder for miles.
Better start preparing now.
So morning training wasn't just for Froakie — Ash jogged around the perimeter of the camp himself.
Step by step, getting stronger.
…
…
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T/N:
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