"Ash, for the time being, I think it's best you stay in Pallet Town," Professor Oak advised seriously over the phone. "If you need Pokémon food, just come by the lab. And if there's anything else you need, I'll send someone to get it for you."
"Thank you, Professor."
After chatting for a while longer, Ash ended the call.
But in truth, he had been holding back. Holding back a lot.
He wanted to report everything—the truth about Gym Leader Giovanni being a high-ranking figure in Team Rocket… that the Celadon Game Corner was actually a front for their operations… that Team Rocket was using Pokémon in live genetic experiments… and most terrifying of all—that they were attempting to clone a Mythical Pokémon.
Using Mew's genetic data, Team Rocket was currently creating a terrifying new being: Mewtwo.
The lab? A secret facility on an isolated island known only as New Island.
Ash knew all this. All of it. Information that, if delivered to the Pokémon League, would shatter Team Rocket's operations from the inside.
But…
He couldn't say a word.
Not now.
He was just a six-year-old boy—barely old enough to travel alone, let alone uncover such dangerous secrets.
Even if the League acted on his intel and confirmed everything, how could he explain how he knew?
If the League started questioning his identity… if they began to suspect he was working for some other powerful force in the shadows…
Would they investigate him?
Would they use hypnosis to pry into his mind?
What if his secret—his true secret—was discovered? That he was a reincarnated soul, someone who had lived another life in another world?
That wasn't just paranoia. A six-year-old who knew things that not even the Pokémon League knew? That was bound to raise eyebrows. Maybe even alarms.
Unlike the simple, impulsive Ash of the original timeline, this Ash was a thinker. He acted with purpose, and he deeply valued the life and freedom he now had.
Revenge on Team Rocket could wait.
His own safety came first.
"When I'm strong enough—really strong—I'll settle the score with Team Rocket. On my terms."
But for now…
"I need to focus. I need to get stronger. Fast."
Letting Pichu and Frogadier play around the room, Ash climbed onto his bed, sat cross-legged, and began his evening Aura Meditation session—an essential part of his daily training.
Maybe it was the danger from earlier, maybe it was the deep desire growing within his heart, or maybe it was the imprint of the [Mew's Dream Law] enhancing his growth…
But today, Ash's meditation efficiency was higher than ever before.
"Booom…"
A subtle pulse rippled through his body, like his Aura was boiling with power—similar to his Viridian Power.
"…I broke through?" he whispered, blinking in surprise.
—
Ascension Trainer System (Severely Damaged)
Host: Ash
Gender: Male
Age: 6
Strength: 5 (Adult average: 10)
Stamina: 5 (Adult average: 10)
Intelligence: 10
Charm: 10
Gifts:
Viridian Power: LV.15
Aura Power: LV.7
Pokémon:
Pichu
Frogadier
Item:
Soothe Bell
—
Just as he thought.
His Aura had leveled up again—from Level 6 to Level 7.
It might not seem like a big leap… but considering it had only been two days since his last breakthrough, the speed of his growth was terrifying.
At this rate…
"By the time I officially begin my journey at ten, even without Pichu or Frogadier, I'll have enough power—real power—to stand my ground with just my abilities."
Clenching his fists, Ash made himself a silent promise.
Night had fully fallen.
After a long day of danger and progress, Ash finished feeding the client Pokémon he was taking care of and finally had a moment to dive back into his favorite part of training—studying.
From outside his window, the gentle chirping of insects filled the air.
Inside his room, Ash handed his phone to Rotom to manage, asking it to fetch some high-quality battle videos for Pichu and Frogadier to learn from.
Meanwhile, he took his place at his desk, lit a lamp, and began to read.
The world of Pokémon was immense—far bigger and deeper than what he'd known in his past life.
Back then, his knowledge had come from games, anime, manga, and strategy guides.
But now, as he read from textbooks written by real Professors, analyzed battle data, and absorbed the inner mechanics of Pokémon physiology, abilities, evolution theories, and energy systems—he realized how little he truly knew.
And that only excited him more.
"Knowledge changes fate."
He'd believed that in his past life—and in this world, it was just as true.
Pokémon weren't just creatures. They were entire fields of study. Every discovery brought new insights, new potential.
He wasn't daunted by the scale of what he didn't know. No—he felt energized. Like a wanderer in the desert who had found an oasis.
His eyes were bright, his hands quick, and his hunger for knowledge endless.
By the time he looked up from his reading, most of the textbook was done. The Pidgey-shaped clock on his desk chirped out its signature call: "Pidgey! Pidgey!"
It was already 11 PM.
Rubbing his eyes, Ash closed the book and whispered, "Good night," to Pichu and Frogadier before finally climbing into bed.
But what he didn't know… was that just beyond Pallet Town, on the stretch of road between two mountains… a trio had been waiting.
Since 4 PM.
Waiting. Watching. Stewing.
"AAARGH!! I can't take this anymore!" Jessie groaned, her voice echoing off the quiet road. "Why are we still out here?!"
"What choice do we have?" James snapped. "We lost track of that brat, and we have to complete the mission the boss gave us!"
"But it's already 11 at night!" Meowth whined. "Even if he walked back from Viridian City, he should've been here by now!"
"You're forgetting—we chased him into the Viridian Forest. He didn't take the road back. It's pitch black out now. The brat probably found a place to hide and sleep."
"Maybe he's lost. Crying for his mommy."
"Whatever the case, this is the only road into Pallet Town. He has to pass through here eventually."
"Going into the forest to find him would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Waiting here is the smartest plan we've got."
They slumped back into their hidden spot, grumbling.
"Ugh… we've got no choice. If we want to capture that kid and finish our mission, this is the only way."
--------------
T/N:
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