"Ash raised his voice toward the yard, clapping lightly to gather everyone's attention. "Pikachu, Greninja, Pidgeotto, Pidgeot, Valor, Lumina—let's go. Time for today's training."
"Pika~!"
"Croak~!"
The Pokémon responded energetically.
By now, the sun had already climbed above the eastern mountain range, its warm light spilling across the land. The morning mist that once blanketed Pallet Town had completely faded, leaving behind a clear, vibrant sky. Villagers, having finished breakfast, stepped out one after another—some carrying hoes, others with baskets on their backs—as they headed toward the fields and hills to begin their day's work.
Even with a figure like Professor Oak living in the town, Pallet Town itself remained unchanged. Life here still followed the same simple rhythm—rise with the sun, rest with the dusk.
As Ash walked down the road with his Pokémon, familiar voices greeted him from the fields.
"Ash, heading out to train again?"
"What a hardworking kid—he'll definitely become the Kanto Champion someday!"
"I always said that boy had potential. Look at him now!"
Ash smiled awkwardly as he waved back. Even after passing them, he could still faintly hear the aunties chatting behind him, praising him with warm admiration.
It felt… surreal.
Not long ago, he had been the mischievous kid leading the neighborhood children into all sorts of trouble—often earning them scoldings from their parents for "hanging around with Ash too much." But now, somehow, he had become the example those same parents used to lecture their kids.
Times really had changed.
"Hey!! Ash~!"
A cheerful voice suddenly called out from behind.
Ash turned around, and a hint of surprise crossed his face. "Green? What's up?"
The girl jogged over, her expression bright and playful. "Hehe~ (^v^) So… here's the thing. I want to sign up for a Breeder exchange trip in Celadon City, but there's a requirement—you need at least one Pokémon above Level 20."
She clasped her hands behind her back, tilting her head slightly. "I've been watching you and Gary train every day… so I was wondering—can I join you guys for training for a while?"
Ash didn't hesitate. "Of course. That's no big deal."
After all, they were childhood friends. Even if it had been something difficult, he wouldn't have turned her down—especially considering how she had helped him before with Lumina's confidence training.
Green's smile widened. "Hehe~ I knew you'd say yes."
She paused, then added a little more carefully, "Also… could your Pokémon battle my Dedenne? Just to help it gain some experience."
Ash raised an eyebrow, glancing at her knowingly. "So that's your main goal, huh?"
Green laughed sheepishly, her cheeks faintly tinged with pink.
Ash crossed his arms thoughtfully. "But why not ask Gary? I'm sure he wouldn't refuse you."
She quickly shook her head. "That's because your Pokémon are stronger—one battle with them gives way more experience! And… you have your powers too. If Dedenne gets hurt, you can heal it right away."
Then her tone softened slightly. "Besides… you've been really busy lately. Running your skill shop, training your Pokémon, studying at the Pokémon Center in Viridian City, battling at the arena… and now preparing to open a new clinic."
"I know this isn't a big request, but… I still wanted to ask you personally."
Ash let out a quiet chuckle. "I am busy—but not as busy as you think. And since it's you asking, there's no way I'd say no."
He thought for a moment before laying out a plan.
"How about this—join me and Gary for training in the mornings. Once my Pokémon finish their own routines, they can battle Dedenne to help it level up."
"In the afternoons, when I head to the Pokémon Center, Gary can train with you or take you to the arena. And in the evenings, when I get there, I'll help out too."
He looked at her. "Sound good?"
Green's eyes lit up instantly. "Perfect! That works!"
"Alright then," Ash said with a smile. "Let's go. Once we reach the training ground, I'll have Pidgeotto, Fearow, and Greninja spar with Dedenne first."
"Okay~!" she replied happily, falling into step beside him.
…
They lost a few minutes along the way, and by the time they reached the usual riverside training ground outside Pallet Town, Gary was already there.
"Hey, Ash—you're four minutes late today," Gary said with a smirk. Then his gaze shifted curiously. "And Green… what's this about?"
Ash briefly explained the situation—her joining their training and needing help leveling up her Pokémon.
Gary nodded without hesitation. "Got it. I'll help too."
For him, it wasn't anything difficult—just training and a few battles.
Ash turned to his Pokémon. "Pikachu, Greninja, Valor, Lumina—you four continue your training routines from this morning."
"Pika~!"
"Croak~!"
They quickly scattered, each heading off to begin their own practice.
Soon, only Pidgeotto and Fearow remained by Ash's side—both Flying-types, naturally weak against Electric moves.
Ash looked back at Green and gestured forward. "Alright, your turn. Pick one—Pidgeotto or Fearow—to battle your Dedenne."
Green thought for a moment, then pointed decisively.
"Let's start with Pidgeotto."
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T/N:
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