It was a bright and sunny Children's Day when Ash and his friends passed by a place filled with laughter and joySakura Kindergarten.
The entrance was decorated with vibrant balloons and colorful ribbons, and the silver-bell laughter of children echoed through the air.
A flustered kindergarten administrator saw Ash's groupspecifically the Pikachu and other Pokémon following beside themand mistook them for the Pokémon Trainers who had been scheduled to play with the children. She hurried over to welcome them warmly.
"Oh, you're finally here! The children have been waiting so long!"
Ash blinked, startled, and quickly explained that they were just passing through.
However, once he learned that the original trainers had broken their promise, and seeing the expectant looks in the children's eyes, Ash didn't hesitate. He smiled and said, "It's no problem, ma'am. Since we're here, let us play with the kids for a while!"
"That's wonderful!" the administrator said, her gratitude beyond words.
Ash, Misty, and Brock immediately jumped into action.
Ash had Pikachu perform a playful Quick Attack, while Togepi used an adorable Metronomeluckily resulting in a brilliant Dazzling Gleam. Bulbasaur used its Vine Whip to carefully hand out candy to the children.
Misty's Goldeen performed Splash in the pool, and Brock's Vulpix wove elegantly through the crowd of kids. The entire kindergarten was instantly transformed into an ocean of joy.
However, the observant Ash noticed a small boy sitting on a swing in the corner, looking completely out of place among the cheering children.
He sat with his head down, moping as he kicked the swing back and forth.
Ash walked over, crouched down, and asked gently, "What's wrong? Why are you so sad? It's Children's Day, you know."
The little boy looked up, his eyes a bit red. His name was Timmy. He whispered, "I'm waiting for Meowth... it promised it would come to see me today..."
"Meowth?" Ash's heart stirred. He remembered a very unusual Meowth from the original story. Maintaining his composure, he continued to ask questions.
Timmy told him that he had met a very special Meowth nearby, and they had become friends. This Meowth wasn't like a normal one that only used Fury Swipes; it was incredible. It could shatter rocks with a single kick! They had promised to meet again on Children's Day.
Ash immediately confirmed it. This was that naturally gifted "Kung Fu" Meowth that had self-taught a move identical to Brick Break! In an instant, his interest in catching it flared up.
It wasn't just because of its special ability, but also because of the unique personality it showed through its bond with Timmy.
"Don't be sad, Timmy," Ash comforted him. "I know that Meowth. It really is special. Maybe it's waiting for you somewhere right now? Why don't we go look for it together?"
Timmy's eyes brightened instantly, and he nodded vigorously.
Leading Timmy, Ash followed the boy's directions while using his own subtle Aura perception. Sure enough, near the woods behind the kindergarten, they discovered a Meowth with sharp, piercing eyes and a posture completely different from its peers.
It was perched on a rock. When it saw Timmy and Ash, its gaze softened for a split second upon seeing the boy, but then it immediately turned alert and full of fighting spirit as it locked onto Ash and the Pikachu on his shoulder.
Ash could see pride, strength, and a deep hunger for battle in its eyes. This only served to strengthen his resolve to catch it.
He crouched down and spoke seriously to Timmy. "Look, Timmy, Meowth is here. It's a very powerful Pokémon that yearns to fight stronger opponents and see the wider world. Staying here might bury its talent. Let me have a battle with it. If I can earn its respect and have it become my partner, I promise I will help it get stronger. I'll also bring it back to visit you often, okay?"
Timmy looked at the battle-hungry Meowth and then at Ash's sincere face. Although he was reluctant to let go, he seemed to understand that Ash was right.
He nodded and shouted to the Meowth, "Meowth! Ash is an amazing trainer! Go with him and make sure you get stronger!"
Meowth seemed to understand Timmy's words. It looked at the boy, then back at Ash, the fire in its eyes growing even more intense. With a cry, it jumped into the clearing and took a combat stance, its claws shimmering with a cold light.
"It looks like it accepts! Pikachu, I'm leaving this battle to you!"
"Pika!"
The battle began! This Meowth was indeed extraordinary. Not only was it incredibly fast, dodging Pikachu's electric attacks, but the power behind its Slash was staggering, even carrying the momentum of a Fighting-type skill!
"Pikachu, don't try to overpower it directly! Use Quick Attack to maneuver around!"
Meowth lunged. Ash saw his opening. "Meowth, use your claws! Brick Break!"
Meowth leapt high, its right claw concentrating power before slamming down toward Pikachu! Ash timed it perfectly:
"Now, Pikachu! Iron Tail!"
Pikachu's tail instantly took on a metallic sheen as it met Meowth's claw head-on!
Clang!
A crisp sound echoed as the powers collided. The two were evenly matched!
Meowth landed and looked at Pikachu, the battle intent in its eyes gradually transforming into a look of recognition. This human trainer truly had the ability to command powerful Pokémon.
Ash did not continue the attack. Instead, he pulled out a Poké Ball and said sincerely, "You're strong, Meowth. But the world outside has even stronger opponents and greater challenges. Come with me. Let's get stronger together and realize your potential! I won't forget your promise to Timmy; we will come back to see him."
Meowth looked at Timmy, who was nodding through teary eyes with a look of blessing, and then at Ash's clear, determined gaze.
It was silent for a moment. Finally, it walked forward and used its forehead to voluntarily press the button on the Poké Ball.
A red light flashed, and the capture was successful! There wasn't a single struggle.
[Ding! Host has captured a special Meowth (mastered the prototype of Brick Break). Reward: 300 World Origin Points.]
[Current World Origin Points: 22,550.]
Ash immediately released Meowth. It affectionately nuzzled Timmy before moving to stand by Ash's side.
Ash solemnly promised Timmy that he would treat Meowth well and bring it back to visit him.
This Children's Day became a warm and hopeful memory for the children of Sakura Kindergarten, for Timmy, for Ash, and even for that special Meowth. With a new partner in tow, Ash's group set off once again.
This special Meowth had joined the team ahead of schedule. Better to catch it now before it was forgotten.
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