Far in the southern seas of the Kanto region lies an island shrouded in dense fog, New Island.
This was once the site of a secret research project powerful enough to change the world.
Dr. Fuji, a brilliant scientist devastated by the early death of his daughter Amber, fell into deep despair. In that despair, he reached a cooperation agreement with Team Rocket. Team Rocket would provide him with unlimited funding and research resources, and in return, he would create the strongest Pokémon in the world for them.
Deep within the underground laboratory of New Island, Dr. Fuji first successfully replicated Kanto's original partner Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.
These clones were almost indistinguishable from their originals, yet they lacked something essential.
But Dr. Fuji's true objective went far beyond that.
During an archaeological excavation, he obtained a fossilized eyelash from the legendary Pokémon Mew. Using the most advanced genetic engineering technology, he successfully extracted Mew's genetic sequence and used it as the foundation to create a completely new lifeform, Mewtwo.
Yet Dr. Fuji's ambition continued to grow.
He attempted to implant the consciousness data of his daughter Amber into newly created clones, hoping to bring her back to life in this way.
These clones carrying Amber's consciousness grew up alongside the young Mewtwo, and they became close friends.
"Amber… we'll be together again soon." Dr. Fuji often murmured in the laboratory, watching the surveillance screens showing Mewtwo playing with the clones.
But the experiment ultimately failed.
All of the clones except Mewtwo began to suffer genetic collapse, disappearing one after another into particles of light. Witnessing his friends vanish before his eyes, Mewtwo fell into overwhelming pain and fury. Its psychic powers spiraled out of control, nearly destroying the entire laboratory.
"No… it can't end like this…"
At the final moment, Dr. Fuji used a massive dose of tranquilizers, forcibly putting Mewtwo into a deep sleep. Under the effects of the drugs, Mewtwo lost all memories of those friends.
Years later, when Mewtwo awakened once again, it was filled with deep confusion about its own existence.
"Who am I? Why do I exist?"
Its immense psychic power erupted once more, this time accompanied by confusion and anger. It completely destroyed the New Island laboratory and then vanished into the vast ocean.
Time returned to the present.
At the training grounds behind Pallet Town, Ash was training intensely for the upcoming Indigo Plateau Conference.
"Charizard, use Flamethrower and follow up with Dragon Claw!"
"Wartortle, use Hydro Pump on the moving target!"
"Pikachu, dodge with Quick Attack!"
Ash focused intently as he commanded his Pokémon through their training.
After countless battles and experiences, his team had already become very strong. But he knew that the Indigo Conference would be filled with powerful opponents, so he had to prepare thoroughly.
After all, he did not want to repeat the regret he once saw on television.
Stopping at the Top 16 was not acceptable. This time, his goal was the championship!
[Current World Points: 24,700]
[System Notification: Host has obtained qualification for the League Tournament. Team strengthening is now available.]
Ash looked at the system interface, thinking about how to allocate these World Points.
Charizard needed stronger firepower. Wartortle needed more precision with its Water-type moves. Pikachu's speed could still be improved. Bulbasaur could learn more Grass-type moves. And there were also Primeape, Dratini, Tauros, Pidgeotto, and others.
Just as he was deep in thought, a Dragonite descended from the sky and handed him an elegant envelope. Written on the envelope in golden lettering were the words:
"To Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town."
"A ticket?" Misty leaned closer curiously.
Inside the envelope was a luxurious invitation card that read:
"To the Pokémon Trainer known as the strongest:
You are specially invited to attend a banquet at the Pokémon Castle on New Island.
From the world's strongest Pokémon Trainer."
Brock carefully examined the invitation. "New Island… if I remember correctly, that place is very mysterious."
"The strongest Pokémon Trainer?" Ash muttered thoughtfully.
Of course, he knew this was Mewtwo's invitation. But in this timeline, many things had already changed.
"Are we going?" Misty asked hesitantly. "It feels a little suspicious…"
Ash gazed toward the distant horizon. Through the power of Aura, he could sense a powerful energy wave coming from the direction of New Island.
It was a feeling both familiar and unfamiliar, carrying deep confusion and loneliness.
"We're going," Ash said firmly. "Whether it's a trap or not, we have to go. There's someone there who needs help."
The three of them quickly packed their things and set off for the harbor.
Waves crashed against the sides of the ship. On the distant horizon, the silhouette of New Island flickered faintly through the fog.
Standing at the bow, Ash felt the Aura growing stronger and stronger.
This time, he would not only face the world's strongest Pokémon, but also unravel a mystery about existence and meaning.
*