Kanto Region, Pallet Town where dreams begin.
"Ashton Richard Ketchum, didn't you sleep last night? Why did you get up so early today?"
The gentle and intellectual mother, Delia Ketchum, handed a glass of milk to Ash, who was devouring his breakfast.
Ash took the cup and drank it in one gulp, then wiped the white milk stain from his lips with his arm.
"Mom, today is an important day. I'm going to pick up my starter Pokémon and begin my journey, so I can't be late."
"Ash, you've really grown up. If you can travel alone like this, your mother can feel more at ease."
Delia looked pleased.
"Mom, I'm full. I'm going to Professor Oak first. Just wait until I come back with the Indigo Plateau Conference championship trophy!"
Ash put on his classic hat, packed his bag, and left home, heading straight to Professor Oak's Laboratory.
On the way, he sorted out his still somewhat dazed thoughts.
His name was Ryu Yamamoto a reincarnated person who had become Ash/Satoshi, the male protagonist of the Pokémon world.
Because his soul and essence were not completely from this universe, it took a long time for them to fully integrate. It wasn't until this morning that he awakened the knowledge and memories of his previous life along with the standard system for reincarnators.
Ryu was particularly excited after learning that he had traveled to the world of Pokémon, become the protagonist, and even gained a system cheat.
Since he is Ash, he naturally won't act like the original reckless, stubborn, or foolish. He must make up for the regrets of his previous life.
No more being an emotional idiot, a reverse-attribute battler, a reckless charger, or a blockhead.
After organizing the chaotic thoughts in his mind, Ash focused on the system interface.
[Name: Ash/SatoshiTitle: NoneBeauty: NonePokémon: NoneSpecial Abilities: None yet
Current Mission: Arrive at Professor Oak's Laboratory on time and receive the starter Pokémon, Pikachu.
Reward: Increased Pikachu favorability, Pikachu's exclusive item Light Ball (doubles Attack and Special Attack when held).]
Professor Oak's Laboratory was located on the outskirts of Pallet Town and occupied a vast area. It resembled a grand manor more than a laboratory.
Although Ash arrived on time, he was the last of the four trainers from Pallet Town.
Two had already picked their starter Pokémon and left.
Unsurprisingly, they had chosen Charmander and Bulbasaur.
As for his rival, Gary Oak Ash's childhood friend and rival he hadn't left yet. He stood outside the laboratory with his cheerleader girlfriends, waiting beside a sports car.
Seeing Ash arrive, a hint of joy flashed across Gary's face, though it was masked with arrogance.
"Well, if it isn't our loser, Ashy-boy. You're not late today but unfortunately, all the starter Pokémon have already been taken by me and the others who arrived first."
There was clear sarcasm in Gary's voice. If this were the old Ash, he would have already started arguing.
But Ash was different now.
"Hey, Gary-bear, are you worried about me?"
"Haha! Who would worry about you, idiot? I'm just concerned that someone might cry because he didn't get a starter Pokémon. I'm going to win the Indigo Plateau Conference and become Champion. It would be boring if you weren't there to see me holding the trophy."
[Ding! Mission triggered: Rank higher than Gary in the Indigo Plateau Conference and prove who's superior.
Reward: Potential Enhancement Ribbon (Bronze) raises a Pokémon's potential by one level (below Elite tier).Intermediate Rare Candy ×3 raises Pokémon below Lv. 50 by one level.]
Seeing that Gary had triggered a mission for him, Ash's eyes softened slightly.
He gave Gary a look that said: Don't worry, I understand. I'll win the trophy for you.
He patted Gary's shoulder and walked into the laboratory.
"That bastard… Ash is getting sassier!"
Ash's calm reaction felt like an adult humoring a child, which made Gary feel insulted.
Shouldn't Ash be yelling, "What did you say, Gary?!" like before?
Are you going to stop competing with me, the great Gary Oak?
Looking down on me, huh?
Just wait! The great Gary Oak will defeat you at the Indigo Plateau Conference and humiliate you!
Gary flipped his hair arrogantly and drove off with his cheer squad.
Inside the laboratory, Professor Oak was already waiting.
Beside him stood a machine holding three red-and-white Poké Balls.
"Ash, you're here. Today's three starter Pokémon have "
Before he could finish, Ash had already opened all three Poké Balls one by one, checking them.
Then he looked at Oak as if to say, Please continue.
Professor Oak blinked.
Ash felt much more mature than before. In the past, he would have shouted in frustration upon learning there were no starter Pokémon left.
But now he was calm.
"As you can see, the starter Pokémon I prepared have all been taken by other rookie trainers who arrived earlier."
Professor Oak carefully observed Ash's reaction, expecting panic or disappointment but saw none.
"Professor Oak, you must have other Pokémon. I'll take anything even a Caterpie."
Ash spoke sincerely.
Professor Oak wiped the sweat from his forehead.
How is this kid so calm? These starter Pokémon cost a fortune in League funds. If he actually gave a rookie a Caterpie, he'd be held accountable!
"I do have a Pokémon… but it has a rather difficult personality. Some trainers have tried to take it before but failed. Do you want to try?"
Ah… the legendary electric mouse.
Ash's eyes lit up.
"I've been waiting for this Pikachu."
Professor Oak took out another Poké Ball and released it.
A cute Pikachu appeared though sparks of irritation crackled from its cheeks after being confined for so long.
[Ding! Mission completed.Reward: Pikachu favorability increased.Reward obtained: Light Ball (stored in system space; cannot be returned once taken out).]
The system notification appeared in Ash's mind.
Half of Pikachu's hostility toward him vanished, replaced with a faint sense of connection though caution remained.
As for the other half?
That was directed entirely at Professor Oak.
That's fine.
Everything was going according to plan.