"The battle is over. Since both Lotad and Poliwag have lost the ability to battle simultaneously, this match is a draw."
Sato had already determined the outcome through his psychic perception. Now that both Pokémon had collapsed before Ash and Gary's eyes, he immediately announced the result.
"How can this be? A draw? I actually didn't beat that idiot Ash! Damn it!"
Gary was clearly dissatisfied with the result. As soon as Sato declared the outcome, he glared angrily at Ash, tossed his PokeBall onto the ground, and ran toward town in frustration, completely ignoring the ownership of the Magikarp.
Unlike Gary, who was filled with unwillingness after the battle, Ash seemed completely unconcerned about the result.
He merely glanced curiously in the direction Gary had run before hurrying over to Poliwag and Lotad. Without a care in the world, he happily chatted with both Pokémon, repeatedly praising how wonderfully they had battled.
"Perhaps... this is why Gary would eventually lose to Ash."
Watching the completely different reactions of the two boys after the battle, Sato silently compared their attitudes toward Pokémon and came to a thoughtful conclusion.
"Ash, it looks like Gary has voluntarily given up his claim to the Magikarp. That means this Magikarp belongs to you now. Here, take this PokeBall."
Walking over to Ash, Sato first treated Poliwag and Lotad with a healing spray before handing Ash an ordinary PokeBall with a smile.
To Sato's surprise, however, Ash shook his head.
"Even though Gary left, the battle still ended in a draw. That means the Magikarp doesn't belong to me either. How about we release it? That way neither of us gets it, and the result stays a draw."
Ash scratched the back of his head sheepishly and grinned.
Ash might have been hopeless when it came to reading people's feelings, but he had always cared deeply about his companions. Besides, he didn't want to take advantage of Gary, so he quickly decided to set the Magikarp free.
Even so, although he said those words, the reluctance on his face was obvious.
He had just experienced his very first Pokémon battle, and his desire to have a Pokémon of his own had already taken root.
But Ash was Ash.
Once he made up his mind, he followed through.
After Sato nodded in agreement, Ash carefully lifted the nearly dehydrated Magikarp from the fishing net and gently released it into an irrigation ditch beside the field.
The instant Magikarp touched the water, its previously lifeless appearance disappeared completely. It became lively again and, with astonishing speed, vanished from both Ash's and Sato's sight.
"Just as expected of the Master of Releasing Pokémon."
Watching the rapidly disappearing Magikarp and the reluctant expression on Ash's face, Sato couldn't help joking inwardly.
After releasing Magikarp, Sato and Ash chatted happily as they walked into Pallet Town.
When Ash heard that Sato was looking for Professor Oak, he enthusiastically volunteered to lead him to Professor Oak's Laboratory.
"See you later, Big Brother Sato! Don't forget our promise! I'll come over as soon as I finish dinner!"
After bringing Sato to the entrance of the laboratory, Ash waved goodbye. Before leaving, he made a point of reminding Sato once more about the promise they had made on the way.
"This kid really does love Pokémon."
Watching Ash run off, Sato smiled before pushing open the door to Professor Oak's home.
Ash's request had been simple.
After dinner, he wanted Sato to show him all the Pokémon he had caught in Hoenn.
He was extremely curious about Pokémon from other regions.
Sato was already quite familiar with Professor Oak's Laboratory.
As soon as he entered, he encountered a researcher wearing thick glasses.
The man appeared to have been instructed by Professor Oak to receive him. After Sato introduced himself and explained why he had come, the researcher immediately led him deeper into the laboratory.
Professor Oak's Laboratory was enormous, containing numerous rooms, many of which were equipped with advanced research equipment.
The researcher eventually brought Sato to a massive underground laboratory.
The room was filled with towering glass cylinders containing an unknown liquid.
Many of those cylinders held Pokémon.
Judging by the steady movement of their chests, they were all still alive, merely unconscious.
Among them, Sato immediately spotted Celebi and Moltres.
Both slept peacefully inside their respective cylinders, while the heart monitors beneath them showed stable vital signs.
"So, you've arrived, Sato."
Professor Oak stood before the cylinder containing Celebi, recording data on a clipboard.
After finishing his notes, he turned around and greeted Sato warmly.
"Yes, Professor Oak."
Sato immediately bowed respectfully before replying.
"No need to be so formal. I asked you to come because I'd like you to take Celebi to Ilex Forest."
"When I was young, I once experienced an incredible journey through time. During that adventure, I became friends with a Celebi. Because of that experience, I discovered a method in Ilex Forest that may be able to save Celebi."
"Deep within Ilex Forest lies a mysterious lake. Its water possesses miraculous healing properties. The Celebi I saved back then recovered thanks to the water from that lake."
"The Celebi you brought here had its accelerated aging temporarily suppressed by Blaine through a special method. However, its consciousness has remained dormant, and it simply refuses to wake up. I've considered every possibility, and I believe this is our only chance."
"If we want Celebi to awaken... are you willing to venture into the depths of Ilex Forest?"
"To be honest, it's an extremely dangerous mission. Numerous Elite Four-level wild Pokémon live deep within the forest. There are even pseudo Champion-level Pokémon there."
After dismissing everyone else from the laboratory, Professor Oak explained everything he knew about curing Celebi before asking for Sato's decision.
Because of the extraordinary adventure he had experienced in his youth, Professor Oak held a special affection for Celebi.
For that reason, he had spared no expense in trying to save it.
In truth, Professor Oak had several people in mind who were even more qualified than Sato to escort Celebi into the depths of Ilex Forest.
However, because Celebi had been saved and brought to him by Sato, he ultimately chose to entrust the mission to him instead.
Professor Oak believed deeply in fate.
In his eyes, since Sato had been the one to rescue Celebi, it meant the two shared a destined connection.
Therefore, he believed Sato was the most suitable person to complete Celebi's rescue.
Having seen the movie, Sato naturally knew about Professor Oak's youthful encounter with Celebi.
He also knew that the method Professor Oak described was almost certainly effective.
After all, that mysterious lake truly possessed the miraculous power to heal Celebi.
However, just as Professor Oak had said, venturing into the depths of Ilex Forest was no easy task.
The lake lay within the very heart of the forest, a place inhabited by numerous Elite Four-level wild Pokémon.
Without sufficient strength, charging in recklessly would only end badly.
Unless he enjoyed the same protagonist's luck that Ash and his friends had once had—with every wild Pokémon conveniently acting as a guide—he would almost certainly return battered... if he returned at all.
"Professor... how much longer can Celebi hold on?"
Rather than answering immediately, Sato asked a different question.
"So you've noticed as well."
"Blaine's method is indeed remarkable, but it only treats the symptoms, not the root cause."
"He merely halted the accelerated aging affecting Celebi and Moltres temporarily."
"Once his technique loses its effect... it won't work again."
"One month."
"At most... one month remains."
Professor Oak sighed deeply before turning to look at the sleeping Celebi, his expression grave.
"One month..."
"That'll be enough. I'll take the mission."
After receiving Professor Oak's answer, Sato let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Without another moment's hesitation, he accepted the mission.