Because Ralts was a Psychic/Fairy type Pokémon, Ash needed to design a proper training plan that focused on developing her mental strength. Unfortunately, there weren't many techniques from his Naruto-inspired skills that emphasized psychic or mental control. It was proving to be a real challenge.
After laying Ralts gently on the bed and covering her with a blanket, Ash sat back, deep in thought. He wanted to design a training method for her—but realized with a sigh that most of his personal combat techniques revolved around physical combat or elemental chakra control. Neither seemed appropriate for a Pokémon whose true strength lay in her mind.
Physical techniques were obviously out of the question; Ralts wasn't built for close combat. Even her natural affinity for Psychic energy didn't fit well with the kind of physical or elemental attacks Ash himself excelled at.
"Wait a second—Gaara!" A spark of inspiration flashed across Ash's mind. He remembered Gaara's automatic defense technique—the sand shield that reacted to danger through mental control.
Maybe… Ralts could use her psychic power in a similar way—controlling her surroundings to form barriers or attack constructs.
But then Ash shook his head almost immediately. "No… it's too basic. Most Psychic-type Pokémon could already manage something like that. Controlling nearby matter isn't exactly revolutionary."
The concept was sound but limited—especially since not every battlefield had sand or similar material for Ralts to manipulate. The restriction made it too impractical to be her signature move.
Just then, Cynthia, freshly showered and wrapped in a bathrobe, entered the room. "Ash, what's wrong? You look frustrated. Is it because I took too long shopping?"
Ash looked up and smiled faintly. "No, it's not that. I've just been thinking about how to train Ralts. My self-created techniques only work for physical or elemental combat. I can't adapt them to Psychic-types."
Cynthia tilted her head slightly, puzzled. "Training Ralts? That shouldn't be too difficult. Usually, you start by strengthening her mental focus. Build up her psychic reserves first—mental fortitude is the foundation."
"I know," Ash replied.
"But I want her to have a special ability—something unique that other Psychic Pokémon can't easily counter. Just relying on raw psychic power isn't enough. In the future, that could become a weakness."
As he said that, Ash's gaze drifted toward Cynthia's long blonde hair, his mind suddenly going blank.
Cynthia frowned, catching his look. "What are you staring at? You've been daydreaming about strange things lately."
Ash blinked and waved his hands quickly. "Wait—no! You've got it wrong. I wasn't thinking about that. Your hair just gave me an idea—something perfect for Ralts!"
Cynthia's face turned red. "H-honestly, Ash! Even if you were thinking about it, you shouldn't say it like that!" she huffed, giving him a light slap on the arm.
But Ash could hardly contain his excitement.
"I'm serious, Cynthia! I just remembered the Yamanaka Clan's Mind Transfer and Mind Split techniques from Naruto! Ralts could develop something similar—an advanced psychic control ability that lets her project her consciousness or divide her mental focus during battle!"
Now that was an idea worth exploring.
Overjoyed, Ash swept Cynthia into his arms and kissed her cheek.
"That's it! If I can understand the principle behind those techniques, I can adapt them into Ralts's psychic training. It'll make her unstoppable!"
Time flew quickly after that. Three days passed in what felt like a blur. Today marked the much-anticipated final battle between Ash and Makoto Ito, drawing immense attention from both Kanto and Sinnoh.
Rumor had it that Makoto's father, Sawakoshi Ito, had even come to watch the match personally—apparently eager to see his son humiliate Kanto's rising star. The entire Ito family seemed to share that arrogant streak, always eager to look down on others.
Commentator: "Ladies and gentlemen, dear viewers, after rounds of intense battles, the Indigo Plateau Conference has reached its climax! Today—it's time for the grand finals! Two incredible trainers stand before us!"
As the commentator's enthusiastic voice echoed across the massive stadium, the crowd erupted into thunderous cheers. The atmosphere was electric—this was the moment everyone had been waiting for.
"Ash! Ash! Ash! Ash! Ash!"
With Ash's appearance on stage, the entire stadium came alive, chanting his name in unison. His fierce battles throughout the tournament had earned him countless fans; every match he fought was nothing short of exhilarating.
"Wooooo~!"
In contrast, when Makoto Ito entered the field, the crowd's cheers quickly turned into uneasy murmurs. His reputation preceded him—though undeniably powerful, his battling style was ruthless, his methods controversial. Many spectators felt he didn't belong in a friendly competition like the Indigo Conference.
Those who had followed the tournaments closely knew about his past exploits in the Sinnoh region, and rumors of his cruelty had spread fast. His connections with Cynthia, his so-called fiancée, only added more fuel to the gossip surrounding him.
Among the spectators were trainers and officials from multiple regions, including Sinnoh. Seeing Makoto's reception made many of them flush with embarrassment—it was humiliating to see one of their own bring such shame.
Agatha: "Well, Ash, you've really made a name for yourself, haven't you? But your opponent's reputation… what a mess."
Ito Sawakoshi: "Senior Agatha, that's a bit harsh. The match isn't over yet—let's see who really deserves the title before we judge."
Professor Samuel Oak: "You've got some nerve showing up in Kanto, Sawakoshi. Letting your son use my Pokémon against my grandson Gary like that… You think I've forgotten?"
Ito Sawakoshi: "Heh, Senior Oak, if your grandson can't handle defeat, perhaps he shouldn't be in the League at all. Maybe he should go home and train for a few more years."
Tension surged through the audience. The fiery rivalry between Ash and Makoto Ito wasn't just about the championship—it had become personal.
The final match of the Indigo Conference was about to begin.
...
TN:
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