"Look, Ash... those sealed boxes by the Professor's feet—I'll bet anything they're filled with the Pokémon we're about to receive!"
As soon as the loudspeaker called them to gather at the clearing, Green's eyes lit up with excitement at the sight of three neatly stacked and tightly sealed boxes at Professor Oak's feet.
She wasn't alone. Every camper in the summer program wore the same look—faces glowing with anticipation and curiosity, eyes locked on those mysterious boxes.
The Pokémon Summer Camp wasn't just about bringing together kids from different cities to make friends. No, there was something far more enticing—[early access to real Pokémon].
Each participant would be randomly assigned one Pokémon, which, while not permanently theirs, would accompany them for the entire two-week camp. It was a temporary partnership, yes—but to children under the age of ten, who weren't yet legally allowed to own Pokémon, this was a dream come true.
Even Ash, who had already caught his first Pokémon, was buzzing with excitement. The Pokémon handed out today might not be permanent, but every challenge and competition during camp required teamwork with a Pokémon. For someone like Ash, determined to take first place in the camp's final assessment, this moment mattered even more.
"Clap clap..."
"Alright, everyone—please settle down," Professor Oak's voice rang out as he gently tapped a rolled-up attendance list against his palm. As the eager discussions faded and the kids turned toward him, he took a few steps forward, flanked by his assistants and other staff.
He gave a soft cough and spoke:
"Good afternoon, future Trainers! I'm Professor Samuel Oak, the organizer of this year's Pokémon Summer Camp!"
"Just like different Pokémon live in different regions, all of you—kids from various cities and towns—have gathered here to share two full weeks together. That, in itself, is a rare kind of fate."
"During this time, you'll encounter all sorts of Pokémon... but don't forget to cherish the bonds you build with each other. These friendships—both with Pokémon and with fellow Trainers—will become some of your most treasured memories."
Clap clap clap clap...
Warm applause burst out from the group. It wasn't just polite. It was heartfelt. As Oak's words sank in, every camper remembered that they weren't just here to compete—they were here to connect.
"Now then, allow me to introduce the key staff members who will accompany you throughout camp."
"This is Nurse Joy, specially assigned by the Kanto League to take care of your Pokémon's health."
Professor Oak stepped aside, revealing a gentle, smiling woman in a nurse's uniform.
"Hello everyone," Nurse Joy said. "This camp has a fully functional Pokémon Center, open at all times to ensure your partners are always in peak condition."
Clap clap clap... The crowd cheered enthusiastically. Nurse Joy's elegant presence seemed to calm and inspire everyone.
"And this," Professor Oak continued, gesturing to his left, "is Ms. Catalina, the manager of our forest campsite."
A tall, older woman with kind eyes stepped forward. "I'll be preparing your meals during camp—healthy, delicious, and full of nutrients! I've even hired some very special chefs to help out."
"Nice to meet you!"
"Nice to meet you!"
"Nice to meet you!"
Behind her, three people in chef uniforms also greeted the students with friendly smiles.
But if anyone had been paying close attention... they might have noticed something strange. These were the same three workers who had earlier carried the heavy boxes to Professor Oak's side.
...
...
"Now then," Oak said with a more serious tone, "this year, we've implemented a performance-based evaluation system. Every activity during camp will be scored based on teamwork, progress, and behavior."
"At the end of the two weeks, we'll tally the points and award the top three campers with the title of 'Outstanding Campers of the Pokémon Summer Program'—along with fantastic prizes!"
"And let me tell you... both Lance, the acting Champion of the Kanto and Johto Leagues, and Diantha, the reigning Champion of Kalos—were once recipients of this very title at your age!"
Eyes widened. A few jaws dropped.
"What?! Mr. Lance was once a top camper too?"
"Even Diantha got the Outstanding Camper title?!"
"That's incredible!"
"If I win this year, I'll be standing side by side with legends!"
The mood surged with electricity. Those names—Lance and Diantha—weren't just Champions. They were icons. And now, they were proof that greatness could begin right here at summer camp.
"Alright then, future Trainers... do you still remember what you came here for, besides making new friends?" Professor Oak asked with a teasing smile.
"To receive a Pokémon and become a Trainer!!" the campers shouted in unison.
"Correct~!"
Oak chuckled warmly. "Then come on up. It's time to meet your summer partner."
As he spoke, the sealed boxes were opened one by one, revealing rows of Poké Balls—each containing a Pokémon ready to meet its temporary Trainer.
...
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T/N:
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