As Froakie stood panting in the center of the battlefield, the campers watching from the sidelines were all thinking the same thing—
There's no way Ash is going to keep battling now. And even if he does… there's no way he can win again.
But not everyone wanted Ash to stop.
Some were secretly hoping he'd keep going… and lose.
If Ash were to lose the next match, it would open up the scoreboard—giving others a chance to surpass his points and climb to the top.
And among those hoping for that outcome, Goh stood out the most.
Standing beside Gary and Green, his eyes never left Ash.
His heart churned with envy.
While Ash stood basking in victory, Goh stood in silence, stuck with a Magikarp—a Pokémon with virtually no combat strength. He already knew he had no chance of scoring during the battle evaluation round.
So what did he wish for?
That all the strong Trainers and their Pokémon would get injured, stumble, or fall short.
That in the non-battle portions of the camp, he could catch up… and overtake even Ash.
Of course, there were others who wanted Ash to continue—not to see him lose, but to watch him achieve something incredible.
This group included his friends like Gary and Green, but also many of the girls in camp who had been drawn in by his strength, his charm, and his confident smile during battle.
And of them all, Serena—shy, quiet Serena—stood behind Shauna, her hands clenched at her sides, her heart pounding with unexplainable hope.
She didn't even understand why she felt so strongly.
Why she was so focused on Ash.
Why she wanted him to win so badly.
She just… did.
…..
"Professor, are we really sure this kid is just six?"
A voice came from the edge of the field—it was Thorne, one of Professor Oak's research assistants and the man responsible for tracking the campers' points.
"I think… I finally understand what you meant earlier when you said Ash has talent equal to—even beyond—that of Lance himself."
Professor Oak chuckled. "Ahh… so you didn't believe me before, huh?"
Thorne scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.
"No, no, I didn't mean it that way, I was just—"
Oak waved him off kindly. "Relax, I don't blame you. Honestly, anyone would doubt that a no-name boy from a small town could possibly surpass someone like Lance."
"But just look at that last match."
"A Water-type Froakie facing a Grass-type Bellsprout. His opponent, Jeanette Fisher, knew how to use tactics—she had her Pokémon start with Growth, and relied on long-range Vine Whip to keep Froakie away."
"And what did Ash do?" Oak's eyes gleamed with admiration.
"He didn't panic. He used Froakie's Frubbles to form small handheld shields and blocked the attack… then smeared the foam onto the opponent's vines!"
"Some might think that wasn't a big deal—but it was brilliant."
Oak gestured to the center of the field where Ash had stood moments earlier.
"Vine Whip is a mid-to-long-range move. Once the Frubbles stuck to the vines, Ash immediately ordered Froakie to close in for a melee attack."
"That left Jeanette with two choices."
"One: recall the vines. But doing so brought the Frubbles with them—gluing her own vines to Bellsprout's arms, leaving it helpless."
"Two: keep the vines extended. But if she did that, she couldn't stop Froakie's close-quarters assault. Vine Whip can't hit a target right in your face."
"Just by sticking a little foam onto the vines, Ash turned the entire battle. That kind of insight… you don't teach that. That's natural Trainer instinct."
…..
[Ding! Congratulations, Host! You defeated LV.5 Bellsprout and gained +50 EXP.]
[Froakie meets the level-up condition… Level Up! Now LV.8!]
[Froakie has learned a new move: Quick Attack!]
Ash's eyes lit up as he heard the system notifications ring in his mind.
"Knew it… new level and a new move. Nice!" he muttered with a satisfied smile.
[Pokémon: Froakie]
Level: LV.8 (22/88)
Type: Water
Nature: Serious
Abilities: Torrent (Hidden: Protean, Ethereal-Gifted Ability: Bond Evolution)
Stats:
· HP: 41
· Attack: 56
· Defense: 40
· Sp. Atk: 62
· Sp. Def: 44
· Speed: 71
· Total Power Index: 314
Potential: [Purple] – "Blessed by the fate of Kalos; destined to protect the region during its time of greatest peril."
Skills (Copyable):
· [Proficient]: Pound (37/1000), Bubble (36/1000)
· [Skilled]: Growl (23/500)
· [Novice]: Aqua Ring (1/100), Quick Attack (0/100)
As Ash closed the status screen, Jeanette quietly returned her fainted Bellsprout to its Poké Ball.
Head held high, she turned and left the field without a word.
Ash watched her go with a neutral expression.
He didn't call out.
Didn't offer comfort.
Didn't pretend to be polite.
He'd lived two lives now.
He knew better than anyone: you don't coddle proud girls. Especially not ones like Jeanette Fisher.
Turning back toward the field, he looked to Froakie.
"You still good to go?"
"Froa—!"
The little frog was breathing hard, drenched in sweat—but still full of spirit. It nodded firmly.
"Alright. One last match," Ash said, smiling with pride. "Hang in there just a bit longer."
Then he turned toward the crowd.
His four victories had solidified his strength in everyone's minds.
But Froakie's stamina was clearly running thin.
Now was the perfect time—opponents were eyeing the field like hungry predators.
If they challenged Ash now, they might win easily… and they'd get to do it in front of the entire camp, riding the wave of Ash's fame.
Dozens of campers were now ready—waiting for Ash to issue the call.
In the center of the field, Ash slowly swept his eyes across the ring of expectant challengers.
And then—he opened his mouth.
"I want to say something… to all of you—"
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T/N:
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