With Frogadier evolving into Greninja, its level surged by two, reaching LV.39—just one step away from officially entering the Elite Tier.
Unlike Ash's original Charizard from the anime, which became rebellious and difficult to control after evolving, Greninja showed no signs of arrogance or defiance.
Instead, its personality evolved in a different direction.
On top of its original seriousness, it now carried an added sense of gentleness and justice.
After evolving, every aspect of Greninja's physical abilities had been greatly enhanced.
Furthermore, with the addition of the Dark-type, it had also gained access to a variety of new Dark-type moves.
In short—
This evolution had resulted in a massive leap in strength.
"Greninja, Clarissa—let's thank the audience, then we'll head off," Ash said.
"Alright!"
"Croak!"
Trainer and Pokémon followed Ash's lead.
Together, they bowed slightly toward the cheering audience, waved their hands in gratitude, and then exited the battlefield.
…
Greninja's evolution was an incredibly joyous moment.
In fact, it was second only to the earlier event that day—
Receiving two powerful pieces of equipment from Master Caldor at Rainbow Radiance.
However, the day's battles were not yet over.
The match with Clarissa had only been a warm-up.
Next, Ash would team up with Gary for four more 2v1 double battles.
-----
Before they knew it, more than two months had passed since Ash first began competing in the City Arena.
On average, he earned nearly 10,000 Poké Dollars per day in prize money.
Occasionally, in order to avoid standing out too much—or to remain in the more profitable lower-numbered sub-arenas—Ash and Gary would deliberately lose matches in subtle ways.
Even so—
Ash's personal account had already accumulated over 490,000 Poké Dollars.
After today's matches, he would finally be able to use the newcomer discount offered by the arena to purchase a valuable Pokémon item from the official store.
"Phew…!"
"After almost two months, I've finally saved enough to buy a piece of Pokémon equipment."
Checking his account balance through the arena's mobile app, Ash couldn't help but smile broadly.
Beside him, Gary also looked excited.
"I've got around 450,000 Poké Dollars saved up now."
"Give me another week, and I'll be able to buy a Mystic Water for my Wartortle."
Since Gary had started competing later than Ash—and had lost more matches early on before they began teaming up—it was only natural that he lagged slightly behind financially.
"Don't worry," Ash said with a grin.
"Even after I buy my first item, I'll still help you."
"For the next week, we'll keep teaming up for double battles and earn enough for your Mystic Water as soon as possible."
"Thanks, bro!" Gary said, visibly touched.
"Come on, we're friends. No need to be so formal."
Ash then turned to Clarissa.
"By the way, Clarissa… aren't you planning to exchange for a Pokémon item here?"
"Even after I start solo ranking once I use my discount, Gary can still team up with you. And I can occasionally join too."
"With our help, you should be able to save enough within three months."
"Mm…"
Clarissa gently shook her head.
"It's okay. I don't want to slow you and Gary down."
"And besides, I'm not a professional Pokémon Trainer."
"Pokémon items aren't as essential for me."
"You don't have to worry about me."
She smiled softly.
"Of course… since I only have Happiny right now, I might need your help from time to time."
"Alright," Ash nodded.
"If that's what you want, I won't push it."
"As for teaming up, don't worry."
"Whenever you come to the City Arena, either Gary or I will definitely team up with you."
Ash didn't press her further.
Although Clarissa claimed she didn't need Pokémon items, Ash knew that wasn't entirely true.
Pokémon items were extremely valuable and rare.
Even the City Arena—an official League facility—was considered incredibly generous for offering them in exchange.
The real reason Clarissa declined was simple—
She didn't want to burden them.
She was a thoughtful, gentle girl who always considered others first.
But that wasn't the only reason.
Ash had already pieced together something else.
Clarissa's identity was far from ordinary.
Not only was she a member of the Joy family, but her status within the family was likely very high.
She was addressed respectfully as "Miss Clarissa" by other Joys.
She had been personally brought here by Amelie, a senior figure within the Joy family.
She was even allowed to intern at the Pokémon Center at such a young age.
And she would soon receive her own starter Pokémon before turning ten—
Something only granted under special circumstances, such as:
Top performers of Pokémon Summer Camp
Gym Leader successors
Or heirs of major families
From these clues, her identity was almost obvious.
Moreover—
Ash could sense that Clarissa had been sent by the Joy family to build a relationship with him.
According to Ash's personal principles—
He neither rejected nor overly embraced relationships that carried hidden motives or interests.
However—
After spending time with Clarissa, he realized something important.
She was genuine.
Even if her initial approach carried a purpose, her interactions with him had been nothing but sincere and pure.
Cute appearance.
Gentle personality.
Intelligent and thoughtful.
Because of her own charm, Ash gradually let down his guard and accepted her as a true friend.
But—
Only a friend.
He had no intention of going further.
After all, as a girl from the Joy family—possibly even a direct heir—her life was not entirely her own.
And Ash had no desire to marry into the Joy family.
So for now—
Their relationship would remain exactly where it was.
Good friends.
--------------
T/N:
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