Accompanied by their new traveling photographer, Todd Snap, Ash and his friends arrived before a rather imposing and official-looking buildingthe Pokémon League Admissions Exam Center.
This was an alternative route to qualifying for the Pokémon League Conference, separate from the traditional path of collecting eight Gym Badges. It primarily tested a trainer's depth of knowledge through a high-difficulty written examination.
"Whoa, is this the place where you can qualify for the League directly?" Misty asked, looking around with curiosity.
"I've heard the written test is incredibly difficult," Brock added, looking at the instructions posted by the entrance. "It covers everything from Pokémon ecology and types to moves and evolution. Even many veteran trainers struggle to pass it."
Ash, familiar with the original plot, knew exactly what would happen here. Although he had long since decided to follow the orthodox path of collecting eight badges, a sliver of curiosity and a mischievous thought rose in his heart as he looked at the center.
He wanted to see just how far he could go in this exam, relying on the vast knowledge of his past life and his experience as a Special Research Assistant for Professor Oak in this one.
"We have some time today anyway. Why don't we give it a try?" Ash suggested, a confident smile playing on his lips.
"Eh? Ash, you want to take the written test?" Misty was a bit surprised. She had heard of Ash's status as an assistant, but her impression of him wasn't exactly the "hitting the books" type.
Todd Snap immediately raised his camera. "Oh! Challenging the limits of knowledge! This will make for great material!"
After paying the registration fee, Ash entered the examination hall.
When the papers were handed out, the questions were indeed all-encompassing. They ranged from the Kanto Region to other distant lands (including some forward-looking questions within the context of the first generation),
from common Pokémon to the rarest species, and from basic type matchups to complex move synergies and tactical analysis. There were even obscure questions regarding special evolution conditions and ancient ruins.
However, to Ashwho possessed a massive library of memories from games, animations, and setting guides in his previous life, and who currently served as a Special Research Assistant at Professor Oak's Laboratory, having participated in numerous academic discussionsthis was child's play.
His pen flew across the paper. Without needing a moment's thought, he filled in every correct answer. For some questions, he even provided supplementary explanations that were more detailed and cutting-edge than the standard answers.
The other trainers in the room were scratching their heads and agonizing over the questions. Seeing Ash's effortless poise, they cast looks of shock and disbelief in his direction.
When the exam ended, the results were announced on the spot.
When the examiner called out, "Ash, passed with a perfect score!" a roar of disbelief erupted throughout the hall. A perfect score was an extremely rare occurrence since the establishment of the Exam Center!
Then came the second round of the certificationa Pokémon battle!
Just as Brock had mentioned, all participating trainers were required to temporarily hand over their own Poké Balls. The examiners brought out a batch of uniform-specification Poké Balls, each containing a different Pokémon, and randomly assigned them to the candidates.
By a stroke of coincidence (or perhaps fate), the three Pokémon Ash was assigned wereArbok, Weezing, and... Meowth!
"Pfft" Misty and Brock nearly burst out laughing when they saw the Pokémon Ash released. Even Todd's camera lens shook. Wasn't this the standard configuration for Team Rocket?!
Even the examiner's expression turned a bit subtle.
Ash looked at the three "old rivals" who were baring their teeth at him, clearly unimpressed. He blinked, then broke into a meaningful smile. "What a... twist of fate."
The battle began! Ash's opponent was a trainer using Fearow, Electrode, and Sandslash.
At first, the Arbok, Weezing, and Meowth were resistant to Ash's commands. Meowth, in particular, muttered under its breath, "Why should I have to listen to this twerp, meow?"
But Ash didn't lose his cool. He immediately demonstrated his卓越commanding art and tactical vision. He didn't force them with harsh orders; instead, through precise timing and strategic layout, he guided them to play to their strengths.
"Arbok, don't rush in to Bite! Use Glare to intimidate them first!"
"Weezing, fly into the air and use Smokescreen to obscure the battlefield!"
"Meowth, now! Use Fury Swipes to disrupt Electrode. Don't let it charge up!"
His instructions were clear, decisive, and always provided the most effective choice at the critical moment.
Gradually, Arbok, Weezing, and Meowth found that following this twerp's commands made the battle feel exceptionally smoothit was almost like water flowing downhill. Their resistance unconsciously shifted into cooperation.
Ash skillfully combined the unique traits of these three Pokémon: Poison-type disruption, aerial vision control, and Meowth's agile melee combat. He executed a level of sophisticated coordination that Jessie and James had never managed to achieve.
Finally, with a series of linked tactics, Ash led this "Team Rocket" lineup to a total victory over his opponent!
"We... we actually won..." Meowth murmured in disbelief as it looked at the fallen opponents. This was the first time it had experienced what it felt like to fight under the command of a truly elite trainer.
When the assessment concluded, Ash had once again achieved a crushing victory, securing League qualification with a perfect score in the written test and an undefeated record in combat. When the examiner handed him the special qualification badge, his eyes were full of wonder.
However, facing this easily obtained qualification and the congratulations of the crowd, Ash made another unexpected decision. He calmly rejected the badge.
"Thank you very much for your recognition, sir," Ash said, his voice steady and calm. "But I cannot accept this badge."
"Why?!" The examiner and the crowd were stunned. Passing with a perfect score and then refusing the qualification was unheard of.
"The path of a Pokémon trainer is about more than just accumulating knowledge," Ash said earnestly, his gaze sweeping across every trainer in the hall. "True growth lies in facing the wind and rain with your Pokémon, fighting together,
learning from failure, and gaining insight from victory. Gym challenges aren't just a test of strength; they are a trial of will and a deepening of bonds. Every Gym Badge I carry represents the sweat and memories of my partners and me working toward a common goal."
He raised his hand, displaying the Gym Badges he had already earned. "These are the true medals that belong to me, Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charizard... and all my companions. they record our growth. They are far more precious and carry more weight than any qualification obtained through a written test."
He looked at the examiner with sincere eyes. "Knowledge is important, but it should be an aid to the journey, not a replacement for the journey itself. I believe that only by walking through every Gym and experiencing every battle can one truly deserve to stand on the stage of the League Conference. So, please save this qualification badge for another trainer who needs it or chooses that path. My road... I will walk it with my own two feet, step by step, alongside my Pokémon partners."
With that, Ash gently pushed the badge back toward the examiner.
Silence fell over the exam center. Everyone present was deeply moved by Ash's words.
The examiner stared at Ash, his eyes filled with admiration and respect. He slowly took back the badge and said solemnly, "I understand, Ash. You don't just possess knowledge; you possess the heart of a true Pokémon trainer. I respect your choice, and I look forward to seeing the brilliant figures of you and your partners at the League Conference."
[Ding! The host has demonstrated exceptional knowledge, extraordinary command ability, and a firm trainer's conviction, gaining widespread recognition. Reward: 500 World Origin Points.]
[Current World Origin Points: 23,050.]
Though he had given up the shortcut, Ash's heart felt more fulfilled. His path was destined to be forged by every footprint he and his partners left behind. And this small episode of leading "Team Rocket" to victory became a popular anecdote that circulated through the center for a long time.
It is worth mentioning that after the real Team Rocket trio left, they tried to steal Ash's Pikachu again. However, Meowth, Arbok, and Weezingunusuallyrefused to follow orders. Instead, they chased Jessie and James in circles...
Ash and his friends didn't have the luck to see that scene, otherwise, they would have recorded it as perfect comedy material.
After passing the nearby Pokémon Day Care, they finally arrived at the Cinnabar Gym...
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