"Vee~vee!" Eevee looked at Ash admiringly after watching the Rhyhorn flee in embarrassment.
This Eevee had never known its parents. Born in the wild, it grew up relying only on itself. Unlike the Laramie Ranch, where Pokémon were fed daily, Pokémon in the wilderness had to forage on their own to survive.
As a newborn, Eevee had no strength to defend itself. It survived by eating fallen fruit, slowly growing from a novice stage to an advanced level—already proof of its remarkable potential.
The reason Eevee dared to provoke the Rhyhorn today was because it had stolen the fruits Eevee had worked so hard to gather. But the difference in strength was overwhelming; Eevee simply wasn't strong enough to fight back.
Then Ash appeared. With a skill Eevee had never seen before, he not only stopped Rhyhorn's charge but even broke through its steel horn, proving his absolute strength. To Eevee, this was the first time it had seen what a true powerhouse looked like.
"You're too weak to have picked a fight with Rhyhorn just now," Ash said after dismissing his defense. He crouched down to face the little Pokémon. "Sometimes courage isn't enough—you need strategy, too. Acting on impulse can get you killed."
"Vee…" Eevee lowered its head but nodded. Despite being only about a year old, it had managed to survive alone without protection—a feat in itself.
Ash's expression softened. "How about it? Do you want to come with me? My ambitions are big, and the road ahead is dangerous. In future battles, you might even risk your life."
Eevee's ears twitched. It didn't hesitate for long. Having lived alone since birth, it already understood one truth—strength meant survival. With Ash, it saw hope.
"Vee!" Eevee nodded firmly.
"Good. Then from today, we'll be partners." Ash smiled, taking out a golden Luxury Ball. Technically, wild Pokémon here were supposed to be caught with Safari Balls, but Ash had little interest in rules when it came to something this important.
"Bang!" Eevee's eyes widened at the gleaming Poké Ball. Without fear, it pressed its tiny paw on the button. A flash of red light enveloped it, and it disappeared inside.
Ash held the Luxury Ball in his hand and chuckled. "If I train you well, you'll become a true powerhouse."
In this world, people only knew of three possible evolutions for Eevee:
Vaporeon — evolved with a Water Stone, transforming fully into a Water-type.
Flareon — evolved with a Fire Stone, transforming into a pure Fire-type.
Jolteon — evolved with a Thunder Stone, becoming a pure Electric-type.
But Ash knew more—secrets from knowledge beyond this world. Eevee's potential far exceeded what was currently known.
Espeon — evolving through strong friendship in the daytime, becoming a Psychic-type.
Umbreon — evolving through strong friendship at night, becoming a Dark-type.
Leafeon — evolving with deep connection to nature, becoming a Grass-type.
Glaceon — evolving in snowy mountains, becoming an Ice-type.
And even more existed—Eevee's evolution was limitless.
"If I published my discoveries about Eevee's evolutions, I'd gain so much recognition," Ash thought, smiling faintly. "And if I want to build my own influence in this world, popularity will be essential."
With that, he pulled out his phone and dialed Professor Oak.
"Hello? Ash? You haven't called your grandfather in a long time. Your mother misses you!" Professor Oak's warm voice came through the receiver.
"Grandpa, I've got something important to discuss with you," Ash said firmly. "Please hear me out."
"Are you certain, Ash? Eevee can really evolve into that many different forms?"
Professor Oak's tone sharpened with interest.
"If that's true, your fame will skyrocket overnight! And with that, we can also make your name change official—silencing those gossips once and for all."
Ash nodded even though his grandfather couldn't see it.
"Yes, it's true. I've confirmed it myself. Please help me with this. I'm tired of people talking behind my back, as if I don't belong anywhere."
"Don't worry." Professor Oak's voice carried excitement now.
"I'll begin research immediately. Once I verify these new evolutions, I'll publish them under your name. This is a groundbreaking discovery, Ash! I've always had a strong desire to study undiscovered Pokémon forms, and this is the perfect opportunity."
When the call ended, Ash let out a breath of relief. He already had a plan for what came next.
After the Indigo League, he would take on the trials ahead, and when he returned, he intended to establish a Gym of his own. With his growing reputation, there would be no problem attracting challengers.
At that time, he also planned to recruit a few apprentices. After all, while he continued to search for the traces of the Infinity Gems, he couldn't neglect his own power base. Founding a Gym would give him both influence and stability.
As for the unique battle techniques—what he called "ninjutsu"—Ash wasn't worried about sharing them.
After all, only he truly understood how to adapt such skills for Pokémon. No one else could replicate his methods.
...
TN:
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