Breaking through to the Champion level was never simple. Even if a Trainer squeezed every last drop of potential out of their Pokémon at the quasi-Champion stage, it didn't guarantee advancement.
Experience.
Raw strength.
Elemental mastery.
Mental fortitude.
All of these had to reach a critical threshold before evolution in rank became possible.
A Rare Candy could enhance growth, yes—but when it came to true breakthroughs, especially at the highest tiers, it could at most increase the probability by nearly fifty percent. It was a catalyst, not a miracle.
"Master, don't worry. I understand what must be done," Feng Bo said calmly over the phone. "I'll negotiate with the Ida family tomorrow. If there's any progress, I'll contact you immediately. But… if the Nanye family starts spreading rumors and claims we broke our word—"
Ash Ketchum leaned back in his chair, his expression unmoved.
"Relax. Even if the Nanye family is furious, they won't dare push this onto me publicly," Ash replied evenly. "Let them choose—bite me and be destroyed, or swallow their pride and accept the result."
He let out a soft scoff.
"They agreed to forty-five percent of the medicinal resources. If they break the contract, they're the ones who strike first."
Ash had already made up his mind. If the Nanye family tried to stir trouble, he would not show mercy.
And if that video ever surfaced?
It would only raise his popularity.
In that recording, he was the reasonable party. Public opinion would crush the Nanye family without him lifting a finger. As long as Silver Rowan retained his rationality, he would never choose open confrontation.
Still… Ash preferred the second outcome.
Because at the upcoming Johto League Silver Conference, he intended to show everyone exactly what a true Champion looked like.
The so-called "presence" of the Johto region?
To him, it was unnecessary.
"Understood, Master," Feng Bo replied after a pause. "I won't disturb your rest."
"Mm."
Ash hung up, changed into his pajamas, and returned to bed. Wrapping his arms around Sabrina, he drifted into sleep.
The Next Morning
"Ah—"
Ash yawned as he sat up in bed early the next morning. The alarm hadn't even reached its set time. Beside him, Sabrina still slept peacefully, her long hair spilling across the pillow.
After washing up, Ash stepped into the living room of the wooden cabin.
Most of his Pokémon were still asleep.
Only one was awake.
Outside by the small river stood his Treecko, gazing silently at the flowing water.
Ash walked over and stopped beside him.
"Can't sleep?"
Treecko glanced at him and shook his head.
Ever since choosing to follow Ash, Treecko had never doubted his Trainer's ability. What troubled him wasn't training—it was whether he could live up to Ash's expectations.
Ash crouched down beside him.
"Relax. You'll become strong. I once had a Bulbasaur in Kanto—one of my core partners."
"After evolving into Venusaur, he became incredibly powerful. Heavy, yes—but once he mastered Mokuton-like control through Grass-type techniques, he dominated the battlefield. Even this cabin we're staying in was constructed using similar control over plant life."
Treecko listened intently.
"You haven't evolved yet. You're still learning to sense the vitality in every tree and blade of grass. Once you evolve—and deepen your connection to nature—you'll understand."
Ash placed a hand on Treecko's shoulder.
"I believe in you."
In some aspects, Treecko's potential even surpassed Venusaur's. His speed, agility, and sharp battle instincts were extraordinary.
But right now?
Compared to a fully evolved Venusaur, he still had a long way to go.
That didn't matter.
Because growth—true growth—was never rushed.
And Ash Ketchum never doubted the strength of his partners.
Treecko followed Ash to the riverside.
Ash flipped his wrist, and a fishing rod appeared from the storage ring. The quiet current reflected the morning light as he cast the line into the water.
He still lacked a solid Water-type on his team.
Treecko sat cross-legged nearby, eyes closed, silently sensing the surrounding vegetation. Unlike Ash—who could rely on chakra and vitality to directly perform Mokuton—Pokémon had to understand the life force of plants step by step if they wished to deepen their Grass-type control.
Venusaur had been an exception.
With the help of a Memory Disc and Ash's guidance, it had skipped the most difficult stage of perception and gone straight into applied mastery. But Treecko had to walk his own path.
"Hmm?"
Ash suddenly felt something.
A gaze.
Without moving his body, he spread out his Aura perception. The invisible wave extended across the river and into the tall grass on the opposite bank.
There—
A small blue figure.
A Totodile.
"Totodile…" Ash's lips curled slightly. "Looks like my luck's not bad today. Does meeting a Legendary Pokémon really boost fortune that much?"
The little Water-type crept forward through the grass, clearly planning some sort of prank. It had no idea its every movement was already mapped out by Ash's Aura.
Ash tilted his head slightly.
"Treecko. Seed Machine Gun. Over there."
He pointed casually toward the bushes.
"Treee!"
Treecko didn't hesitate. Orange-red seeds rapidly fired from its mouth, streaking across the river and exploding upon impact.
Boom!
"Totodiiile!"
With a yelp, Totodile tumbled out of the grass, clutching its head. The attack had struck true, interrupting its attempted ambush.
It landed on the riverbank, glaring angrily at Ash and Treecko, small claws raised in protest.
Ash calmly reeled in his fishing line.
"So you were planning to prank me?"
Totodile puffed up its cheeks defiantly.
Its body was small, but its musculature was compact and powerful. Ash could already sense the impressive physical potential beneath that playful exterior.
Good stamina.
Excellent explosive strength.
High growth ceiling.
"Not bad," Ash murmured.
Totodile suddenly opened its mouth—
"Totodiiiiile!"
A burst of water shot forward.
"Water Gun," Ash said casually.
"Treecko, dodge."
Treecko vanished from its original position, reappearing to the side with fluid agility. The Water Gun splashed harmlessly into the river.
Totodile blinked.
Fast.
Very fast.
Ash stepped forward slightly, Aura flaring faintly around him.
"I'm Ash Ketchum," he said calmly. "If you want to fight, I'll give you a proper battle."
Totodile tilted its head.
It didn't fully understand the words—
But it understood the intent.
The pressure.
The presence.
This human… was strong.
For a brief moment, hesitation flickered in its eyes.
Then—
It grinned widely.
"Totodile!"
Battle it is.