As it turned out, both Tierno and Clemont took Ash's request very seriously.
In less than ten minutes, replies came back from both of them.
First was Tierno.
His great-uncle Rodman, curator of the Ambrette Aquarium, did indeed own a Clauncher.
Upon learning that his beloved grand-nephew's good friend needed help, Rodman immediately agreed to lend the Pokémon.
Unfortunately, when Tierno asked whether the Clauncher knew Aura Sphere, the old man could only shake his head regretfully.
According to Rodman, the Clauncher had simply been something he caught while fishing one day and casually added to his collection. Its aptitude was fairly ordinary.
Moreover, at his age, Rodman no longer trained Pokémon with the dedication of a professional trainer. Clauncher's level had yet to reach the point where it would naturally learn Aura Sphere.
Although the result was disappointing, Ash wasn't particularly discouraged.
After all, Clemont had already confirmed that his father's Blaziken knew Aura Sphere.
The only real question was whether Clemont's father would be willing to lend out such an important partner.
For most trainers, Pokémon were deeply personal companions.
Unless it was someone they trusted completely, they rarely loaned them out.
And unlike Professor Juniper, Ash wasn't even a researcher.
More importantly, Clemont's father was no ordinary trainer.
The anime had never gone deeply into his background, achievements, or titles.
But Ash remembered one thing very clearly.
Back when Professor Sycamore and Team Flare's representative Lysandre were still researching Mega Evolution, Clemont's father, Meyer, already possessed a Blaziken capable of Mega Evolution.
As the mysterious "Blaziken Mask," he secretly protected Lumiose City from the shadows.
His strength was enough to rival members of the Kalos Elite Four.
He was the very definition of a hidden master.
If it had been an ordinary trainer lending out an ordinary Pokémon, Ash believed that borrowing one through his friendship with Clemont would have been easy.
But Meyer wasn't ordinary.
And the Pokémon being lent wasn't ordinary either.
It was his ace.
A Blaziken whose strength had already reached the Elite Four level.
To be honest, Ash wasn't entirely confident Meyer would agree.
Even though Clemont had repeatedly assured him that his father was an incredibly kind person and would definitely help.
Fortunately, Clemont wasn't exaggerating.
After hearing that Ash wanted to study Aura Sphere, Meyer agreed almost immediately and with remarkable generosity.
Half an hour later, after receiving Blaziken's Poké Ball from his father, Clemont returned to Lumiose Gym and used the Gym's Pokémon transfer system to send the Poké Ball directly to Ash.
"Thanks, Clemont. I've received it."
Holding the warm Poké Ball that had just arrived in the transfer slot, Ash waved toward the video call screen.
"It's nothing, really!"
Clemont scratched the back of his head, looking both bashful and pleased.
He didn't have many friends.
Perhaps because of that, he cherished every friendship he formed.
Especially someone like Ash.
Whether discussing artificial intelligence, Pokémon training, or technology, the two of them always had endless topics to talk about.
In Clemont's eyes, Ash was one of his closest friends.
...
...
After exchanging a few more words, Ash ended the call.
Then, unable to suppress his excitement any longer, he immediately released the Pokémon.
Bang!
The Poké Ball opened.
A beam of crimson light shot forward and landed on the floor.
Moments later, it condensed into the form of a tall, imposing Blaziken nearly two meters in height.
"Blaziken!!"
The moment it appeared, Blaziken spread its arms wide and let out a powerful cry.
Its eyes flashed with razor-sharp intensity.
The sharpness in its gaze was no less impressive than the Keen Eye of Pidgeot or Fearow.
In fact, it was even more intimidating.
The difference came purely from strength.
Only now, after seeing Meyer's ace in person, did Ash suddenly understand why the man had been so willing to lend Blaziken out.
Because with strength like this...
What exactly could Ash do to it?
To outsiders, Ash was simply a six-year-old prodigy who had graduated early from Professor Oak's Pokémon Summer Camp and received his starter Pokémon ahead of schedule.
Talented?
Absolutely.
Exceptional?
Without question.
But still just a six-year-old child.
That was probably why Meyer felt comfortable sending Blaziken over.
At the same time, judging by Blaziken's fierce aura and proud demeanor, getting it to cooperate with skill research likely wouldn't be easy.
There was a good chance that agreeing to lend Blaziken out was also Meyer's way of testing him.
After all, Meyer himself was a hidden powerhouse.
His son, Clemont, was a famous Electric-type prodigy in Lumiose City.
Not just anyone could become their friend.
What Meyer didn't know, however...
Was that Ash wasn't an ordinary six-year-old.
In terms of combat power alone, the Pokémon in Ash's first team had already reached the Elite Tier.
With the support of Viridian Blessing's Will Empowerment, they could even exchange blows with Elite Four-level opponents.
And more importantly...
Ash didn't actually need Blaziken's cooperation to obtain Aura Sphere.
"Hello, Blaziken."
"My name is Ash."
"I'm Clemont's friend."
"Because I need to study the principles behind Aura Sphere, I asked to borrow you from Mr. Meyer."
"I'll be in your care for the next few days."
Looking at the proud Blaziken standing before him with its arms crossed, Ash calmly activated Natural Affinity and spoke directly into its mind.
"Blaziken?!"
The fiery Pokémon's eyes widened instantly.
Not only had the boy shown no fear of its imposing aura...
He had remained completely calm and composed.
Then, before Blaziken could process that surprise, Ash's voice had suddenly echoed directly inside its head.
At that moment, the look in Blaziken's eyes changed from curiosity to utter shock.
Its expression looked as though someone had solemnly informed it:
"Blaziken... you can actually fly."
In short—
It was completely stunned.
The intimidating aura it had brought with it had failed to intimidate Ash in the slightest.
Instead, Ash's casual display of telepathy had shocked Blaziken far more thoroughly than anything it had planned to do upon arrival.