Chapter 1: Ash's New Life
"My name is Ash Ketchum. To become a Pokémon Master, I set out on a journey alone.
Later, I encountered a rift in time—and when I woke again, I had returned to when I was eight years old.
But this world… wasn't the same one I knew anymore!"
Leaving home young, returning old, my accent unchanged though my hair has grayed.
Eight years of battle, the world's number one.
"Ash, congratulations on wrapping up filming. These two are your successors. Thank you for your over twenty years of dedication—now it's time for the newcomers to shine."
Over twenty years…? Has it really been that long?
But I'm still in my prime… and there are people waiting for my return…
…
Everything feels like it happened just yesterday…
I still remember that day—when Pikachu and I stepped out of our house once again.
I asked myself, Am I finally a Pokémon Master now?
Probably not…
Otherwise, why would I get struck by lightning…
Wearing a straw hat, Ash leaned against a tree by the pond, counting on his fingers the information he had gathered these past two years.
Without a doubt, this wasn't the same world he came from.
Because in this world, there existed a name that stirred his blood—Red.
Yes, in Ash's memories, such a person never existed.
But here, there were Red, Green, Blue, Gold, Silver, Crystal—
as well as Leon, Cynthia, Steven, and Wallace!
Thinking of this, Ash couldn't help but smile.
"What an amazing era this is."
Last time, he had stumbled his way to the summit.
This time—would it be as easy?
"Pika~Pikachu!"
The grass rustled, and a golden electric mouse burst out, full of energy, leaping straight into Ash's arms.
"Haha~ that tickles, Pikachu!"
After playing with his partner for a bit, Ash rubbed Pikachu's cheeks and said gently,
"Alright, alright~ I promise, once I get my Poké Balls, I'll make sure to catch you first, okay?"
"Pika pika~" Pikachu nodded adorably, satisfied.
Although this was a restart, Ash hadn't been idle.
With his memories and the mysterious sixth sense granted by his Aura,
Ash had waited on the outskirts of Pallet Town for forty-two days—
until he met this newly evolved Pikachu.
Having not yet seen the cruelty of the world, this Pikachu was soon won over—
no tricks needed, just some gentle pats and Delia's loving cooking.
The little one devoted himself completely to Ash.
Having just lost his Kangaskhan mother, Pikachu found in Ash the warmth of family.
To him, Ash was now his true family—no one could replace that.
Ash, in turn, solemnly promised that once he became a Pokémon Trainer,
the first Poké Ball he used would belong to Pikachu.
For the next two years before turning ten, the two waited in perfect harmony.
"Tomorrow's the big day," Ash sighed softly, holding Pikachu close.
"This time, Bulbasaur won't have to wander anymore."
He remembered meeting that stubborn little guy in a remote mountain retreat.
It had wanted to prove that even without evolving, it could still earn its Trainer's love.
Ash had always wondered—what kind of pain made Bulbasaur so sensitive,
even more so than the abandoned Squirtle?
It wasn't until much later, after awakening his Aura powers,
that Ash finally learned the truth during a heartfelt talk with Bulbasaur.
Bulbasaur had once lived in Professor Oak's lab—
and was likely one of the Pokémon chosen by the new Trainers of Ash's own generation.
That Trainer, after hitting a wall in early battles,
blamed Bulbasaur for their losses and heartlessly abandoned it in the forest,
where it was eventually rescued by a kind girl named Melanie.
That betrayal became a thorn in its heart.
Even when loved by Ash, it still refused to evolve—
as if testing whether love could last without change.
To be fair, Ash's original team—Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charizard—
all had the potential to reach the top.
But because of his inexperience and flawed training,
only Pikachu stayed by his side until the Masters Tournament.
Now, with this second chance, Ash vowed to do things differently—
to train smarter, fix his mistakes, and crush his rivals with ease.
As he dreamed about the future, Ash smiled toward the sky…
"Ash! Stop Daydreaming! Your mom's calling you for dinner!"
The old neighbor's voice snapped him back to reality.
"Hehe, okay!" Ash stood up. "Let's go eat, Pikachu!"
"Pika!" Pikachu chirped, hopping onto Ash's head.
With the sunset at his back and the smell of home in the air,
Ash ran down the countryside path,
humming, "Let's go home—to where it all began…"
Though his past glories had faded away,
Ash truly felt that being back here was wonderful.
With gratitude in his heart, he would walk this road again—
no more regrets, no more wasted potential,
turning all those past experiences into something sweet.
At the red-roofed house surrounded by flowers,
his mother Delia, dressed in a pink knit sweater, was tending her garden.
Seeing Ash run home, she smiled warmly.
"Back already? I've got everything ready for the braised fish you wanted to learn. Let's start."
"Hehe, thanks, Mom." Ash scratched his head shyly.
After all, the world had changed—no more travel companion to cook for him.
But that was fine; Brock's steadiness had always been something to admire.
From now on, he'd be self-sufficient—and ready to care for anyone he loved.
In the kitchen, Delia guided him patiently.
"Yes, just like that. Sear the skin until golden, then pour the sauce once it's set."
Ash carefully mixed the sweet-and-sour sauce—
"Sugar, salt, oyster sauce, ketchup, apple jam, vinegar."
The tangy scent wafted into the living room,
making Pikachu perk up its ears and sniff eagerly toward the kitchen.
When the dish was done, Delia smiled happily.
"My son's fish smells so good! I wonder which lucky girl will get to enjoy this someday."
Ash chuckled. "You already know who, Mom… just her."
They sat at the table together, Pikachu waiting excitedly with its little bowl.
Ash served his mom and Pikachu, then nodded with a smile.
"Let's eat!"
"Oh!"
"Pika!"
Delia and Pikachu raised their hands in cheerful unison—
the room filled with laughter and warmth.
To be continued…