patched up again and again, three years had passed... During these three years, Ash and the partners he had met continued to prepare for their journey; he grew taller, and they grew stronger.
Today, he could finally embark on his journey with his partners as an official Pokémon Trainer!
"Phew... looks pretty good~" Putting on his hat last, Ash examined himself in the full-length mirror, quite satisfied with his current appearance.
Honestly, Ash's outfit during the original series was indeed childish. As a transmigrator, he happily decided to change his attire.
A black three-quarter sleeve T-shirt, paired with a short red trench coat vest, and black casual pants and running shoes below... Ash's current attire indeed had a high 'Red' content.
But this wasn't the basic outfit of Red; it was the upgraded version—the Supreme Set version of Red.
(There is an accompanying image here, viewable after the version update)
These were the blueprints Ash found after sending Porygon into the computer. Delia and Lila praised them non-stop after seeing them.
Of course, if the code for the management spirit had been fully written, he might have been able to directly exchange for this outfit, which could even include functions like changing color via Mega Evolution and enhancing the bond between Trainer and Pokémon... Unfortunately, this was the purely handmade version, whose only features were probably sweat absorption and durability.
Perhaps... he could consider developing a sideline in clothing?
Ash, who had played many Pirated Versions of Pokémon games, knew very well that various clothing styles were definitely a major grind point in the games, where players often spent a lot of money.
The same was true in this real world. Not only the upper-class people, but also well-known Gym Leaders, Elite members, Champions, Coordinators, and others—all required their own unique clothing and attire.
Not to mention others, the cape worn by the Kanto Flying Elite Four member, Lance, was reportedly a specially customized design.
Ash had copied the clothing from almost the entire series of Pokémon games into Porygon's memory, and even important NPCs had more than one set of exclusive clothing. If he could cooperate with famous Trainers, with excellent designs and perfect models, it would be hard for him *not* to make money~
However, this kind of industry still required finding a suitable partner. That company in Saffron City was ultimately not the right fit... "Mom, Lila, I'm going to the Laboratory to find Professor."
"Ash Brother, can I go to the Laboratory with you..." Lila asked cautiously. After receiving Ash's approval, she immediately rushed happily to his side.
Ash was about to leave home, and Lila wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.
"Go together. I'll see you off at the entrance of the town, and we can say a proper goodbye then." Delia smiled and ushered her two children out the door.
But after closing the door, a look of deep worry inevitably crossed her face.
This was the worry every mother naturally had; no matter how sensible and reliable her child was, she wouldn't feel at ease with him wandering alone outside... "Ash Brother, have you decided which starter pokémon you want to receive?" Lila asked curiously on the way to the Laboratory.
"Not yet. I'll see how things look when I get there."
Ash really hadn't decided yet. Of course, he mainly wanted to see what Blue and Gary planned to choose.
As for himself... although Ash hadn't been late like in the original story, he wasn't particularly insistent on getting one of this batch of starter pokémon.
"That's so great... Ash Brother can start traveling now and will quickly become an amazing Trainer." Lila said enviously. "Why do I have to be one year younger..."
"Lila, you are actually more amazing than me." Ash suddenly smiled gently.
"Huh?"
"Because I'm going traveling, it might be a long time before I come home, and during this time, only Lila will be there to accompany Mom." Ash explained earnestly. "Since I'm not home, Lila is taking on the companionship that I should be giving Mom, so of course, you're more amazing~"
"In that case... I understand! While Ash Brother is traveling, I will definitely stay home and keep Mom company!" Hearing the instruction embedded in Ash's comfort, Lila immediately made a promise.
However, she still looked like she had something more to say: "It's just that..."
"I know." Ash smiled and nodded, as if guessing Lila's thoughts. "It's a promise. When you become a Trainer next year, I will definitely accompany you on your first journey."
"Mhm, you promised~" Lila excitedly held onto Ash's arm, and a happy smile finally appeared on her face.
The two arrived at the Laboratory chatting and laughing, where Blue and Gary were already waiting.
"Ha, Ash, you're here too. Then hurry up and choose your first Pokémon." As soon as Oak saw Ash, he kindly beckoned him over.
"Professor, I heard that four children are setting off today, right?" Looking at the three Poké Balls laid out, Ash asked curiously.
In the original story, Ash got Pikachu after being late, but now Pikachu was waiting for him outside the Laboratory, and he wasn't late.
So... if he took one of the starter pokémon, what would the last child receive?
"Yes, four children are setting off, which is why the Professor wants you to choose immediately." At this moment, a gentle woman wearing a lab coat said with a smile.
This was Gary's older sister, Nanami. She was a very capable Doctor and Breeder. Every Pokémon in the Laboratory, including these three starter pokémon, had been carefully raised by her.
"Our Laboratory originally reported that we would only give out three starter pokémon. The other child insisted on cutting in, so it's first come, first served." Nanami winked at the three children, the favoritism being extremely obvious.
Honestly, she wouldn't be happy giving the starter pokémon she raised to any child other than Ash and his friends~
"Since Nanami Sister said so, I won't be polite~" Knowing the situation, the lively Blue was the first to reach for a Poké Ball.
"I choose Squirtle!" *2
They spoke in unison, but Blue's hand was a step slower, and the Poké Ball was snatched by Gary first.
"Wait... Gary, what's your deal? Why are you stealing my Pokémon?!" Blue immediately glared and demanded.
"My sister said first come, first served. Since I grabbed it first, it's naturally mine." Gary replied matter-of-factly.
"But I want Squirtle too! It matches my name so well~"
"But I prefer Water-types, so there's no room for discussion." Gary had indeed decided on Squirtle a long time ago, so he wasn't deliberately trying to cut Blue off.
"You... can't you be a little more gentlemanly? Please let me have Squirtle, okay?" Seeing that force wouldn't work, Blue immediately changed tactics, batting her eyes pitifully at Gary.
"Stop putting on an act with me. I'm not Ash; I won't fall for that trick." Gary turned his face away, deciding that out of sight was out of mind.
"You... you'll be lonely forever and never find a girlfriend!!"
"I already have several girlfriends, thank you~"
"Then... I'll take Bulbasaur to specifically counter you!" Blue huffily grabbed the other Poké Ball, not forgetting to make a face at Gary. "Nyah nyah nyah, Stingy Green!"
"If you don't like it, come battle me, Drama Queen Blue!"
Watching these two constantly bickering children, the people at the Laboratory couldn't help but smile.
And there was one Poké Ball left...