Chapter 6

In the scene—

After Xia Chun left.

Professor Oak finally arrived leisurely, and upon seeing the pitch-black Ash, he couldn't help but sigh.

"Ash, if you don't get up now, you'll miss the opening ceremony."

Professor Oak's words were like an instant heart-relief pill.

Whoosh, instantly!

Ash immediately returned to his energetic state.

His charred body only shook a few times and was restored to normal.

There was no trace that this was the same person as the blackened charcoal from just moments ago!

At this sight, the live comments exploded!

[Ma Shide: This child has great talent; come learn martial arts from me! Recovering from such damage reminds me of an old acquaintance.]

[Dian Di: Master, could this old acquaintance you mention be Professor Oak?]

[Matsuzaki: Hiss, now that you mention it, I remember! We've always had legends about the Super Pallet Town Trainer.]

[Electrode: Tell us more; I want that kind of Electric-type resistance too!]

[Cynthia: Speak up; I'm very interested as well.]

[Professor Oak: Ahem, ahem.]

[Matsuzaki: Haha, I was just joking. It's just that Ash is too special; he might possess powers we don't know about.]

[Da Ye: That's it? I thought you'd have some grand theory. You might as well say Ash is the reincarnation of Raikou; that would be more convincing.]

Hiss, everyone hearing this found it very reasonable.

Otherwise, how could a human be hit by an Electric-type move and remain completely unharmed!

Eliminate all impossibilities; whatever remains, no matter how absurd, must be the truth!

Ash is a Pokémon!

In the scene—

"Wait! Wait for me!"

The two walked into the Oak Laboratory together.

By the time Ash arrived at the Oak Laboratory, the opening ceremony had already begun.

Ash managed to squeeze his way to the front through the crowd.

The first thing he saw was Professor Oak speaking eloquently; Ash looked left and right.

His gaze met Xia Chun's exactly; Ash gave a shy smile.

This only made Xia Chun feel embarrassed; she always felt this person looked familiar.

As if she had seen him somewhere!

Ash's gaze didn't linger long; instead, he focused all his attention on Professor Oak.

There was no choice; Professor Oak's speech was truly blood-pumping.

But just as Professor Oak prepared to showcase one of his research achievements.

A giant exclamation mark filled the screen in front of Professor Oak.

Ash looked utterly confused; he was still preparing to see what it was.

The surrounding crowd also grew restless, their eyes turning toward Professor Oak.

They wanted an explanation.

In the front, Professor Oak frowned deeply, constantly searching for the root of the problem.

Soon, Professor Oak obtained the result he wanted.

Professor Oak licked the corner of his mouth and said with a slightly excited voice:

"A mysterious Pokémon has appeared in Vermilion City; it is currently near Vermilion Port. Of course, I cannot confirm its identity!"

Before Professor Oak could finish speaking, Ash shot out like a flash.

Boldness defined his entire life.

Ash knew exactly how to seize the initiative!

Seeing Ash leave, the others immediately reacted and rushed toward the exit.

"Professor Oak, I'm going to check the port~"

Only Ash's voice echoed through the scene.

Seeing this, Xia Chun instinctively felt uneasy.

"This guy is just like that person! He's truly annoying!"

Ash's reckless behavior reminded Xia Chun of some bad memories.

Those childhood experiences were like nightmares, constantly reminding Xia Chun to be cautious about making friends.

If she encountered someone who put others in danger again, Xia Chun wouldn't be able to handle it!

Yet, watching Ash's gradually disappearing back.

Xia Chun's heart felt a spark of curiosity toward Ash, or perhaps a flicker of trust in his character.

Would this boy also abandon her in danger?

Or... would he make a different choice!

Once a seed is planted, it sprouts; driven by curiosity, Xia Chun unexpectedly chose without hesitation to follow him out.

"Dad, I'm going out for a bit."

Saying this, Xia Chun chased after him without looking back.

"When did this girl start taking an interest in Pokémon? She was terrified of them before."

Professor Oak was deeply puzzled.

Professor Oak, standing nearby, also stepped forward at that moment.

"I'm sorry, Professor Oak. Back then, I failed to look after Haruka properly, and that incident happened."

Yet, Professor Oak's expression was filled with profound regret.

Since he opened his summer camp, the only incident had been Haruka's, and because of it, Haruka no longer wanted to get close to Pokémon.

Haruka even refused to become a Trainer.

Because of this, Professor Oak felt deeply guilty.

In this world, ordinary people choose a starter Pokémon at ten years old and then set out on a journey.

Haruka is already fourteen, yet she refuses to become a Trainer.

Even attending school, she still cannot accept Pokémon.

Professor Oak was extremely worried about this matter.

But now, things seem to be turning around.

Professor Oak is not blind; he naturally noticed the way his daughter looked at the boy brought by Professor Oak.

Childhood wounds need healing from peers; perhaps that boy can help Haruka move past her pain.

"Professor Oak, what is that child's name?" Professor Oak asked.

"Him?" Professor Oak sighed. "His name is Ash. He is an extraordinary child."

……

[Serena: Ash! He is the kindest person I have ever met. Years ago, we participated in Professor Oak's summer camp together. I accidentally got injured in the forest, and it was Ash who carried me back!]

[Misty: Tsk tsk tsk, who would have thought? A straight-laced guy like you actually cares about girls?]

[Ash: Something like that? I don't remember it at all!]

[Serena: You idiot Ash! I still keep the things you gave me. When you arrive in Kalos, I will return them to you personally!]

[Delia: Oh ho ho, I never expected my Ash to have a girl who likes him. How thrilling.]

[Serena: Aunt Delia, my name is Serena, and I am this year...]

[Gary: Interrupting, I am Ash's rival!]

Silver Town.

Gary stared at the endlessly scrolling comments, an indescribable rage spreading through his heart.

Ash, you guy, actually have a girl who likes you!

How is that possible!

"Young Master Gary, don't be angry. Here, have some grapes~"