Pokemon: A different Ash

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"That's right!" Brock nodded in agreement with Ash's words.

If you want to determine a winner, you have to compete with your strength. Using evolution as the deciding factor was simply unrealistic.

"Since we need to decide the winner, of course we should use our strongest approach. It seems you don't understand the true charm of Pokémon evolution!" 

Overhearing the conversation between Ash and Brock, the Eevee Brothers turned their attention toward them, their eyes landing on Pikachu standing beside Ash.

"It seems I need to educate you about this!" Sparky declared, snapping his fingers. Several attendants dressed in matching uniforms emerged from the house.

Each attendant carried a small box, which they placed on a nearby table before opening them one by one.

Inside the dozen boxes lay various evolutionary stones. Such items were typically rare treasures, let alone in such quantities.

"Please, take one!" Sparky offered generously. "Let your Pikachu evolve and see for yourself. You'll definitely experience the wonder of evolution!"

He confidently handed Ash a Thunder Stone. Outside, such an item would fetch an extremely high price in Pokédollars, yet Sparky offered it without hesitation.

"Do you have any Pokémon that require evolution stones?" Meanwhile, Pyro, the third brother, turned his attention to Brock.

"Well... I do have a Vulpix, but—"

"Don't be shy, take it!" Pyro interrupted, tossing a Fire Stone to Brock. Brock caught it with confusion but made no move to release Vulpix.

Although Vulpix was technically his Pokémon now, it had been entrusted to him by Suzie. Even though she had asked him to care for it, in his heart, he still felt he was merely its temporary caretaker. He wouldn't make such an important decision without Suzie's permission.

"Sorry, my Pikachu doesn't want to evolve into Raichu!" Ash tossed the Thunder Stone back to Sparky.

When Ash had held the Thunder Stone, Pikachu had visibly recoiled. Ash had immediately sensed his partner's discomfort and would never force such a change.

"I can't let Vulpix evolve without proper authorization. I'm sorry!" Brock returned the Fire Stone after seeing Ash's actions. The three brothers and many onlookers appeared surprised.

"It seems you don't understand the charm of evolution at all," Sparky said with a disappointed shake of his head.

"That's because you've never truly listened to your Pokémon's voices," Ash countered. "Have you ever cared about what they want? You just want them to evolve. Have you ever considered your Pokémon's true desires?"

Upon hearing Ash's words, the surrounding Trainers exchanged uncomfortable glances, many looking guiltily at their own Pokémon.

Most of their Pokémon had already evolved, but when making that decision, none of them had hesitated or consulted their Pokémon's wishes.

Unlike natural evolution, which sometimes happens beyond a Pokémon's control, these Pokémon all required evolution stones. In other words, unlike other Pokémon, they were given the choice whether to evolve. However, their Trainers had taken away that choice by insisting on their own path.

Sparky and his brothers fell silent.

"It's the same with Pokémon as it is with Mikey," Ash continued. "You think you're hosting this party for him, but have you ever considered whether Mikey wants this? Or are you just trying to prove that your evolutionary paths are correct by forcing Mikey to choose one of the three options you've selected?"

Some truths remain hidden until someone speaks them aloud. Once stated, they can no longer be ignored. The expressions of the three brothers changed instantly.

Mikey gazed at Ash with gratitude in his eyes. Every word Ash spoke reflected exactly what he felt in his heart.

That's how he felt, but he hadn't dared tell his brothers. It wasn't fear that held him back, but rather not wanting to expose his brothers' true intentions. Instead, he'd tried to disrupt the party by hiding Eevee.

"What did you say?!" Like the Fire-type Pokémon he trained, the hot-tempered Pyro gritted his teeth, embarrassment coloring his face.

"That's right! Even if we wanted Mikey's choice to determine the outcome, that doesn't mean we don't care about him!" Rainer, the middle brother, added defensively.

"Even so, isn't it true that Pokémon become stronger after evolving?" Sparky remained calm, his tone serious.

"Evolution is indeed one way to improve a Pokémon's strength, but it's not the only option," Ash replied, looking down at his Pikachu. Pikachu smiled back, raising a determined paw.

"That's just your opinion. After evolution comes real proof," Sparky said with a slight frown.

"If you need proof, there's only one way to settle this!" Ash's words caused the three brothers' expressions to change instantly.

"My Pikachu hasn't evolved. Let's see if evolution truly is the best choice for Pokémon." Ash spoke calmly, but the three brothers became serious.

"In that case, let's put it to the test! Mikey, watch closely. We'll prove that evolution is the best choice for Eevee."

Sparky snapped his fingers again. In the manor yard, the swimming pool on the other side suddenly trembled, then split open as the water drained away. The pool itself descended into the ground, and after a moment, a battle arena slowly rose in its place. Brock and Misty watched in amazement. This truly was a wealthy family, with a battle arena hidden beneath their swimming pool.

Indeed! There was only one way to prove whose statement was correct—through battle!

As the arena appeared, Sparky gestured for Ash to follow. Soon, the three brothers stood on one side with Ash on the other. The surrounding Trainers gathered around, eager to see which philosophy would prevail.