Pokémon: The Strongest Trainer (Ash SI)

"It's fine! I already got my Pokémon. I'm just here to pick up the Pokédex and Poké Balls!" Ash replied casually, waving off the concern of the others around him.

All of Ash's Poké Balls were Luxury Balls. As most experienced Trainers know, Poké Balls differ not just in appearance but in their internal environment and functions. As the name suggests, the interior of a Luxury Ball is designed to be exceedingly comfortable. With Ash's personality, there's no way he'd treat his Pokémon poorly.

A standard Poké Ball costs about a thousand Pokédollars, while a Luxury Ball is priced at a whopping 100,000. It's a massive leap—one that only someone with the backing of a wealthy family like Ash could afford so casually.

"Well, that's just like Ash. But your strength is obvious to everyone—truly the genius Trainer of Pallet Town!" one of the townspeople said proudly.

Over the years, Ash's training had sometimes drawn attention for its intensity, and naturally, the whole village had come to know of it. Besides, if a Trainer from Pallet Town were to become the champion of the Indigo League, the town's taxes would be halved!

Winning the League isn't just about getting a shiny trophy—it also comes with numerous privileges. Otherwise, what's the point of a gold cup and a fancy title?

"Ash, you're really late! I've already picked up my Pokédex and Poké Balls!" A voice called out just as Ash was about to enter Professor Oak's lab.

The speaker had coffee-brown, spiky hair, wore a blue long-sleeve shirt and black jeans—and was flanked by seven or eight girls trailing behind him. It was none other than Gary Oak, Ash's rival and cousin.

Both Gary and Ash, as heirs of the Oak family, naturally had certain privileges. In fact, when Ash received his Pikachu, Gary had already been given an Eevee as his starter Pokémon.

Today, like Ash, Gary was here to receive his Pokédex and additional Poké Balls. But this time, Gary had chosen a well-bred Squirtle as his official starter. To receive a starter Pokémon from the League, families must pay an annual sponsorship fee until the child reaches 15. That means fifteen years of considerable expense.

That's also why there aren't too many new Trainers in every region—most families simply can't afford it. Still, the Pokédex offers several benefits, including free room and board at Pokémon Centers in every city.

"You seriously brought a convertible and an entourage for your journey?" Ash frowned, eyeing the red sports car parked nearby and the girls trailing behind Gary.

"Of course! Someone like me—golden body and all—would never walk on foot!" Gary flipped his hair smugly. "Come on, Ash. There's no way a guy like you could be in the same league as me. You're not actually going to walk during your journey, are you?"

"Don't be ridiculous. Riding a motorcycle is one thing, but a sports car? Isn't that a little excessive? And what's with the unnecessary baggage?" Ash sighed in exasperation.

"Relax! I'm a genius, so this stuff's no big deal," Gary replied coolly, glancing at Ash's disapproving face. Despite their rivalry, Gary never fully understood the extent of Ash's strength—even if Professor Oak often favored Ash.

"Whatever. Just don't crash out before the semifinals at the League Conference." With a shake of his head, Ash brushed past Gary and entered Professor Oak's lab.

Inside, Professor Oak greeted him warmly. This year, three new Trainers were setting out from Pallet Town: Ash, Gary, and a girl named Yumi Komaki, who had already departed earlier—so Ash hadn't seen her.

"You ran into Gary, huh?" Oak asked with a knowing smile.

"Yeah, I did. But with the way he's been acting lately, I doubt his results at the Conference will be anything special. Looks like Uncle Masaki's been too lenient with him," Ash muttered, still frowning.

To be honest, Ash preferred a good motorcycle to a car for travel—but for now, he was sticking to walking through the early cities. He'd decide on transportation later.

"Well, your uncle has been swamped lately with all the problems involving Team Rocket. Your aunt can't really rein him in either," Professor Oak said with a resigned nod.

"It's fine. I believe after the Indigo League, Gary will mature a bit. Anyway, Grandpa, just give me the Pokédex and the Poké Balls. I've got to get moving!" Ash said firmly.

Even if Gary needed to take a few detours in life, it wasn't Ash's job to worry about it.

"It's all ready for you. Make sure you catch as many unique Pokémon as you can for me to study! My research materials have been running dry lately!" Professor Oak said with a sigh as he handed Ash his Pokédex and Poké Balls. For Professor Oak, research wasn't just work—it was his passion.

And just like that, Ash took the first step of his journey.

After entering the Viridian Forest, Ash walked cautiously, his eyes scanning the dense greenery around him before moving deeper in. He recalled that there was a group of aggressive Spearow nearby. While he wasn't exactly afraid, he also didn't want to deal with unnecessary trouble. Defeating them wouldn't earn him any experience points or improve his Pokémon's stats—so there was no point wasting time or energy on meaningless fights.

Without realizing it, Ash had been walking for an entire day. It really made him wonder how he managed to keep hiking endlessly in the original timeline.

"Alright, let's call it a day. I'll pitch the tent here—if I wait any longer, it'll be too dark," Ash muttered, realizing that Pewter City was still a long way off. A night's rest was necessary.

"Pika~Pika!" Pikachu chirped in agreement, tail wagging cheerfully.

This Pikachu was no ordinary partner—it was a prospective powerhouse, one of elite potential. Anyone familiar with Pokémon battles would be shocked by how high Ash had trained it. In fact, no Trainer before him had managed to raise a Pikachu to such strength through pure effort alone.

"Come on out and rest, everyone!" Ash called, unclipping three Poké Balls from his belt. With three flashes of white light, his team appeared before him.

The first was a massive Onix, its towering form made entirely of boulders—imposing and powerful even at rest. The second was a large Pidgeotto, clearly stronger and more developed than others of its species. And the last was a Growlithe, a small but fiercely loyal Fire-type that looked adorable—but its bark was no joke.

"Rooaaar!!"

"Growwwwl!"

"Pidgeoo~!"

All three Pokémon greeted him with joyful cries before gathering around Ash affectionately. Their bond, forged over eight years of training and adventure, was unshakable. Each one trusted him completely—and their level of strength was a testament to Ash's dedication as a Trainer.

"Alright, alright! Let's relax first—I'll get dinner started," Ash said with a warm smile as he looked over his loyal companions.

...

TN:

Just as a side note for this fic: 1 Poké Dollar = 1 Japanese Yen. 😊

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