At the start of the interview, Yoko hadn't taken the student's praise of Ash too seriously.
After all, they were just a group of six-year-old kids—how outstanding could any of them really be?
But by the time the student finished recounting all the reasons Ash had left such a deep impression, Yoko's mindset had undergone a complete 180.
If Ash's five consecutive wins on the first day and his battle with Gyarados during the fishing activity were proof of his extraordinary talent as a Trainer…
If his declaration of wanting to "stand atop the peak of all Trainers and become the strongest in the world" was a reflection of his great ambition…
Then his commitment to waking up at 6:30 AM to train—while others were still in bed—spoke volumes about his dedication, self-discipline, and hard work.
Combine that with his kind and helpful nature, and it was no surprise that Yoko's initial indifference was now replaced with genuine admiration.
She had to admit—Ash was a true prodigy.
As a native of Saffron City, the economic and cultural heart of the Kanto region, Yoko had met and interviewed her fair share of gifted individuals in her career as a journalist.
But the moment this student told her that Ash also possessed a supernatural ability—and not just telekinesis, but an actual healing power—Yoko was absolutely stunned.
No one understood better than she did what it meant when a prodigy who was already talented, hardworking, and disciplined also turned out to be an esper.
Yoko's thoughts raced:
Whether or not Ash becomes the strongest Trainer in the world remains to be seen...
But one thing's for sure—his future achievements will at least be on par with the Elite Four.
The very idea that she might get to interview a future top-tier Trainer left Yoko so excited she nearly jumped on the spot.
Yoko: "Umm—do you happen to know where Ash is right now?"
Student: "Huh? Isn't he over there?"
The student was about to say he didn't know—after all, everyone was busy filming their short videos—but just then, his eyes swept across the campground and lit up.
He spotted the black-haired boy walking out of the editing tent, Froakie in his arms.
The student quickly pointed.
"There! That black-haired boy holding the Froakie—that's Ash!"
Yoko's eyes widened in shock.
"That's him? That handsome black-haired student?"
She immediately recognized him. Earlier that morning, when all the students were gathered in the camp plaza, she had already taken notice of that striking young boy.
Black hair was fairly common in her past life's Asia, but in the Pokémon world, it was a rare trait.
Maybe that's why Ash is the protagonist of this world, she mused.
(Although… it's worth mentioning—Goh also has black hair!!)
Student: "Miss Yoko, are you heading over to interview Ash?"
Yoko: "Ah! Yes, yes I am. Thank you so much for your time and for sharing all of this with us. I hope you continue to shine in the upcoming activities. Our viewers—and we—will be cheering you on."
Student: "Thank you! And if you want to catch Ash, you'd better go now."
"He rarely stays in the camp. He's either training his Pokémon or out in the forest bonding with wild Pokémon."
Now armed with even more details about Ash's habits and hobbies, Yoko wasted no time.
Just as Ash was about to walk into the forest again, she intercepted him at the edge of the camp.
"Excuse me, Ash-kun! Can I trouble you for a few minutes for a quick interview?"
She gave him a bright smile.
"We've interviewed a few other campers, and all of them had such glowing things to say about you. I think our audience is very curious to know more."
"Would you mind sharing a bit about yourself on camera?"
Her sparkling eyes practically begged him with anticipation.
Ash didn't hesitate.
"Sure, no problem!" he nodded.
"Great! Then Ash-kun, could you start by giving a brief introduction to our viewers watching from home?"
Yoko crouched slightly and handed him the microphone.
Ash nodded and began.
"Okay~"
"I'm Ash from Pallet Town. I don't really have any favorite or least favorite foods. As for Pokémon, I don't have one particular favorite either—I love all Pokémon, of every type and species!"
"My hobbies include training the Pokémon I've caught, and exploring nature to bond with wild Pokémon."
"My dream is to reach the pinnacle of the Trainer world and become the strongest Pokémon Trainer alive."
He basically repeated what he had said during the camp's opening dream-sharing ceremony. Short and to the point.
Yoko: "Wow!! That's such a bold dream! But tell me, Ash-kun—why do you want to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer in the world?"
Ash's answer was immediate and serious.
"I think it's only natural to have a dream like that."
"If my future career is to become a Pokémon Trainer, then I have to give it my all and aim for the very top."
"[If you don't want to stand at the top and become the best… if you don't want to become a Pokémon Master—then you might as well go home and sell sweet potatoes.]"
Yoko: "Pfft—!!"
Viewers at home: "Pfft… Hahaha!!"
"As a Pokémon Trainer, if you're not aiming to be the best—if you don't want to become a Pokémon Master—then go sell sweet potatoes! This kid is too funny!"
"This Ash guy… he's so seriously adorable!"
The young girls watching TV pouted and complained,
"Hmph~ Damn you, journalist—are you trying to trick me into wanting to have his babies?!"
"Oh my gosh, this kid is way too cute~"
"Not only is this Ash talented, handsome, and full of energy—he's also hardworking, has lofty goals, and on top of it all, he's just… adorable."
"I've decided. From this moment on, I'm his number one mom-fan! I'll be watching all of his summer camp activities closely!"
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T/N:
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