"Student Ash has achieved perfect 10s in the first three summer camp activities: the opening challenge, the fishing competition, and the night walk. He currently holds the number one spot on the Leaderboard for Student Scores."
"To be honest, I'm not the only one—I myself am really looking forward to Ash's Pokémon short film today. I wonder if he can keep up the streak and get another perfect 10."
"But let me be clear—when it comes to judging short films, my standards are very strict. Getting a perfect score from me won't be easy."
"Well then, no more chatter. Let's begin. Everyone, please enjoy the short film created by student Ash—'Fishing.'"
Professor Oak's words from the podium brought a hush over the crowd.
The whispers between students quieted.
In cities all across Kanto, families glued to their televisions leaned in as the broadcast continued.
The entire region held its breath.
…
"Little Stone Spring – Fishing"
The film opened with a gentle fade-in.
The scene revealed a tranquil, secluded spring hidden deep in nature, rain softly falling from the gray skies above.
The lush vegetation surrounding the spring was thick and vibrant, the sound of the stream bubbling and gurgling peacefully. Moss clung to stones, and everywhere you looked was a rich, natural green.
Even the crystal-clear waters of the spring looked like pure jade, reflecting the trees, vines, and moss all around it.
Compared to the chaotic, loud, and often childish shorts shown earlier, Ash's film was a breath of serenity. Every frame felt like a painting—something you'd set as your phone's wallpaper.
If watching other students' noisy, jumbled, and logic-defying shorts had been an assault on the senses, then Ash's film was a complete sensory cleanse.
The spring's natural beauty, combined with the steady patter of rain, created a peaceful yet slightly melancholic atmosphere.
Just as viewers were becoming completely absorbed by the scenic beauty, two soft glowing figures appeared in the dim frame.
When the audience focused their eyes, they saw Ash and Froakie standing on a large rock, both holding fishing rods.
The soft glow around them, like the light of early morning, was added by the editing team as a visual effect—without it, the dim, overcast setting would have made it hard to spot the duo under the tree shade.
Once the audience recognized them, standing there with their fishing rods—Ash with his standard one and Froakie with a tiny toy-sized one—a wave of chuckles rippled through the crowd.
The contrast was endearing.
Ash was clearly meant to be the backdrop; the true star of the scene was Froakie, clutching a comically small fishing rod, stealing the spotlight with its cuteness.
As the film moved forward, the camera began focusing more and more on Froakie's presence and expressions.
Rain continued to fall. A large droplet rolled off a tree leaf and smacked against the back of Ash's neck.
He flinched dramatically, neck jerking and shoulders hunched—his exaggerated reaction earned another round of laughter from the viewers.
Ash glanced around and quickly spotted a few wild taro plants growing by the water's edge.
Cut to the next scene—both Ash and Froakie now had taro stalks stuck into the backs of their shirts, with the wide taro leaves acting like umbrellas over their heads.
The result? Unbearably cute.
Viewers melted at the sight, smiling instinctively at the creative, childlike improvisation.
Then, Ash challenged Froakie to a fishing contest.
Although he spoke, the film didn't include actual voice audio—intentionally edited like a silent movie.
Instead, the post-production team cleverly inserted a thought bubble showing Ash imagining himself reeling in a mighty Gyarados, grinning triumphantly as he imagined basking in glory.
This silent visual storytelling landed perfectly.
Everyone—from the students in the hall to the families watching at home—could instantly understand what the short was conveying.
And when Froakie accepted the challenge, it did so with narrowed eyes and calm composure, like a Zen master unshaken by worldly distractions.
…
And so, the fishing battle began.
Ash and Froakie baited their hooks, cast their lines, and crouched on the rock with taro leaves shading them—mirroring each other's posture perfectly.
Froakie, being an actual frog Pokémon, looked completely natural.
Ash… not so much.
For a grown-up, the pose might've looked awkward or even creepy—but Ash, with his youthful face and innocent energy, looked absolutely adorable.
And he had dressed for the role.
To film this short, Ash had changed into a cute, fresh outfit: a white t-shirt printed with the iconic "Traveling Frog" mascot and a pair of knee-exposing gray shorts.
Combined with his naturally baby-faced charm, the image he gave off was pure-hearted, silly, and utterly healing.
Viewers weren't just being soothed by the serene landscape of Little Stone Spring—they were being charmed and uplifted by Ash himself.
Though the short was nearly silent, not a soul watching found it dull.
…
But time was limited. These short films could be no longer than three minutes.
With the first minute already spent setting the scene and building chemistry between Ash and Froakie, the film needed to transition into action.
After a few close-up and wide-angle shots from drone-Rotom, the actual fishing sequences were quickly condensed.
Then—just as Ash, with full confidence, focused intently on the water and waited to catch the first fish...
"SPLASH!!"
Froakie's serene frog eyes sharpened into razor focus. Its muscles tensed.
With lightning speed, it jerked its little rod upward.
From the other end of the line, a Magikarp burst out of the water, flopping wildly in the air with the fake bait still clamped in its jaws.
"Frooooaaakie—!"
"Uh… whaaat?!"
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