The once-proud boy who had once reeled in a fearsome Gyarados with his fishing rod had, in his confidence, challenged a Froakie to a fishing duel.
Yet who could've expected that beyond every mountain lies a taller one? That so-called prodigy of fishing—defeated in his very own domain—by a Pokémon with zero reputation?
When the short film cut to Froakie giving Ash a smug sideways glance while Ash himself wore a soul-crushed expression like a bitter melon, both the students in the grand auditorium and the audiences watching the live broadcast across Kanto burst into laughter.
In just three short minutes, without a single line of dialogue—neither Ash nor Froakie uttering a word—the film had delivered one of the most hilarious, charming, and heartwarming experiences of the summer camp so far.
This wasn't just a Pokémon short film.
This was a beautifully crafted, emotionally healing work of art.
The atmosphere may have been somber and serene, but by the end, it left viewers feeling relaxed, delighted, and thoroughly soothed.
Compared to the short by Shohei and his Rattata, "The Clever Little Rattata," which centered around Rattata escaping a pursuing Ekans, or Gary and Fletchinder's "Aerial Speed Race" that introduced a story about making friends through a thrilling airborne contest...
Ash's "Little Stone Spring – Fishing" was simple.
Very simple.
But whether it was the stunning visuals, the calming art style, the bursts of humor, or the overarching theme that "there's always someone stronger," Ash's short far surpassed anything the other students had made.
Even Shauna and Serena—students from Kalos with experience in Pokémon short films—couldn't match what Ash achieved here.
Their shorts, while technically impressive, still carried hints of rehearsed performance.
Ash's film?
Pure. Natural. Flowing with innocence.
Shot entirely by drone-Rotom in a single take, the entire short was so seamlessly fluid, so organically genuine, it felt like nature itself had directed it.
More importantly, the reason Professor Oak had saved this film for the finale was because it carried something precious—something many trainers and even viewers overlook:
It radiated the deep, unspoken bond between a Pokémon and its Trainer.
Now, the students sitting in the grand auditorium didn't necessarily understand this deeper meaning.
They just knew it looked great. It felt good. And it made them happier than any other film they'd watched.
But Oak, and Yoko who was broadcasting the event live, and the viewers across the region watching from home—they understood.
They recognized brilliance.
What amazed them most wasn't just the quality of the film…
It was that Ash was only six years old.
And yet, in just two or three days since being paired with Froakie—the camp's temporary Pokémon—he had already formed a connection this deep, this powerful.
That was unreal.
It may seem small, but in the world of Pokémon, it's huge.
Even figures like Chairman Rose of the Galar Pokémon League, along with many other legendary Trainers, have voiced this exact belief:
"There are only two true gifts that determine a Trainer's potential for greatness."
One: A Trainer's genuine, unmatched love for Pokémon.
Two: A natural aura that draws Pokémon to them instinctively.
Possessing even one of these two talents, with hard work and persistence, can lead to extraordinary achievements in the field.
But possessing both?
No one knows what heights such a Trainer could reach.
Because no such person has ever existed—until now.
Loving Pokémon is something that can be cultivated.
But being loved back by Pokémon from the very beginning… that's something you're simply born with.
If both talents were measured on a scale of 100%, then…
Among the great Trainers in history, most would rank at 60% in the first, and perhaps 40% in the second—at best.
But after watching "Little Stone Spring – Fishing," Professor Oak, Yoko, and countless viewers found themselves wondering, in stunned silence…
Did Ash just demonstrate dual 100% talent?
Could it be real?
Could this six-year-old child actually be the one?
The short ended, but the auditorium remained hushed for a moment longer.
Then—
Clap clap clap clap!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP!!!
Professor Oak hadn't even prompted them, yet the students erupted into thunderous applause, echoing through the entire hall.
With a smile, Oak stepped forward once more.
"Well, it seems I don't even need to say much," he chuckled. "So, everyone—how many points do you think I should award to student Ash's short film 'Little Stone Spring – Fishing'?"
"ZERO!!" yelled a sulking Goh, watching the live broadcast from his hospital bed in Viridian City, jealousy practically oozing from his pores.
"Perfect score!!"
"Perfect score!!"
"Full marks!!"
Student after student shouted joyfully in unison, their cheers overlapping as they celebrated one of their own.
"I hereby declare—Ash's short film 'Little Stone Spring – Fishing' receives a perfect 10 out of 10!!" Professor Oak announced loudly.
"ASH!!!"
"ASH!!!"
The entire hall exploded in cheers. Everyone was calling his name. No one doubted for even a second that he deserved the highest score.
Meanwhile, in that hospital room, Goh watched the TV screen and scoffed again, trying to cover his burning envy.
"…Tch."
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