Froakie and Pichu were already extraordinarily gifted Pokémon.
(Author's Note: Pokémon Potential Classifications:
White – Ordinary (Lowest)
Green – Common
Red – Elite
Blue – Perfect
Purple – Supreme/Peerless
Gold – Royal/King
Black – Divine (Highest))
Take Froakie for example—its Potential Classification had reached the rare [Purple: Supreme]. Even after two continuous weeks of Source Cleansing infusions during summer camp, its growth rate had only increased by a mere 1.5%.
[Froakie]
Potential: Purple +1.5% [Supreme]
[Chosen by the fate of the Kalos region, destined to rise during its future calamity and lead it to salvation!]
At this pace, it would take approximately 2.73 years for Froakie to advance from Supreme-tier to [Gold: Royal].
And then there was Pichu—already rated at an Gold Potential Classification. After receiving a single Source Cleansing infusion, its growth only rose by 0.03%.
[Pichu]
Potential: Gold +0.03% [Royal]
[Chosen by the fate of the world itself, imbued with miraculous power beyond comprehension!]
If this trend held, it would take Pichu around 9.13 years—nearly a full decade—to break into the fabled [Black: Divine] class.
But Ash wasn't worried. With potential this high, the urgency to grow further had diminished. Just being able to enhance it at all was already a fortunate bonus.
"Alright, Gyarados. I've infused you with Source Cleansing, but to reach the next major tier of potential, it'll take at least half a year."
"For the next six months, come to this river outside Pallet Town around this time every day. I'll honor my promise and help you improve your potential. The rest of your time is yours."
"Also, if you or any wild Pokémon friends are injured, you're welcome to bring them here. I'll heal them with my powers."
Gyarados blinked, its fierce eyes softening.
"…Thank you, kid. You will one day become the greatest Pokémon Trainer the world has ever known. I wish you victory and glory."
After expressing its heartfelt gratitude, Gyarados dove back into the water with a mighty splash, speeding downstream toward the sea. For two weeks, it had remained here waiting for Ash—now, finally, it could begin the journey to reunite with its mate.
By the time Ash finished the ritual, the second cry of the Dodrio echoed from the town.
That was when Gary Oak finally arrived—yawning, still half-asleep, pedaling in on his bike.
"Yo! Slacker!" Gary called out, hopping off and flipping Ash the middle finger. "Grass is a type, idiot."
"I seriously don't know what Grandpa's thinking. Training with you is fine, but why do I have to join your morning workouts too?! It's barely 6:30—damn it!"
He tossed his bike aside and stormed over, grabbing Ash by the neck and giving him a good shake.
Ash just laughed. "Don't complain. If slacking off could make you stronger, then in this world, even Elite Trainers would be common, Champions would be dime-a-dozen, and the real masters would be outnumbered by dogs."
"You used to call me dead weight, right? Now that you're the one slacking, be careful—you might become the dead weight next."
Ash walked off with Froakie and Pichu in his arms toward the clearing ahead.
"As if! I, Gary Oak, will never fall behind!" Gary shouted, quickly catching up, all pride and fire again.
"Don't be too sure," Ash said with a grin. "You can't compare yourself to just anyone. You're the grandson of Professor Oak, one of the most renowned Pokémon scholars in the world. If you're not among the absolute best… you're a failure."
Gary stopped mid-step.
Ash's words cut deep. But they were true.
"Your bar isn't the same as everyone else's. For you, 80 out of 100 is barely passing. That's reality."
"…Fine, fine," Gary muttered, giving up on arguing.
"Good. Then let's begin our morning routine," Ash said, clapping his hands. "You've been training your Fletchling for two weeks now, and you've already decided on Squirtle as your starter. You know what they need."
"Assign them their training. Once everything's in place, come back and join me for physical exercise."
Ash patted Gary on the shoulder and carried Froakie and Pichu to the training field nearby.
[Froakie]
[Proficient]: Pound (200/1000), Bubble (200/1000), Aqua Ring (1/1000), Quick Attack (1/1000)
[Skilled]: Growl (23/500), Water Pulse (347/500), Lick (117/500), Rain Dance (112/500)
"Froakie, you've nearly mastered Water Pulse. Your task this morning is simple—get its proficiency from [Skilled] to [Proficient]."
"You may use Aqua Ring to recover stamina, but focus entirely on Water Pulse. Don't spend energy training the ring itself."
Ash's voice was gentle, but firm—Froakie knew that tone well. When it was training time, Ash became a different person.
"Froakie!" the little frog croaked in agreement, nodding solemnly.
[Pichu]
[Skilled]: Thunder Shock (34/500)
[Novice]: Tail Whip (7/100), Charm (5/100), Wish (1/100)
"Pichu, today is your first real training session, so I won't give you anything too difficult."
"Start with sixteen Thunder Shocks. After that, focus on the move you learned yesterday—Wish. Bring it up to [Skilled] level."
"Think you can handle that?"
Ash had learned from experience. During Froakie's first session, he had overestimated its endurance, assigning two full move upgrades. Froakie had nearly passed out from the effort.
This time, Ash chose something more reasonable to help Pichu gain confidence.
"Pichuuu~!" Pichu chirped brightly, full of energy and determination.
Despite its tiny body and adorable look, Pichu had a powerful spirit. Born in the wild and chosen by the world's fate itself, its will to grow stronger burned brighter than Froakie's.
"Alright, let's begin!"
Ash clapped his hands, and both Pokémon launched into action.
Froakie didn't need guidance—it was already a training veteran. After a short breath, it summoned moisture from the morning air and formed a gentle Aqua Ring around its body to slowly restore stamina. Then it began casting Water Pulse.
[Ding! Move "Aqua Ring" trained once. +1 proficiency]
[Ding! Move "Water Pulse" trained once. +1 proficiency]
Ash nodded in satisfaction and shifted his gaze to Pichu.
Pichu needed closer supervision for its first day.
"Take it slow," Ash advised. "Let's start with 'Wish.' It'll help you recover faster during Thunder Shock training."
Support moves like Wish consumed less energy and restored health, making training far more efficient.
"Pichu~!" the little electric mouse nodded sweetly and closed its eyes.
Its tiny paws came together in prayer. It stood still, like a star-gazer making a wish under the night sky.
A few seconds later, a miniature constellation shimmered above Pichu's head. A blazing comet streaked across it—then vanished.
As the move took effect, vibrant green light enveloped Pichu's body, glowing with life—just like Ash's own "Healing Grace" from the Viridian Blessing.
[Ding! Move "Wish" trained once. +1 proficiency]
"Good job, Pichu. Keep it up!"
"Pichuu~!" Pichu beamed proudly.
Ash stayed close, giving Pichu plenty of encouragement and praise. Motivation was just as important as training.
But he didn't neglect Froakie either—he cheered it on from time to time too.
To Ash, there was no such thing as favoritism.
Every Pokémon he caught, trained, and bonded with—he would treat them equally, value them deeply, and love them wholeheartedly.
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T/N:
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