Pokémon: Perfect Start

Remember to call me if you need anything, Ash. I'll continue patrolling now. There have been quite a few Pokémon thefts recently, so be careful yourself!

Watching Officer Jenny ride away on her motorcycle, Ash smiled and then entered the Pokémon Center. Joy, upon seeing Ash, smiled and said, "Ash, have you started your journey too?"

"Yeah, it's about time. Could you check on my Pokémon and prepare a set meal for them?"

"Of course."

Meowth and Pikachu obediently went to Joy for their check-ups, but Ralts refused to leave Ash's side. Ash could only smile helplessly at Joy and said, "This one's a bit clingy. I'll bring her in for the check-up later."

Seeing how attached Ralts was to Ash, Joy smiled knowingly. "No problem. It's actually great to see her so attached to you."

Afterward, Ash held Ralts and called his mother, Delia, to let her know he was safe. Just as he was about to video call Professor Samuel Oak, a news broadcast interrupted on the Pokémon Center's TV.

"Reports indicate that the Gym Leader of Nimbasa City in the Unova region and renowned model, Elesa, seems to have gotten engaged, as she was seen wearing a diamond ring on her left ring finger..."

Soon, Elesa appeared on the screen.

"Miss Elesa, is it true that you're engaged?!"

"Who is the groom?!"

"Will you continue your modeling career?"

On TV, Elesa calmly answered each question: "To be precise, I have accepted the proposal. The specifics of the engagement will be discussed with our families. As for the groom, I'm sorry but I won't reveal his identity, as it might cause him inconvenience. Regarding modeling, I'll decide with my partner based on circumstances, but my main job is still being a Gym Leader, isn't it?"

Not long after this news broke, Delia contacted Ash herself—though her smile was slightly terrifying.

"Ash, can you tell me what's going on?"

Under the pressure of his mother's stern gaze, Ash found a quiet spot and admitted that it was his doing, along with the situation involving Diantha. Delia, after hearing this, was both amused and exasperated. Finally, she said, "Really, suddenly telling me that my future daughters-in-law might increase—I'm not prepared for this! Anyway, I know you're a smart kid, Ash. You can take care of yourself, but don't bully them, okay? When the time comes, both families should meet."

"I get it~" After all, it's her own mother, so Ms. Ketchum definitely wouldn't scold Ash too much, and now Ash is behaving like a good boy.

After ending the call with Ms. Ketchum, Ash finally connected via video with Professor Samuel Oak. Upon seeing Ash, Professor Samuel Oak took a sip of ramen and said, "Ash, I've seen the news. That person was definitely you, right? Naoko said she's going to give you a beating~"

Seeing Professor Samuel Oak acting so mischievous, Ash had no choice. After all, Professor Samuel Oak had always been very kind to him, treating him like another grandson. Ash could only let Professor Samuel Oak tease him, but looking at the professor, Ash remembered something and sent him the photo he took with Ho-Oh alongside his Pokémon.

"Professor Samuel Oak, I've been pretty lucky. Right after setting out, I encountered something amazing. Check out our photo with it."

Professor Samuel Oak clicked on the photo Ash sent him while sipping tea and said, "Let's see... Oh, everyone looks so lively! The girl next to you is a new friend, right? That's great. Wait! What's that in the background?! Ash!!!!!"

With Professor Samuel Oak's sudden roar, everyone in the Pokémon Center turned to look. Ash awkwardly apologized and then said to Professor Samuel Oak, "Professor Samuel Oak, can you not be so dramatic?"

"Dramatic?! Do you realize how important this is?! Is this photo real?!"

"Huh? Of course it's real. Otherwise, why would we all take a photo together? It was a rare opportunity."

"You! Ash, you're really my lucky star! These photos are incredible! By the way, what did you use to take them?"

"It's a machine Meowth made. Meowth is really amazing."

Hearing that it was a machine made by Meowth, Professor Samuel Oak's eyes lit up and he said, "Does that mean you have..."

"Yes, I have an enlarged version, and it's very clear. How about it, Professor Samuel Oak, do you want it?"

At this point, Ash was acting like a devil, tempting Professor Samuel Oak, and the professor fell for it. After all, it was Ho-Oh! A legendary Pokémon! One that hadn't been seen since the burning of the Bell Tower!

"Yes! Of course I want it!"

"Well, I have a small favor to ask of you, Professor Samuel Oak. Is that okay?"

"No problem, no problem! Just send over the enlarged photo, and anything goes!"

Seeing Professor Samuel Oak like this, Ash could understand his excitement and decided not to tease him anymore. Instead, he revealed his so-called "request."

"Professor Samuel Oak, could you prepare a nice gold coin for Meowth since he's the hero behind this? Also, please help cheer up Naoko! It's a matter of life or death!"

Hearing Ash's "request," Professor Samuel Oak was momentarily stunned and then asked, "That's it? Nothing else?"

"Yeah, that's it."

"You sure about this? These photos are incredibly valuable. You could even ask for a 'pseudo-legendary' Pokémon now."

Looking at Professor Samuel Oak, Ash smiled and shook his head, saying, "No need. Compared to those so-called 'pseudo-legendary' Pokémon, Naoko is more important. Besides, when the time is right, I'll meet my partners. So, I'll leave this to you, Professor Samuel Oak. I've already sent the photo over."

With that, Ash ended the call. Professor Samuel Oak clicked on the photo Ash sent and, looking at the crystal-clear image of Ho-Oh, he chuckled and said to Naoko beside him, "Just this one photo could let an ordinary person live a comfortable life for the rest of their days thanks to the League's rewards. After all, this is the first-ever crystal-clear photo of a legendary Pokémon. Feeling better now?"

Naoko looked at the clear image of Ho-Oh in the photo. Having studied with Professor Samuel Oak, she naturally understood the immense value of this photo. Thinking about Ash's so-called request, the corner of her mouth twitched upward, but she still turned away and said, "That flirtatious guy still needs a beating."

Watching Naoko leave, Professor Samuel Oak couldn't help but chuckle, "Ah, youth is wonderful."

PS: It is said that energy stones and comments can accelerate updates～