Pokémon: Perfect Start

"Ash, do you believe it? I've always thought you were my best friend."

Listening to the nauseating words from the silver-haired young man in front of him, Ash's face remained expressionless as he replied, "Oh, really? Thanks for your affection. Won't Wallace get jealous?"

The silver-haired youth hugged Ash and said, "Forget about Wallace for now! Come on, Ash, tell me where that huge, beautiful Moon Stone is!"

Ash, being hugged by Steven, looked utterly lifeless. He then pushed Steven away and said, "Alright, I'll take you to see your dream lover. But remember, you must protect it with the Clefairies."

Upon hearing that he was about to see the Moon Stone, Steven was thrilled. However, Ash made him wait a bit longer. Then, under the stunned gazes of Misty and Brock and the accustomed look of Professor Samuel Oak, Ash took out a small medical lamp and began examining Steven's eyes.

"Meowth, hand me the ophthalmoscope."

Meowth took the ophthalmoscope from the toolbox and handed it to Ash.

"Here you go, boss."

Ash then meticulously examined Steven's eyes. After finishing the examination and administering a few drops of eye drops, Ash said with some surprise, "I didn't expect this. I thought you'd be tired since you came so quickly."

Steven, with his eyes closed, smiled and said, "Heh, I knew you'd check, so even though I was excited on the way here, I made sure to rest. And since these eyes were finally cured by you, I don't want your efforts to go to waste."

Hearing Steven's words, Ash shivered and said, "Bro, can we not be so mushy?"

Steven Stone, the son of the president of Devon Corporation and the champion of the Hoenn region, had a passion for stones and Steel-type Pokémon. He also suffered from an eye condition, which, despite the advanced medical technology in the Pokémon world, was difficult to treat due to its rarity.

However, what might be a tough problem in the Pokémon world was nothing for Ash, who had learned a lot of medical knowledge in his previous life for his girlfriend. After discovering that Steven's eye condition was a minor issue from his past life, Ash specifically used him as a case study for treatment.

Thus, with timely treatment, Steven's eye condition now only required regular check-ups to fully recover.

This was also why Steven agreed to help Ash find diamonds. After all, if Steven didn't want to, even if Ash helped with his Pokémon's diet, it wouldn't matter.

Now, for Steven, who loved stones, the enormous Moon Stone was like a stunning beauty, with an irresistible allure. Therefore, he immediately used Devon Corporation's resources to quickly reach Mt. Moon.

When Steven, led by Ash and the others, saw the gigantic Moon Stone, he was ecstatic.

"Oh! Oh ho! It's so beautiful! There really is such a huge Moon Stone! It's a miracle!"

Seeing the excited Steven, Ash patted him helplessly and said, "Remember to communicate clearly with the Clefairies to avoid trouble. Meowth, help Steven translate."

Meowth, happily playing with his new gold coin, nodded and said, "No problem! With this new coin, I look even more handsome!"

Seeing Meowth overjoyed, Ash turned to Pikachu beside him and asked, "Is Meowth's charm based on gold coins?"

"Pika pika."

Pikachu shook his head, indicating he didn't know.

Ash then somewhat apologetically said to Misty and Brock, "Sorry, we'll have to wait a bit longer. I'll make some food later. For now, let Steven discuss with the Clefairies."

However, what Brock was concerned about wasn't the wait. He grabbed Ash and asked, "Ash! Do you know who he is? He's Steven!"

Seeing Brock like this, Ash replied somewhat helplessly, "I know. That's why I called him over."

"Ash, who exactly are you? Steven is the champion of the Hoenn region! That's a champion!"

No wonder Brock was excited. Champions and Gym Leaders like them were not on the same level. Champions were the pinnacle figures of a region.

Yet, unlike the excited Brock, Ash remained calm and said, "Oh, being a champion is pretty normal. And it's not like I only know one champion."

"..." *2

Brock and Misty were speechless. They began to speculate whether Ash's true identity was that of someone from a prominent family.

However, they would never guess that Ash wasn't from a prominent family at all. Ash's achievements were entirely based on his knowledge from his past life, along with the help of Professor Samuel Oak and some other families. Of course, with Ash's current abilities, he could very well be considered the founder of his own family.

"Uh, Ash, do you know many champions?"

Misty suddenly realized that she actually knew very little about this caring companion of hers.

"Not bad, actually being a champion isn't that big of a deal, everyone has their own preferences. For example, Steven likes stones, and I know another guy who has extremely poor self-care skills and suffers from decision-making difficulties. There's also one who... well..."

Ash thought for a moment and then said, "Perfect! On the same level as a goddess, yes! That's it."

Thinking that if he mentioned that Diantha used to be a crybaby, Ash felt he might have to face her domestic violence.

Hearing Ash say this, Misty impulsively asked about her idol.

"That Ice-type Elite Four member from our Kanto region, Master Lorelei."

"I don't know her! I'm telling you I don't know that woman! Absolutely not! Don't mention that name, thank you!"

Just hearing the name Lorelei made Ash bristle, and Pikachu beside him also tensed up.

Seeing Ash like this, Misty exchanged a glance with Brock.

'There's a story here!'

"Ash, do you really not know Master Lorelei? She's one of the Kanto Elite Four, you know."

"No! I absolutely do not know that woman! I'm going to find Steven now, let's go Pikachu!"

"Pika pika!"

Watching Ash and Pikachu change locations, Misty and Brock were certain that Ash definitely knew Lorelei, and there was even a significant relationship between them!

Professor Samuel Oak, seeing Ash bristle at the mention of Lorelei, chuckled mischievously.

"Ah, I better not get involved in Ash and Lorelei's complicated relationship. Oh no! I forgot I already told Lorelei about Daisy getting the ring. She's probably on her way to Cerulean City right now. Ash, you're on your own~"

Meanwhile, in Cerulean City, a bespectacled lady was making arrangements with her Pokémon.

"Remember, you must catch him later. There are some things we need to discuss properly."

After saying this, the lady looked in the direction of Mt. Moon and said, "You can't escape, Ash."