Ash didn't stay long in Rustboro City.
Instead, he chose to return to Pallet Town.
Ever since Anabel decided to travel with Ash, she had shared her story with him.
It turned out that Anabel's parents had not been around for most of her life. So, if Ash was returning ho, she also wanted to go with him.
Besides, Anabel was curious to et Ash's mother.
Of course, for now, she was visiting purely as a friend.
anwhile, Elesa had contacted Ash, ntioning that the two songs he had released were still bestsellers. She hoped he had another one in store. If so, now would be the perfect ti to release it.
Ash agreed. Once he made his way to the Sinnoh League, he would hand over his next song.
Pallet Town – The Ho of Legends
Pallet Town was famous, largely because of Professor Oak.
In the world of Pokémon, whether among Trainers, Breeders, Coordinators, or Researchers, Professor Oak was a na known to all.
And today, his grandson, Gary Oak, had returned ho.
Gary Oak had been Ash's rival since childhood.
After losing to Ash during the Silver Conference, Gary had changed his path.
He traveled to Sinnoh, focusing on studying Pokémon in that region.
At the Oak Pokémon Lab, Professor Oak greeted his grandson warmly.
"Gary, you're back! How's your research coming along? Have you made any new discoveries?"
Gary had just finished checking out the new Pokémon Ash had caught in the lab's courtyard.
"The research is progressing, but these things take ti. Grandpa, is it true that Ash was the one who discovered the 18th Pokémon type? The research paper you published credited him, but wasn't he just assisting you?"
Gary looked at his grandfather with a serious expression.
Professor Oak smiled knowingly.
"Yes, it's true. You should learn from Ash. Even while traveling, he made a discovery that changed the entire Pokémon world. You've fallen behind."
The professor took a sip of tea, observing his grandson's reaction.
Although Gary had changed from his once arrogant self, he still held a strong sense of pride.
Now that Ash had made such a groundbreaking discovery, Gary would definitely feel a sense of rivalry again.
"Besides, Ash has already conquered the Battle Frontier. You know how strong Brandon is—his Regi Trio is no joke. Even I, back in the day, wouldn't take him lightly."
Gary was silent.
"Ash…"
"By the way, Delia ntioned that Ash is back. Do you want to—hmm?"
Before Professor Oak could finish his sentence, Gary had already left the lab.
It was obvious where he was heading.
Delia Ketchum was overjoyed.
Her son had returned ho unexpectedly, bringing gifts and even a new friend with him.
However, she couldn't help but notice that Misty and May were not the ones accompanying Ash this ti.
Instead, he had brought Anabel ho.
This made Delia raise an eyebrow.
From her perspective, both Misty and May were wonderful girls—if Ash had chosen either of them, she would have fully supported it.
But now, with Misty and May absent, and a new girl in their place, she felt the need to have a little chat with her son.
However, when Delia learned that Anabel had lost her parents at a young age, her maternal instincts kicked in.
"Co, co, Anabel! Try this—this is Ash's favorite dish since he was a kid!"
"And this one, eat more of it! It's good for your health… and helps with growth… Uh, never mind! Just eat up!"
Delia enthusiastically served Anabel more food.
However, as she spoke, she suddenly noticed Anabel's chest…
She paused.
Anabel's face turned bright red as she quietly focused on eating.
BANG!
The door swung open.
Gary Oak had arrived.
"Oh my, Gary! Have you eaten yet? Sit down and join us! Ash is ho too—you two haven't seen each other in a while!"
Before Gary could decline, Delia had already pulled him to the table.
Ash, however, seed completely unsurprised by Gary's arrival.
After calmly introducing Anabel to Gary, he resud eating.
After dinner, Delia took Anabel aside for a private conversation, leaving Ash and Gary alone.
Rivals Reunited
Gary broke the silence.
"Ash, I heard you conquered the Battle Frontier."
The tension between them was palpable.
"Yeah, and I heard you've decided to beco a Pokémon researcher, just like Professor Oak. Not bad."
Gary smirked and pulled out a Poké Ball.
anwhile, Pikachu stood proudly on Ash's shoulder.
Sotis, words weren't enough.
For true Pokémon Trainers, nothing spoke louder than a battle.
The two lifelong rivals stepped onto a nearby field.
"This guy—I caught him in Sinnoh. I saw you have an Electabuzz in Professor Oak's lab too."
Gary threw his Poké Ball into the air.
Out ca Electivire.
Ash analyzed it instantly—it was already Level 58, just a step away from reaching Elite Four status.
"Hmm. Well then… Pikachu, as always, you're my first choice!"
"Pika!!"
Gary had brought Electivire not just to battle, but to show Ash its power.
Gary had changed.
But one thing never would—his competitive spirit.
Gary's Electivire.
Ash's Pikachu.
Both Trainers spoke in unison.
"Quick Attack!"
Both Pokémon charged forward at full speed!
The battle had begun!
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