Pokémon, Ash is going to become a perfect man from now on.

The other children left one after another, leaving only the girl who was about to travel to Carlos, hesitating at the entrance of the research institute.

As parting was imminent, Serena looked at the boy who had come to see her off and felt very reluctant to part with him.

In this summer camp, which she initially didn't want to attend, she unexpectedly made many friends: the gentle and kind Lila, the understanding and reliable Xiao Lan, and Xiao Mao, who only existed in legends...

There's also Xiao Zhi right in front of me.

He was no longer just a friend, but a very special person to Serena.

It's even unique; no one can replace it!

"Ash..." After a long while, Serena tentatively reached out her hand to Ash, seemingly hesitating whether to extend an invitation...

"Have a safe journey back, and... I will definitely visit you in Carlos~" With their hands clasped together, the boy seemed to have completely seen through her heart, and preemptively expressed the expectation that she had not yet spoken.

"Ok!"

At that moment, all the girl's anxieties vanished, leaving only overflowing joy in her heart.

Chapter Ten: Heading to the Research Institute, not late...

Time is like Professor Oak's work clothes, patched and mended for another three years...

Over the past three years, Ash and his friends have continued to build up their strength for their journey. He has grown taller, and they have become stronger.

Today, he can finally embark on a journey with his friends as a formal Pokémon Trainer!

"Phew...not bad~" After putting on the hat, Xiao Zhi looked at himself in the full-length mirror and was quite satisfied with his current appearance.

To be fair, Ash's outfit in the original series was indeed quite childish, and as a time traveler, it's always welcome to see him dress up.

A black three-quarter sleeve T-shirt paired with a short red trench coat vest, and black casual pants and running shoes... Xiao Zhi's outfit nowadays is indeed quite red.

But this isn't the basic outfit for Red in the game; it's an upgraded version—the Magic Suit version of Red.

This is the design blueprint that Ash found after putting Porygon into the computer. Both Hanako and Lyra praised it highly.

Of course, if the code for managing Pokémon is fully developed, he might be able to directly redeem this outfit, and it might even come with features like changing color through Mega Evolution and enhancing the bond between the trainer and the Pokémon…

Unfortunately, it's now a purely handmade version, and its only features are probably its sweat-absorbing and wear-resistant properties.

Perhaps... we could consider developing a clothing side business?

Ash, who has played many pirated Pokémon games, knows very well that the various costumes and outfits are definitely a major grind point in the game, and players often spend a lot of money on them.

The real world is the same today, not just among the upper class. Well-known gym leaders, Elite Four members, champions, and even trainers all need their own unique clothing and attire.

To say nothing of the distant past, the cape of Lancelot, the flying king of Kanto, is said to be a specially customized design.

Ash, meanwhile, copied almost all the costumes from the Pokémon games into Porygon's memory. Even important NPCs had more than one set of costumes. If he could collaborate with those famous trainers, with his excellent design skills and perfect clothes hanger, it would be hard for him not to make money!

However, this kind of industry still needs a suitable partner, and the one in Golden City is ultimately not quite the right fit…

"Mom, Lila, I'm going to the lab to see the professor." After getting everything ready, Ash slung his backpack over his shoulder and prepared to head out.

"Ash, can I go to the lab with you...?" Lyra asked cautiously, and after receiving Ash's approval, she happily rushed to his side.

Ash is about to leave home, and Lyra wants to spend as much time as possible with him.

"You two go together. I'll see you off at the town entrance, and we can say goodbye properly then." Hanako smiled as she pushed her two children out of the house.

But after closing the door, a deep worry inevitably appeared on her face.

This is a worry that every mother inevitably has. No matter how sensible and reliable her child is, she will not feel at ease letting him wander alone in a foreign land...

"Ash, have you decided which starter Pokémon you want to get?" Lyra asked curiously on the way to the lab.

"Not yet, we'll see how it goes later."

Ash hasn't really decided yet; of course, he mainly wants to see what Blue and Gary want to choose.

As for himself... Ash wasn't late like in the original story, but he didn't force these starter Pokémon to arrive.

"That's great... Ash can go on a trip now and become a great Trainer soon!" Lyra said enviously. "Why do I have to be a year younger..."

"Lyla is actually better than me," Ash suddenly smiled gently.

"Eh?"

"Because I'm going on a trip, I might not be home for a long time, and Lila will be keeping Mom company during that time," Ash explained seriously. "Since I'm not home, Lila is taking on the responsibility of keeping Mom company that I should be providing, so of course she's better than me!"

"I understand... I'll definitely stay home and keep Mom company while Ash is away on his trip!" Lyra immediately made her promise, sensing the unspoken message in Ash's words of comfort.

However, she still seemed somewhat hesitant to speak: "It's just..."

"I know." Ash smiled and nodded, as if he had guessed what Lila was thinking. "It's a promise. When you become a Trainer next year, I will definitely accompany you on your first trip."

"Okay, it's a deal~" Lila excitedly took Ash's hand, and a happy smile finally appeared on her face.

The two chatted and laughed all the way to the research institute, where Xiao Lan and Xiao Mao were already waiting.

"Ha, Ash, you're here too. Then hurry up and choose your first Pokémon." Professor Oak greeted Ash warmly as soon as he saw him.

"Professor, I heard that four children are setting off today?" Ash asked curiously, looking at the three Poké Balls laid out.

In the original story, Ash got Pikachu after being late, but now Pikachu is waiting for him outside the lab, and he wasn't late at all.

So... if I get one of the starter Pokémon, what will I get for the last one?

"There are four children who are about to depart, which is why the doctor wants you to choose immediately," a gentle woman in a research coat said with a smile.

This is Shigeru's older sister, Nanami. She is a very skilled doctor and breeder. Every Pokémon in the research institute, including these three starter Pokémon, was carefully bred by her.

“Our research institute had already reported that we would only send out three starter Pokémon. The other child insisted on cutting in line, so it’s first come, first served.” Nanami winked at the three children, her favoritism couldn’t be clearer.

Honestly, she wouldn't be happy to hand over the starter Pokémon she raised to children other than Ash and his friends.

"Since Nanami-neechan says so, then I won't be polite~" After learning the whole story, the lively Blue reached out to a certain Poké Ball first.

"I want to choose Squirtle!" *2

They all spoke at the same time, but Blue's hand was a step too slow, and the Poké Ball was caught by Gary first.

"No... Gary, what do you mean? Why did you steal my Pokémon?!" Blue immediately glared at him and questioned.

"My sister said it's first come, first served, so if I get it first, it's mine." Xiao Mao said matter-of-factly.

"But I want Squirtle too, it matches my name perfectly~"

"But I prefer water-type creatures, so there's no room for discussion." Shigeru had indeed decided to get Squirtle a long time ago, so he really didn't mean to steal Blue's thunder.

"Can't you be a little more gentlemanly? Give Squirtle to him, okay?" Seeing that force didn't work, Blue immediately changed tactics, blinking pitifully at Shigeru.

"Stop pretending with me. I'm not like Ash, I won't fall for your act." Gary turned his face away, deciding to avoid seeing him altogether.

"You...you'll be destined to be single forever if you keep going like this!!"

"I already have several girlfriends, thank you~"

"Then... I'll use Bulbasaur, specifically to counter you!" Blue sulked as she grabbed another Poké Ball, not forgetting to make a face at Gary, "Hehehe, you stingy green!"

"Come at me if you dare, you drama queen Lan!"

The people at the research institute couldn't help but smile at the two noisy children.

And there's one more Poké Ball left...

Chapter 11: The initial three Pokémon, Charizard, Pikachu… and the future leader!

After Blue and Gary finished choosing, there was actually a Charmander left, which was somewhat unexpected for Ash...

"Ash, do you not like Charmander?" Nanami asked curiously, noticing Ash's hesitation.

"No... I like it very much."

Of course he likes Charmander. This lineage is the official favorite, with only two XY branches that can Mega Evolve. Only a foolish bystander from the original series would abandon it.

However, if Ash were to capture Charizard, his first choice would definitely be the Charizard he was destined to catch.

As for this one... should we take it along too, and then form a double dragon strategy with the old flamethrower?

"Nanami-neechan, I want to know... what will happen to my fourth child if I take Charmander?" After thinking for a moment, Ash decided to ask the research institute about their solution.

What if there's a perfect option...?

"You mean that kid named Da-you? Since he's late, he'll just have to wait until next time..."

"I've decided, I want Charmander!" Upon hearing the name Nanami mentioned, Ash grabbed the Poké Ball before she could finish speaking!

Just ask me, what does it mean to have a "turnaround" or "a turn for the better"?

Da You… So that fourth child who arrived late was actually the guy who abandoned Little Fire Dragon in the original story!

Does that mean... what's inside the Poké Ball now is the future Charizard?!

At this moment, Ash had made up his mind that no matter if the child had the same name or not, he was determined to take the little Charmander away!

"Nice to meet you, Charmander." Ash released his partner and smiled as he extended his hand to it.

"Hee~" Charmander looked at Ash with interest, as if sensing his current mood.

(If you're a true veteran troll, then join me on my journey to the top!)

Xiao Zhi made a wish in his heart.