January 5th, Tuesday.
Their five-day journey had finally co to an end.
Natsu-sensei and Ash returned to Pallet Town to et with Professor Oak.
The winter sun shone gently as a breeze rippled through the tall grass of the wilderness zone.
"Finally, I can sleep in again," Natsu thought cheerfully.
"Gengar~" (Finally, back to training~)
Gengar floated beside him, its tongue licking out—only for Natsu to dodge effortlessly thanks to his Aura of Ripple.
"Gengar~"
Ash climbed onto a small hill, cupping his hands around his mouth. "Pallet Town, I'm back!"
Natsu side-eyed him. "Why are you yelling?"
"Heh, that's just what coming ho feels like!" Ash grinned.
Natsu blinked, surprised Ash could say sothing so poetic.
Lucario really changed him...
Then again, he was an Aura warrior now.
Natsu smiled—until both he and Ash suddenly stiffened.
"Natsu-sensei..." Ash gulped, staring at the swarm of Spearow darkening the sky.
"Caw!" Like a rolling storm, the furious flock dove straight for Ash!
Natsu massaged his temples.
Right. Ash still has that natural aggro effect.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu leapt onto Ash's shoulder, cheeks crackling—
—only for a white blur to shoot past Natsu.
"Sylveon~! (▼皿▼#)"
Midair, a Dazzling Gleam erupted—then condensed into a searing beam.
The Spearow swarm split apart like torn fabric, birds raining down in a dazed heap.
"Sylveon~ o(｀^｀)o"
Sylveon landed gracefully, flicking its ribbon bow at Natsu.
Mission complete~
...
After harvesting that generous batch of EXP...
Natsu and Ash finally arrived at Oak Research Institute.
Hearing about their encounter, Professor Oak laughed heartily. "Winter makes Spearow aggressive due to food scarcity. Perfectly normal behavior."
Ash blinked. "Professor, what about my Pidgeot...?"
"Don't worry." Oak adjusted his glasses. "Natural herd competition maintains healthy ecosystems."
Ash turned to Natsu with a grin. "Thanks for earlier, Natsu-sensei!"
Natsu coughed delicately.
So my Sylveon is auto-leveling now?
That last-hit steal was way too clean...
"You should be thanking ," he sighed.
Watching their camaraderie, Professor Oak nodded approvingly. "I've heard about Caran Palace."
"Ash, your evaluation was exemplary."
Ash's eyes sparkled.
"But before receiving your special Pokédex," Professor Oak grew serious, "there are things you must understand."
"Of course!"
"I created these special editions to help gifted trainers docunt discoveries."Professor Oak closed his eyes. "Yet I learned... a Pokédex isn't just data. It carries the holder's spirit."
"Red, Natsu..." He paused. "Even Gold proved this."
Natsu stiffened.
Did he just throw shade at Gold?
Professor Oak, how deep does this grudge go?!
"Ash." Oak's gaze deepened. "What does Pikachu an to you?"
"Pikachu..."
The Pikachu tilted its head beneath Ash's cap.
"I'm still figuring it out." Ash scratched his cheek, then clenched his fist. "But like Sir Aaron, I'd risk everything—"
Professor Oak chuckled, cutting him off.
"Enough."
The Professor Oak produced a crimson Pokédex from his lab coat.
"Congratulations, Ash."
His smile crinkled aged eyes. "You passed."
Ash adjusted his cap, signature grin blooming.
"I got... the special Pokédex!"
"Pikachu~!" They spun in celebratory circles.
Professor Oak laughed. "Well, Young Man, get on with your work."
Turning to Natsu: "For guiding Ash, I'd like to—"
"NO THANKS!" Natsu choked.
Such modesty, Professor Oak mused. Well, I'll just gift him that analyzed Pokémon data later...
"Professor Oak," Natsu changed topics, "what's Ash's title?"
Professor Oak stroked his chin. "Ash, know that a Pokédex title isn't just talent—it's responsibility."
Ash shook his head.
"Red the Battler faces frozen or petrified foes."
"Gold the Hatcher... well, his eggs inherit questionable traits."
"As for the Strategist—"
Professor Oak glanced at Natsu.
Damn it, no flaws?!
He coughed into his fist. "Ahem! Sotis... too strategic! Lacks sportsmanship!"
Natsu bead.
I'll take that as praise.
"Titles remind us to grow." Professor Oak rested hands on Ash's shoulders. "Your gift for bonding with any Pokémon... may be why you plateau as a trainer."
Ash pondered this.
Natsu nodded.
Ash kept restarting with new Pokémon each region.
With his original team, he'd have conquered leagues by now.
"Yet this cycle of eting Pokémon..." Professor Oaksmiled at Ash's drooping expression. "...makes your bonds uniquely genuine."
"Congratulations..."
The words carried weight.
"...Ash the Bondsmith."
Ash sniffled, tackling Oak in a hug. "THANK YOU!"
"Go on now! Muk needs its bath~"
Natsu recalled Ash's Greninja and its Bond Phenonon.
So titles are both blessing and challenge...
Sunlight glittered on the lake as a Pidgeot soared overhead.
"Ti to go."
Natsu stretched. "Gengar, let's buy Blastoise a new tank."
"Gengar~! Ψ(￣ ￣)Ψ"
Its sneak-attack lick landed perfectly.
Natsu crunched a Lava Cookie, grimacing at the aftertaste.
Regular tanks won't cut it...
Knowing Blastoise...
Would the Water Cube suffice?
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