"It must have taken an incredibly long time for them to reach that level—far beyond what humans can fully comprehend."
Ash calmly explained the difference between ordinary Pokémon and Legendary Pokémon to Sabrina and Emiya Shirō.
"Ash, how do you know all this?" Sabrina asked, clearly puzzled. "These kinds of secrets aren't even recorded in the Pokémon League."
After all, Ash was only ten years old.
How could he possibly know such ancient and hidden knowledge?
"I discovered some of it in documents left behind in ancient ruins," Ash replied. "The rest was told to me by Ho-Oh before it left."
"Because of past conflicts with humans, Ho-Oh is no longer willing to trust humanity easily."
Ash paused briefly before continuing.
"As for me… they don't just trust me. They see me as one of their own."
In the eyes of Ho-Oh and Lugia, Ash was almost the same as them.
In a sense, a human who possessed power comparable to Legendary Pokémon could no longer be considered an ordinary human.
With Ash's current strength already approaching their level, even his lifespan would likely be vastly extended.
That was also one of the reasons they believed Ash could help achieve peaceful coexistence between humans and Pokémon.
As long as Ash existed as a deterrent, humans would think twice before harming Pokémon again.
Because of this, Ho-Oh and Lugia had placed great hopes in the creation of Fantasy Island.
"One of their own?" Sabrina murmured.
Thinking about Ash's abilities—the Rinnegan, his powerful ninjutsu, and his overwhelming combat strength—even she had to admit that describing him as a human with Legendary Pokémon–level power didn't seem exaggerated at all.
"With my current strength," Ash continued calmly, "even I don't know how long I'll live."
"That's why the existence of Fantasy Island convinced Ho-Oh and Lugia to trust humanity once more."
"Unlike ordinary humans, I won't die after just a few decades."
"I can maintain peace for a very long time."
"That's the true potential of Fantasy Island—and the hope Ho-Oh and Lugia have placed in it."
If Ash were to awaken the Rinnegan completely and reach the true peak of Legendary Pokémon–level power, then time itself would become almost meaningless to him.
Like Ho-Oh, he might exist for thousands—perhaps even tens of thousands—of years.
"We originally rebuilt the Brass Tower beside the Burned Tower because we hoped Ho-Oh would return someday," Morty said with a bitter smile.
"But now it seems the only human Ho-Oh truly trusts… is you."
"After all, you possess the power to stand on equal footing with it."
Morty's expression was filled with sadness.
Even though he wished to atone for the mistakes of his ancestors, some things could never truly be undone.
Once certain opportunities were lost, there was no way to go back.
"I can sense your sincerity," Ash said.
"If Ho-Oh met you again, it might actually forgive the Takahashi family."
"But even then, you would still be an ordinary human."
"You might maintain peaceful coexistence between humans and Pokémon while you're alive."
"But after you die…"
Ash shook his head slightly.
"Humans are fickle creatures."
"As for me, someone who already possesses power comparable to a Legendary Pokémon—do you think I care about political power or influence?"
"To me, those things are just tools used to protect the people I care about."
The stronger a person became, the less they cared about authority or status.
True power made such things meaningless.
Organizations like Team Rocket, on the other hand, pursued control over the world precisely because they lacked true strength themselves.
They tried to compensate by gathering power that did not truly belong to them.
That was the mindset of people who lacked real power.
"Maybe you're right," Morty said after a long silence, nodding slowly.
"I can't guarantee that my descendants would carry the same beliefs as I do after I'm gone."
Ash's words had struck the truth.
Some things could only exist when both sides stood on equal footing.
This wasn't arrogance—it was reality.
"Anyway," Ash said, glancing toward the distance, "I've already seen the Burned Tower."
"Tomorrow I'll come to your Gym to challenge for the badge."
He looked at Morty with a faint smile.
"I hope you won't disappoint me."
"It's rare for me to meet a Gym Leader who possesses strength close to the Champion level."
"I'd be disappointed if you were too weak."
After roughly understanding the history of the Burned Tower, Ash turned around and left with Sabrina and Emiya Shirō.
Before leaving, Ash suddenly stopped and looked back at Morty.
"Tomorrow I'll challenge your Gym."
Most of the Pokémon he currently carried—aside from Pikachu—were already stuck at the Elite Four level. Ash believed tomorrow's battle would be a good opportunity for them to break through.
"I won't disappoint you," Morty replied firmly after hearing Ash's words.
He was clearly very confident in his strength.
"Good."
With that, Ash left together with Sabrina and Shirō.
However, Shirō couldn't help glancing back at Morty one more time. He hadn't expected the Ecruteak Gym Leader to possess strength close to the Champion level.
"Stop staring," Ash said casually as they walked away.
"That guy probably just broke through to the early stage of that level recently. His realm isn't stable yet."
"That's probably why he wants this battle."
Ash could clearly sense Morty's aura. His breakthrough was still recent, and his control over that level of power was not yet fully stabilized.
Morty was also about one or two years older than Ash.
From Ash's perspective, Morty's talent was comparable to Gary Oak's, perhaps even slightly lower.
As for Emiya Shirō, he was only fourteen years old.
He still had plenty of time to surpass Morty. In fact, with Ash's guidance, Shirō's future achievements would likely go far beyond that.
"I understand, Master," Shirō replied.
After hearing Ash's words, he realized Ash had already noticed what he was thinking.
But when he thought about it again, it didn't seem strange.
He was only fourteen.
Why rush?
Under Ash's training, Shirō could clearly feel his strength increasing rapidly every day.
Meanwhile, in the Sinnoh Region, at the Yoto family residence.
After returning to Sinnoh, Cynthia had been busy handling official matters.
As the Champion of the Sinnoh League, she had many responsibilities to manage.
Fortunately, the internal situation of the Sinnoh League wasn't too bad.
At least among its members, about half were upright and reliable.
The other half… were not.
(End of Chapter)
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