One of the Gyarados was massive and imposing, while the other was slightly smaller in size, with distinct white whiskers flowing from its jaws. This smaller Gyarados with white whiskers was none other than the partner of the one Ash had first befriended.
"Gyarados, you came too," Ash greeted them calmly as they approached, showing no fear at all.
"Grrrr…"
"Raaa…"
The two Gyarados let out low, gentle rumbles in response, settling down quietly beside Ash. Their eyes curved into crescent shapes, clearly showing their friendliness.
Every morning during training, the two Gyarados would arrive punctually at Stone Bridge outside Pallet Town, allowing Ash to use his Source Cleansing ability to improve their potential. Compared to other wild Water-type Pokémon, their gratitude toward Ash ran far deeper.
Even though this wasn't Ash's first time bringing his Pokémon here to train, and the surrounding wild Water-types were already cooperative—and even though Ash himself was now strong enough not to need protection—the two Gyarados would always rush over the moment they sensed his presence, ready to maintain order.
In truth, with Ash's reputation among the nearby wild Pokémon, no one would dare cause trouble. And even if they did, Ash had more than enough strength to handle it himself.
But the Gyarados pair came anyway.
Not out of necessity—
But out of sincerity.
And Ash accepted that kindness wholeheartedly.
After all, their bond went back to the fishing activity during Professor Oak's summer camp, when they had worked together to thoroughly beat up Goh and send him straight to the hospital. That shared experience alone was something Ash wouldn't forget anytime soon.
—
"Splash—"
"Whoosh—"
In less than five minutes after Ash's broadcast, the sea surface near the estuary was already crowded with wild Water-type Pokémon.
Nearly all of them—
Were Pokémon who had once received Ash's help.
—
"Alright everyone, quiet down," Ash called out, raising his voice slightly.
"I'm here today for the same reason as before—to train my Magikarp and Feebas in real combat."
"Pokémon below LV.20 are welcome to step forward and challenge."
"For all participants, I will enhance your potential once using my psychic ability, and I'll also provide a portion of high-quality Pokémon food."
"If you get injured during the battle, I'll treat you immediately afterward."
"So there's no need to worry."
"Now then—who wants to challenge?"
—
The moment he finished speaking, the shoreline erupted into lively chatter.
Ash's rewards were incredibly generous.
Enhancing potential alone was enough to make any Pokémon excited.
And as for Pokémon food—
For wild Pokémon, that was an irresistible treasure.
Food, territory, and reproduction—these were the three fundamental pursuits of Pokémon living in the wild.
And since Ash guaranteed rewards regardless of victory or defeat, and even provided healing afterward—
There was no reason not to participate.
—
"Krabby! (Me! Me!)"
A Krabby immediately rushed forward, full of enthusiasm.
"Alright, Krabby," Ash said with a nod. "Do you want to challenge Magikarp or Feebas?"
"Krabby! (Magikarp! I lost to it last time—I'm going to win this time!)"
"Alright, no problem."
Ash turned to his shiny Magikarp.
"Valor, Krabby wants to challenge you. Go ahead and take the field."
"Same rules as always—you fight on your own. I won't give any commands."
"Splash! (Got it, Ash!)"
Valor responded confidently and swam into the battle zone.
—
As the two Pokémon prepared to fight, Ash took the opportunity to check Krabby's data through the system.
[Pokémon: Krabby]
Level: LV.13
Type: Water
Nature: Brave, battle-loving
Ability: Hyper Cutter
Potential: Green
Moves (Copyable):
Proficient: Leer, Water Gun, Harden
Skilled: Metal Claw
Novice: Mud Shot
—
Krabby's level was LV.13, not much lower than Magikarp's.
Its Ability and personality were both quite solid.
Although its potential was only Green, it was already close to Red (Elite).
For Ash—who valued personality and temperament highly in Pokémon—this Krabby was actually quite a good candidate.
If not for the fact that he already had multiple Water-type Pokémon—
Especially the shiny Magikarp and shiny Feebas gifted by the Tsuchihara Family—
He might have seriously considered capturing it.
The same went for the Marill he had given to Misty earlier.
If his team weren't already saturated with Water-types, he would have gladly trained a "dragon-slaying warrior."
"…What a pity."
Ash shook his head slightly, closing the system panel.
"I already have too many Pokémon—especially Water-types. For now, I won't be capturing any new ones."
Just as Ash was lost in thought—
The battle began.
Krabby made the first move.
"Krabby!"
Foam bubbled from its mouth as it raised its claws, firing a sharp stream of Water Gun straight toward Magikarp.
—
But this wasn't the same Magikarp as before.
No longer timid or insecure—
Through constant training, it had developed confidence in its strength.
Even without Ash's commands—
It had no fear facing an opponent like Krabby.
—
"Splash!"
As the Water Gun shot forward, Magikarp suddenly leapt upward—
Using Splash.
A move once mocked as useless—
Now became the perfect evasive maneuver.
The Water Gun missed completely.
Krabby froze for a split second.
It hadn't expected that.
And that one moment—
Was enough.
Midair, Magikarp twisted its body, its tail whipping through the air.
Water gathered rapidly—
Condensing around its tail.
What had once been a small, harmless fin—
Now transformed into a crashing wave.
With overwhelming force—
It slammed down toward Krabby.
"Krabby—?! (Oh sh—!!)"
--------------
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