Pokemon: This Ash Is Too Versatile

Next to Cynthia, Dawn approached Ash nervously and extended her hand.

"Ash... bro, those battles earlier were really amazing."

Dawn’s expression was a bit elated, as if she had just realized the intricacies of Pokémon battles.

"I didn’t know Pokémon battles could be fought this way, and that there are so many tactics between Pokémon. My mentor was right — watching Ash... bro fight was truly enlightening."

Upon hearing this, Ash’s expression was a bit strange, and he held her hand in return, saying, "Um, maybe you should just call me Ash. It sounds weird otherwise, and you’re probably not used to it either, right?"

Dawn blushed a bit; she indeed wasn’t used to calling others "bro," and Ash didn’t look much older than her.

Age-wise, they should be about the same.

It’s just that Ash’s birth month might be slightly earlier.

"Then... Ash?"

"Haha, that sounds a lot better." Ash chuckled, finally feeling less awkward. Then he advised Dawn, "As for Pokémon battles... watching is one aspect, but actual practice is another. Participate in a few battles, and you’ll gradually become familiar and adept."

He too started as a newcomer, although he grew rapidly, but indeed experienced the novice phase.

Having a mentor is one aspect, and engaging in more battles is another.

Only by battling more can you seize the timing and methods in battles.

Cynthia added from the side, "Don’t worry Dawn, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to watch."

"In your upcoming journey, I’ll be traveling behind Ash with you."

"???" Dawn was stunned; Cynthia hadn’t mentioned this to her yet.

"Following Ash?"

"Yes." Cynthia nodded, her expression a bit subtle, "Due to some reasons, we need to travel with Ash for a while."

"And we can’t stay too close to Ash to avoid alerting others... but occasionally checking in with each other, saying hi, shouldn’t be an issue."

Dawn nodded, somewhat understanding.

Though she didn’t know what had happened, she realized that the upcoming journey would be alongside this amazing boy.

She was already curious about Ash, and had been feeling a bit regretful about parting after today.

Unexpectedly, they were going to travel together later, providing her more opportunities to understand Ash.

How is someone her age capable of such feats?

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Ash packed up his badge case and stretched.

"Speaking of which, I still have to challenge the Hammerlocke Gym next."

"As long as I can defeat the Hammerlocke Gym, my final badge will be secure."

Upon hearing this, everyone’s eyes lit up.

"The Hammerlocke Gym, huh..." Lance rubbed his chin, "I’ve seen Raihan a few times, but never had a serious match against him."

"Luckily I’m free today; I’ll go with you to check it out."

Cynthia joined in with a smile, "I haven’t seen Raihan in action for a while either. We met briefly at the last Eight Great Masters, didn’t even exchange greetings."

"Let’s go and join the fun today."

Clair was even more straightforward, she simply put down her cloak, "That guy’s been running his gym on my turf for so long, I’ve never properly watched his battles."

"Let’s go, together!"

Oh boy, challenging the Hammerlocke Gym has gathered the presence of two Champions plus a near-Champion level Trainer.

Ash’s mouth twitched, but he didn’t refuse — the more the merrier.

The group tidied up and began to march enthusiastically toward the Hammerlocke Gym.

On the way, Clair, walking beside Ash, suddenly remembered something.

"Ash, why don’t you head to the Pokémon Center first?"

"In the last battle, your Dragonite and Greninja took quite a hit, and Gardevoir also spent a lot of energy."

"The Hammerlocke Gym won’t be easy, Raihan’s strength is top-notch in Johto."

Clair was actually downplaying it; truth be told, Raihan’s ability is head and shoulders above even the entirety of Johto!

Though Ash defeated her, meeting Raihan with just a Gardevoir might not be enough to win.

Raihan has Champion Advanced Level Pokémon in his possession after all.

In terms of Level, he’s a notch above Gardevoir, and his other Pokémon aren’t to be underestimated either.

To put it bluntly, even if Ash healed Dragonite and Greninja, against Raihan, those two Pokémon wouldn’t be much use...

But recovering is better than not recovering at all!

More Pokémon mean more options!

Especially Greninja — after that unique evolution, Clair doesn’t even know where its peak strength lies.

Perhaps... it could rival Elite Peak... ha, she must be crazy.

Imagining Professional Junior Level matching Elite Peak is sheer fantasy.

Confronted by Clair’s suggestion, Ash shook his head, "No need."

"The Pokémon I’m using to challenge the Hammerlocke Gym aren’t the same batch as those I used against you; I’ll take them all to the Pokémon Center afterward."

Clair hesitated for a moment, not the same batch?

So, the Pokémon Ash deployed against her weren’t his best?

Right... Ash had said when seeing Gyarados — ’I wasn’t planning on using him, but since you gave me the opportunity, I’ll use this one then.’

At that time, he was releasing a Pokeball, and it wasn’t Greninja, but another Pokémon.

Ash has other, stronger Pokémon in his lineup...

Clair also recalled Cynthia mentioning that Ash’s Pikachu during their match was already at Elite level.

Now, it’s no weaker than Gardevoir.

Meaning... Ash’s seemingly harmless Pikachu has Champion Intermediate Level strength?

A Pikachu with Champion Intermediate Level strength... Is the world crazy or am I?

Observing the boy’s silhouette in front, Clair couldn’t help but show a bitter smile.

Originally, she thought if she used her three main Pokémon against Ash, the battle outcome could be unpredictable.

But... not only did she not go all out, Ash too didn’t go all out!

And Ash held back... more!

After the bitter smile, Clair felt a bit of anticipation rising, curious about what intense sparks might fly between Ash and Raihan?

What is Ash’s true potential?

Against Raihan, could Ash unleash his full power?

After walking for about ten minutes, the Hammerlocke Gym appeared in the group’s view.

If Blackthorn Gym is the ancient obsidian hidden among mountains, then Hammerlocke Gym is a thoroughly steel monster.

The building is ten stories tall, with outer walls made of dark grey, heavy stone, supported by a steel frame, resembling a mini version of a Galar-style castle.

A huge banner hangs above the gym’s entrance, with an orange-black base color and a golden dragon embroidered in the center.

The dragon’s outline is clearly Duraludon.

Upon seeing the gym, Ash’s group was dumbfounded.

They’ve seen external gyms before, but those are usually modest, simplifications of local gyms.

The most extravagant is Volkner’s gym; he enjoys tinkering with gyms, so he built his a bit more lavishly.

However, compared to Hammerlocke Gym, Volkner’s gym is a pea beside a mountain!

This is practically a high-rise building!

"Building such a large gym on someone else’s land, Raihan sure isn’t shy." Lance marveled at the gym’s extravagance.

The luxury of this external gym was a first even for him.

Raihan sure doesn’t lack funds!

Clair rolled her eyes beside, "When he first arrived, his report to the League took three months, and he bought land in Blackthorn City at a high price."

"If strictly pursued, he’s operating legitimately."

Ash and the others: ...

Wow, directly bought land? Nowhere to spend the money?