Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom-Chapter 443 - 442: Talent

"This is a Slowking, which evolves from Slowpoke. It can also be found in the Kanto and Johto regions, although its evolution method is quite peculiar," Cain explained.

"Slowpoke? But doesn't Slowpoke evolve into Slowbro? So it turns out it has a new evolutionary form?" Gary asked, his eyes shining with excitement at gaining new knowledge.

"Exactly. It's because of Slowpoke's unique evolution method that I've come to visit Professor Oak."

Ash, on the other hand, was completely confused.

Who am I?

Where am I?

What are they saying? Why don't I understand anything?

Cain noticed the bewildered expression on Ash's face.

It wasn't surprising that Ash, whom Pokémon fans on Earth ironically nicknamed "Ash Ketchum the Wise," looked this way.

Despite having almost no knowledge of Pokémon at this point, his love for them would gradually make him one of the greatest Pokémon trainers.

Gary, on the other hand, always surpassed Ash in everything: lineage, knowledge, even appearance. But eventually, it would be Ash who outshined him.

Cain had approached these two with a mix of curiosity and a small hidden agenda. However, upon seeing Ash up close, that inclination faded without Cain even realizing it. If it weren't for the records in his system, Cain himself wouldn't have believed it.

"If Ash had never met Pikachu, would he still be the 'chosen one' of destiny?" Cain wondered.

Outwardly, he kept his composure and began explaining more about Pokémon to them, attempting to prepare these two young aspiring trainers.

Although most of the conversation was between Gary and Cain, Ash half-listened and half-guessed what they were discussing. But Cain made sure not to leave him out completely. Whenever he saw that Ash didn't understand something, he paused to explain it more clearly.

Cain also repeatedly emphasized the importance of the first Pokémon each trainer received. He explained that having an advantage at the start would make the trainer's journey much easier.

He detailed how Kanto's starter Pokémon were exceptional, describing the three available species and their characteristics, strengths, and combat styles, as well as the advantages they would gain upon evolving.

Gary and Ash listened intently, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

"With everything I've explained about the importance of starter Pokémon, Ash should pay more attention this time. Let's hope he doesn't fall asleep like in the original story. Ideally, both should develop the habit of going to bed and waking up early so Ash doesn't show up late that day."

This chapt𝙚r is updated by freeωebnovēl.c૦m.

Cain then talked about the qualities a good trainer should have, with self-discipline as the first topic. He explained that waking up early and training alongside their Pokémon would strengthen their bond and help them grow faster.

Everything Cain said was backed by facts; there was no fault in his words. From the perspective of an experienced trainer who had already walked that path, his advice was perfectly legitimate for two kids who hadn't yet begun their Pokémon journey.

Even if Professor Oak had been present, he wouldn't have found any flaws in what Cain was saying.

Thus, the three sat on the grass and talked for three or four hours. Gary absorbed the information well, while Ash, though now understanding a bit more about trainers and Pokémon, was just beginning to scratch the surface of what lay ahead.

For both, their goals became clearer. Even their attitude toward Cain changed, as they began calling him "Brother Cain" instead of "Big Brother Cain," signaling that their bond was growing stronger.

As they continued chatting, two people joined them.

Professor Oak and old Matsuda were approaching.

"Grandpa!"

"Professor Oak!"

Ash and Gary shouted in unison.

Cain stood up and respectfully greeted Professor Oak and his mentor.

"Professor Oak! Today, Brother Cain taught us so much about Pokémon. I've decided that someday I'll become a trainer as strong as him!" Ash exclaimed, excited to have defined his goal more clearly.

Gary, standing beside him, said nothing but his eyes shone with determination, indicating he was equally affected by what he had learned.

Professor Oak smiled and patted both of them on the head, saying, "Then you'll have to work hard. Your Brother Cain is soon going to become a Gym Leader in the Hoenn region."

"A Gym Leader?!" Gary and Ash exclaimed in surprise.

For these two, who hadn't even started their trainer journeys, a Gym Leader was someone of incredibly high caliber.

"That's right, so you'll have to put in a lot of effort," Professor Oak added.

"I'll be waiting for you in the Hoenn region, Ash and Gary. Both of you have the potential to become elite trainers!" Cain smiled at them.

Hearing this made Ash and Gary even happier.

Professor Oak, meanwhile, glanced at Cain with a surprised expression.

Any trainer spending time with Ash would likely conclude that the boy didn't seem destined to be a great trainer. His knowledge of Pokémon was minimal, making him seem unsuitable for the role. Yet here was Cain, speaking of Ash and Gary as if they were equals.

Professor Oak knew his grandson well. He knew Gary had natural talent, whether in knowledge or skills. While the professor had high hopes for Ash, that was a personal opinion, not a widely held consensus.

That Cain valued Ash as much as Gary left him slightly perplexed.

Following Professor Oak's suggestion, Ash and Gary bid farewell and left happily.

"Cain, do you really believe that about Ash and Gary?" Professor Oak asked as they walked.

Cain nodded. "Yes, Gary has inherited his talent. In terms of knowledge and skills, he's top-notch. Ash, he's a bit behind..."

"I'd say he's quite far behind," old Matsuda interjected with an amused smile.

"Haha, Takashi, don't interrupt. Cain, go on," Professor Oak said, laughing.

"Although Ash is a bit behind, his love for Pokémon will make up for all his shortcomings. I'm confident both will achieve great things in the future. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Ash surpasses Gary. Of course, this is just my opinion. Don't take it too seriously, Professor Oak."

The sun set on the horizon as Cain and old Matsuda disappeared into the distance.

"Don't take it seriously? Then why do I feel like Ash might surpass Gary?" Professor Oak murmured as he watched them leave.

(End of Chapter)