Seeing the scene before him, Robert could only shake his head in exasperation and say, "Ash, you're just too mischievous. Teasing me like that—if I don't burn you once, you won't understand what real pain is."
Still, Robert couldn't help but marvel at the strength of people in the Pokémon world.
Even after being scorched by Charizard's flame, Ash seemed barely affected. The flame must have been over a thousand degrees, and even if it was a small lick of fire, it should have melted steel or at least turned it red-hot. Yet, Ash only winced slightly in pain. It was astonishing.
"Alright, Ash, enough fooling around," Brock said, placing a hand on his hip. "It's almost nighttime. We should find a place to rest. Since we've run into Robert again, how about we celebrate Infernape winning the Pokémon Championship and properly welcome Robert tonight? What do you say?"
"That sounds great to me—as long as you're the one cooking, Brock," Misty said cheerfully, her stomach already rumbling at the thought of Brock's food.
"No problem at all, I'm in," Ash replied as he sprang up with a somersault. Remarkably, there was no trace of injury on his body—just a slightly charred face that hinted at what had happened moments ago.
"What about you, Robert?" Brock asked, turning toward him.
"Since you've invited me, Brock, how could I refuse?" Robert nodded with a faint smile. "To be honest, I've been meaning to try your cooking. They say it's as delicious as what we've seen in the anime."
He looked up at the sky. The sun had almost dipped below the horizon.
"And besides, it's not a good time to continue traveling. Setting up camp for the night is the smart choice."
"Awesome!" Ash cheered, bouncing excitedly. "Welcome to our team, Robert! I know you're gonna love Brock's cooking!"
Robert quickly waved his hand. "Hold on, Ash. You're mistaken. I'm not joining your team. I'm just camping with you for one night."
"Huh? But why not?" Ash blinked, looking disappointed. "Wouldn't it be better to travel together? We could all take care of each other."
"I prefer traveling alone," Robert said firmly. "And I don't like too much noise. Let's not talk about it anymore—let's just look forward to Brock's dinner."
"Don't worry, Robert," Brock assured him with a grin. "My cooking won't disappoint. After all, I aspire to become the world's greatest Pokémon Breeder, and cooking is one of my specialties."
"Looking forward to it," Robert said sincerely.
---
Since they had decided to camp, Ash and his friends didn't bother staying in town. They picked up some ingredients and supplies before heading out of the town limits, eventually finding a quiet grassy meadow beside a gently flowing river.
The soft murmur of the water made it a perfect camping spot.
"Alright, come on out, everyone!" Ash called out.
He tossed his Poké Balls into the air. With a series of red flashes and signature sounds, his team emerged onto the grass: Pidgeot, Infernape, Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur. Pikachu, as always, had been traveling outside the Poké Ball, making Ash's party complete.
Robert glanced at the lineup, nodding to himself.
Ash's collection of Pokémon was impressive, starting with the three starters. And from what Robert could observe, even the lowest individual potential among them was already at the BV level. Ash really did have a knack for attracting strong partners.
Following Ash's lead, Brock and Misty released their own Pokémon as well. Brock's team consisted of Onix, Geodude, Zubat, and a Vulpix he was temporarily raising for a breeder named Vivi. Misty sent out her trusted water-type team—Staryu, Starmie, Goldeen, and the recently caught Horsea.
Not wanting to be left out, Robert also released his Pokémon.
First came Charizard, towering and powerful. Then Pikachu and Pidgeot. These were followed by Stoutland, Beedrill, and Haunter. The last three were new to Ash and his friends, and they watched in awe.
"Whoa, Robert, are all of these your partners?" Ash asked, his eyes sparkling. "This is just like Mr. Backlot's Mansion!"
Although Ash had limited theoretical knowledge about Pokémon—barely above beginner level—he did understand a few practical things. One of those was: the bigger the size and the shinier the coat, the stronger the Pokémon.
This particular tidbit was something he'd picked up from Brock during their travels.
In truth, Ash's knowledge of Pokémon could be summarized as "acquaintance level." He could identify names, but often needed to observe a Pokémon in action to truly understand its attributes, abilities, and skills.
---
"Johnny~"
"Waa~"
"Bi~"
Ash's Charmander, Squirtle, and Pidgeot all made startled sounds after seeing Robert's fully evolved and more powerful versions of themselves.
Even though they were still young Pokémon, they could sense the immense power radiating from Robert's team. The moment they laid eyes on their evolved forms, they were filled with admiration and longing. It was clear they, too, wanted to become as powerful one day.
But when they looked back at their trainer—Ash—their eyes filled with mixed emotions: frustration, confusion, and even a little resentment.
They were all from Pallet Town. They had all started out at the same time. Why was Robert's team so far ahead?
The three younger Pokémon lowered their heads and sighed internally. If only they'd known...
Ash, of course, was completely oblivious to the glares coming from his own Pokémon. He was too focused on Robert's team and had an entirely different thought in mind.
"Robert!" he called excitedly. "Let's have a battle! A passionate one!"
"No."
The rejection came without hesitation.
"Huh? But why?" Ash's bright expression instantly dimmed, like a flower drooping after a sudden storm.
"It's simple," Robert said. "Ash, take a good look at your Pokémon first."
Ash turned around and was startled to see his Pokémon staring at him with less-than-happy expressions. Charmander, Squirtle, and Pidgeot looked utterly disheartened. Even Pikachu seemed disinterested, choosing instead to play around with Robert's Pikachu.
Infernape, perhaps the only one who had the fighting spirit, looked over at Robert's Charizard. The sheer size and aura it radiated were intimidating. Even a battle-hardened Infernape knew the chances of victory were nearly nonexistent.
Understanding this, Infernape gave up the idea of fighting and instead began quietly meditating and focusing his energy, trying to strengthen his pressure points.
Robert knelt down beside Ash and gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder.
"Listen, Ash. I admire your spirit. And one day, I'd love to battle with you—once your team is ready."
Ash didn't reply immediately. He glanced again at his Pokémon, then at Robert's team. A fire of determination began to flicker in his eyes.
"I see," he said quietly. "Thanks, Robert. I won't give up. I'll train harder—so hard that next time you won't say no!"
"I look forward to it," Robert replied with a nod. "Train well, Ash. You've got the heart of a Champion. Now all you need is the strength to match it."
---
With the matter settled, the group got to work setting up their camp. Misty and Robert went to collect water from the river, while Ash and Brock gathered firewood. Before long, Brock had started a campfire and began preparing dinner.
The smell of spices and grilled vegetables soon filled the air. Robert watched curiously as Brock moved efficiently, mixing herbs, flipping ingredients in the pan, and plating everything with a surprising level of finesse.
"This is better than I expected," Robert admitted after tasting a spoonful.
"Told you," Ash said between bites, mouth already stuffed. "Brock's the best chef in the world!"
Misty giggled. "He might not be wrong."
As night fell, the sound of crickets filled the meadow, blending with the gentle babble of the river. The Pokémon had all settled down—some by the fire, others curled up near their trainers.
It was peaceful. Warm. A moment of quiet camaraderie in their otherwise hectic journey.
Robert looked up at the stars, then over at the others chatting and laughing around the fire. Maybe, just for tonight, it was good to be part of a group.
Even if tomorrow, he would walk a different path.