Goh's cowardice had enraged everyone.
But even after the livestream's punishment, Goh remained unconscious.
He had no idea that from this moment on, he had forever lost the right to travel to any other region.
For those who don't respect their companions, and don't respect Pokémon—
This is the price!
On screen—
"By the way… haven't we met somewhere before?"
After calming down, Koharu suddenly asked.
The unexpected question caught Ash off guard.
"Have we? I think this is our first time meeting," Ash said matter-of-factly.
Pikachu's eyes lit up.
Wait a minute—that's Yamper's trainer!
No wonder Koharu found him familiar. The "charcoal-black kid" she'd seen outside her house… was Ash.
"Right—you're Professor Sakuragi's daughter, aren't you? You should probably talk to your dad about this."
"…My father's always busy with work. I don't want to bother him."
Ash was no longer the clueless rookie he once was.
After traveling across seven regions, his emotional intelligence had grown.
But his words had clearly touched a nerve.
"…Sorry. Did I say something wrong?"
Well, his EQ wasn't that high. But still, his sincerity had its effect.
Koharu giggled softly.
"Thank you, Ash."
"When that incident happened, I locked myself away for a long time. I made my father worry. To stop him from worrying, I had to pretend everything was fine—but deep down, I was terrified.
Terrified it might happen again. At school, I always avoided Pokémon, which made me an outcast among my classmates.
Thankfully, I eventually found friends. I think… I won't be so afraid anymore. But… I still can't let go."
Koharu lay back on Lugia's back, imitating Ash.
For the first time in years, she felt truly relaxed.
Vermilion City, Sakuragi Residence
Professor Sakuragi watched his daughter's words on the screen, silent for a long time.
He never knew Koharu was so considerate…
or that she had suffered so much all these years.
Even while suppressing her fear of Pokémon, she had cared for Yamper devotedly, never showing any weakness in front of him.
Her maturity made Sakuragi's heart ache.
Damn that Goh!
Back then, when I sent Koharu to Professor Oak's summer camp with him, I told him to look after her.
And instead, he abandoned her in danger!
All these years, I even let them stay close, thinking Goh's cheerful nature would help Koharu open up.
I never expected… that he was the very cause of her trauma!
From now on… Goh will never be allowed near Koharu again.
Never!
[Diantha: Ugh, so heartbreaking… She endured all that just to stop her father from worrying. Koharu, come here—let Auntie hug you!]
[Professor Kukui: Professor Sakuragi, I sincerely invite Koharu to attend Alola's Trainer School. She's guaranteed to find friends here!]
[Lillie: Don't worry, Koharu. I'll be with you—we'll overcome this together!]
[Koharu: Thank you, everyone… but I want to stay by my father's side.]
[Professor Sakuragi: What a wonderful daughter I have~]
On screen—
Ash's gaze grew distant, lost in thought over Koharu's words.
Suffering? Everyone has it.
But what matters is having the courage to face it.
"Want to hear my story?"
Ash turned to her with a bright smile.
A smile warm enough to melt even eternal glaciers.
Koharu stared blankly, stunned into silence.
Before she could reply, Ash placed Pikachu gently in her arms, then flipped his cap backwards.
Standing tall, he pointed toward the vast ocean.
"My name is Ash! My dream is to become a Pokémon Master! Ever since I can remember, I've worked toward that goal.
At ten years old, I left Pallet Town with Pikachu and began my journey.
Along the way, I met countless friends—Misty, Dawn, May, Serena.
And I raised countless partners—Charizard, Infernape, Greninja!
Even as I entered new regions and formed new bonds, I never forgot the ones I'd left behind.
Because Pokémon aren't tools! They're family! They're friends! They're partners!
Of course, my journey hasn't been smooth.
Time and time again, I fell just short of victory against the Champions.
But I never gave up!
Because I'm Ash! I'll always chase my dream—
to become the world's greatest Pokémon Master!
As long as my heart burns true, I'll keep fighting—
no matter who the opponent is, I'll fight to the very last moment!"
"Pika—chu!"
The Pikachu in Koharu's arms raised its paw in solidarity.
At that moment, Ash shone with dazzling light.
His unwavering confidence hit Koharu—still just a schoolgirl—like a tidal wave.
How could anyone not fall for a boy like this?
Koharu could only whisper in her heart:
There's no way I could ever say no to him…
Lugia's long cry echoed across the sea.
It was its answer to Ash's declaration.
Then, shining silver light descended.
A single feather, glowing with divine brilliance, floated before Ash.
Without thinking, he caught it in his hand.
'After all these years, Ash, you're still so pure.'
'Take this Silver Wing. Wherever, whenever—hold it, and you can summon me.'
'You are the one I recognize… the Hero of the Seas!'
[Lance: Holy—! The Silver Wing! That's on par with Ho-Oh's Rainbow Wing!]
[Hop: Huh? What's that? Is it strong?]
[Bruno: You wouldn't understand. In Kanto myths, only those acknowledged by Lugia or Ho-Oh receive these relics. They're gifts of the gods!]
[Lorelei: Exactly! Whoever holds the Rainbow Wing is known as the Rainbow Hero. And whoever holds the Silver Wing is the Hero of the Seas!]
[Ash: Uh… do they do anything special? Or is it just a fancy title?]
[Lance: …Ash, truth is, nobody really knows. There have been so few chosen in all of history.]
[Ash: Oh. Well, I've actually got both. The day I started my journey, I met Ho-Oh and got the Rainbow Wing. And now I just got the Silver Wing from Lugia.]
[Lance: !!!]
[Professor Oak: !!!]
[Lorelei: !!!]
[Bruno: I'm so jealous…]
Ecruteak City
At that exact moment, in his own timeline, Ash found a glowing feather in his hand.
It had appeared the moment the Ash on-screen grasped the Silver Wing.
Anytime, anywhere…
So this is what Lugia meant!
No wonder it's the Sea Guardian.
Ash's eyes sparkled with excitement, completely oblivious that Misty and Brock beside him had both turned into statues.