On screen—
"I have to go now."
"Aww, that's a shame. I wanted to fly a bit longer."
"Don't worry. We'll meet again soon."
"Fine then! But next time, don't cheat during our battle! I want you to see how much I've grown!"
The Lugia that befriended Ash held divine authority. It couldn't leave its domain for long. Ever since Hoopa dragged it into another dimension, a long time had passed—and the ocean currents still needed its guidance.
After saying farewell, Lugia carried Ash and Koharu back to the harbor where the battle had started.
The group of trainers Lugia had blown away earlier finally made their way back.
But when they saw Ash and Koharu climb down from Lugia's back, they—and their Pokémon—froze in disbelief.
At that moment, a dark-skinned boy pushed through the crowd.
Under everyone's stunned gaze, Goh pulled a Poké Ball from his pocket.
"Lugia, I'm going to catch you!"
With that, he threw the Poké Ball straight at Lugia.
"???"
Countless question marks popped up over the crowd.
Is this guy insane?
Trying to capture a Pokémon without battling first—
and not just any Pokémon, but a legendary?
Who's crazy here, him or us?
The instant Goh appeared, Lugia's eyes turned razor-sharp.
That filthy thing again.
How I'd love to kill him.
Even the calmest god had limits. A god's dignity could not be insulted!
Just as Lugia was about to strike—
Ash moved first!
With one hand, he snatched the Poké Ball Goh had thrown.
Then, before everyone's eyes, he crushed it into powder.
The watching trainers silently recalled their Pokémon.
Run! There's a human-shaped Pokémon here!
In an instant, the crowd that had filled the docks vanished.
Lugia gave Goh one last contemptuous glance, then slipped back into the sea.
Only then did Goh come to his senses.
"What the hell are you doing?! You let my Lugia get away!"
Fuming, he stormed up to Ash, ready to argue.
Ash didn't need to lift a finger.
Pikachu zapped him with a full-force Thunderbolt.
In seconds, Goh was charcoal once more.
His skin had already been dark from the last punishment, but after Pikachu's blast, he was pitch-black—so much so that dropping him in Africa wouldn't look out of place.
"Idiot."
Ash cast him a cold glance.
Trying to catch Lugia—
a god that ruled the seas?
Utter foolishness.
"Let's go. We've been out long enough."
With that, Ash took Koharu's hand and left the dock.
[Wallace: You know, I gotta say—Ash's Pikachu has some artistic talent. Look at that pile of charcoal on the ground—it's got a real postmodern vibe.]
[Steven: Artistic? Hmph. Doesn't hold a candle to a fine gemstone.]
[Lusamine: Something with no value like that should be locked in containment. He nearly provoked a god!]
[Lance: Unbelievable! A Kanto native who doesn't know Lugia? And he tried to catch it with a Poké Ball? Why not just use a fishing net on Suicune while you're at it?]
[Koga: Arrogant fool! Not even gods are in his eyes? If Ash hadn't stepped in, Lugia's wrath would have drowned Vermilion City!]
Goh's actions sparked universal outrage—especially among Kanto's Gym Leaders and Elite Four.
Just now, he had almost dragged an entire city into divine destruction!
If not for Ash, Vermilion City might have shared the fate of the mythical Atlantis—sinking forever beneath the waves.
Their disgust deepened into hatred.
This boy is a blight!
Meanwhile, back at home, the unconscious Goh finally stirred awake.
But when he saw the flood of criticisms scrolling across the screen, rage surged in his chest—
and he spat out blood before fainting again.
On screen—
Ash led Koharu back to the Sakuragi Institute, still holding her hand.
Inside, only a handful of guests remained, visiting from afar to celebrate.
Professor Oak was there, and even Ash's mother, Delia.
The sound of the door opening drew everyone's gaze—
especially when they saw Ash holding Koharu's hand.
At that moment, Delia gasped, covering her mouth in shock.
Her son… had finally woken up!
He was holding a girl's hand!
Professor Sakuragi, however, turned as black as coal.
What kind of joke is this!?
He'd raised his precious daughter for over ten years, only for this boy to swoop in and take her?
Just as he was about to question them, Koharu rushed to his side, clutching his arm.
Blushing, she spoke:
"Dad, I saw Lugia! It even flew with me and Ash!"
Her words immediately set the scholars' souls ablaze.
Even Professor Oak was drawn into discussion.
This left only Ash and his mother standing awkwardly to the side.
Ash opened his mouth to explain, but Delia cut him off mercilessly.
"I understand. Don't worry—I won't let Serena or Misty find out."
"Mooom!"
"Ohoho~ Ash is actually blushing! How adorable~"
She reached out and pinched his cheek.
[Delia: Wow, it's been ages since I've seen my son make such a cute face! Mr. Mime, quick, find my phone—I need to record this!]
[Serena: Aunt Delia, could you send me a copy too?]
[Delia: Of course! I still have tons of Ash's childhood photos. I'll send you a whole folder. Between us—he was super cute as a kid.]
[Ash: Mom! Saying it "secretly" doesn't help if you announce it to the whole world!]
[Serena: Thank you, Auntie!]
[Gary: Serves you right. This hurts worse than losing a battle!]
[Diantha: By the way, I just looked up Serena—she's absolutely adorable!]
[Caitlin: New ship unlocked! I'm in~]
Thus, a world where only Ash suffers was achieved.
On screen—
On one side, the professors animatedly debated Lugia.
On the other, Ash endured his mother's relentless teasing.
The atmosphere was peaceful.
Until—
The door Ash had closed earlier suddenly burst open.
Everyone turned.
There stood a boy, burnt so black he was unrecognizable—
The only reason anyone knew he was human was because he still had arms and legs.
As the institute's host, Professor Sakuragi nervously stepped forward.
"Um… who are you? What business do you have here?"
"Professor! It's me, Goh! I almost caught Lugia just now, but that jerk hanging around with Koharu stopped me!"
At the familiar voice, Ash frowned.
Unbelievable… you really dare to say that out loud!?