Within the world behind the black curtain—
After explaining things briefly to Pikachu, Ash hoisted his pack once more and continued on toward Viridian City.
However… unlike the Ash of the original world(White world), this one didn't go looking to provoke the Spearow.
But the Spearow attacked him anyway!
That was simply their nature—proud, belligerent, and always spoiling for a fight.
Ash stared at the Spearow that suddenly swooped down at him and stopped Pikachu, who was about to strike back.
Just as the bird was about to jab its beak into his skull—
Ash's hand shot out like lightning, catching the Spearow squarely by the throat!
He gripped it tightly in one hand and said coldly,
"Spearow—Pokémon with an extremely strong sense of territory. You're attacking me because I stepped into your turf, aren't you?"
This world's Ash knew Pokémon far better than his counterpart.
Even without a Pokédex, he could identify most species at a glance, and even recall their habits.
Take the Spearow, for example—
Brutal by nature, unruly and proud, but not the type to attack random passersby without reason.
If it came at him, then he must've trespassed on its domain.
"We'll be out of here soon, so stop attacking. Otherwise, next time I won't be so nice."
Saying that, Ash flung the Spearow away.
He did love Pokémon, that much was true—but there was a time and place for everything.
Compared to the White World Ash, Black World Ash was less emotional, more rational.
He wasn't the kind of fool who would still say "Let's be friends!" to a Pokémon that had just tried to bash his head in.
Take this Spearow, for instance—
The first time, maybe he'd let it go since it was territorial.
But if it came back again… then he wouldn't hold back!
And sure enough, it did come back—this time bringing the whole flock with it!
Though the sequence of events differed slightly, Black World Ash soon faced the same massive Spearow swarm that had once driven the White World Ash into desperation.
[Lance: So what's this supposed to be? A historical correction? Even though Pikachu followed Ash's orders this time, the Spearow still came…]
[Professor Oak: True, but Black World Ash's Pikachu has been through far more training than the White World Ash's. If they run into a flock of Spearow… the unlucky ones might actually be the Spearow.]
[Misty: Looks like Black World Ash won't end up as miserable as the White World Ash. I just wonder if he'll still get to meet Ho-Oh afterward…]
Though what Misty really wanted to say was: Will he still get to meet me?
But of course, she had her pride.
In the darkened projection—
Ash gazed at the sky, now blotted out by a storm of wings. His handsome face hardened into a scowl.
He'd said they'd be leaving soon—yet that damn Spearow had to be so vindictive, bringing its whole brood back for revenge.
"Pika pika!"
Seeing the enormous flock, Pikachu didn't cower—if anything, it looked eager!
Golden arcs of electricity crackled across its red cheeks. With just one word from Ash, all those Spearow would become grilled sparrows!
"Get ready, Pikachu."
"Pika!"
The instant Ash gave the order, several Spearow darted out of the flock like arrows, their sharp beaks aimed straight for his head!
"So vicious? You're actually aiming to kill a human?"
"Then I'll say this much—you've picked the wrong target."
Ash snorted coldly, a flash of blue light flickering in his eyes.
Then his arm whipped out—his gloved hand moving with uncanny precision as he smacked one Spearow straight out of the air!
A smooth pivot, a leap, and twin spinning kicks blasted two more back dozens of meters!
When he landed, Ash stood tall, breathing evenly, one hand tucked behind his back as he beckoned with the other.
"That's it?"
[Ash: Holy crap! The other me looks so cool!]
[Lance: To fight such fast Spearow barehanded—and so effortlessly! Just how far has Black World Ash trained his body?]
[Bruno: That reaction speed, that power… feels like he's not far off from my own physique!]
[Lorelei: Oh come on, big guy. You're the man who can fist-fight a Machamp! Ash's muscles don't even compare!]
[Diantha: Ah, but remember—the White World Ash climbed mountains and crossed seas with a far frailer body, and still had monstrous endurance!]
[Bea: Exactly. It shows Ash has terrifying potential when it comes to physical ability. Shame that the White World Ash never trained it properly.]
[Korrina: Hey, everyone—did you catch that flash of blue light in Ash's eyes just now? I swear I saw it!]
[Cynthia: I saw it too… just for an instant, but it was definitely there. Could that be Black World Ash's special ability?]
[Raihan: Let's keep watching. That blue light feels… strangely familiar.]
Ash glanced at the barrage of comments scrolling past the screen and felt a little dizzy.
Who were all these people?
Diantha? Bea? Korrina, Cynthia, Raihan—what on earth?!
And what was that about the blue light in his eyes?
As he pondered, he, Misty, and Brock had already returned to the Pokémon Center.
Meanwhile, the dark projection continued playing—
Within the shadowed world—
Facing the relentless waves of Spearow, Ash threw punches and kicks like a whirlwind.
The faster the Spearow flew in, the faster they were sent flying back—at double speed!
The flock soon realized that dragging it out would only get them slaughtered.
So they launched an all-out assault!
Hundreds of Spearow dived together, the air swirling into a storming vortex.
The pressure they exuded was suffocating.
"Ganging up now? No sense of honor, huh?"
"Fine then—I won't be polite either. Pikachu, use Thunder!"