c108: The Online Store Ash's Skills
Although Gyarados had grown quite close to Ash partly due to Ash's innate aura and empathetic nature, often referred to in the fandom as the "protagonist's halo" it remained unwilling to be officially captured by a human.
According to Gyarados's own account, the Magikarp it loved had evolved before it did and was subsequently captured by the camp staff and released into the wild, far from the valley. In a desperate effort to reunite with its partner, Gyarados had forced its own evolution, despite the risk and pain involved.
As is well-established in both the manga and Ash's own journey, Pokémon are deeply intelligent and emotional beings. Respecting Gyarados's free will, Ash did not force it into a Poké Ball. He understood that although the power of Zhuoyuan (his term for the purifying aura that could enhance a Pokémon's innate traits) was remarkable, it was also slow and demanding.
Realistically, with his current reserves, it would take years possibly decades to elevate a Pokémon with average aptitude to the level of his Froakie or the Pichu currently living at home. Therefore, Ash acknowledged that while Gyarados had potential, it didn't compare in efficiency or promise to a Pokémon that already possessed elite qualities.
Compared to Froakie's S-Rank Peerless Aptitude and Pichu's SS-Rank King Aptitude, Gyarados's B-Rank Elite Aptitude was relatively modest. Moreover, Gyarados was already fully evolved and middle-aged. For a trainer like Ash who not only had access to Psychic abilities but also system-based advantages it made more sense to start with Pokémon in earlier stages to mold them through their evolutionary journeys.
Rather than feel disappointed that Gyarados declined formal capture, Ash simply smiled and reaffirmed his earlier promise: that Gyarados could return daily to the river outside Pallet Town, where Ash would honor his word by helping improve its aptitude using aura-based treatment.
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"System, initiate skill copy from Gyarados."
Ash engaged the system, and a progress bar blinked into view:
10%...30%...50%...70%...90%...100%...Success!
Gyarados's level, while low in general terms, was high compared to Ash's current party. It also boasted a diverse pool of advanced Water- and Dragon-type moves. After completing the infusion that marginally raised Gyarados's aptitude, Ash used the system to copy its skill set for future strategic use.
With the technical process complete, Ash withdrew Gyarados back into its Poké Ball and handed it to Gary, who stood waiting nearby.
"Gary, can you give this to Professor Oak for me? I've got some things I need to do next."
"No problem," Gary replied without hesitation.
After exchanging a few quick words, Ash released Froakie from his Poké Ball, scooped him into his arms, and headed back toward the camp cabin to resume his original plan.
Back in the cabin, Ash settled into the wooden chair near the wall-mounted landline and dialed home.
"Hello~ son!!" came his mother's cheerful voice on the other end.
"Mom! How are things at home today? Is Pichu behaving? He's not giving you trouble while you're doing housework, is he?"
"Pichu's been a little angel," Delia replied with a warm chuckle. "Much better behaved than you were at his age. Right, Pichu?"
"Pi-chu~ Pichu~!" came the squeaky confirmation from the background.
Delia continued, "Ever since you left for summer camp, the house has felt quiet. I wasn't used to it at first. But having Pichu here has really helped."
"He's been asking about you every day, by the way wondering when you'll be back."
Ash smiled. "Summer camp only lasts two weeks, so I'll be back before you know it. And guess what? When I return, I'll be bringing a new companion home for Pichu. So, he'll have a buddy to train and play with. Make sure he gets along well with Froakie, okay?"
"Pi-jiu~ (.)? Partner? Bubble frog?"
Ash laughed and gently pressed the receiver toward Froakie's face.
"Froakie, say hi to Pichu."
"Croak~" came the soft reply from Froakie, who blinked curiously at the phone.
"Oh, and by the way," Ash added with casual pride, "today's fishing contest at camp? Froakie and I caught a Gyarados and took first place again."
There was a pause on the line before Delia exclaimed, "Gyarados?! Ash, are you alright?! Are you hurt at all?"
"Relax, Mom! Froakie protected me the whole time. I didn't get a scratch. But aren't you even a little surprised I won first place?"
"My son is so excellent," Delia said fondly. "Winning first place again? That's no surprise. But remember, I care far more about your safety than about any competition results."
Ash's heart swelled with warmth. No matter how far he traveled or how powerful he became, his mother's gentle voice would always bring him back to who he truly was.
Ash: "Don't worry, Mom~ I'll make sure to stay safe and won't put myself in danger recklessly."
"Oh right last night I asked you to help register an online store on the Alliance's official trading platform. Did you manage to get it done?" After some light conversation, Ash finally shifted the topic back to his business plans.
Delia: "You can always count on your mom when it comes to handling things like this."
"Right after our call, I visited the Alliance's official trading platform site and submitted the application for your store. Since you said identity concerns weren't an issue, I went ahead and named the shop 'Ash's Skill Miao Miao House' just like you mentioned."
"The store passed review this morning. And before your call just now, I even contacted a digital design team that specializes in League-approved storefronts. They're already working on the interface decoration for you."
"If you've got any customization ideas or layout preferences, just let me know now and I'll pass them along to the design company."
---
Ash:
Delia:
Ash had originally assumed it would take two or three days to even get the store registered, but his mom's efficiency completely caught him off guard. She had applied to the official League commerce system right after their call last night and unbelievably, the store had been approved by morning.
Now, she had already taken the initiative to hire a professional layout team to beautify the store interface. At this rate, even though Ash estimated it might take three days to get the store up and running, it looked like they could launch and begin accepting orders within that time.
The only awkward part for Ash was the name: Ash's Skill Miao Miao House. To him, the name sounded childish more like something a Meowth-themed daycare might use rather than a skill-teaching service run by a serious trainer. It even made him feel like he was being compared to Mickey Mouse, not Ash Ketchum, future Pokémon Master.
Still, although Ash privately found the name a bit embarrassing, he ultimately didn't ask Delia to change it.
She had a point. Since he wasn't trying to hide the fact that his Psychic ability could assist in Pokémon skill learning, including his name in the title was harmless. Most customers would probably just assume he was an unknown young breeder exploring a niche specialization.
When the shop eventually took off, the brand recognition could even work in his favor. Better than worrying about secrecy or hiding from potential rivals, Ash thought it was more practical to focus on growing stronger something Professor Ty from the Indigo Plateau always emphasized in earlier chapters.
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Delia: "However, Ash, there's still one problem. The Poké Ball teleportation system was developed by the League's technical department. It's not available to the public, and it's practically impossible for ordinary people to get their hands on one. How do you plan to solve that?"
Ash's store wasn't selling items but rather a skill learning service which meant customers would have to send their Pokémon to him directly. Technically, this could be done through the Pokémon Center's transmission system, but that would be extremely inconvenient, especially when Ash was out in the field or traveling through wild terrain.
Without a portable teleportation terminal, it would be difficult to maintain consistent service and expand his business.
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Ash: "About the Poké Ball transmission machine... I'll go talk to Professor Oak. He has connections within the League's research branches. If anyone can help me obtain or custom-build a portable model, it's him."
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