c136: Full Marks, Ash's Double 100% Talent!!
A boy who once bragged about catching a Gyarados a feat that astonished his peers in the early summer camp chapters confidently challenged a Froakie to a friendly fishing duel.
But as the saying goes, there's always someone better, and the sky stretches far beyond what the eye can see. To everyone's surprise, the proud young fishing prodigy, known among the camp for his earlier perfect fishing score, ends up losing to a seemingly unremarkable Froakie in the very activity he was best at.
The moment Froakie squinted with a smug smile and Ash made a long face full of disbelief and playful bitterness, laughter echoed first from the students in the camp auditorium, then from viewers across Kanto watching live via Celadon Network TV. It was a universally shared moment of comedy and warmth.
The entire three-minute short film contained not a single spoken word. Neither Ash nor Froakie uttered a line, yet the visual storytelling had the audience laughing out loud more than once.
This was a Pokémon short film that blended elegance and heart with a tranquil, soothing visual aesthetic.
Despite the quiet, rainy setting that lent a slightly gloomy mood to the small rock pond, the film ultimately conveyed a gentle, light-hearted tone that felt comforting and genuinely therapeutic. Viewers, both young and old, were captivated by the peaceful atmosphere and the subtle humor.
When compared to Xiao Ling and Rattata's film, "Smart Rattata," which presented a survival story of Rattata narrowly escaping an Arbok, or Gary's "Speed Race in the Air," where his transfer student Fletchling befriends a Pidgey and engages in a dramatic aerial race, Ash's "Little Rock Pool · Fishing" was strikingly simple in plot.
Yet, it triumphed in every aspect: breathtaking scenery, a calm and heartwarming visual tone, a genuinely cheerful ambiance, humorous moments laced throughout, and a meaningful theme of humility reminding us that talent can be found in unexpected places.
These qualities allowed Ash's short film to far outshine not only Gary's and Xiao Ling's, but also those of experienced students like Shauna and Serena, who came from Kalos and had formal exposure to crafting Pokémon short films.
While their productions were polished and exciting, they still revealed faint traces of scripted acting. In contrast, Ash's short film felt wholly natural.
From the emotional reactions to the comedic pacing, everything in Ash's film flowed seamlessly. It was all captured in real-time by the drone Rotom, with no reshoots, no staging just the spontaneity of a genuine moment.
What made "Little Rock Pool · Fishing" stand out even more and why Professor Oak chose it as the finale for the short film showcase was its ability to quietly convey deep emotional resonance and the sincere bond between trainer and Pokémon.
The students sitting in the auditorium may not have been able to articulate this deeper narrative. To them, it was simply the best-looking, most entertaining short film of the day one that made them feel more joy than any other they had seen.
But to Professor Oak, Miss Yoko (who hosted the summer camp broadcast), and many adult Pokémon enthusiasts watching from across Kanto, the film revealed something far more extraordinary.
They recognized the genius behind Ash's approach.
What impressed them most wasn't just the technical beauty or comedic timing it was the fact that Ash, only six years old, managed to convey profound emotional depth and connection without consciously trying to do so.
He didn't rely on theory, technique, or dramatic tension. Ash simply followed his instinct, expressing warmth, partnership, and pure friendship in the most honest and effortless way possible.
This, more than anything, moved and amazed the viewers.
Especially because Froakie wasn't Ash's longtime partner. It was one of the temporary Pokémon provided to all students at the summer camp, distributed only a few days prior.
That Ash could develop such strong emotional resonance with Froakie in just two or three days stunned Professor Oak and the others. It was clear: Ash's bond with Pokémon came not from training manuals or study but from his innate ability to connect with them heart-to-heart.
And that, they realized, is what true talent really looks like.
Don't underestimate what may seem like a small, inconspicuous moment. In truth, it speaks volumes. Even notable figures in the Pokémon world such as Chairman Rose of the Galar Region Pokémon League along with many celebrated Trainers who have achieved excellence in their careers, have made public declarations to this effect:
There are exactly two critical qualities, or two kinds of innate talent, that are essential for achieving exceptional accomplishments in the field of Pokémon training and for ultimately becoming a great Pokémon Trainer.
The first: A Trainer must possess an unparalleled, genuine love for Pokémon a love so deep that it drives their actions, empathy, and understanding of Pokémon beyond what textbooks can teach.
The second: A Trainer must have the kind of natural aura and personality that causes Pokémon to be instinctively drawn to them, to trust them even without extensive training a Trainer beloved by Pokémon, without effort or coercion.
To summarize these two rare talents: if a Trainer possesses even one, and works hard without losing momentum or heart, then sooner or later, remarkable results in their Pokémon journey are almost guaranteed.
However, if a Trainer possesses both of these talents at the same time, it becomes impossible to predict what sort of legendary accomplishments they may one day achieve simply because, in the entire known history of the Pokémon world, no such Trainer has existed in recorded memory.
A Trainer's love for Pokémon can be cultivated over time through action, study, and heart but to be loved instinctively by Pokémon, without effort, is a rare and mysterious gift. Even the best don't always have it.
Now, if we were to quantify these two talents say, expressing each as a percentage where 100% indicates perfection:
Among those Trainers who are currently performing outstandingly in the field, most might reach a ≥60% score in love for Pokémon, and at most ≤40% in being loved by Pokémon.
And now after witnessing Ash's short film "Little Rock Pool · Fishing" both Professor Oak, Miss Yoko from the live broadcast team, and countless viewers across the Kanto region watching from home, have the same uncanny feeling:
Ash Ketchum may just be the first person we've ever seen to show signs of possessing both talents at what seems to be a full 100% each.
Ash's short film had only just ended when the students in the auditorium began to return from their stunned silence.
"DA…"
"Clap, clap, clap…"
Although Professor Oak, standing on the stage, hadn't yet said a word, the spontaneous applause from the students was like a sudden downpour—loud, unrestrained, and heartfelt.
With a warm smile, Professor Oak raised his voice slightly and asked, "Well, it looks like I don't need to say too much. Regarding Ash's short film 'Little Rock Pool · Fishing' how many points do you think I should give?"
Meanwhile, in a ward at Pallet Town's Central Hospital, Goh who was watching the summer camp broadcast live on his tablet grumbled to himself in envy.
"Zero points!!" he muttered with a scowl, the jealousy flaring hot in his heart.
Back in the auditorium:
Student U: "Full marks!!"
Student V: "Full marks!!"
Student W: "Full marks!!"
As Oak's question echoed from the stage, the students exchanged knowing glances, and then, with perfect coordination and admiration, they called out in unison: "Full score 10 points!!"
Professor Oak nodded with pride and formally declared, "Then I hereby announce that my official score for Ash's 'Little Rock Pool · Fishing' is a perfect 10!!"
"ASH!!"
"ASH!!"
As the applause roared louder and chants of Ash's name filled the auditorium, it was clear that the perfect score had not only been anticipated but was unanimously agreed upon by all.
Back in the Pallet Town hospital ward, watching the students chant and cheer as Professor Oak announced Ash's perfect score on live television, Goh let out a sharp, frustrated scoff. The jealousy in his eyes was practically visible.
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