"Red, I hope you can stay true to your original intentions and realize the dreams in your heart. Since these two unrepentant creatures have fallen back into deep slumber underground, I no longer need to linger here."
Under Dragonair's reluctant gaze, the ultra-ancient Dragonite flapped its wings, creating violent winds as it departed from everyone's sight within moments. Only Dragonair's mournful calls echoed in the air.
"Ultra-ancient civilizations are truly fearsome..." Hokuto murmured.
"Original intentions?"
Red slowly looked toward his companions, the corners of his mouth curving upward slightly.
"My original intentions have never changed!"
Location: Pallet Town
Time passed quietly, and after the ultra-ancient Pokémon incident concluded perfectly, everyone enjoyed a rare period of peaceful daily life.
However, Red still maintained his daily 6 AM morning training regimen, pushing all his Pokémon's battle instincts to their limits in preparation for the long-awaited Indigo League competition.
Now only nine short days remained until the Indigo League began. To reach the Indigo Plateau quickly and adjust their mindsets, Gary and Leaf had both departed from Pallet Town early.
To avoid disturbing Red's training and Ash's supposedly diligent self-training, Gary and Leaf had tactfully chosen to leave without saying goodbye. They didn't inform the two brothers about their departure, not wanting to interrupt their preparations.
Therefore, the only participating contestants still lingering in Pallet Town were the two brothers, Red and Ash.
However, Red was conducting thorough pre-battle training preparations, while Ash had simply forgotten about the competition timing. Even Misty and Brock had failed to remember properly, neglecting to remind Ash to hurry with his preparations.
But according to Red's calculations, in two days Ash's trio would definitely come sheepishly to Professor Oak's research lab, asking the experienced professor for guidance on creating a last-minute training plan.
At that time, Professor Oak would undoubtedly scold Ash, pointing out that with the Indigo League opening ceremony so close, he was still thinking about basic training plans. The professor would then urge Ash's trio to depart immediately for the Indigo Plateau.
As for Red, who disliked traveling by conventional transport, he planned to finish training Blastoise and Snorlax today, then depart from Pallet Town tomorrow morning for his journey to the Indigo League.
At this moment, Red, Blastoise, and Snorlax were conducting morning training at a beach far from Pallet Town.
This beach was Professor Oak's private property, which Red had been using as one of his specialized training sites during this period.
When Red had made his request some time ago, Professor Oak had readily agreed with enthusiasm. After all, Red was Pallet Town's rising star, and his dedicated Pokémon training made Professor Oak very satisfied. Moreover, given their deep friendship from three years of joint research projects, Professor Oak had no reason to refuse.
Of course, even if Professor Oak had declined due to some complication, Red could have easily purchased his own beach as private property, but there was no such need.
"BANG!"
Blastoise and Snorlax collided with tremendous force, producing violent sounds that echoed across the beach. Both refused to admit defeat, locked in a stalemate, neither willing to lose to the other.
Both Blastoise and Snorlax were power-type Pokémon, making excellent sparring partners. However, in terms of pure strength, Snorlax held a slight advantage.
After all, Snorlax was a purely power-oriented fighter, and due to its love of fitness and muscle training, it naturally possessed superior strength compared to Blastoise.
"Blastoise, use Ice Punch!"
"Snorlax, use Fire Punch!"
Red commanded both Pokémon simultaneously.
After hearing Red's instructions, Blastoise and Snorlax both executed heavy punching moves, landing solid hits on each other's bodies.
For training purposes, Red didn't have the two Pokémon use full force, mainly focusing on strengthening their striking power and technique.
But Snorlax's strength clearly exceeded Blastoise's expectations. Under Blastoise's shocked gaze, its entire body was slowly being pushed backward, carving a deep furrow in the sand.
Blastoise was forcefully pushed by Snorlax and nearly fell in an embarrassing tumble. Fortunately, it quickly extended its cannons, bracing them against the beach to steady its body and avoid this humiliating scenario.
Realizing it couldn't defeat Snorlax in pure strength, Blastoise's eyes gradually burned with fighting spirit, eager to compete with Snorlax in power once more.
"Blastoise!"
Blastoise's right fist released brilliant white light, using Mega Punch to strike toward Snorlax.
"Snorlax!"
Snorlax wasn't to be outdone, also using Mega Punch to counterattack.
"BANG!"
In their moment of competition, both Pokémon refused to yield and strained with reddened faces, but ultimately ended with Snorlax's narrow victory, since Blastoise's strengths weren't limited to raw power alone.
To demonstrate its true capabilities to Snorlax, Blastoise turned its burning gaze toward Red, and Red immediately understood his partner's thoughts.
"Then let's show him, Blastoise!"
Red forcefully threw the Mega Stone in his hand toward Blastoise.
Seeing this, Blastoise excitedly reached out to grasp the thrown Mega Stone, planning to Mega Evolve and show Snorlax the might of the ultimate turtle warrior.
"Break through constraints, return to your origin! Answer my call, Blastoise, Mega Evolve!"
As the words fell, the Key Stone in Red's palm instantly released dazzling light, then Blastoise's body also erupted with the light of their bond. The two streams of light formed a connection linking them together, and Blastoise, covered entirely in radiance, began to transform.
Under Snorlax's envious gaze, Mega Blastoise emerged with three massive cannon platforms.
Just as Mega Blastoise was preparing to let Snorlax experience the power of its cannons, it noticed Snorlax pointing confusedly at Red, who stood motionless in a daze, apparently sensing some change occurring within his trainer's body.
Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully triggering and mastering the Mega Evolution abilities of six Pokémon!
A mechanical voice echoed once again in Red's mind. Before Red could react, the Mega Blastoise before him suddenly had its light fade, and under Snorlax's shocked gaze, it actually reverted to its normal form.
The Mega Stone that had fallen from Blastoise's body was now eerily floating in mid-air.
Although not understanding what was happening, the Mega Stone was Blastoise's treasure. Seeing some mysterious force attempting to take away its Mega Stone, Blastoise immediately objected, reaching out to grasp it, only to embarrassingly grab nothing but empty air.