A month had passed since the League Conference began, and the Kanto region was buzzing with excitement. The media frenzy had reached its peak — even other regions were keeping a close eye on the outcome.
Everyone knew that if Ash won the championship, the League's future promotions would be effortless. His performance in the fierce battles of the conference had raised expectations sky-high; many now believed he had a real chance at victory.
Even within the League headquarters, the sentiment was the same.
Ash had become a star — a trainer wrapped in countless layers of aura and mystery. Every major faction, family, and organization in the Pokémon world had begun to take an interest in him. He was no longer just a competitor; he was a symbol, a potential legend in the making.
"You've worked hard for this tournament," Professor Oak said with a warm smile.
"Some of your partners didn't get a chance to battle this time, but don't worry. They've all played their parts. After all, you're not one to care about rankings."
In the open courtyard of the League Hotel, Ash released all his Pokémon to let them relax after the conference battles. The tension of the tournament had lifted; laughter and playful cries filled the air.
Most of Ash's Pokémon were still young and full of energy. Even Venusaur — calm and dignified as it appeared — was still in its teenage years by species standards, eager to play alongside the others.
While Ash and his friends were unwinding, the great families of Kanto were already in motion.
The strength Ash displayed during the conference, along with his self-developed techniques, had drawn the attention of every major power.
Across the regions, researchers and trainers alike were scrambling to replicate his unique training methods and battle styles — yet all attempts failed.
Some even whispered of breeding their Pokémon with the offspring of Ash's, in hopes of inheriting his unique battle instincts. It was a foolish dream, but one that spoke volumes of his growing legend.
"Skye, Professor Oak, looks like you two are the biggest winners this time," said Lance with a grin.
"With Ash's strength, as long as he performs normally in the next few matches, the championship is practically his."
Professor Samuel Oak chuckled. "True enough. Once Ash wins, the League will owe him a great deal. The title of Champion may sound ceremonial, but it carries immense weight."
Indeed, even Lance — the Dragon Master and Kanto's strongest Elite — understood that the Champion's position was one of near-absolute influence. It wasn't about managing the League's bureaucracy; it was about standing as the living symbol of a region's power.
When a Champion spoke, the entire region listened.
Their word could sway public opinion more effectively than any League decree.
That was the unspoken balance — the League could not suppress its Champions. Instead, it worked with them. The relationship was symbiotic: the League provided resources, while the Champion lent their fame and charisma in return.
Through the Champion's image, the League attracted new trainers, sponsors, and public support. It was a mutually beneficial alliance — one that kept the political gears of the Pokémon world turning.
In this competitive structure, every regional League sought dominance. The Kanto League, with its vast territory and countless powerful families, still stood at the top. Its strength and influence remained unmatched.
Suddenly, Ash paused.
A pulse — faint yet familiar — rippled through his mind.
"This power…" He turned sharply toward the sky, his Aura flaring unconsciously.
Then, a vast shadow appeared over the Indigo Plateau. Trainers all across the stadium looked up in shock as a colossal psychic projection took form.
"I haven't seen you in a long time, Ash," a deep, resonant voice echoed through the air.
The figure materialized — a towering illusion of Mewtwo.
Gasps spread across the crowd. With the Championship Tournament only a day away — and the Elite and Champion matches scheduled next month — most trainers had remained near Indigo Plateau to witness the upcoming battles. Now, their patience was rewarded with something far beyond their imagination.
"Mewtwo!" Ash's eyes widened. His Aura shimmered as recognition dawned.
This wasn't the same as before — not the secretive challenge from Mewtwo's island. This was a declaration, in full view of the world.
As cameras clicked and reporters shouted, Mewtwo's piercing blue eyes glowed with psychic light, broadcasting his voice across the plateau.
"I watched your battles," Mewtwo said coldly.
"You have grown… perhaps more than I expected. I do not know how you've prepared yourself, but I am waiting for you."
The psychic pressure in his words rippled through the air, forcing several nearby trainers to shield their minds. Even through recordings, the intensity was overwhelming.
"Mewtwo," Ash said, stepping forward. "Are you still the same as before? Do you still hate humans so much?"
He used Moonstep, his unique Aura-based technique, rising effortlessly into the air to face Mewtwo's projection directly.
The move allowed him to float briefly — a perfect fusion of Aura control and agility.
"Of course," Mewtwo roared, his eyes blazing.
"You humans… weak, fragile, and yet you dare to command us — beings of power far beyond your understanding!"
His anger thundered across the sky, and even the bravest trainers found themselves lowering their gaze.
No one could stand firm before that overwhelming psychic might.
Even through the lens of a camera, it was clear — this was not merely a Pokémon.
This was a godlike force challenging humanity itself.
"Didn't I tell you before?" Ash said, his voice firm but calm.
"Not everyone in Team Rocket is the kind of person you think they are. There are good people among them — honest trainers who care about their Pokémon. Haven't you seen them yourself, Mewtwo?"
Mewtwo's glowing eyes narrowed, radiating cold defiance.
Ash frowned. He had told Mewtwo the same thing during their last encounter — that the world wasn't as cruel and one-sided as he believed. He'd hoped Mewtwo would see it for himself. But from the look in those piercing blue eyes, Ash realized that Mewtwo still hadn't tried to understand.
"You still refuse to see the truth," Ash said quietly, his Aura flickering around him like pale light.
Mewtwo's voice thundered across the skies. "Enough of your meaningless words! I need no lessons from you, human! The only fate that awaits your kind is destruction!"
His psychic aura exploded outward — a storm of power fueled by years of bitterness and confusion. The air itself trembled under the weight of his fury.
The trauma born from Team Rocket's cruel experiments — their attempt to twist and control his very existence — had scarred Mewtwo's mind deeply.
Their unethical research, the endless tests, the manipulation of his DNA and emotions… all of it had left him with a hatred that ran bone-deep.
Now that hatred had taken form once more, and it stood before Ash — a being born from science, yet consumed by pain.
...
TN:
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