The sounds of battle echoed through the forest, catching the attention of Ash, who was walking at the back of the group.
Following the commotion, Ash soon discovered the source — Mew was "fiercely battling" a Nidoking.
That small, mysterious pink Pokémon instantly captured Ash's attention. Even at first glance, Mew's charm was irresistible.
[Steven: Great! I hope there won't be any more plotlines with that Trainer Goh. That guy's just too annoying.]
[Lance: Exactly! I fully support replacing Goh with Ash in the future!]
[Diantha: It's unbelievable… Ash in the parallel world is only five, yet he's already encountered the legendary Mew.]
[Cynthia: Ash's future potential is limitless.]
As the Champions continued showering praise upon Ash in the chat, Goh's expression darkened.
He'd met Mewtwo at five years old — why didn't anyone praise him for that? These people clearly had no taste or vision!
And what about Chloe? Why hadn't she spoken up for him yet?
He'd always taken her loyalty for granted, never realizing that the girl who'd protected him since childhood was slowly drifting away.
Most of the audience expected Ash to react like Goh had — obsessed, impulsive, chasing after Mew without a thought.
But what Ash did next surprised everyone.
Though the battle between Mew and Nidoking was dazzling to watch, Ash's reason quickly overpowered his curiosity.
Instead of pursuing Mew blindly, he turned and ran to the front of the group, where Professor Oak was leading the way.
"Professor Oak," Ash called softly, catching his breath. "I just saw Mew — it's battling a Nidoking nearby."
Professor Oak froze mid-step. "Are you serious?!"
His sudden shout drew the confused attention of the other campers. The usually calm Professor Oak rarely ever raised his voice.
"Ah—everyone, please take a short rest here," he said quickly, smiling as he ushered the kids to sit. Then he took Ash aside, voice trembling with excitement.
"You're sure about this?"
"There's no time for small talk," Ash said steadily. "If we don't go now, Mew might leave."
Professor Oak hesitated. "But… what about the children? I can't just abandon them."
Ash crossed his arms, thinking quickly. "That show-off Goh loves attention, right? Let him lead the group. Have Dragonite protect them — then you won't have to worry about wild Pokémon."
Even Professor Oak, a man with decades of experience, couldn't find a flaw in that plan.
"Alright," he said finally. "I'll make arrangements. We leave immediately."
[Professor Oak: Ash in the parallel world is far too mature. Oh, if only the Ash from our world had half his emotional intelligence.]
[Ash: Hey, what are you talking about, Professor?! My emotional intelligence is way higher than his!]
[Misty: Really? Then tell us, Ash — what would you do if you saw Mew?]
[Ash: That's obvious — I'd catch it, of course!]
[Misty: …Forget it.]
[Chairman Goodshow: I believe Ash's decision to call Professor Oak wasn't just gratitude — it was also a desire to advance the world.]
[Steven: A desire to advance the world?]
[Chairman Goodshow: Exactly. If Professor Oak's research progresses further, wouldn't the entire world advance with it?]
That logic was hard to refute.
After all, the rapid progress of the Pokémon world in recent decades owed much to Professor Oak's research.
Especially the Pokédex — a creation that changed everything, allowing humans to truly understand Pokémon.
[Lorelei: But come on, did Ash really think that deeply? He's five.]
[Chairman Goodshow: Genius always stands apart.]
[Cynthia: I suspect the Chairman's just overhyping him… but I can't prove it.]
After everything was settled, Ash and Professor Oak hurried back to the spot where Mew had appeared.
Luck was on their side — Mew was still there, its battle reaching its climax.
Nidoking launched a Fire Blast, but Mew teleported out of range and retaliated with the same move, unleashing a brilliant explosion of flame.
While Professor Oak scribbled frantic notes, trying to record every detail of Mew's behavior, Ash stayed alert.
"Professor, hurry! Mew's leaving!"
Professor Oak looked up, startled, as Mew floated off toward the treetops. Ash didn't hesitate — he bolted after it.