"The way for me to legally own Pokémon before turning ten… is hidden in Professor Oak's Pokémon Summer Camp this weekend!!"
Ash's eyes lit up with excitement, his voice brimming with disbelief and anticipation.
Delia smiled knowingly. "That's right. Professor Oak is holding the Summer Camp on behalf of the Pokémon League. The idea is to help children interact with Pokémon early—to discover their potential as future Trainers."
Ash's mind was already racing. He remembered bits of the original anime's storyline. "Right… that summer camp was a key event! It didn't get much focus in the main story, but I remember—it was where Serena first met me!"
He muttered under his breath as the details pieced themselves together. "Come to think of it, most regions have similar programs. Professor Rowan held one near Mt. Coronet, and Professor Sycamore hosted another in Geosenge Town. They're all for scouting prodigies early for the League."
The logic was simple. The Pokémon League used these camps as a pre-selection process—a way to spot promising Trainers before they turned ten.
"So it makes sense," Ash continued thoughtfully, "that the League would allow top-performing kids from the camp to legally keep Pokémon before the usual age limit."
He folded his arms, nodding with the self-assuredness of someone who knew the story better than anyone else. "If I remember right, these camps have lots of challenges and games. Each participant earns points based on performance, and the final rankings decide the rewards."
"That means… the top scorers—the first, second, and third places—get permission to own Pokémon early!"
Delia blinked, momentarily stunned before laughing fondly. "You really are your mother's genius son! That's exactly how Professor Oak explained it."
She crouched down beside him, excitement sparkling in her eyes. "The camp will last two weeks, starting this Saturday. Every activity will earn participants points. And at the end, the League will tally up everyone's total and award prizes to the top three."
She held up a finger dramatically. "First place: permission to legally own three Pokémon before age ten—and an official starter Pokémon from the League's roster of Kanto starters!"
Ash's eyebrows shot up. "Wait… you mean—"
Delia grinned. "Yes! Even if you haven't paid the League's initial Pokémon tax, you'll still get one for free! And if you already did, the League will refund it. The first-place winner gets to choose a starter—Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur."
Her eyes gleamed mischievously as she leaned forward. "So, Ash… how does it feel to know you could get your favorite Bulbasaur ahead of time?"
Ash blinked. He did like Bulbasaur—but his excitement didn't come from that.
Owning three Pokémon before ten years old? That was the real prize.
He hid his grin behind a casual shrug. "You make it sound like I've already won first place, Mom."
"Of course!" Delia puffed out her chest proudly. "You're my son—and now a one-in-a-million psychic! Who else could possibly beat you?"
Ash sweatdropped. "Mom, the camp hasn't even started yet. Maybe let's not jinx it?"
He tried to play it cool, but inside, his heart was already on fire.
Not only could this be the camp where he meets Serena… but if he wins first place, he'll secure the right to own three Pokémon years ahead of schedule.
The starter wasn't the main goal—it was the chance to start building his team early.
Even if his resources were limited as a child, with four whole years before his official journey, he'd have time to train them—carefully, steadily—into powerful allies.
With his Ascension Trainer System, the Aura, and the Viridian Power, he had the tools of a prodigy and the foresight of a veteran.
This summer camp would mark the true beginning of his legend.
"I'm going to win," he whispered to himself, eyes blazing. "No matter what it takes, I'm taking that first place."
Delia tilted her head. "Hmm? What was that, dear?"
Ash smiled brightly. "Nothing, Mom. Just… getting excited."
Then he asked, "By the way, what about second and third place? What do they get?"
Delia blinked. "Oh! I didn't really pay much attention to that—because obviously my son's going to take first!"
Ash sighed. "Of course…"
Delia tapped her chin, thinking hard. Then suddenly, she gasped and snapped her fingers. "Ah, I remember now!"
"Second place gets permission to own two Pokémon before turning ten—and also receives a free League-issued starter!"
"And third place," she added proudly, "gets permission for one Pokémon before ten, plus a free starter as well."
She nodded seriously, as though confirming it to herself. "Yes, that's exactly what Professor Oak said."
Ash couldn't help but chuckle at her confidence. "You really don't doubt me at all, huh?"
Delia smiled warmly. "Never. You're destined for greatness, my little Ash."
Ash turned away, hiding the small, determined grin tugging at his lips.
First place… three Pokémon before ten…
He clenched his fists.
"This time," he vowed silently, "I'll rewrite everything."
The road to becoming the greatest Pokémon Trainer didn't begin at age ten.
It began now.
…
…