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"How about it, Ash? Why don't you let me train your Primeape? I guarantee that I can turn him into the world's number one Fighting champion!" Anthony said eagerly, his eyes gleaming with determination.
In Anthony's opinion, even though he had lost, his experience in fighting far surpassed Ash's. Every Trainer dreams of their Pokémon becoming stronger, and winning prestigious honors is a common goal. Anthony believed Ash would agree to this opportunity, but Ash's response turned out to be quite unexpected.
Ash couldn't help but think to himself, So that's what this is about! This sly old man wasn't offering help; he was after Primeape for his own benefit. Claiming it was for training, Anthony clearly had ulterior motives, including securing the championship gold belt for himself. What if he simply ran off with Primeape? Ash wasn't about to take that risk.
"Sorry," Ash replied firmly but politely. "As a Trainer, it's my responsibility to train my Pokémon, and I prefer to do it myself rather than rely on someone else."
Anthony was taken aback. He had been so confident Ash would agree. Undeterred, he continued, "Ash, think about it. Your main goal is the Pokémon League. Training Primeape in Fighting might divide your focus and waste his talent!"
"My Primeape loves to fight," Ash retorted calmly. "Whether it's in a Fighting competition or not doesn't matter to him. As for wasting his talent, I believe I've already proven otherwise in today's match."
Ash's internal monologue, however, was far less restrained. This guy sure knows how to talk big! The runner-up wants to teach the champion? The audacity! If the plot hadn't changed, Team Rocket would have fooled you already!
Though Ash respected Anthony's fighting skills, the older man's condescending tone grated on him. The implication that Ash wasn't good enough to train Primeape was insulting.
Anthony, momentarily speechless, could feel the judgmental gazes of Misty and Brock. Rebecca, too, seemed torn, unable to defend Anthony's words. After all, Ash had turned Primeape into a champion in just three days. Did Anthony really think Ash couldn't handle training his own Pokémon?
"And another thing," Ash added with a subtle but firm tone, "don't you think your Hitmonchan might feel a bit overlooked hearing all this?"
Anthony fell silent, his expression a mix of regret and realization.
"Huh??" Anthony was taken aback by Ash's sharp remark.
"Hitmonchan has spent so much time with you, and its dream must also be to win a championship. Now, the moment you see another talented Pokémon, you're eager to train it instead. Don't you think that's unfair to Hitmonchan? It's like how you treated Rebecca and this Fighting Spirit Gym. You ignored your own gym and your daughter to chase after competition victories."
Ash paused, his tone firm yet measured. "If you want to train and nurture strong Pokémon, the first step is learning how to be a responsible father."
With that, Ash retrieved Primeape's Poké Ball and recalled it.
"I..." Anthony stammered, rendered speechless. He hadn't considered any of this before, but Ash's words hit like a Mach Punch. Shame crept over him as he thought of Hitmonchan, Rebecca, and the state of his neglected gym. Ash wasn't wrong. It was absurd that someone who couldn't fulfill his role as a father thought he had the right to train someone else's Pokémon. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Dad!" Rebecca stepped forward, concern etched on her face as she watched her father's demeanor crumble.
"Rebecca... I'm sorry," Anthony finally said, his voice thick with emotion. He turned to Ash. "You're right. Whether as a Trainer or as Rebecca's father, I've failed. I'm in no position to teach Primeape."
Anthony hesitated before continuing. "However, you're wrong about one thing. I've never abandoned Hitmonchan, and I never will. I hope you continue to train Primeape. Next time, my Hitmonchan will definitely beat your Primeape!"
Ash smiled at Anthony's rekindled resolve. "If it's a rematch you want, I'm always ready!"
Relieved, Misty and Brock let out sighs of relief, the earlier tension melting away. The situation had grown heated, but Anthony seemed to have found clarity.
Afterward, Ash spoke softly to Primeape, thanking it for its efforts and returning it to its Poké Ball. He decided to send Primeape back to Professor Oak's lab for a while. It wouldn't be needed much during the upcoming Gym battles, and participating in the Fighting competition was a good opportunity for Primeape to rest and grow.
Ash used the Fighting Spirit Gym's teleporter and phone to contact Professor Oak.
Professor Oak's Laboratory
"Alright, come on out, Primeape!" Professor Oak said as he released Primeape from its Poké Ball.
Primeape appeared, flexing its muscles as it scanned the area. This time, Professor Oak cautiously kept a safe distance, smiling warmly. He couldn't help but admire Primeape's fighting spirit while appreciating its formidable presence.
When Ash's Primeape emerged from the Poké Ball, it let out an excited cry, its energy unmistakable. However, this time, its demeanor was different—more controlled. Unlike before, Primeape didn't charge around wildly but stood confidently, exuding a sense of pride.
"Huh??" Professor Oak raised an eyebrow, puzzled. He observed Primeape closely. "This is... unexpected." The normally ferocious Primeape seemed calmer, more composed. It was a change he wasn't entirely used to seeing.
"Oh! Is this the championship belt? Congratulations, Primeape!" Professor Oak's attention shifted to the gleaming golden belt strapped across Primeape's chest. Ash had already informed him about the big win, but seeing the belt in person left him impressed.
The championship belt was made of pure gold—a testament to the authenticity of such treasures in their world. There was no doubt about its value or significance.
As Professor Oak admired the belt, Primeape let out another excited shout and raised a fist high into the air. Startled, Professor Oak instinctively took a few cautious steps back. But instead of an aggressive gesture, Primeape slowly lowered its hand, extending it toward Professor Oak.
Professor Oak blinked, surprised by the gesture. "Are you... asking for a fist bump to celebrate?" he asked cautiously, unsure how to interpret the action.
Primeape narrowed its eyes with a toothy grin, nodding in affirmation. Realizing there was no threat, Professor Oak tentatively stepped forward and bumped his fist gently against Primeape's.
"Well, this is a pleasant surprise," Professor Oak said, a warm smile spreading across his face. Primeape's friendly gesture left him both relieved and amazed. It was clear the Fighting Pokémon had not only grown stronger but also more emotionally mature under Ash's care.
One Piece: My 'Pokemon' Crew'
This book is very interesting. If you are a one piece and pokemon fan, you can check it out.