Chapter 186: First Encounter with Ash

"So, this is Pallet Town?"

Walking into Pallet Town, Ron couldn't help but express his surprise.

For such an ordinary rural town, it radiated an unexpected sense of peace and vitality.

For a fleeting moment, Ron even considered letting go of all his burdens and settling down in this tranquil place.

However, he quickly shook off the thought. Compared to a peaceful and quiet life, Ron still preferred the thrill of adventure and experience.

Even if the path ahead was full of thorns, obstacles, and even life-threatening dangers, he was more than willing to face them head-on.

After adjusting his mindset, Ron continued his search for the future Master of Type-Disadvantage, the boy famously known as "The Pallet Town Rookie"—Ash Ketchum.

If he suddenly went looking for an unknown child, it would undoubtedly raise suspicions. So, Ron devised a better plan—visiting Professor Oak's lab directly.

Considering Ash's close relationship with Professor Oak, Ron figured that by talking to the professor, he could naturally steer the conversation toward Ash and, in doing so, meet the future protagonist of this world.

Beyond that, Ron also wanted to know what would happen if he were to attack Ash. Would this world reject him? Would there be unforeseen consequences?

Of course, this was just a passing thought. If he actually acted on it, not only would he have to deal with the aftermath, but he wouldn't even be able to get past Professor Oak in the first place.

Compared to finding Ash, locating Professor Oak's lab was far easier. After all, it was one of the most well-known places in the Kanto region.

At first glance, research labs like Professor Oak's, being so openly accessible, seemed like easy targets for Team Rocket or Pokémon hunters.

However, in reality, renowned Pokémon researchers working for the Pokémon League either had formidable security forces or, like Professor Oak, possessed great strength themselves.

For an ordinary person to attack such a place would be nothing short of a suicidal act. If too many tried, they'd inevitably expose their weaknesses and end up suffering losses instead.

As such, the first requirement for visiting Professor Oak was having a Pokémon Trainer's license, and the second depended on whether the professor was available.

For aspiring trainers, Professor Oak was known to be quite kind and welcoming.

As Ron approached the vicinity of the lab, he sensed a subtle shift in the atmosphere, as if someone was watching him from the shadows.

He refrained from having his Gardevoir use its psychic powers to scan the area. Since he didn't want Professor Oak's Pokémon to sense the psychic waves and suspect him of having ulterior motives, he had already instructed Gardevoir to keep its powers in check before arriving.

After all, Ron wasn't too worried—he didn't believe anyone would dare attack him so close to Professor Oak's lab.

Keeping a calm expression, Ron soon arrived at the entrance of the lab, just in time to see two children stepping out.

Without needing to take a closer look, he instantly recognized them as Ash Ketchum and his childhood rival, Gary Oak.

Of all of Ash's rivals, Gary was perhaps the most serious competitor. After Gary, most of Ash's rivals were just beginning their own journeys as rookie trainers.

"Hello, you two. I'm Ron, a traveling Pokémon Trainer. I was hoping to meet Professor Oak. Is he inside?"

As he spoke, Ron took out his Pokédex. While this gesture might not mean much to Ash, he figured Gary would understand his intent.

"Hello, I'm Gary Oak, Professor Oak's grandson. My grandpa is in the lab right now, but I'm not sure if he's busy with his research. You might need to wait for a bit."

As Ron had anticipated, despite being young, Gary was already quite mature and knowledgeable.

"Thank you for your help."

Ron gave Gary a warm smile and patiently waited at the entrance.

"Big brother, are you really a Pokémon Trainer? Can I see your Pokémon!?"

Instead of following Gary inside to find Professor Oak, Ash stayed at the door, looking at Ron expectantly.

To be honest, this situation provided Ron with a perfect opportunity.

It felt like all he had to do was pull out a knife and end the future protagonist's journey right here. Just imagining it sent a thrill down his spine.

Unfortunately, despite the temptation, Ron wasn't foolish enough to act on it.

Besides the consequences, Ash himself held several intriguing elements that interested Ron—such as the enormous Tentacruel in Lampool, the massive Dragonite from Bill's lighthouse, and the unique Bond Phenomenon he would later share with Greninja.

"Of course! Come on out, Larvitar!"

After some consideration, Ron decided to release his adorable Larvitar.

Just like with his Gardevoir, Ron had already recalled Gastly into its Poké Ball before arriving at the lab to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.

Excluding his more intimidating Pokémon like Machamp, he figured his cute little Larvitar would be the best choice to impress kids.

As soon as it emerged, Larvitar stretched lazily before blinking its red eyes and scanning its surroundings.

Spotting the unfamiliar Ash, it hesitated before scurrying behind Ron, grabbing onto his pant leg, and peeking out cautiously.

"Wow! What an adorable Pokémon! Big brother Ron, what's its name?"

Despite addressing Ron, Ash's eyes remained locked onto Larvitar as he even crouched down to meet it at eye level.

"He's called Larvitar. He's still just a child."

"Larvitar, this is Ash. He's not a bad person."

Gently stroking Larvitar's small head, Ron crouched down and introduced them to each other.

Who would have thought that the Pokémon who would one day be known as a walking natural disaster could have such an adorable side?

"Hello, Larvitar! My name is Ash. It's nice to meet you! Next year, I'll become a Pokémon Trainer too!"

Ash eagerly extended his hand toward Larvitar, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Encouraged by Ron, Larvitar hesitantly placed its tiny hand in Ash's palm. The cool touch sent a pleasant shiver through Ash, instantly captivating him.

"So cute! Big Brother Ron, I've already decided—one day, I'm going to catch a Larvitar of my own!"

Ash declared confidently while instinctively patting Larvitar's little head.

Perhaps it was because Larvitar sensed no malice from Ash, or maybe it was simply too stunned to react—or perhaps, it was the power of a protagonist's aura at work—but to everyone's surprise, Larvitar didn't pull away.

Come to think of it, Ash would indeed have a Larvitar in the future. Unfortunately, like many other Pokémon he encountered, he never officially caught it.

But now, with his own presence here, Ron wondered—would the future change?

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