020: Summer Camp Rewards!!
"The way for me to legally own Pokémon before the age of 10 is through the Pokémon Summer Camp organized by Professor Oak this weekend!!"
Ash's eyes widened in surprise at his mother Delia's words.
"Professor Oak's Summer Camp is hosted under the official sanction of the Pokémon League," Delia continued. "Its core goal is to let children interact with Pokémon early and identify those with strong potential as future Trainers."
Ash's mind flashed to familiar scenes. "Right. In the original anime timeline, the Summer Camp was briefly shown through flashbacks, mainly from Serena's memories of her time with Ash when they were little. Though the Kanto version wasn't deeply explored, the Sinnoh Region's Professor Rowan and Kalos Region's Professor Sycamore both hosted more detailed summer programs. They often involved contests, team challenges, and field activities."
He tapped his chin, thinking hard. "Each Region's Professor responsible for distributing starter Pokémon to new Trainers also leads their local Summer Camp. The League's long-term goal is clearly to scout gifted children early."
"That explains why the Pokémon League permits high-scoring participants in the Summer Camp to own Pokémon legally before the age of 10," Ash murmured, deep in thought.
"I recall that the camp includes many activities and competitive tasks. Kids are scored based on performance, and by the end of the two-week camp, rankings are published. Those who place first or even within the top three can receive special privileges, including early ownership of Pokémon."
"Right, Mom?" Ash looked up at Delia, confident in his recollection.
"As expected of my brilliant son. That's exactly it." Delia beamed with pride. "Professor Oak told me the Summer Camp starts this Saturday and runs for two weeks. Campers will participate in different activities, all scored individually. When it ends, the top three children will be awarded impressive prizes."
She raised a finger dramatically.
"First Place: Authorized by the Pokémon League to legally own up to three Pokémon before the age of 10. Plus, they'll be issued one of the Kanto starter Pokémon Charmander, Bulbasaur, or Squirtle free of charge."
She added a quick aside: "Even if the participant hasn't paid the Earl Dervish Pokémon tax, the League will waive the cost. If they have already paid, they can apply for a full refund through the League's Pokémon Licensing Department."
"And if you win, Ash, you can pick your favorite Bulbasaur, right? You'd get it for free!"
Delia leaned forward, both hands under her chin, eyes sparkling with excitement, eager to see his reaction.
But Ash remained composed. Yes, the ability to legally own three Pokémon before turning ten was definitely tempting, but getting a starter Pokémon early wasn't particularly special to him. After all, in the original storyline, he caught all three Kanto starters during his journey Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur without any League favoritism.
"Mom, the way you're talking… it's like you've already decided I'll win first place."
"Of course!" Delia replied without hesitation. "You're exceptional, Ash and now that you've awakened your Psychic abilities, there's no one else who can even come close!"
Delia's current personality was full-on doting mother mode. Her belief in Ash's success was so absolute, it bordered on superstition.
Ash chuckled softly. "The camp hasn't even started yet. I still need to work hard."
Even though he sounded humble, Ash's heart was already burning with determination. He had two clear goals for the upcoming Summer Camp: one, to win first place; and two, to meet Serena again the girl who would one day become his partner.
Getting a free Pokémon was just a bonus. What he truly wanted was the League's authorization to train three Pokémon under his name before the age of 10.
Yes, his age and lack of funds limited how much he could do as a Trainer right now. But with the Mega Trainer System, along with the combined powers of Aura and the Viridian Forest's psychic gift, he had four years to train his team before officially setting out on his journey.
And he would make those years count.
The reason it was limited to three Pokémon was simple that's what the League granted to the first-place Summer Camp winner.
"I will win this," Ash thought fiercely. "No matter what, I will claim that top spot."
Then something occurred to him. "By the way, Mom what are the rewards for second and third place?"
"Huh?" Delia blinked. "I didn't pay much attention to that… because I know you're going to win first place!"
Ash facepalmed. "Seriously?"
"Wait, wait—I remember now!" Delia snapped her fingers.
"Second Place: The League allows the child to legally hold two Pokémon before the age of 10. They'll also be granted a Kanto starter of their choice, free of charge."
"Third Place: Authorized to hold one Pokémon early, along with one Kanto starter Pokémon, also free."
She nodded confidently. "Yup, that's what Professor Oak said."
Ash smiled. His mother's faith in him was unshakable and while he appreciated it, he also knew he had to live up to it.
Because this time, unlike his previous life, he had the power, the knowledge, and the will.
And this summer camp was just the beginning.
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