Pokémon: My Titles Know No Limits! [469]

August had originally brought Serena to Johto just to watch Ash squirm.

Yet now, Ash’s single phrase—“Who are you?”—had stunned not only Serena but also August himself.

You really never disappoint, Ash!

After freezing briefly at Ash’s failure to recognize her, Serena quickly recovered.

“Ash… Do you really not remember me?”

Her hopeful eyes searched Ash’s face.

Seeing Serena like this, everyone’s gaze shifted curiously toward Ash.

What's going on between Ash and this girl?

Their eyes practically shone with gossip.

Ash desperately racked his brain for memories but drew nothing but blanks.

It was Gary who, after closely inspecting Serena, seemed to realize something. Carefully sliding into Ash’s line of sight, out of Serena’s view, Gary silently mouthed, "Summer camp! Ash, summer camp!"

Ash might be dense, but he wasn't hopeless. Prompted by Gary’s cue, memories flashed across his mind like lightning.

“Serena… You’re Serena?!”

Serena, who’d nearly sunk into disappointment, immediately beamed with joy. Unable to contain herself, she threw her arms around Ash.

She knew Ash hadn’t forgotten her! Him not recognizing her at first was understandable—they hadn’t seen each other in years, after all.

But that didn’t matter now. If Ash could remember her, she must still have a place in his heart!

August glanced approvingly at Gary, subtly giving him a thumbs-up.

Gary finally did something useful.

Gary flipped his hair proudly, basking in the praise.

Naturally. Who do you think I am?

Meanwhile, Ash—being hugged by Serena—felt nothing special. If anything, she was hugging him a bit too tightly.

Especially since Serena had accidentally trapped Pikachu in her embrace too, who was now struggling for breath.

“Pi…ka…!”

Finally releasing a furious cry, Pikachu exploded with frustration!

A dazzling electric current surged, engulfing Ash and Serena in brilliant lightning.

The blinding flash was impossible to look at directly!

After stunning both Ash and Serena, Pikachu was finally able to breathe again. Annoyed at nearly being suffocated, Pikachu folded his arms, pointedly turning away in a huff.

“She didn't mean it, Pikachu!” Ash quickly tried to soothe him.

Before Pikachu could react, Serena’s eyes already sparkled with emotion.

Aww! Ash is speaking up for me!

Watching Serena descend into lovestruck bliss again, August shook his head silently.

In love, whoever becomes blindly infatuated first typically loses, don’t they?

August subtly glanced over at Misty.

Though Misty’s expression revealed little, August noted her eyes continuously shifting toward Ash and Serena.

Looks like the drama’s already begun.

“Hehehe~” ×2

Hearing an identical chuckle nearby, August turned to find Gary smirking at him.

So, you're also here for the show?

Observing from the side, Sabrina sighed. Gary had clearly been corrupted by August beyond saving.

Meanwhile, Serena had briefly recovered from her lovestruck stupor. In her calmer moments, she was still rational and composed.

She turned to Ash earnestly, “I came all the way from Kalos to watch you compete!”

A normal person would surely be touched hearing this.

After all, traveling thousands of miles just to cheer someone on clearly conveyed heartfelt affection.

But Ash wasn’t exactly normal.

“Kalos region? Wow, there must be some amazing Pokémon in Kalos!” Ash exclaimed excitedly.

“…” × Everyone

Hearing this, everyone fell silent.

August once again sighed inwardly.

You truly never disappoint, Ash…

...

Despite Ash’s baffling thought processes, the awkward atmosphere quickly faded. After all, who could stay angry at an oblivious fool?

As Serena prepared to catch up with Ash, August interrupted.

“Ash, I brought you a gift!”

Instantly abandoning Serena, Ash eagerly faced August. “A gift?!”

He hadn't expected August to bring something for him.

“Well, it’s not exactly a gift... more like a choice,” August explained, motioning Gengar forward.

Gengar bounced over, handing August two Pokéballs.

“These are two starter Pokémon from Professor Sycamore in Kalos. Choose one,” August said, opening both Pokéballs.

A Froakie and a Chespin appeared before them.

“Serena already chose Fennekin. Now it's your turn,” August encouraged.

Giving Ash a Kalos starter hadn’t been spontaneous. The moment Professor Sycamore had asked him to find trainers for these two Pokémon, August knew he’d offer one to Ash.

He was curious:

Would Ash pick Chespin, or was Froakie still destined for him?

Ash eagerly examined the Pokémon.

Froakie quietly squatted, eyes half-closed, appearing quite calm.

Meanwhile, Chespin had already spotted snacks, eagerly leaping onto a nearby table toward some egg tarts.

“My egg tarts!” Ash cried desperately.

But it was too late. Chespin had already stuffed its mouth full and gathered the rest protectively.

Seeing this, Ash’s outstretched arm fell limply.

Those were limited-edition egg tarts he’d queued forever for!

After calculating his wallet’s remaining contents, Ash decisively turned to August. “I choose Froakie!”

“Oh? You sure?”

“I’m sure!” Ash said firmly, reaching toward Froakie.

Froakie tilted its head thoughtfully before leaping confidently onto Ash’s shoulder.

“Froakie!”

Watching Ash make the same fateful choice, August marveled at destiny, handing Froakie’s Pokéball to Ash.

“Don’t let its quiet appearance fool you; it can be pretty stubborn,” August relayed Professor Sycamore’s assessment.

“No problem!” Ash declared. After all, he planned to become a Pokémon Master!

Satisfied, August turned to Gary.

Gary: “?”

Why are you looking at me?

“I’m leaving Chespin in your care,” August said lightly.

Gary almost protested—he was hardly a rookie trainer needing starters—but looking at the lone Chespin, his heart softened.

“If you insist…” Gary sighed, reluctantly gesturing Chespin closer.

Gary intended Chespin to simply step closer so they could get acquainted.

Chespin, however, completely misunderstood.

Excited, it charged straight at Gary.

It was well-known that Chespin’s head was incredibly hard. Although its spikes were usually soft, excitement made it forget to restrain itself.

Before Gary could react, Chespin rammed headfirst into his stomach.

Wham!

Gary collapsed dramatically. Behind August, Gengar vaguely noticed a ghostly form nearly leave Gary’s body.

“Someone…call a doctor…” Gary weakly reached out in exaggerated agony.

...

Of course, no doctor was actually summoned.

After all, Chespin was just a starter Pokémon. Its headbutt, however powerful, paled in comparison to Pikachu’s [Thunderbolt]. It bruised Gary’s dignity more than anything else.

Watching Chespin happily munch away nearby, Gary foresaw a future of endless trouble.

Is this your revenge, August?!

If August had known Gary’s thoughts, he’d protest innocence. He hadn’t raised Chespin—Gary’s real grievance lay with Professor Sycamore.

As everyone chatted noisily, the stadium’s matches concluded. Hoenn trainer Harrison had triumphed in the final round-of-16 battle—Gary’s rival and now Ash’s next opponent.

“Good luck, Ash!” August encouraged, patting Ash’s shoulder.

Ash didn’t fully understand why August seemed solemn, but he nodded earnestly. “Don’t worry—Bayleef and I will give it everything we’ve got!”

Serena, seizing any chance to talk with Ash, asked curiously, “Bayleef? Is that one of your Pokémon?”

“Yeah!” Ash beamed proudly. “Thanks to August’s training, Bayleef’s now my ace Pokémon!”

He released Bayleef from her Pokéball, who immediately leapt joyfully onto Ash, nuzzling him affectionately.

“Bayleef’s beautiful!” Serena admired sincerely. “Can I pet her?”

Before Ash could reply, Bayleef whirled protectively, placing herself firmly between Serena and Ash.

Her large eyes narrowed suspiciously.

Feeling Bayleef’s scrutiny, Serena weakly withdrew. “Never mind then…”

But Bayleef’s vigilance didn’t lessen. Her bond with Ash had set off alarms—this girl definitely had intentions toward her trainer!

Though oblivious, Ash felt trouble brewing but didn’t know how to defuse it.

Seeing Ash stuck in his personal battlefield of love, August mentally checked off his list.

Bring Serena to meet Ash: ✔️
Offer Ash a Kalos starter Pokémon: ✔️
Witness romantic drama unfold: ✔️

Only one task remained…

While everyone focused on Ash’s tense encounter, August swiftly scooped Pikachu up, gently squeezing Pikachu’s cheeks.

Perfectly squishy as ever!

Before Pikachu could explode, August quickly shoved him into Gary’s arms.

Gary blinked in confusion. “Pikachu?”

Then—

“Pika-CHUUU!”

“August, you set me up!”

Electricity crackled brilliantly.

...

Pikachu’s [Thunderbolt] temporarily ended Ash’s romantic drama. As everyone left, August headed toward Lance’s office instead.

Entering casually, he found Lance and Koga deep in discussion.

Both barely reacted to August’s unannounced entry, clearly used to it.

“Long time no see!” August waved cheerfully.

“Long? It’s barely been two weeks,” Lance retorted dryly.

“Two weeks feels long enough!” August collapsed onto a sofa. “What were you discussing?”

“It involves you,” Koga replied.

“Me?” August was puzzled. He’d been away from Johto, after all.

“Officer Jenny finished interrogating those poachers you caught. Since you charged their leader with a mountain of crimes, he gave up a massive, multi-region poaching network to reduce his sentence.”

August was stunned. “That guy has guts!”

Alliance punishment meant years in prison or huge fines, but antagonizing criminal organizations—especially lawless poachers—could lead to a sudden [Hyper Beam] to the face while cruising in an open convertible.

The guy was willing to betray them?!

“It’s your fault, actually,” Lance said.

“Mine?” August blinked.

“You saddled him with charges severe enough to imprison him for life, pushing him to desperation. Plus, he clearly believes that if you’re involved, his former associates have no chance of escape.”

August nodded sagely. “Ah, so the root cause is I’m just too strong!”

Lance & Koga: “…”

They’d never met anyone so shameless—yet frustratingly correct.

---

This is a fan translation of 我，宝可梦称号大师！ by 落唯 白良. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!