Chapter 343 - 341: Ash the Teacher

Chapter 343: Chapter 341: Ash the Teacher

Ash and his harem left the warm, steamy comfort of the hot spring resort behind them, the memory of their shared night still lingering in soft smiles and lingering touches.

The road to Violet City stretched ahead under a clear Johto sky, and after a steady walk the group finally arrived at the bustling city gates. Colorful rooftops and the distant silhouette of the Sprout Tower rose into view as they made their way toward the Pokémon Center.

The streets were lively with trainers, shoppers, and the occasional wild Pokémon darting between flower beds. Pikachu and Eevee, walking freely beside the group, suddenly stopped near a cluster of bright yellow flowers. Both Pokémon leaned in to sniff the sweet scent, their ears twitching with curiosity.

Before anyone could call them back, two young schoolchildren a boy and a girl around eight or nine years old rushed over with excited shouts. They scooped up Pikachu and Eevee as if they were living dolls, spinning them around and laughing.

"Look, look! Soft and sparkly!" the girl squealed, hugging Eevee tightly.

"This one’s cheeks are so warm!" the boy declared, poking Pikachu’s face.

Pikachu and Eevee looked thoroughly unimpressed, their expressions flat as they were jostled about. Ash and the girls burst into laughter at the sight.

Misty wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "They’re treating them like plushies! Poor Pikachu looks ready to Thunderbolt someone."

Sabrina smiled softly. "They don’t seem harmed... just highly inconvenienced."

Daisy giggled. "They’re so cute when they’re annoyed."

Giselle covered her mouth with a hand, trying not to laugh too loudly. "Master Ash, should we rescue them?"

Erika and Melody exchanged amused glances. Erika spoke gently, "The children mean no harm. Still, we should step in before the Pokémon decide to protest."

Ash walked over with an easy grin. "Alright, you two. Careful with the merchandise."

The kids froze when they saw the adults approaching. The boy quickly set Pikachu down. "We... we thought they were wild Pokémon! Honest!"

The girl nodded rapidly, releasing Eevee. "They were just sitting there smelling the flowers. We wanted to play!"

Their explanation was cut short when a woman in a neat teacher’s uniform hurried out of a nearby building. Her brown hair was tied back neatly, and a whistle hung around her neck.

"zakky! Lizzy! You two should be in class right now!" she scolded, though her voice carried more concern than anger. She turned to Ash and the group with an apologetic smile.

"I’m so sorry. These two are my students. I’m Miss Priscilla, the teacher at the local Pokémon Academy. We teach the children the foundations of Pokémon training so they can grow up to become proper Trainers someday."

Ash’s expression softened with recognition.

"A Pokémon Academy, huh? I went to a similar school back in Pallet Town when I was a kid. Studied with my childhood friends."

Misty tilted her head. "Besides Gary, did you have other childhood friends?"

Sabrina raised an eyebrow curiously. "You’ve never mentioned many names from those days."

Giselle, Erika, and Melody also looked interested. Daisy, already familiar with Ash’s past simply smiled and stayed quiet.

Ash scratched the back of his head. "Yeah... there was one other. A girl named Leaf. We used to train together a lot. According to Professor Oak, after she got her starter Pokémon she moved to Johto with her family. Haven’t seen her since."

Miss Priscilla’s eyes lit up. "How wonderful that you still remember those early days. Would you... perhaps be willing to show the children a few of your Pokémon? They get so excited when they meet real Trainers."

The kids immediately started bouncing on their feet. "Please! Please!"

Ash looked at his girls. Every one of them gave a small nod of agreement. He smiled.

"Sure. We’d be happy to."

The group followed Miss Priscilla into the academy courtyard, where a small class of children had already gathered. As soon as Ash stepped into view, several of the older kids gasped.

"That’s Ash Ketchum!" one boy whispered loudly.

"He won the Kanto League! And he has really strong Pokémon!"

Another girl pointed. "I saw him on TV during the Indigo Plateau Conference!"

Ash raised a hand in a friendly wave, then stepped to the front of the group. The children’s chatter quieted as he began to speak.

"Being a Pokémon Trainer isn’t just about winning battles," he said, his voice steady and clear. "The most important thing is the connection you build with your Pokémon. They’re not tools. They’re partners. Every Pokémon has its own personality, its own quirks, and its own way of seeing the world. That’s why you need patience... and determination. If you treat them with respect, they’ll give you everything they’ve got in return."

The children listened with wide eyes. Ash continued, gesturing lightly as he explained the different paths available in the Pokémon world.

"Some people become Pokémon Trainers and travel from gym to gym. Others become Coordinators and shine on the contest stage. There are Breeders who help Pokémon grow healthy and strong, and Professors who study them so we can all understand them better. Every path is valuable. What matters is finding the one that fits your heart."

The kids murmured in amazement. One small girl raised her hand. "Mister Ash... are all those paths really equal?"

Ash nodded. "They are. Strength comes in many forms."

He then turned and motioned for three of his companions to step forward. "These three are special. Kids, meet Misty, Sabrina, and Erika Kanto Gym Leaders."

Misty stepped up with a bright grin and a wave. "Hi everyone! I’m Misty, Cerulean City Gym Leader. I specialize in Water-type Pokémon. If you ever visit my gym, you’ll see some of the strongest Water-types in Kanto!"

Sabrina offered a calm, elegant smile. "I am Sabrina, Saffron City Gym Leader. My specialty is Psychic-types. Focus and mental strength are just as important as physical power."

Erika bowed gracefully. "I am Erika of Celadon City. I specialize in Grass-type Pokémon. Caring for them teaches patience and harmony with nature."

The courtyard erupted with excited questions.

"Miss Misty, what’s your strongest Water Pokémon?"

"Miss Sabrina, can you really read minds?"

"Miss Erika, do Grass-types like flowers as much as people do?"

Misty laughed and answered the first few questions with her usual energy. Sabrina responded with quiet precision, while Erika spoke gently about the bond between trainer and Grass-type. The children hung on every word.

Ash then gestured toward Daisy. "And this is Daisy Oak. She’s a senior researcher in the field of Pokémon study basically a professor in training under her grandfather, Professor Oak."

Daisy smiled warmly and waved. "Hello, everyone. Research helps us understand Pokémon better so Trainers like you can care for them the right way."

The kids and even Miss Priscilla looked impressed. One boy raised his hand again. "If you’re all so important in Kanto... why are you traveling around Johto?"

Misty, Sabrina, Erika, and Daisy exchanged glances. Misty answered first, her tone light but honest. "We’re traveling to broaden our horizons. And... because we’re in a relationship with Ash. We’re a family."

A smaller child tilted his head. "But why are so many girls with one boy? Don’t you fight over him?"

Ash stepped in before the conversation could go any further into personal territory. He chuckled and raised both hands. "We’re one big family. We don’t fight like that. We support each other. Now... who wants to see some of our Pokémon?"

The entire class erupted into cheers.

"Yes!"

"Show us!"

"Please!"

Ash smiled, glad the topic had shifted. He looked at his girls, then at the eager faces of the children. The lesson was only just beginning.

Ash smiled at the eager faces of the children. "Alright then... let’s show you some of our partners!"

One by one, the group released their Pokémon into the courtyard. Ash called out Heracross, Ursaring, Stantler, Skarmory, and his energetic Chikorita. Misty sent Poliwag, Swampert, Starmie, Psyduck, Wartortle, and Totodile. Sabrina released Kadabra, Espeon, Lapras, her shiny pink Staryu, and Fennekin. Daisy brought out her mutated Bulbasaur, Blastoise, Pidgeot, and Butterfree. Giselle called Salamence, her own Stantler, Misdreavus, and Cubone. Melody’s shiny Chikorita appeared with a bright cry, and Erika finished the display with Bellossom, Tangrowth, Butterfree, Stantler, and Victreebel.

The courtyard exploded with color, sound, and movement. The children stared in wide-eyed wonder before rushing forward to play. Laughter filled the air as kids gently patted Chikorita’s leaf, watched Psyduck wobble around, and carefully touched the shiny Staryu’s glowing center. Salamence lowered his massive head so the smaller children could stroke his scales, while Misdreavus floated playfully above their heads.

After some time, a boy named Ziggy approached Ash with determined eyes. "Mister Ash... one day I’m going to become a strong Trainer and challenge you!"

Ash crouched to the boy’s level and grinned. "I’ll be waiting for that day, Ziggy. Train hard and take care of your future partners."

Miss Priscilla suggested a short excursion to Sprout Tower so the children could experience a real training site. The group happily agreed. Inside the tall wooden tower, the kids practiced walking carefully and observing the many Bellsprout that lived there. Ziggy spent a long time sitting beside one particular Bellsprout.

When the little Grass-type gently wrapped a vine around his wrist, Ziggy’s face lit up. With Miss Priscilla’s guidance, he successfully befriended his first Pokémon.

As the sun began to lower, Ash and the girls gathered the children one last time. Misty ruffled Ziggy’s hair. "Take good care of that Bellsprout, okay?"

Sabrina offered a calm smile. "Remember what Ash said. Patience and trust."

Erika bowed gracefully. "May your journey be full of growth."

Daisy waved cheerfully. "Study hard and stay curious!"

Giselle and Melody added their own warm goodbyes. The children waved enthusiastically as the group finally bid farewell to Miss Priscilla and her class.

With the lesson complete, Ash and his harem turned toward the Pokémon Center, the children’s excited voices still echoing behind them.