055: Oak's Special Attention!!
"Really? Magikarp has already mastered Tackle?" Hearing Ash's words, a flicker of hope flashed across Xiaohao's face.
"Yeah" Ash nodded convincingly. "While I can't say it with absolute certainty, considering how the Pokémon were distributed, it's a strong possibility."
"So, Xiaohao, there's no need to risk breaking the summer camp rules just to swap Pokémon. If you're caught, it won't just affect you,you might even get Xiaochun disqualified. That's not something either of you want."
"Besides, didn't you say that the students staying in the Yusanjia Cabin receive extra observation and bonus points from Professor Oak? That Magikarp might not be random it could be a deliberate challenge, handpicked to test someone with potential. Professor Oak might be watching this one more closely than others."
Ash was deep into his persuasive role by now, and Xiaohao, still unaware of Ash's true intentions, found the argument deeply logical.
When he'd first received Magikarp, Xiaohao was overwhelmed with disappointment. But now, hearing Ash's reasoning, he looked down at the flopping fish Pokémon with new light in his eyes.
"Thanks, Ash. I think I'm starting to really like this Magikarp. I'm going to bond with it now see you all later at training!"
Before Ash or the others could respond, Xiaohao turned and jogged away cheerfully, Magikarp in his arms.
Once out of earshot, Xiaohao deliberately strolled past the main camp area where Professor Oak was supervising, subtly holding Magikarp out in the open.
Among all the Pokémon distributed this year Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Eevee, and more Magikarp stood out like a sore thumb. It was hard to miss, and that was exactly Xiaohao's goal: to get noticed by Professor Oak.
Sure enough, Professor Oak's gaze sharpened the moment he saw the glinting red scales.
"Hm? Okahira, why is there a Magikarp in the batch of starter Pokémon?" Oak's eyes narrowed as he questioned his assistant, who stood by with a clipboard.
"Professor, when I reviewed the delivery from the Pokémon League two days ago, one of the male Nidoran fell sick. We didn't have a suitable replacement from the lab's internal pool, so… I caught this Magikarp from the river outside town to fill the quota."
"I was going to report it yesterday, but you were tied up with the regional committee my apologies for not doing it sooner!" the assistant added, bowing nervously.
"Nonsense!" Oak's stern tone made the young researcher flinch. "The League provides certified Pokémon that are properly trained by breeders. Their temperament and strength are calibrated for beginners they're friendly, manageable, and won't lash out at Trainers!"
"How can you casually use a wild Pokémon to fill the gap? That's against protocol."
With a rare look of frustration, Oak shook his head, tugged his lab coat straight, and hurried to intercept the student carrying the Magikarp.
"Excuse me student! Please hold on a second!"
Startled by Oak's call, Xiaohao slowed and turned with a calm expression but internally, his heart was thudding with excitement.
He had succeeded. Professor Oak had not only noticed him, but had come straight over.
"Yes, Professor Oak?" he replied, trying to appear as composed as possible. With a subtle motion, he adjusted his grip to present Magikarp front and center, as if to silently say, 'Yes, I'm the one who got the special Magikarp.'
"I believe your name is Xiaohao, correct? I hadn't expected you to receive the Magikarp," Oak said with a thoughtful tone. "I stopped you to ask would you prefer to exchange it for another Pokémon?"
"Magikarp is a noble species, no doubt," he added with a glance at the fish. "But its battle capabilities are limited, and this is a battle-heavy camp. I worry it may put you at a disadvantage."
But Xiaohao, still under the influence of Ash's "analysis," had made up his mind. In fact, Oak's concern only confirmed what Ash suggested that this Magikarp was special, maybe even a test.
So
"Thank you, Professor Oak," Xiaohao said firmly. "I understand your concern, but Magikarp may not be the strongest Pokémon but it is my assigned partner for this summer camp."
"If fate has brought us together, I won't turn away just because things look tough. That wouldn't just be unfair it would go against the very principles I believe in."
"So, thank you again, Professor but I respectfully decline to switch. I will walk the path of growth with this Magikarp!"
"Good boy, you have the right mindset." Oak gave Xiaohao an affirming nod. "Since you're willing to stay partnered with this Magikarp during the full two weeks of Pokémon Summer Camp, then I respect your decision. I'll honor your resolve."
"I hope the two of you can build a strong bond. I'm also looking forward to seeing a more proactive performance from you and Magikarp in the upcoming camp activities. I'll be keeping a close eye on your progress."
Oak had initially approached Xiaohao with the full intention of swapping the Magikarp out for a more standard-issue starter. But seeing how determined Xiaohao was and considering Magikarp's notorious lack of offensive capabilities beyond Splash, which didn't even cause damage he felt comfortable letting the boy continue with it. There was little risk involved in allowing this pairing to continue.
What Oak didn't say aloud was that the Magikarp wasn't just any wild catch. Its unique markings and vibrant hue hinted it may be an outlier, possibly with untapped potential a suspicion Oak decided to test through Xiaohao.
But Xiaohao, of course, had no idea about Oak's underlying thoughts. All he heard was praise: "Good boy," "More active performance," "I'll always pay attention to you." To him, these words weren't just compliments they were recognition. The very validation he came to camp seeking.
And at that moment, Xiaohao's body quivered slightly with excitement. The goal he had dreamed of the coveted title of "Excellent Student" felt closer than ever, just within reach.
"Thank you, Professor Oak!" Xiaohao responded, his voice tight with emotion as he gave a deep, respectful bow.
Oak smiled gently and replied, "You're welcome."
But in Xiaohao's ears, those words echoed like a prophecy: "Well done, Xiaohao. Take this Magikarp and strive to become the Excellent Student of this year's Summer Camp. And in the future, raise it into a powerful Gyarados and walk the path of a Pokémon Master."
While Xiaohao was still basking in that imagined future, Ash had already stopped paying attention to him.
After successfully preventing the swap between Xiaohao and Xiaochun, Ash had turned his focus inward again, no longer interested in what his so-called rival was doing. His own ambitions were clear.
The Pokémon Summer Camp had a total of 10 scheduled evaluations, each designed to test a different aspect of the students' Trainer potential. Each assessment carried a maximum of 10 points. By the camp's end, students could score up to 100 points in total. The top scorer would be crowned "Excellent Student," a title that came with special honors and a personal endorsement from Professor Oak.
Ash had set his sights on that title from day one. And now, he was determined to achieve a perfect score in every challenge ahead.
Today marked the official start of the camp, and with it, the first evaluation was about to begin. The event was a Pokémon Friendship Battle an introductory match designed for Trainers to get to know each other, demonstrate their bond with their assigned Pokémon, and give the professors a glimpse of their battle potential.
Ash, who had been assigned Froakie earlier during the cabin registration, was filled with confidence. Though not one of the traditional Kanto starters, Froakie had proved itself agile and adaptable, with Water Pulse and Quick Attack among its early moves.
But Ash wasn't relying on luck or ego alone. With a half-hour preparation window granted before the match, he wasted no time. He led Froakie to a quiet clearing at the camp's edge, away from the chatter and bustle.
There, Ash began a focused, hands-on training session, determined to maximize Froakie's battle-readiness.
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