"What? Elesa, you're leaving already?"
After Ash brought Elesa and her companions to Sabrina's home, he was met with the news of Elesa's imminent departure. Elesa herself sighed helplessly. "It's true. My grandfather and the others have emerged from seclusion, so I must return. Moreover, the Unova region has insisted that I, as a Gym Leader, hurry back..."
Elesa had no choice. After all, she was indeed the Gym Leader of Unova, and with three Champion-level trainers emerging from her family, her presence was required. Though the true credit belonged to Ash, the family intended to shower him with gifts later to prevent other relatives from bothering him.
Ash understood Elesa's predicament. In large families like hers, it wasn't just her immediate family involved. Now that three Champions had emerged from the Raimon Family, Ash—the "hot commodity"—had become a prime target in the eyes of many.
"Ah, I wanted to watch you claim the Championship. Guess I can't now. But I'll cheer for you on TV!"
"Alright. I'll also contact your mother and the others."
"Good! My mom actually has something to discuss with you."
Seeing Elesa's suppressed grin, Ash realized their relationship had likely been exposed.
Just as Ash suspected, Elesa's mother gazed at him warmly during the video call, but her father's glare from behind was downright terrifying.
"Ash."
"Yes!"
"Don't blame me for recalling Elesa. Though you're engaged, it's best to avoid pregnancy before marriage." Elesa's mother spoke calmly, but her father's stare intensified.
"Get lost! If you don't want those eyes, throw them away!"
Elesa's grandfather, Rekka, kicked her father aside and smiled at Ash. "We owe you our deepest gratitude. Even though you're Elesa's fiancé, we'll still honor our traditions. The Raimon Family will gift you an item tied to our legends—one only a Pikachu can wield."
"Something for Pikachu... Could it be—"
"Correct. A Light Ball. With this, your Pikachu will grow even stronger."
Rekka glanced at Pikachu perched on Ash's shoulder, murmuring wistfully, "A Pikachu with the potential of a Lesser Legendary... To think it truly exists."
"Pika... Pika!" Pikachu puffed its chest proudly. Ash chuckled and patted its head. "Of course! Pikachu's my first partner. Though Meowth's a close second."
He lifted Meowth beside him, who waved at Rekka.
"Hello there, meow!"
"Ah, the renowned Meowth admired by countless researchers! A pleasure. I never imagined you'd be at the peak of Elite Four strength."
Rekka nodded, confirming the leaked footage banned by the Pokémon League was genuine. Ash's team of霸主Pokémon would silence the family elders. Those fools dared threaten to annul Elesa's engagement? Let them try!
"The Light Ball will be delivered soon. Elesa must return home for now. You two should enjoy your time together. And if anyone from our family approaches you falsely in Elesa's name, ignore them. We have dignity—unlike others."
Ash instantly grasped the warning. "Don't worry. Anyone impersonating Elesa will learn why the grass-types on Mt. Silver fear me."
"Excellent. Oh, would you mind providing Elesa a bodyguard?"
"A bodyguard?"
"Yep. Time for introductions. Come out, Arbok!"
Ash tossed a Poké Ball, releasing a deep-purple Arbok. It silently scanned the room before coiling around Elesa's arm.
Rekka's expression darkened at the Arbok's coloration—a sign of lethal toxicity. This serpent's hue was unnaturally intense.
"Arbok, protect Elesa from now on. She's your trainer now. Treat her well."
Ash stroked Arbok's head, recalling how this offspring of his own Arbok had inherited its father's venom.
"Sss..."
Arbok nodded. Elesa smiled, intrigued. "Looking forward to working with you."