The next morning, after Ash and Sabrina packed their luggage, they continued their journey toward the next city. Their path led them through a dense forest—the only route forward.
"Uh!"
Suddenly, a red figure flashed across their path, forcing both of them to stop. Ash reacted instantly, his Three-Tomoe Sharingan spinning open.
"Bwoooh!"
The red figure reappeared, landing atop a large tree ahead of them.
"Soru."
Boom!
"Hassaa!"
Ash vanished from sight, reappearing above the treeline. He spun midair and unleashed a sharp aerial kick directly toward the red blur.
"Scizor… and a quasi-Champion-class one at that."
Staring at the stalemated clash between his kick and the red Pokémon's pincer block, Ash's Sharingan twitched, reading Scizor's movements and physical structure.
Bang!
Both Ash and the Scizor recoiled simultaneously from the force. Ash flipped backward, landing in a low stance as he slid across the dirt. Scizor similarly skidded back, stabilizing itself.
"It's okay, Seita."
Just as Ash prepared to follow up, a voice called out. Scizor immediately stopped its attack.
An older man stepped out from behind a tree, dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono. He moved to stand beside the Scizor—Seita.
"You are…?"
Sabrina narrowed her gaze. For someone who suddenly attacked them, she would not show mercy. Her eyes glowed blue as psychic power surged.
"Stop, Sabrina."
Ash raised a hand. He could feel the man bore no malicious intent. Rather than a sneak attack, it had been a test, and Ash wanted to hear the reason.
"Hmph."
Sabrina lowered her hand, though her expression remained cold. She trusted Ash's judgment.
"My deepest apologies," the man said, bowing respectfully. "I only wished to test your strength. It seems I was… too presumptuous. To provoke the strongest Champion of Kanto—my apologies."
Ash accepted the bow with a nod. "It's fine. I'm Ash from Pallet Town. This is my fiancée, Sabrina. Can you explain why you suddenly challenged us?"
Even though the man was far below his own power level, Ash respected his discipline and spirit. The Sharingan made it easy to see—the man's will was unwavering, forged through harsh training.
"Welcome. Just call me Uncle Mune-masa. This Scizor is Seita—my partner."
"The truth is," Uncle Munemasa continued, "I needed to confirm your strength before asking something of you. Please—come with me. You'll understand soon enough."
Ash felt the sincerity in the man's grip as he shook hands. For someone who had waited months along the only route to the next city, this was clearly important.
Under Munemasa's guidance, Ash and Sabrina followed him through the forest until they reached a clearing.
There, standing silently among the trees, was something unexpected—
A traditional kendo dojo, built deep within the woods, its age and craftsmanship almost unreal for such a remote location.
"It's a large place… judging by the mix of old and new lumber, it must have been built less than ten years ago."
Ash inspected the walls and beams of the dojo before him, their color differences revealing years of steady repair and expansion.
"Yes. It was constructed seven years ago," Uncle Munemasa replied with a nod. "Since then, my son and I have lived here, and my disciples train here as well."
He sighed gently. "Swordsmanship has declined over the years. Though this looks like a traditional kendo hall, it is in fact a Pokémon training hall. I have my disciples practice sword techniques to strengthen their resolve. Ultimately, the goal is to train their Pokémon."
Once inside, Munemasa gestured toward a group of young apprentices sparring vigorously. Each held a wooden practice blade. Their movements were disciplined, their stances polished. The physicality of the practice made it clear—this style of training forged willpower as much as technique.
The Pokémon nearby were no less spirited. Most displayed strength ranging between standard and elite levels—impressive for trainees. It was obvious that Uncle Munemasa's instruction was far from ordinary.
"Your apprentices and their Pokémon are impressive," Ash said sincerely. "Training humans and Pokémon side by side… it deepens their connection and pushes both to grow together. It's an excellent method, especially for beginners."
Munemasa smiled, clearly pleased by the praise. "Thank you. My dream is for my disciples to stand strong on their own one day—to build families of their own and live fulfilling lives. That alone would make everything worthwhile."
"Families…?" Ash's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Are your disciples all orphans?"
The thought crossed his mind like a quiet whisper.
This man… he really is a good person.