In a void of chaotic nothingness, a man wearing black-framed glasses held a notebook and pen. While scribbling with the pen, he muttered:
"Pocket Monsters, abbreviated as Pokémon. On this planet live incredibly wondrous creatures. In forests, in skies, in oceans—they can be seen everywhere across the world. Thus, humans and Pokémon formed all kinds of bonds, coexisting on this earth."
As he spoke, the surrounding dark space gradually filled with colors, revealing bizarre creatures of all shapes—those were the "Pokémon" he mentioned. Also appearing were "humans" resembling youths like him.
"And this story's protagonist, is this still-sleeping youth, Ash."
Following the bespectacled youth's narration, the scenery rapidly shifted, transforming into a boy's bedroom. On the bed lay the sleeping youth—the boy named "Ash" mentioned by the bespectacled man.
"Today is his first day as a Pokémon Trainer. But due to last night's excitement, he overslept. Hmm, still such a classic trope [T/N: 王道 literally 'kingly path' but here meaning classic/archetypal story development]." The bespectacled man continued writing while speaking.
Suddenly, the boy on the bed jolted awake, shouting: "Wah! Mom why didn't you wake me?" And immediately tumbled clumsily off the bed. Yet he completely ignored the bespectacled man standing bedside.
Watching Ash dash out in pajamas, the bespectacled man pondered briefly, then kept writing: "Next, he'll go receive his first Pokémon. Thus he formally becomes a Pokémon Trainer. And embarks on his own journey. Wonder what bizarre adventures this reckless kid will have?"
"You said yourself you'd wake up at ten!" Ash's mother, busy with chores, looked up. Noticing Ash had only grabbed a bread slice before leaving, she called out: "Hey, Ash, breakfast can't just be bread—… ah, he's gone."
Ash charged out the door, bread clamped in his mouth uneaten, sprinting full-speed toward Oak Laboratory.
As Ash passed him, the bespectacled man snapped his notebook shut. "Right. That's this story's beginning. Youth Ash's tale starts here.
What? You ask who I am.
My name is Kakashi, an obscure small-time writer. Relax, we'll meet again later. For now, focus your attention on this brat Ash!" After speaking, the man vanished on the spot.
In this world existed diverse professions. Among them, the most admired naturally were Pokémon Trainers. Through journeys and adventures, continual growth—becoming the strongest Pokémon Master was practically every under-ten child's dream. Ash was no exception.
But not every child had the means or talent. This inevitably required massive financial and time investment. Ordinary common folk rarely got opportunities to become self-sustaining Pokémon Trainers.
Ash's family wasn't wealthy. But Pallet Town, where he lived, had a renowned Pokémon researcher: Professor Oak. Every year he recruited children from nearby towns as lab researchers. In exchange, he provided these youths with travel funds and starter Pokémon.
Today was Ash's first day of adulthood—the legal age for becoming a Pokémon Trainer. Indirectly, it counted as an adult.
Mid-sprint, Ash accidentally collided with someone at a street corner. "Ow, hurt!" Ash's mouth loosened—the bread flew out. Ash focused—the collision partner was a girl. A pure white sunhat, sapphire-blue fitted tee, crimson miniskirt, and raven-black flowing hair instantly revealed her identity. "Blue! Ah, my bread!" Ash's bread now lodged in Blue's mouth.
"Mmm~ what is this…" Blue started discarding it when Ash grabbed her wrist, shouting: "No no no, that's my breakfast!"
"Ash?" Blue finally recognized her lifelong playmate. "Wait, meaning… this bread was in your mou…" Realizing this, Blue flushed scarlet, flinging the bread onto Ash's face.
"Th-th-this is basically an indirect k-k-kis…" Blue stood up, face burning.
Ash paid no mind, devouring the bread in one bite. Burp~ "Alright! Gotta keep moving. Blue, hurry, or we'll be late!"
Blue remembered she too was late, chasing after Ash: "Ash, wait for me!" Both sprinted down Pallet Town's streets.
The scene shifts. Inside Professor Oak's lab, a white-haired kindly elder anxiously watched the entrance, muttering: "Those two, actually late today. Utterly disrespecting me, Professor Oak."
"That's just how they are, Grandpa." A youth nearby sneered. This handsome brown-haired, spiky-haired youth was Green—Ash's childhood friend. But his excessive brilliance fostered his current arrogant personality.
"Sigh… Fine, forget those two. Green, you pick your Pokémon first." The Professor spoke angrily, like a child stood up.
"Fine. Honestly, any choice is same for me. Whatever Pokémon it is—I'll maximize its potential." Saying this, Green approached three red-white balls, taking one. "Grandpa, I choose this."