"Not bad, not bad at all."
"You learned quite a few new moves after evolving. With proper training from here on out, your strength is bound to grow by leaps and bounds."
Ash nodded in satisfaction as he looked over the data displayed on Gyarados's status panel.
"Valor, congratulations on evolving into Gyarados."
"From now on, we can finally fight side by side in official competitions."
"But remember, the road ahead is still very long. Right now, you've only taken your very first step."
"Don't let this success go to your head."
Looking at the massive Pokémon before him, Ash's eyes were filled with expectation.
"Roar~ (^_^) Don't worry. I won't become arrogant."
"Even after evolving, I'm still the weakest member of your team, Ash."
"I need to work even harder."
Gyarados lowered its enormous head and gently rubbed its cheek against Ash's face.
"Your level may be the lowest, but your battle power definitely isn't weak."
"Stay humble and motivated, but don't underestimate yourself either."
"Let's keep improving together."
Ash smiled as he stroked the golden scales covering Gyarados's body.
After evolving, Gyarados's scales had become huge.
Each one was roughly the size of Ash's palm.
Smooth.
Glossy.
And incredibly solid.
Standing beside Gyarados, Ash felt a strange sense of security.
It was completely different from the feeling he got when holding Pikachu in his arms or standing beside Greninja.
Perhaps this was why so many trainers loved large Pokémon.
Not only did they place immense psychological pressure on opponents—
They also gave their allies and trainers an overwhelming sense of reassurance.
For someone like Ash, who usually favored explosive attackers and highly mobile Pokémon, this was the first time he truly understood the appeal of giant powerhouses.
"Roar~ (^o^) Then let's work hard together!"
Gyarados answered happily.
Although evolution had dramatically changed its appearance and greatly increased its power, its feelings toward Ash had not changed in the slightest.
It still respected and admired him deeply.
Unlike the Charizard from Ash's original timeline, which had become rebellious and disobedient after evolving, Valor remained completely loyal.
"Alright."
"Go find Milotic and the others out in the ocean."
"Get used to your new body as quickly as possible."
"Because in a couple of days, when we return to Pallet Town, it's back to high-intensity hell training."
Ash chuckled as he patted the trident-shaped crest on Gyarados's head.
"Roar~ (^_^) Got it!"
Gyarados nodded.
Then, without hesitation, it turned around and plunged headfirst into the sea.
A massive splash erupted.
Moments later, its enormous golden body had vanished beneath the waves.
Only after Gyarados left did Ash walk over to the unconscious Goldeen.
Using his Viridian powers, he treated its injuries.
After all, Goldeen had played a major role in helping Gyarados achieve its evolution today.
"Thank you, Ash!"
The young man in beachwear bowed gratefully.
"You and your Pokémon are incredible."
"Goldeen and I never stood a chance."
"But I lost fair and square."
Ash smiled.
"Your Goldeen is actually trained quite well."
"Even though it has Water Veil instead of Swift Swim or the hidden ability Lightning Rod, you can still strengthen its underwater mobility and offensive power."
"Focus on increasing its swimming speed."
"Then use Supersonic for confusion-based control."
"After that, follow up with moves like Horn Attack, Horn Drill, Aqua Jet, and similar attacks for damage."
"In aquatic battles, that kind of build can be extremely effective."
The young man's eyes immediately lit up.
"Train its movement speed?"
"Use Supersonic for crowd control?"
"Then attack with Horn Attack, Horn Drill, and Aqua Jet?"
"Thank you for the advice, Ash!"
"Goldeen and I will definitely work hard!"
Although he had lost the match, being able to battle his idol and receive personal training advice made him happier than he could have imagined.
Around them, countless trainers looked on with obvious envy.
Many regretted not challenging Ash themselves.
Now that Gyarados had returned to the ocean and Ash clearly wasn't planning to accept any more battles, the opportunity was gone.
Even so, most people still felt the trip had been worthwhile.
Not only had they met Ash in person—
They had also witnessed his Shiny Magikarp evolve into a magnificent Shiny Gyarados.
That alone was enough to make the day unforgettable.
After greeting the enthusiastic fans nearby, Ash finally left the crowd and returned to the beach with Misty and Clarissa.
The three found a set of lounge chairs and sat down to rest.
The sea breeze drifted gently across the shore.
Ash handed Misty an ice-cold pineapple juice.
"Misty."
"Are you alright?"
"I noticed you looked really frightened when Valor evolved into Gyarados."
Concern was visible on Ash's face.
"Yeah…"
Misty lowered her head and nodded.
Her expression became somewhat gloomy.
The memory resurfaced once again.
When she was little, she had been a mischievous child.
One day, she had climbed into the open mouth of a sleeping Gyarados beside a park pond.
The next moment—
The Gyarados woke up.
Its jaws snapped shut.
Darkness swallowed everything.
Trapped inside the giant Pokémon's mouth, young Misty had been terrified beyond words.
The experience had left a permanent psychological scar.
Although she dreamed of becoming the world's greatest Water Pokémon Master—
Although she loved virtually every Water-type Pokémon—
There was one exception.
Gyarados.
She had always been terrified of Gyarados.
Previously, Ash had already talked to her about it.
He had explained that Gyarados was one of the strongest and most valuable Water-type Pokémon to train.
As the future Gym Leader of Cerulean Gym—
And someone aiming to become the world's strongest Water-type specialist—
Misty needed to overcome that fear.
After hearing Ash's advice, she had seriously thought about solutions.
Eventually, she came up with her own plan.
Catch a Magikarp.
Raise it herself.
She wasn't afraid of Magikarp.
In fact, she loved Magikarp.
It was a Water-type Pokémon, after all.
Her idea was simple.
Build a deep bond with a Magikarp first.
Then, when it evolved into Gyarados, that friendship would remain.
Even if she was still scared at first, the emotional connection would help her gradually overcome her fear.
Today's evolution wasn't even her own Pokémon.
It was Ash's.
Yet before evolving, she had absolutely adored Ash's beautiful Shiny Magikarp.
During the Water Pokémon Beauty Contest, she had even carried the little fish around in a glass bowl and played with it constantly.
But despite all that—
When it transformed into Gyarados—
Her reaction had still been intense.
"Ash, I…"
Before she could continue, Ash looked at her worriedly.
But Misty quickly forced a smile onto her pale face.
"Don't worry, Ash."
"Valor's roar just startled me."
"After calming down and thinking about it, I'm actually not as afraid as I used to be."
"I think the Gyarados training plan is working."
The smile looked slightly strained.
But there was determination behind it.
Ash studied her for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"I see."
"That's good."
He knew Misty well.
She was a strong and stubborn girl.
Once she set her mind on something, she rarely gave up.
And because he trusted her, he chose not to press the issue further.
The waves continued rolling onto the shore.
The afternoon sun shone warmly overhead.
Not far away, somewhere beneath the sparkling sea, the newly evolved Golden Gyarados was already beginning the next chapter of its journey.
And perhaps—
Misty was as well.