On a bright and sunny Kids' Day, Ash and his companions happened to pass by a place filled with laughter and joy, Sakura Kindergarten.
Colorful balloons and streamers decorated the entrance, and the silver bell-like laughter of children echoed endlessly.
A kindergarten caretaker, looking somewhat anxious, spotted Ash and his group, especially the Pokémon following beside them like Pikachu. Mistaking them for the Pokémon Trainers who had been scheduled to come celebrate the holiday with the children, she hurried over to greet them warmly.
"Oh my, you've finally arrived! The children have been waiting anxiously!"
Ash froze for a moment, then quickly explained that they were only passing by.
However, when they learned that the Trainers who had originally promised to come had failed to show up, and saw the hopeful expressions on the children's faces, Ash immediately smiled and said without hesitation, "It's okay, ma'am. Since we're here anyway, let us spend some time playing with the kids!"
"That would be wonderful!" the caretaker said gratefully.
Ash, Misty, and Brock immediately got to work.
Ash had Pikachu perform playful Quick Attacks, Togepi used the adorable Metronome and luckily produced a dazzling Dazzling Gleam, while Bulbasaur carefully used its Vine Whip to hand out candy to the children. Misty's Goldeen performed Water jumps in the pool, and Brock's Vulpix gracefully moved among the children. The entire kindergarten soon became an ocean of laughter and happiness.
However, the observant Ash noticed that on a swing in the corner sat a little boy who seemed completely out of place among the cheerful children.
He sat there quietly, gently rocking the swing with his head lowered.
Ash walked over and crouched down beside him, asking gently, "What's wrong? Are you unhappy? Today is Kids' Day, after all."
The little boy looked up. His eyes were slightly red. His name was Timmy.
He spoke softly, "I'm waiting for Meowth… It promised it would come see me today…"
"Meowth?" Ash's heart stirred as he remembered the unusual Meowth from the original story. Keeping his composure, he continued asking questions.
Timmy explained that he had once met a very special Meowth nearby, and they had become friends. That Meowth wasn't like ordinary ones that only used Fury Swipes. It was… very strong. It could kick rocks and break them apart. They had promised to meet again on Kids' Day.
Ash immediately confirmed it.
This was the extraordinarily talented Meowth that had independently learned a fighting technique similar to the Fighting-type move Brick Break. Instantly, Ash felt a strong desire to capture it.
Not only because of its unique ability, but also because of the special bond it shared with Timmy.
"Timmy, don't be sad," Ash comforted him. "I know that Meowth. It really is special. Maybe it's waiting for you somewhere too. How about we go look for it together?"
Timmy's eyes lit up instantly, and he nodded eagerly.
Following Timmy's directions and guided by his own subtle Aura perception, Ash led him to the edge of the woods behind the kindergarten. Sure enough, they soon spotted a Meowth perched on a rock, its sharp gaze and posture clearly different from other Meowth.
When it saw Timmy and Ash, its eyes first softened slightly when looking at Timmy, then it fixed Ash and Pikachu on his shoulder with a wary, battle-ready stare.
From its eyes, Ash could see pride, strength, and a desire to fight. That only strengthened his determination to capture it.
Crouching down, Ash spoke seriously to Timmy.
"Timmy, look, Meowth is here. It's a very strong Pokémon. It wants to battle stronger opponents and see a bigger world. If it stays here forever, its talent might go to waste. Let me battle it. If I can earn its recognition and make it my partner, I promise I'll help it become stronger, and we'll come back to visit you often. Is that okay?"
Timmy looked at Meowth, whose eyes were filled with fighting spirit, then looked at Ash's sincere expression. Though reluctant, he seemed to understand Ash's reasoning.
He nodded and called out loudly.
"Meowth! Ash is a really strong Trainer! Go with him and become even stronger!"
Meowth seemed to understand Timmy's words. It looked at him once more, then turned toward Ash. The battle spirit in its eyes burned even brighter.
With a cry, it leapt down onto the open ground and assumed a fighting stance, its claws glinting sharply.
"Looks like it accepts! Pikachu, this battle is yours!"
"Pika!"
The battle began.
This Meowth truly was extraordinary. Not only was it incredibly fast, dodging Pikachu's Thunderbolt, but the Slash attacks from its claws were extremely powerful, faintly carrying the aura of a Fighting-type technique.
"Pikachu, don't clash head-on! Use Quick Attack to maneuver!"
Meowth used its claws. Brick Break!
Meowth leapt high into the air, power gathering in its right claw as it swung down toward Pikachu.
Ash seized the moment.
"Now, Pikachu! Iron Tail!"
Pikachu's tail instantly gleamed with metallic light as it met Meowth's claw.
Bang!
A sharp crack rang out as the two forces collided, evenly matched.
After landing, Meowth looked at Pikachu. The battle spirit in its eyes gradually shifted into a hint of acknowledgment.
This human Trainer truly had the ability to command powerful Pokémon.
Ash did not continue attacking. Instead, he took out a Poké Ball and spoke sincerely.
"You're strong, Meowth. But the outside world has even stronger opponents and more challenges. Come with me. Let's grow stronger together and realize your true potential. I won't forget the promise between you and Timmy. We'll come back to see him."
Meowth looked at Timmy, who was nodding hard with tears in his eyes but still smiling with encouragement. Then it looked at Ash, whose eyes were clear and determined.
After a moment of silence, Meowth stepped forward and gently touched the button of the Poké Ball with its forehead.
A flash of red light.
Capture successful. Not a single struggle.
[Ding! Host captured Special Meowth (Prototype mastery of Brick Break). Reward: 300 World Points.]
[Current World Points: 22,250.]
Ash immediately released Meowth again. It affectionately rubbed against Timmy before returning to stand beside Ash.
Ash solemnly promised Timmy that he would take good care of Meowth and bring it back to visit him.
This Kids' Day became a warm and hopeful memory for the children of Sakura Kindergarten, for Timmy, for Ash, and even for this special Meowth.
With a new partner joining them, Ash and his companions set off on their journey once again.
...