" ' The world's a big place', huh?" Ash muttered under the large Oak tree behind Professor Rowan's laboratory. " ' So many Pokemon you don't even know about '."

" Pika?"

Ash looked at Pikachu. " Oh. I'm fine. But are you fine?"

Pikachu looked confused. " Pika?"

" Do you ever wish you were someone else's Pokemon?"

Pikachu blinked at Ash.

" I mean, someone who's like Gary. Smart, cocky. Doesn't do dumb things."

Pikachu still looked confused.

" Really?"

" Chuuu....?"

" I mean, Squirtle, Charizard and Bulbasaur have their own new life. You want a new life too?"

" Pika pi......?"

" Do you think I should give up with the badges?"

" Give up?" A voice asked. " That's a word I never thought I'd hear from you."

Ash looked up to see a familiar face standing under the shade of the large Oak tree. "Gary?" he asked, blinking in surprise.

Gary Oak smirked, leaning casually against the tree trunk with his arms crossed. "What's this I hear about you giving up, Ashy-boy? That's not like you."

Ash’s expression hardened, his jaw tightening. "I didn’t say I was giving up. I was just... thinking out loud."

Pikachu glanced between the two trainers, sensing the tension. "Pika..."

Gary raised an eyebrow. "Thinking out loud? About what? Handing over Pikachu to someone else? Quitting your badge quest? C’mon, Ash. You’re not serious, are you?"

Ash stood up, brushing grass off his pants. "Maybe I am! What’s the point, Gary? I’ve been at this for years, and what do I have to show for it? Every time I think I’m close to being the best, there’s someone stronger, smarter, or just plain better!"

Gary’s smirk faded into a more serious expression. "So, that’s it? You’re gonna let a little competition get to you? That’s not the Ash Ketchum I know."

Ash glared at him. "You wouldn’t understand, Gary. You’re a natural at this! Everything comes easy to you."

Gary scoffed, shaking his head. "You think it’s easy for me? Do you know how much pressure I’m under, Ash? Being an Oak means everyone expects greatness. I can’t just be good; I have to be perfect. But you—" He pointed at Ash. "You’ve got something I don’t."

Ash frowned. "And what’s that?"

"Heart," Gary said simply. "You don’t give up on your Pokémon, your friends, or your goals. Even when things get tough. That’s what sets you apart, Ash. That’s why I’ve always... well, respected you. Even if I didn’t show it back then."

Ash stared at Gary, momentarily at a loss for words. He looked down at Pikachu, who was watching him intently.

"Pika pi," Pikachu said softly, nudging Ash’s leg.

Gary straightened up. "Look, Ash. The world’s a big place, like you said. But if there’s anyone who can take it on, it’s you. Giving up now would be like turning your back on everything you’ve worked for—and everything your Pokémon believe in."

Ash hesitated, the weight of Gary’s words sinking in. He crouched down, meeting Pikachu at eye level. "What do you think, buddy? Should we keep going?"

Pikachu’s eyes lit up. "Pika pika!" it said, jumping onto Ash’s shoulder.

Gary smirked again, crossing his arms. "See? Even Pikachu thinks you’re being ridiculous. So, what’s it gonna be, Ash? Are you gonna keep moping, or are you gonna prove to the world—and yourself—that you’ve got what it takes?"

Ash stood up, a newfound determination in his eyes. He looked at Gary and nodded. "You’re right. I’ve come too far to stop now. Thanks, Gary."

Gary shrugged, but there was a faint smile on his face. "Don’t mention it. Just don’t make me regret wasting my breath on you, Ashy-boy."

Ash grinned, his usual confidence returning. "You won’t."

Gary turned to leave but glanced back over his shoulder. "By the way, I hear there’s a pretty tough gym leader in this region. Think you can handle it?"

Ash smirked, clenching his fist. "You bet I can. Watch out, Sinnoh—Ash Ketchum is back in action!"

Gary chuckled. "That’s more like it." And with that, he disappeared down the path, leaving Ash and Pikachu under the Oak tree, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.