The brown-haired boy smirked, crossing his arms as he stepped closer. "Of course I care. What kind of rival would I be if I let you throw in the towel?"

Ash rolled his eyes. "Gary, I’m not in the mood for one of your lectures right now."

Gary Oak leaned casually against the tree, ignoring Ash's irritation. "I didn’t come here to lecture, Ashy-boy. But I can’t believe you’re actually thinking about giving up. That’s not the Ash Ketchum I know."

Pikachu tilted his head, looking between the two trainers, his ears twitching. "Pika?"

Ash sighed and sat back against the tree trunk, folding his arms. "It’s just... I’ve been at this for so long, and I feel like I’m not getting anywhere. Everyone’s moving on—Charizard, Squirtle, Bulbasaur. Even Brock and Misty. And me? I’m still here. Still chasing badges like it’s going to change something."

Gary raised an eyebrow. "And since when did you start doubting yourself? You’ve traveled across regions, faced Legendary Pokémon, and beat trainers that no one thought you could. Now you’re sitting here, acting like it doesn’t matter?"

"Because maybe it doesn’t!" Ash snapped, his voice louder than he intended. Pikachu flinched slightly but stayed by his side. "I keep thinking... what’s the point? I’m just some kid from Pallet Town. I’m not like you, Gary. I don’t have all the answers. I just keep going because I don’t know what else to do."

Gary stayed silent for a moment, his usual cocky demeanor softening. "You think I have all the answers?" he said quietly. "Ash, just because I chose a different path doesn’t mean I don’t have doubts too. We all do. But the difference is, you’ve got something most people don’t."

Ash frowned. "And what’s that?"

Gary smiled slightly. "You’ve got heart. You’ve got a way of making people—Pokémon and humans—believe in you. That’s why Pikachu’s still here, even after all your ‘dumb’ moments." He gestured to Pikachu, who nodded with a determined "Pika!"

Ash looked at his partner, guilt flickering in his eyes. "You really believe in me, buddy?"

"Pika pi!" Pikachu said firmly, climbing up onto Ash’s shoulder and nuzzling his cheek.

Gary pushed off the tree and turned to leave, his hands in his pockets. "The world’s a big place, Ash. And yeah, it’s full of people who are smarter, stronger, or faster than you. But that’s what makes it exciting. You don’t have to be the best at everything. You just have to keep being you."

Ash watched as Gary started to walk away, his words hanging in the air. "Why are you even here, Gary?" he called after him.

Gary paused, glancing over his shoulder with a smirk. "Professor Rowan asked me to check up on you. Guess I did my job."

Ash chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Thanks, Gary."

"Don’t mention it, Ashy-boy." Gary gave a wave before disappearing down the path.

Ash looked back at Pikachu, who was still perched on his shoulder. "Well, what do you think, buddy? Should we keep going?"

"Pika-chu!" Pikachu cheered, sparking slightly with excitement.

Ash grinned, his doubts starting to fade. "Alright, then. Let’s show this big world what we’re made of."