Gary stared at Ash, completely taken aback. “A lost person? Ash, what are you even talking about? That doesn’t sound like you at all.”

Ash sighed, his gaze fixed on the sky through the swaying branches of the tree. “It’s just… I’ve been doing this for so long, Gary. Traveling, battling, losing, winning… but for what? To call myself a Pokémon Master? What does that even mean anymore?”

Pikachu tugged on Ash’s shirt, looking at him with wide, concerned eyes. “Pika pi!”

Ash gave Pikachu a weak smile. “It’s okay, buddy. I’m just… trying to figure things out.”

Gary crossed his arms, his usual smug demeanor replaced by a rare look of seriousness. “So your big idea is to give up everything? Give your Pokémon away and just… disappear?”

Ash shrugged. “Maybe they’d be happier. Charizard found his place in the Charicific Valley, Squirtle’s with the Squirtle Squad, and Bulbasaur’s keeping the peace at Professor Oak’s lab. They’ve all found something meaningful. Maybe I’m the one holding them back.”

Gary crouched down to Ash’s level, his sharp eyes locking onto Ash’s. “You think those Pokémon would be happier without you? Ash, you’re the reason they even have those opportunities. You’re the one who helped them grow into who they are now. Do you really think they’d want to leave you behind?”

Ash hesitated, his hand absentmindedly scratching Pikachu behind the ears. “I don’t know, Gary. I just… I don’t know if I can keep going like this.”

Gary sighed, standing up and placing his hands on his hips. “Listen, Ketchum. I know I give you a hard time, but you’re one of the most determined people I’ve ever met. You’ve faced legendary Pokémon, taken down criminal organizations, and brought out the best in every Pokémon you’ve ever had. Do you really think someone like that could ever be a ‘lost person’?”

Ash looked at Gary, his eyes filled with uncertainty. “But what if I’m not enough anymore? What if I can’t keep up?”

Gary smirked, the confident spark returning to his expression. “Then you figure it out, just like you always do. Look, the world’s a big place, like you said. There are so many Pokémon you haven’t even seen yet, so many places you haven’t been. And if you’re feeling stuck, maybe it’s time to start exploring again. Find a new goal, something that reignites that fire in you.”

Ash tilted his head, considering Gary’s words. Pikachu climbed onto his shoulder, nuzzling against him reassuringly.

“You really think I can do that?” Ash asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Gary grinned. “I know you can. And hey, if you ever need a reminder of how great you are, just remember that I’m still chasing after you. Even if I won’t admit it out loud.”

Ash couldn’t help but laugh, a genuine smile breaking through his somber mood. “You’re such a show-off, Gary.”

Gary shrugged. “Takes one to know one, Ketchum. Now come on, let’s head back. Professor Rowan’s probably wondering where we are, and I heard he’s got some new research you might be interested in.”

Ash stood up, his resolve returning bit by bit. “Alright, Gary. Let’s go see what the world has waiting for us.”