Chapter 78: ch-78
Palace Gate Stadium Audience Seats—
When the audience saw this rainbow Pokémon appear, they were all stunned.
"What... what kind of Pokémon is this?! How come I've never seen it before?"
"It doesn't look like the legendary Pokémon Zapdos. What on earth is going on?"
"Not only does it not look like Zapdos, but it doesn't even resemble Flash Fearow."
"What's happening? Could it be that... the correct answer is neither Zapdos nor Flash Fearow?"
"If it's neither of them... could it be... the ancient Pokémon Groudon?"
"Stupid! How is that possible? How can a Pokémon that created the earth fly in the sky?"
"Since none of the above fits, then the final answer... isn't it...?"
"The legendary Pokémon of the Johto Region... Ho-Oh!!"
"Ho-Oh... this Pokémon is..."
The audience was abuzz with speculation.
Meanwhile, the champion trainers and guests in the champion seats stared at the screen in disbelief.
This Pokémon wasn't Zapdos.
It wasn't Flash Fearow either!!
"The correct answer is Ho-Oh... but what kind of Pokémon is Ho-Oh?" Chibana asked, puzzled.
At this moment, Professor Oak stood up, speaking seriously:
"I should have thought of it. Ho-Oh is a mythical Pokémon from the Johto Region. It is said to live at the foot of the rainbow."
"It continuously flies through the skies with its colorful wings, creating rainbows wherever it goes."
Cynthia, now understanding, said, "Living at the foot of the rainbow... it makes perfect sense for it to appear here. Professor Oak... why didn't we think of this earlier?"
Professor Oak, showing a regretful expression, explained:
"Seven hundred years ago, two towers were built in the Johto Region—one on the east and one on the west. These towers symbolized the friendship between humans and Pokémon, offering magnificent views from their summits.
"The eastern tower was used to awaken Pokémon, while the western tower was used to put them to sleep. The legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh, with the power to revive the dead, resided atop the eastern Bell Tower.
"The ancestors of the Yuju Gym Trainers worshipped Ho-Oh and protected the Bell Tower to ensure peace and prosperity. Ho-Oh visiting the Bell Tower symbolized harmony.
"However, 300 years ago, greed among humans led to conflict, and the Bell Tower was burned down. Disappointed in humanity, Ho-Oh left, severing ties with people."
Oak paused before continuing, "The residents of Yuju City longed for Ho-Oh's return, building a new Bell Tower. Yet Ho-Oh, deeply disappointed, did not reappear.
"Legend says Ho-Oh will only appear to a pure-hearted Trainer. The last recorded sighting was hundreds of years ago."
Professor Oak looked solemn. "At first, I didn't believe Ash. He told me, during his journey, he saw a rainbow Pokémon on the outskirts of Pallet Town. I assumed he had mistaken it for something else since Ho-Oh hadn't been seen in centuries.
"But now, with this video, I realize I was wrong. Ash truly saw Ho-Oh!"
The audience and champion Trainers expressed their shock.
"So... that's it. Ho-Oh, who hadn't appeared in front of humans for hundreds of years, unexpectedly appeared before Ash today. It's unbelievable!" Wallace exclaimed.
"Yes, truly shocking," Steven Stone added.
On the screen—
When Ho-Oh flew over, Ash immediately took out his Pokédex to scan it. However, the Pokédex showed no information.
"This world is full of unknown Pokémon," Ash said, his eyes gleaming with determination.
The scene shifted, and a rainbow-colored feather floated gently from the sky.
The audience gasped in amazement.
"What is that feather?!"
"It's so beautiful, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow. Did it fall from Ho-Oh?"
"What could it mean?"
Professor Oak, frozen in shock, whispered, "That... that's the Rainbow Wing! Only Trainers recognized by Ho-Oh can obtain this treasure!"
Johto Region, Yuju City—
Yuju Gym Leader Matsuba stared at the screen in disbelief.
"Is that... the Rainbow Wing?! Ho-Oh... it actually recognized someone?!"
The Matsuba family had worshipped Ho-Oh for generations. Yet, despite their devotion, none had ever seen Ho-Oh or received its blessing.
But now, before the entire world, a boy named Ash had been chosen by Ho-Oh and given the Rainbow Wing.
Team Rocket Headquarters—
"Zapdos, Flash Fearow... none of them were the answer. It's Ho-Oh, the legendary Pokémon!" Proton exclaimed.
"To think Ho-Oh wasn't just a myth but truly exists—and it appeared before that boy!" Archer added.
"And not just that," Ariana said bitterly. "The boy actually got the Rainbow Wing. Why is this kid so lucky?!"
Giovanni, stroking Persian, gazed at the screen intently.
"Ash... he's no ordinary boy. At 10, he became a Regional Champion Trainer. And now, he's the chosen one recognized by Ho-Oh. Truly extraordinary."
The audience erupted in cheers.
"Ho-Oh recognized Ash! He's amazing!"
"Yes! Ho-Oh has great judgment. Ash has proven himself time and time again!"
In the Champion's booth, Pokémon League President Charles Goodshow looked thoughtful.
"Ho-Oh's recognition of Ash... this could change everything."
In the Johto Region, the sacred flame of the Silver Conference was dimming, a reflection of humanity's fading connection with Ho-Oh.
But now, a Rainbow Hero had appeared.
Ash, the boy recognized by Ho-Oh, carried the hopes of Trainers worldwide. Would he be the one to restore harmony between humans and Pokémon?
Time would tell.
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