008: The Power of Viridian, The Power of Aura
In the fourth dimension, the average attribute value of a normal adult is only 10, yet Ash's intelligence and charisma stand at a remarkable 16 and 25, respectively.
This revelation filled Ash with genuine excitement. After all, who wouldn't be thrilled to possess high intellect and exceptional charm?
The data on the attribute panel already pleased him, but what truly stunned him was the hidden talent section displayed at the bottom.
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Talents: Power of Viridian (Inactive), Aura (Waveguide) Ability (Inactive)
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Yes, he had psychic-like powers two, in fact. Though both talents were currently inactive, they were still undeniably his. For Ash, who had been just an ordinary person in his previous life, the thought of wielding such unique abilities was exhilarating.
In the original anime and manga canon, the Ash of this world does indeed possess the Aura ability.
In the Diamond & Pearl anime episode "The Keystone Pops!" Ash was referred to as an "Aura user" when he instinctively sensed Spiritomb's presence using Pikachu.
Later, in the Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! two-part episode, Ash used Aura to locate a kidnapped Riolu and communicate with it telepathically a feat typically only possible through deep Aura attunement.
Even more compelling is the episode from Pokémon Journeys titled "Caring for a Mystery!" where Ash resonates with an unhatched Riolu egg at the Vermilion City Pokémon Center. That Riolu later hatches and becomes Ash's partner, further confirming his Aura affinity.
But the most vivid and canon-consistent portrayal of Ash's Aura connection comes from the movie Lucario and the Mystery of Mew. In this film, Ash and friends visit Cameran Palace for an Aura Festival commemorating the ancient hero Sir Aaron, a powerful Aura guardian.
Ash enters a ceremonial tournament with Pikachu and wins, earning the right to play the role of the hero. However, when the actual ceremonial staff containing Lucario is activated, Lucario awakens mistaking Ash for Sir Aaron himself due to the identical Aura signature.
Lucario's interactions with Ash and the events that follow, including the journey to rescue Pikachu and the preservation of the Tree of Beginning, all serve to confirm Ash's possession of a pure and heroic Aura clearly inherited from the lineage of ancient Aura guardians like Sir Aaron.
So, when Ash summoned his attribute panel two days ago while recovering in Viridian City Hospital, discovering the Aura talent didn't shock him because the original Ash already had this ability. What surprised him was that even after his transmigration, the power remained with him.
But it made sense.
Aura is a power that flows through the body, tied to one's life force and bloodline. Although Ash's soul had changed, his body and its genetic ties had not. Therefore, the power of Aura was naturally preserved.
However, the second talent listed the Power of Viridian was what truly startled him.
In the Pokémon world, powers such as Psychic, Aura, Draconian (Dragon Heart), and Shadow powers are all known to exist, each introduced with varying degrees of detail across the anime, manga, and games.
Among these, the Power of Viridian, sometimes referred to as the Blessing of the Forest, is a particularly mystical and rare ability.
Unlike Aura, which is often inherited through bloodlines or trained through meditation, the Viridian Power is bestowed as a blessing by the Viridian Forest itself. Children born near the forest may through fate or proximity receive this unique power.
Its range of abilities is exceptional: understanding Pokémon speech, healing injuries, purifying corrupted energy, enhancing a Pokémon's natural strength, and even cleansing their spiritual essence. In battle, the Viridian Power can amplify a Pokémon's strength, endurance, and focus.
Though more "common" in acquisition than something like Aura which requires inheritance or attunement the actual probability of receiving the Viridian blessing is exceedingly low. Some estimate it as one in a thousand, others one in a million. It's a fate-based lottery that can't be influenced or earned through effort.
If you're lucky, you might be born with it. If not, no training can grant it.
Ash understood this deeply as a former Pokémon superfan who had devoured anime episodes, games, and especially the Pokémon Adventures (Special) manga.
In the manga, very few characters are confirmed to possess the Viridian Power.
Among them is Yellow (aka "Amarillo del Bosque Verde"), a kind-hearted girl from the Viridian Forest who can heal Pokémon, read their emotions, and communicate with them on a deep level. She displays these abilities consistently throughout the manga, often using them in place of direct combat.
Giovanni, the Team Rocket Boss, is another suspected bearer. He gave a Beedrill to Yellow that eventually surpassed Elite-level Pokémon, suggesting his potential to imbue or recognize great talent a side-effect of the Viridian Power.
Lance (Yulongdu), the Dragon Master from the Johto Elite Four, also appears to possess this power. However, his presence as a member of the Yulong (Dragon) clan overshadows it, as his Draconian bloodline is far more emphasized in the lore.
Though Lance rarely uses Viridian-based abilities directly, it's implied in the manga that he can understand and empathize with Pokémon on an instinctive level—likely due to his dual heritage.
Still, despite these famous examples, the Viridian Power remains rare even mythical.
Comparing the two talents Aura and Viridian Ash had to admit that, while Aura was more prestigious and legendary, the Viridian Power held more versatile, real-world application.
Aura, or "Waveguide," shines in detection, communication, and battling spirit-based foes. It's heroic, ancient, and noble but not omnipotent.
Viridian Power, by contrast, is mysterious, nurturing, and transformative. It can aid Pokémon's growth, purify negative energy, and establish near-telepathic bonds with Pokémon.
Aura is a knight's sword; Viridian is a healer's touch.
From the perspective of fans in his past life, Aura users were often idolized. But in the real Pokémon world—one ruled by Trainer bonds and synergy—Viridian Power could arguably be more valuable.
Ash had a lot to process.
He had inherited the Aura of an ancient hero and the Viridian Blessing from the forest.
Now, with these twin gifts—one a blade, one a balm—he was no longer just a protagonist in name.
He was on the path to becoming a true legend.
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