One month ago, Ash Ketchum became the best trainer in the world after a grueling, 25-year journey (for fans at least, he was 10 the whole time). In a few months from now, Ash Ketchum will leave the Pokémon anime.

An all-new Pokémon series has been announced!

Join 2 new characters and 3 Paldea starter Pokémon as they adventure through the Pokémon world! Plus, commemorate Ash’s journey with special episodes concluding Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series.

Coming soon in 2023 and beyond! pic.twitter.com/2lrM6W1dgW

— Pokémon (@Pokemon) December 16, 2022

In an extremely bittersweet announcement made this morning, the Pokémon Company announced Ash would get one final arc starting in January before a new Pokémon journey starring new characters and set in the Paldea region (the home of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet) begins.

Ash's final arc appears to be centered around his quest to become a true "Pokémon Master," apparently the step beyond world champion.

Pokémon has long been synonymous with Ash Ketchum and Pikachu, and the news that the world would soon have to say goodbye to the iconic duo led to an outpouring of tributes online from fans today.

Let's pour one out for the homie, Ash Ketchum. An end of an era.

— Mightykeef (@MightyKeef) December 16, 2022

After 25 years, Ash & Pikachu's story is coming to an end…

These two have meant a lot to me from childhood all the way to now. I'm so sad, but very happy to have been able to grow up with them over the year. Thank you Ash Ketchum 💙 pic.twitter.com/6QkI5MZGfr

— ❄jingleandstuff🎁 (@alecandstuffff) December 16, 2022

remember ash Ketchum? this is him now. feel old yet? https://t.co/PK22wyCQeW pic.twitter.com/0ViHCFGLwT

— bex (@SomeBWord) December 16, 2022

To pour salt in the wound, the latest episode of Pokémon had Ash reunite with his famous Butterfree, bringing full circle a now two-decade-old emotional heartbreaker of an episode where Ash set his little guy free.

Holy shit. Ash reunited with his Butterfree and the Pink Butterfee!#Anipoke pic.twitter.com/ZgpypwzBeP

— Anipoke Fandom (@AnipokeFandom) December 16, 2022

It seems Pokémon is set on twisting the knife in the heartstrings of its longest fans as they get ready to reboot the anime. So far, it seems like they're doing a terrific job.