There could be a group of rivals rather than just one. A team of young Johto trainers who idolize the previous Johto League champions. They see Ash as a threat to their dreams of following in their idols' footsteps. They might gang up on Ash during battles or try to sabotage his journey in more subtle ways, like spreading false rumors about him in the Pokémon Centers. This would force Ash to not only focus on his Pokémon training but also on his reputation management.
It really depends on the specific plot and character development in the fanfiction. Sometimes, it could be after undergoing intense training or having certain key experiences.
Sorry, I'm just a fan of online novels. My knowledge deadline is 2021, so I can't provide the latest novel content. However, according to some of the online novel plots that I know, Liu Hairui's journey to power is not completed yet.
Maybe Riley imparts some special knowledge or secret tactics to Ash. The training could also have a significant impact on Ash's character growth and determination.
It varies depending on the specific fanfiction. Some might have Ash start his aura training early on, while others could introduce it later in the story.
It could slow him down. Ash might be so distraught that he doesn't focus well on training his Pokemon. His usual enthusiasm for battles and catching new Pokemon might wane, as his mind is preoccupied with his broken heart.
One common theme is growth. Just like in the original series, Ash starts as a novice trainer. In fanfictions, his journey of growing in terms of battle skills, knowledge about Pokemon, and emotional maturity is often explored. Another theme could be friendship. He meets various characters along the way, and their relationships are developed. For example, his bond with Pikachu might be deepened in different and interesting ways in the fanfiction.
Ash's psychic powers could change his journey by making him more of a target. Evil organizations might want to capture him to study or use his powers. This would add a whole new level of danger to his adventures.