Ash first saw Ho-oh as the first legendary Pokémon. In the very first episode of the Pokémon anime, Ash witnessed a rainbow-colored Pokémon flying across the sky. This Pokémon was later revealed to be Ho-oh, a legendary Pokémon known for granting eternal happiness to those who see it. This encounter with Ho-oh became a significant event in Ash's journey, as it gave him hope and motivation to become a Pokémon Master.