Chapter:34

Satoshi, using his Evergreen power, could faintly sense Pikachu's emotions. They were brimming with reluctance and disdain, as if the Pokémon was unwilling to be subdued.

Was it disdain for Ash?

From Pikachu's behavior, it was clear why it was disobedient and even used Thunder Shock on Ash.

This Pikachu was arrogant and powerful, with extraordinary potential. A wild Pikachu carrying Master-level potential and a Light Ball? Such a combination was likely one of a kind.

The Light Ball, doubling Pikachu's Attack and Special Attack, elevated its strength far beyond its displayed level. Satoshi estimated that Pikachu could take on and potentially defeat opponents as high as level 30.

Satoshi doubted Ash could have subdued such a Pokémon in a fair fight. Did Ash resort to some trickery?

That being said, Pikachu's Thunder Shock wasn't malicious. The electric currents didn't cause any lasting pain or damage, merely leaving Ash numb and frazzled. Pikachu clearly wasn't hostile; it just didn't respect Ash enough to listen to him.

"Frogadier, go separate them," Satoshi commanded.

Frogadier shot out a Freezing Beam, creating a frosty barrier between Ash and Pikachu. The chase abruptly ended as both stopped and turned to Satoshi.

"Ash, can I ask how you captured this Pikachu? Depending on how it happened, I might be able to figure out why it's disobedient," Satoshi asked, genuinely curious.

Ash hesitated before explaining. "Well, it was causing trouble in a small town, so I stepped in to help catch it. Bulbasaur went up against it first, and Pikachu didn't seem to be fighting seriously. After Bulbasaur tanked a Thunder Shock, I used Sleep Powder to put it to sleep and captured it while it was unconscious."

Ash looked proud of himself as he recounted the story.

"Pika~~~Qiuqiuqiu!!!"

Pikachu, however, seemed to disagree. It zapped Ash again, resuming its relentless chase.

Satoshi watched the scene unfold with a blank expression and muttered coldly, "You deserve it."

Ash's capture strategy wasn't inherently underhanded. Using Sleep Powder to incapacitate a target was a common tactic among Trainers. But Pikachu's pride wouldn't allow it to overlook such an underwhelming capture method, especially since it hadn't even fought seriously.

Given its potential and strength, it was a miracle Pikachu hadn't run away entirely.

"Okay, okay, I get it! Stop shocking me already!" Ash pleaded. "You don't have to fight. Just go back to the Poké Ball for now."

Ash recalled Pikachu, and to Satoshi's surprise, the Electric Pokémon didn't resist. It appeared annoyed but didn't fight back as it was returned to the Poké Ball.

"Ash, it seems your Pikachu doesn't completely ignore you. You should work on building a bond with it," Satoshi advised.

Though he already knew Ash would naturally do this, he said it anyway to foster a good relationship.

"Of course! Pokémon are my friends, my family even!" Ash declared passionately. "You must feel the same way, Satoshi-san. You treat your Pokémon like family, don't you? People who love Pokémon are always good people!"

"Ding! Ash recognizes you as a like-minded partner. His favorability towards you has increased to 'Friendly.'"

Satoshi sighed internally, watching Ash's bright smile as if they had just become lifelong friends.

"Although this Ash is more competent and confident than the one I remember, his unwavering passion for Pokémon hasn't changed at all," Satoshi thought.

"Alright, I kept you waiting because of Pikachu. Let's get to the battle! I'll use my third Pokémon," Ash announced.

He adjusted his hat, still disheveled from Pikachu's shocks, and pulled out another Poké Ball.

"This is my Pokémon. It's been with me since the beginning."

"Come out, Poliwhirl!"

"Yo-boo~!"

A blue-skinned, spherical Pokémon with a swirl on its belly appeared, standing confidently.

Pokémon Data

[Name: Poliwhirl

Type: Water

Ability: Damp

Level: 21

Potential: Champion]

"...Another Champion-potential Pokémon. I should've seen this coming," Satoshi muttered, closing his Pokédex with a resigned sigh.

"What's that, Satoshi?" Ash asked, noticing Satoshi's expression.

"Nothing," Satoshi replied quickly. "I was just thinking how interesting it is to see two Water-type frog Pokémon on the field. My Frogadier and your Poliwhirl—it must be fate."

Ash grinned. "Yeah, it's a cool coincidence. But now we'll see which one is stronger! Poliwhirl, use Ice Beam!"

Poliwhirl extended its arms, quickly gathering energy before firing a sharp Ice Beam.

"Frogadier, counter it! Let's see whose Ice attack is stronger!" Satoshi commanded.

Frogadier responded immediately, firing a Freezing Beam to intercept Poliwhirl's attack. The two icy moves clashed mid-air, sending shards of frost scattering across the battlefield.

End of Chapter.

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