Chapter 8: Charmander

Inside Dr. Giovanni's research institute, Ash, Meowth, Pikachu, Chansey, and Ralts had all arrived.

Seeing Ash's lineup, Gary couldn't help but say, "Hey Ash, are you showing off?! You're definitely showing off, aren't you?!"

Glancing at Gary, Ash flicked his hat and replied, "What do you mean, showing off? Pikachu and the others don't like staying inside their Poké Balls, so I don't put them in."

"What about Ralts?"

"Ralts is really clingy, so I'm not putting her in a ball for now," Ash said, pointing to his hand, which Ralts was holding with her tiny hand.

"How do you even have such a strong affinity for Pokémon…"

"I'm not like someone who only knows how to get girlfriends."

"What did you say?!"

Seeing Gary's flustered expression, Ash continued to taunt him.

"Also, I'm not like someone who relies on their family for money. I've got my own! Don't tell me you're planning to travel in a sports car."

Thinking about the sports car he saw outside, Ash felt a bit speechless, while Gary glared at him and said, "Don't tell me you didn't prepare anything."

"I did prepare, but I had Meowth hold onto it for emergencies. I'm not like you."

"That's right, Meowth! We're going to travel while enjoying the scenery, something a kid like you wouldn't understand, Meowth!" Meowth didn't hold back when it came to Gary.

"You're so annoying! Just wait, I'll show you my strength at the Indigo League!" Knowing he couldn't win the argument, Gary resorted to threats, but Ash's next words left him speechless.

"Oh? So you think you can beat Meowth?"

"Kid, you wanna fight, Meowth?" Meowth bared its sharp claws.

"Or do you think you can beat my Pikachu?"

"Pika!"

Pikachu's round face began to spark with electricity.

"Or maybe you think you can take on my Chansey?"

"Lucky!"

Chansey cheerfully raised its hand.

Gary's face turned pale. Ash's three Pokémon were like his personal nightmares, and he knew their true strength was terrifying. Especially Chansey—it was the most annoying of Ash's team.

He'd heard from his grandfather that Ash's Chansey had somehow been trained to have nearly limitless defense and stamina. On top of that, Ash had the audacity to teach it Toxic! And to make matters worse, Chansey's hand was ridiculously strong! It was like an indestructible mountain of terror! But even Chansey wasn't the scariest. According to his grandfather, Ash's Pikachu was the most terrifying, and its true strength had remained a mystery over the years.

For now, Gary wasn't foolish enough to challenge Ash to a battle—at least not until he understood the full extent of Ash's Pokémon's power.

"Hmph, I'll prove my abilities. You'd better hurry up and choose your Pokémon," Gary said, eager to change the subject and urging Ash to make his selection.

"Alright, alright. Let's see… Huh? Squirtle's already been taken?"

"Yep, I chose Squirtle."

Gary held up his Poké Ball and asked, "Did you want Squirtle?"

"Not really, I was just curious. Since you've already taken it, I'll take a look at Charmander and Bulbasaur instead."

After some consideration, Ash ultimately chose Charmander. It wasn't that Bulbasaur was a bad choice, but Ash remembered Giovanni. Sakaki had mentioned—a boy named Daiyu had some business outside and couldn't make it. If Ash's memory served him right, this Charmander would end up being abandoned even if it was chosen. So, Ash decided to take this Charmander, which seemed to have a special connection with him.

Looking at Charmander, Ash patted its head and said, "From now on, I'll be your trainer, Charmander."

"Char!"

Charmander happily hugged Ash, who gently stroked the little Pokémon's head.

"You're a good one."

Later, Bulbasaur was chosen by a girl who clearly adored it. After receiving their Pokédexes, the three of them were finally ready to begin their journeys. The girl left first, while Gary bid farewell to Ash and drove off with his girlfriends.

Ash, now with Charmander, returned home. Waiting for him were not only his mother, Hanako, but also a group of Pokémon who had come to see him off.

"Make sure to take good care of yourself, Ash!"

"Don't worry! I'll take care of myself!"

Finally, under the watchful eyes of the Pokémon and Hanako, Ash set off on his journey.