Chapter 35

Even after so long, Ash was still the same Ash.

An ultimate steel-straight man!

But being a straight man has its benefits; Koharu, grabbed by Ash, felt the scorching heat in Ash's palm once again.

Too great!

But when the two stepped into Vermilion City, a pair of Bulbasaur that suddenly appeared blocked their path forward.

"What's wrong with this group of Bulbasaur?"

Because of everything that happened yesterday, Koharu was no longer that afraid of Pokémon.

Although she couldn't reach the level of intimate contact like Ash, she was no longer resistant.

Facing Koharu's question.

Various images flashed quickly through Ash's mind.

Finally, his memory rested on his experience of going to the 'Mysterious Garden' back then.

"This group of Bulbasaur should be about to evolve; do you want to go take a look together?"

Ash extended an invitation to Koharu.

Koharu naturally would not refuse Ash's invitation.

The two followed the Bulbasaur together to the Pokémon Gym under construction in Vermilion City.

This group of Bulbasaur were all climbing towards the highest point of the Pokémon Gym.

They wanted to bask in the sunlight at the very top.

Looking at the scene before him, Ash couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

"I also had a Bulbasaur back then, but that Bulbasaur of mine didn't want to evolve."

"Why? Aren't Pokémon stronger the more they evolve?"

"That's true, but that Bulbasaur of mine had body image anxiety; it didn't like the bloated figure after evolving into Ivysaur and Venusaur. Actually, Pikachu is the same."

Seeing the topic shift to himself.

Pikachu shook his head repeatedly and made an 'X' in front of his chest with his cute little hands.

He didn't want to evolve!

Raichu is stupid and ugly! Not cute at all!

Most importantly!

After evolving into Raichu, he would be many sizes larger than he is now!

Then he wouldn't be able to stay on Ash's shoulder anymore!

Silver Town.

Looking at Ash's words on the light screen.

Ash himself slapped his right fist into his left palm.

"So that's why; I was wondering why Pikachu and Bulbasaur didn't want to evolve. It turns out they have body image anxiety."

"Hahaha, Pikachu, you really are cute." Misty, who was on the side, couldn't help but pinch the little face of the Pikachu on Ash's shoulder.

It was just that Pikachu's look with his cheeks puffed up with air was too cute.

Ash is really something; how could he expose his own thoughts!

Pikachu was full of resentment towards the Ash in the light screen.

His little secret was exposed in front of everyone just like that!

"It's okay, Pikachu; whether you evolve or not, I respect your wishes."

While speaking, Ash reached his hand towards the Poké Ball at his waist.

"Bulbasaur, you are the same; if you don't want to evolve, I won't force you."

Ash's words moved Pikachu so much that tears were almost falling.

And so.

"Don't use Thunderbolt when you're moved, hey!"

……

Sinnoh.

Paul looked at Ash's remarks on the light screen with disdain.

A Pokémon that doesn't want to evolve—what's the point of keeping it in the team?

Even if you really like it, a Pokémon that doesn't want to evolve and has no desire to battle might as well be left at the professor's research institute.

He is a trainer, not some philanthropist.

Since Paul started as a trainer, his goals were not far from Ash's.

His goal is to become a tactical master, to become a Champion!

A Pokémon that doesn't want to evolve only represents the word 'weak'.

And weak Pokémon will not appear in his team.

Perhaps it's time to give it up.

Paul watched the Chimchar he had just captured not long ago fighting with all its might.

But it was still no match for the opponent's Pokémon.

This kind of Pokémon with no desire to battle has no need to appear in his team.

Paul is not Hao, after all.

Even so, he would give the Pokémon two choices.

One is to send it back to the professor's research institute, and the other is to release it.

"Chimchar, don't let me down."

……. ===== CHAPTER 36 =====