Chapter 5

A single tear traced the corner of Pikachu's eye.

"Pikachu..."

Under the moonlight, Pikachu's body shimmered with brilliant evolution light.

Pikachu evolved!

As the light gradually faded, a Pikachu appeared within the luminous screen.

Pikachu, no!

Now it is Pikachu!

Pikachu ran freely through the forest as the surrounding scenery constantly shifted.

The scene shifted.

Ash was fast asleep in his own room.

In the next moment, he suddenly jolted awake.

Seeing the sun rising by the window, Ash didn't even have time to change his clothes before rushing out the door.

Ten-year-old Ash was welcoming the most important day of his life: receiving his starter Pokémon and beginning his journey.

Arriving at Professor Oak's laboratory.

Ash successfully received a Poké Ball from Professor Oak.

The Poké Ball bearing the lightning bolt symbol opened.

Pikachu was pulled into Ash's arms.

A warm and harmonious scene did not occur; the moment Pikachu left the Poké Ball, it electrocuted Ash until he was charred black.

This scene was exactly like the one where Goh was punished by the luminous screen.

However!

A scene that surprised everyone appeared.

Ash, struck by Thunderbolt, did not faint like Goh did.

Instead, acting as if nothing had happened, he greeted the Pikachu in his arms.

"So you're Pikachu. I'm Ash. Nice to meet you."

The scene returned to where Pikachu had been running just moments before.

A blurry figure appeared beside Pikachu.

As time passed, the blurry figure gradually became clear.

The boy from Pallet Town and his Pokémon ran through the streets of Pallet Town.

The lonely Pokémon had finally met his Trainer!

In Viridian City, hidden within the crowd, Jessie was extremely excited!

"Pikachu! It's that brat's Pikachu!"

"Could it be that the Legendary Trainer is that brat!"

James felt the same way!

"If we catch Pikachu and present it to Boss Giovanni, meow~"

Meowth felt his intuition was absolutely correct!

"Promoted to Executive!"

"Appointed as Division Chief~"

"What a wonderful feeling, meow~"

"Swoon~ Nance!"

Not far from the Team Rocket trio.

Ash pulled the Pikachu on his shoulder into his arms.

"Pikachu, I never knew you had such an experience. It's truly amazing."

Stars sparkled in Ash's eyes; compared to his own appearance at the very end,

Pikachu's experience was what Ash found most fascinating!

If he hadn't overslept back then, maybe he would have met Pikachu sooner!

That would have been wonderful!

"Pikachu! I will always be your family. As long as I'm here, you will never be lonely!"

Saying this, Ash immediately pulled Pikachu into a tight embrace!

Ash's embrace made Pikachu feel safe; he knew Ash's promise would absolutely be kept.

He is Ash!

[Gary: Grandpa, I remember Pichu needs high friendship to evolve. How can a Pichu without a Trainer evolve?]

[Professor Oak: The evolution condition for Pichu is indeed friendship, but that doesn't mean only a Trainer's friendship can trigger it.]

[The time spent with Kangaskhan and her daughter gave Pichu enough friendship to evolve. This type of evolution is not uncommon among wild Pokémon.]

[Brock: As expected of Professor Oak, you can answer such professional questions.]

[Cynthia: However, is it really safe to give such a dangerous Pokémon to a new Trainer? This Pikachu doesn't look very easy to get along with.]

[Professor Birch: Professor Oak, did you forget that there is one more person and you only prepared three Poké Balls?]

[Professor Oak: Haha, not at all. I simply saw the bond between Ash and Pikachu.]

Professor Oak's Laboratory.

At that moment, Professor Oak's face was full of guilt, and he unconsciously set down the instant noodles in his hand.

Ash's carefree nature made Professor Oak instinctively forget that he was also going on a journey today.

However!

Pikachu was indeed the Pokémon most suited for Ash!

…….

【Hibba: Wait! Are you ignoring something very important! Why can Ash withstand Pikachu's attack! That's a hundred thousand volts!】

【Misty: Eh? That doesn't seem wrong, it's Ash after all.】

【Ash: I'm not that amazing!】

【Gary: Idiot! No one is praising you!】

The live broadcast continued.

In the scene—

The sun shone brightly.

Sunlight poured into a room.

The view shifted, revealing a red, muscular male figurine placed on this side of the counter.

To the right of the figurine stood a Champion's trophy.

Faintly visible on the trophy's base were the words Alola League.

Further to the right were countless honor trophies and badges from various leagues.

Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Kalos.

These dazzling achievements made people envious!

Their owner must be a steady Trainer!

However, the scene changed.

Ash's figure appeared in the light screen once more!

At this, many were stunned!

Who would have thought that boy who always appeared possessed such strength!

Challenging multiple leagues, even winning the championship!

Is this the legendary Trainer!

Yet while such achievements are indeed remarkable, calling him the strongest Champion is an overstatement!

Whether it is an Elite Four member or a Champion from any league, who does not have a few league championship trophies in their possession.

On what grounds are you the strongest Champion.

Baiyin Town.

Misty sized Ash up and down, her envy impossible to hide in her eyes!

The Ash in the light screen was no bigger than the Ash of the present.

In other words, Ash would have raised his strength to championship level in the near future!

Such talent!

Truly stunning!

"Ash, if you get rich, don't forget me! When you win the championship, don't forget to introduce me to a few beautiful female Trainers!"

Brock patted Ash's shoulder with grave seriousness, as if entrusting him with some mission.

Alola.

Professor Kukui was stunned!

Others might not know what that red figurine was, but he would never mistake it!

That was him!

The Masked Royal! His other identity!

More importantly, the championship trophy placed beside the Masked Royal!

"First Alola League Conference Champion: Ash!"

This... Alola has a League!

No, he must share this news with Hau and the others!

Just say that Alola's application to join the League will surely succeed!

[Gary: Ash! You really deserve to die! You actually won the championship!]

[Ash: What nonsense are you talking? Winning the championship is a piece of cake with my strength. As for you, don't tell me you won't have a single championship in the future!]

[Gary: Impossible! Absolutely impossible! I will definitely have more championships than you in the future!]

Facts proved one shouldn't jinx things; Gary clearly didn't understand this principle!

In the scene—

The alarm clock rang, but Ash was still fast asleep!

Facts proved no alarm clock could wake Ash.

Only Pikachu's Thunderbolt was Ash's real alarm clock.

But this time, even Pikachu's Thunderbolt failed!

Watching Ash still fast asleep, Pikachu fell into deep thought!

Is my Thunderbolt's threat level too low?

Fortunately, at the last moment, Delia's arrival woke Ash.

Prompted by Delia, Ash finally remembered his appointment with Professor Oak today.

Changing clothes at light speed, Ash ran toward Professor Oak's house.

Professor Oak, who had the car ready, happened to see Ash's arrival.

Through Professor Oak's explanation, Ash finally learned the purpose of this trip.

It turned out that Professor Oak's junior, Professor Cerise, was officially opening his laboratory.

Being able to open a laboratory meant Professor Cerise had finally graduated.

Professor Oak invited not only Ash, but also Ash's mother, Delia.

The three of them set off together for Vermilion City, where Professor Cerise was located.

Professor Oak's convertible was packed to the brim.

Professor Oak drove, while Delia sat in the passenger seat.

Ash sat in the back row along with Mr. Mime and Pikachu.

During the journey to Vermilion City, Professor Oak asked Ash what his dream was.

Ash answered without hesitation: "I will move forward toward the goal of becoming a Pokémon Master alongside my partners!"

"Pika~"

Pikachu also waved its small hands excitedly.

After arriving in Vermilion City.

Ash couldn't wait and set off early for Professor Cerise's laboratory.

Leaving Delia and Professor Oak to proceed at a leisurely pace.

Along the way, Ash spotted a Pokémon he had never seen before!

A yellow puppy resembling a Corgi; judging by its appearance, it's an Electric-type Pokémon like Pikachu!

What reaction did Ash have after seeing the Pokémon?

A Ignore it B Use Tickle

He is Ash, so it is B.

As for the result, that goes without saying.

Golden electric light filled the steps; Ash was electrocuted and knocked out.

As for Pikachu, such a scene was already routine for it.

Pikachu actually started playing with this Pokémon.

……

[Gary: Just like you. One moment you were solemnly declaring you'd become a Pokémon Master; which Pokémon Master acts like that?]

[Ash: Pikachu, you really are something. Couldn't you at least show some concern for me?]

Pikachu rolled his eyes and delivered a Thunderbolt to Ash.

He then leisurely hopped onto Misty's shoulder.

Wearing an expression that said, "I don't know this person."

[Brock: Come to think of it, that power is indeed average; it's not even as strong as Pikachu's Thunderbolt. It probably won't hurt Ash.]

[Caroline: Young Ash, are you interested in joining our film crew? I have a special-effects actor who just took leave; you might give it a try!]

[Misty: Champion Caroline! I'm your fan! Rest assured, I'll get Ash there. Please sign an autograph for me when the time comes!]

[Ash: You're a Champion? If you promise a battle with me, I'll go!]

[Aaron: Are trainers these days so reckless? Challenging a Champion right off the bat. I thought only I would do such a thing.]

[Bertha: You've exposed yourself!]

Ash, who had just been struck by electricity, instantly recovered the moment he saw the word "Champion"!

He was even preparing to challenge this Champion named Caroline.

(Greninja vs. Gardevoir) Perhaps the two had long since destined a fated battle!

In the scene—

Years passed, and Chloe had grown into an adult.

After bidding farewell to her companions, she was on her way home to attend the opening ceremony of her father's research institute when she picked up a strangely shaped black figure on the stairs.

The black color reminded Chloe of bad memories, and her previously composed smile froze on her face.

Family, who understands this?!

"Woof, woof."

Seeing her trainer return, Wattrel hurried forward to greet her.

With the Pokémon's company, Chloe's expression finally eased a bit.

"Wattrel, do you know what this is?"

Chloe pointed at the lump of black charcoal before her and asked in a low voice.

At that moment, Ash on the ground seemed to sense someone approaching; his body moved involuntarily.

Seeing this, Chloe's hair stood on end.

"Wattrel, let's go quickly!"

So, Chloe, accompanied by Wattrel, rushed toward the Oda Research Institute, where the opening ceremony was being held!

Pikachu stared in confusion at the change on the young girl's face. Truly human! The speed of that mood swing was incredible!

It seems my acting skills still need honing!

……