Trip looked at Ash—not with the disdain he'd shown in the original story, but with a cautious eye.
This version of Ash… his aura had changed. Sharpened. Matured. Surrounded by high-level Pokémon, his presence alone carried an invisible pressure.
But Ash had long mastered the ability to control that pressure, reining it in or unleashing it as he pleased.
"Trip," said Professor Juniper kindly, "this is Ash from the Kanto region. He's an extremely powerful Pokémon Trainer. If you seek his guidance, I'm sure you'll gain invaluable experience."
Despite Trip's arrogant nature, Professor Juniper still did her duty as a mentor.
Trip glanced at Ash but said nothing.
After all, who was he?
He was Trip—the Trainer who would one day challenge the Unova League Champion Alder! He had no interest in learning from someone who wasn't even a Gym Leader and didn't seem that much older than him.
To Trip, Ash simply wasn't qualified.
But what he didn't know was… this "unqualified" trainer was far more terrifying than he could ever imagine.
Ash didn't speak either.
He was waiting.
Waiting for this arrogant kid to pick his first Pokémon—then he'd bring Pikachu over.
Yes, same strategy as the original timeline.
Ash knew that once Trip saw Pikachu—especially since Pikachu didn't exist in Unova—he'd definitely issue a challenge.
Ash smirked to himself. Somewhere along the line… he'd become just a little bit devious.
Professor Juniper sighed softly and released the three starter Pokémon.
"Alright, take your pick. The Fire-type Tepig, the Water-type Oshawott, and the Grass-type Snivy."
Ash and Trip both turned their eyes to the trio.
Tepig snorted little flames from his nose, trying to show off his energy.
Oshawott blinked up adorably with big round eyes.
And Snivy? Snivy stood with its eyes closed, radiating confidence.
But Trip had already made up his mind.
"Professor, I've decided. I choose Snivy as my starter."
"Snivy~!"
Trip raised his camera and took a quick photo of the three Pokémon before speaking.
Soon after, Professor Juniper handed him a Pokédex, five empty Poké Balls, and Snivy's Poké Ball.
"I've already signed you up for this year's Unova League tournament," she said with a smile. "Good luck on your jou—"
"Pika pi!"
Just as she was speaking, Pikachu strolled out from the lab.
And just as Ash predicted, Trip's attention snapped instantly to the yellow Pokémon.
He raised his newly acquired Pokédex and scanned it.
"A Pikachu? So this is one of the species not found in Unova. Interesting… It's an Electric-type, which means it's not very effective against my Grass-type Snivy. And Professor Juniper says you're strong?" Trip scoffed. "Well then, do you dare accept my challenge? I'm Trip—the future challenger of Champion Alder!"
He held up Snivy's Poké Ball.
Professor Juniper simply shook her head and returned to the lab.
Trip had spoken loudly—perhaps too loudly.
Inside, Cynthia, Caitlin, and Sabrina all heard him.
Ash, of course, had no intention of turning it down.
Trip was about to learn what true fear looked like—fear in the form of an 89-level Pikachu.
Even Cynthia seemed intrigued when she saw Ash seriously accepting the challenge of a rookie trainer.
And so, Cynthia, Caitlin, and Sabrina all walked to the lab's entrance.
Ash and Trip had already stepped outside.
"Oh, by the way," Trip said, "I don't even know your name. Even if I'm going to defeat you, it's important to know your opponent. Especially since you'll be the first person I ever beat. So, what's your name?"
He tossed out his Poké Ball, and Snivy appeared with a flash.
Trip had already scanned Pikachu's move list—Quick Attack, Discharge, Thunderbolt…
He'd been preparing for this day for a long time, studying tons of Pokémon knowledge.
Sure, he was new to training, but he firmly believed he was no worse than any experienced traveler.
"You're right," Ash replied calmly. "You should know my name. I'm Ash, from the distant town of Pallet in the Kanto region."
"Pika pika."
Pikachu stepped forward, squaring off against Snivy.
"Tch. Kanto? So you're just a country bumpkin. And the Professor wants me to learn from you?" Trip sneered. "Snivy, we've got this in the bag. Use Vine Whip!"
"Snivy!"
The vines wrapped around Pikachu's body.
But Pikachu didn't even budge.
Snivy pulled with all its strength… and realized it couldn't move Pikachu at all.
Trip's eyes narrowed, and he quickly changed tactics.
"You're just gonna stand there? Snivy, use Growth, then Tackle!"
Trying to increase Snivy's strength was smart—on paper.
But against an 89-level Pikachu? No amount of boosting could close that gap.
Snivy charged at full speed—only to rebound violently off Pikachu's unmoving body.
Trip stared in disbelief.
"Why? Why didn't it work? The textbook said increasing power should make a difference…"
He muttered to himself, but his pride refused to accept defeat at the hands of a "bumpkin."
He clenched his fists tightly.
"Use Leaf Tornado!"
Trip imagined the glorious moment he would defeat Pikachu.
Snivy launched the swirling green vortex of leaves—impressive for a starter just minutes into its journey.
But Ash finally opened his mouth.
"Pikachu—use One Hundred Volts."
"Pika… huh?!"
Pikachu's cheek pouches sparked violently.
Wait, did Ash just say One Hundred Volts, not Thunderbolt?
Even Pikachu flinched in surprise.
This wasn't the usual 100,000 Volts—this was 100 Volts. Refined, focused, deadly.
Electric energy surged and obliterated Snivy's Leaf Tornado mid-air, slicing through the storm like paper.
Then it struck.
A thunderous explosion lit the sky as the bolt slammed into Snivy, hurling it backward with devastating force.
__
PS: Where I'm from, we have a saying: "Those who bark loudest have the least bite."
Trip… was the perfect example. All bark. No bite.
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T/N:
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