"Oh, Ash, you actually still recognize this Pokémon!" Professor Oak looked surprised when he heard Ash say Pikachu's name.
Although he had taught all the people in Pallet Town a lot of basic Pokémon knowledge and explained most of the Pokémon in the Kanto region, who was Ash?
The perennial last-place finisher! He barely put any effort into knowledge!
It must be admitted that Ash's passion and love for Pokémon were unparalleled by anyone his age, but when it came to knowledge... it was somewhat dismal.
Therefore, for Ash to recognize Pikachu now was definitely a very rare occurrence.
Professor Oak's compliment immediately made Ash look smug. He puffed out his chest, and his nose seemed to grow longer: "Of course! Pikachu! I naturally recognize it! This is definitely a very powerful Pokémon! With this Pokémon as my starter, my future as Champion is already certain!"
Professor Oak looked at Ash as if he were an idiot. He hesitated for a long time, but still didn't tell Ash that Pikachu was a common Pokémon in the Kanto region.
It seemed that although Ash knew Pikachu, he probably didn't know much about it. Otherwise, why would he say such a thing?
Pikachu, who was nearby, heard Ash's words. Even though it disliked humans, it couldn't help but develop a slight fondness for Ash.
After all, not many people could treat Pikachu as a powerful Pokémon...
"Alright, since you have no objections to Pikachu, then take these things and set off." Professor Oak said, handing a Pokédex and a few Poké Balls to Ash.
Ash casually put the items in his pocket, then crouched in front of Pikachu, affectionately rubbing Pikachu's head and saying, "Please take care of me from now on, Pikachu... Ah ah ah ah!"
Before Ash could enjoy the softness of Pikachu's fur, Pikachu's expression had already changed, and some golden electric sparks danced on its body.
"Pika—chu!"
A huge voltage was transmitted to Ash, making his whole body numb. His pajamas became charred black under the high-voltage Thunder Shock.
"Oh, I forgot to mention, this Pikachu has some personality issues. It's quite unruly, doesn't like going into Poké Balls, and is very resistant to unfamiliar Trainers. It's one of my problem students here. Quite a good match for you." Professor Oak said belatedly when he saw Ash being electrocuted.
"Why didn't you... say so earlier..." Ash exhaled a puff of black smoke and collapsed directly onto the ground.
If it weren't for his body being far superior to ordinary people, he would probably have to go straight to the hospital after being shocked like that!
Although there was a small interlude, it did not hinder Ash's firm determination to choose Pikachu as his starter Pokémon.
It was definitely not because he had no other choice.
After leaving Ash with some instructions for his journey, Professor Oak went back to his research.
When Ash went outside, Professor Oak put down his research and walked to a collection area, taking out a painting. In that painting, a young boy was enthusiastically commanding an electric mouse, directly confronting the legendary Suicune...
After coming outside, Ash said goodbye to the villagers who came to see him off. Delia was also among them. She handed Ash a spatial backpack specifically bought for his journey, filled with many daily necessities.
Immediately after, Ash, under Delia's slightly worried yet blessing gaze, began to walk out of Pallet Town. However, Ash, wearing rubber gloves and dragging Pikachu, made this somewhat heavy farewell seem a bit humorous.
Not long after, Ash had already walked out of Pallet Town. On the way, he also changed out of his charred pajamas.
Now, he wore the red and white hat gifted by the Pokémon League, obtained after writing a thousand letters, a blue jacket, and light-colored jeans, looking somewhat like a youthful teenager.
After Ash laboriously dragged Pikachu into the wilderness, he also tried to communicate with Pikachu several times, but Pikachu simply ignored him.
Although Ash's words initially made Pikachu feel a little good, this still couldn't dispel Pikachu's dislike for humans and its desire to be independent.
In desperation, Ash opened the chat group in his mind to ask his 'seniors' for advice.
[Ash: Everyone, I've received my starter Pokémon, but this starter Pokémon doesn't seem very obedient... Were all the Pikachus you got like this at first?]
[Champion Ash: More or less. I also went through some hardships before finally establishing a deep friendship with Pikachu.]
[Breeder Ash: I'm different. Because I wanted to become a Breeder since I was young, by the time I set off on my journey, I already had a pretty good level of breeding skills. Then I made some Pokémon food and directly bribed Pikachu. So, newbie, become a Breeder! There are many benefits!]
[Aura Hero Ash: Bro, you're trying to con others into your line of work again. Forget it, most versions of 'me' would choose Pokémon battles more. I don't know what you were thinking, going into the breeding line.]
[Breeder Ash: What's wrong with breeding?! Breeding can also raise powerful Pokémon! Don't look at me as a Breeder in our world, but when it comes to Pokémon battles, few can beat me!]
[Ash: Um... can we put the discussion about professions aside for a moment? So, how should I handle Pikachu now? He doesn't listen to me when I talk, and after he eats the food I give him, he turns around and acts like he doesn't know me. It's so hard to deal with.]
Ash interrupted the professional discussion that was gradually starting in the group and brought the topic back on track.
That was how he could successfully make Pikachu obedient.
[Champion Ash: Don't worry, Pikachu and I... that is, you, are connected by a deep bond of fate. It shouldn't be long before you experience something that will advance your bond with Pikachu. Speaking of which, I did say that I would tell you about this chat group after you received your starter Pokémon.]
[Ash: Uh... does this group have any other functions besides being able to chat with other versions of me from different worlds?]
[Champion Ash: Yes, and it's a very useful function for you. First, look at the upper right corner of the chat group page. Is there a light spot? Use your mind to click on it.]
Champion Ash's words made Ash, who was in his mental form, turn his gaze to the upper right corner of the chat group.
Sure enough, just as Champion Ash said, there was a light spot there. Ash clicked on it with his mind without hesitation...