The Mankey struggled fiercely in Ash's hand, but couldn't break free from his grip at all.
It even tried to kick Ash, but was swiftly shaken twice by him, leaving it dizzy and weak-kneed.
"I say, why did you ambush me? I don't think I provoked you, did I?" Ash tilted his head, slightly puzzled.
Regarding Mankey's actions in the wild, Ash was clueless; he was simply bewildered why Mankey attacked him when he hadn't provoked it.
"Wild Mankey are like Spearow, often ambushing passing Trainers or Pokemon just for the thrill," Brock explained to Ash about the wild Mankey 'legend'. Ash looked at the Mankey in his hand with a peculiar expression, realizing that apart from Beedrill and Spearow, there were other mischievous Pokemon in the wild!
"But it's odd, Mankey usually roam in groups like Spearow and Beedrill. Why is this one all alone?" Brock mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"Hoo-cha!!" Human, let me go!!
"You ambush me and want me to let you go? Your target was probably my hat, wasn't it? That's a very precious item to me, I'd be quite troubled if you took it!" Ash retorted, exasperated.
He could keenly sense just now that Mankey's target was indeed the red and white cap on his head.
It's more than just a hat with sentimental value, it was crucial for Pikachu to enter buddy mode. Without it, it would be like losing an arm for Pikachu!
Such behavior couldn't be easily forgiven by Ash.
"Hoo-cha!!" I just thought it looked nice, can't I have it?
"Hoho, you've got taste, but why can you justify robbery so boldly?" Ash rolled his eyes, mildly scornful.
He acknowledged Mankey's taste but despised its actions.
How could a Pokemon justify robbery so confidently? Just because it looks nice, does that mean you can take it?
"Hoo-cha! Hoo-cha!" Let me down, let's fight. If I lose, I'll leave right away! If I win, you have to give me the hat!
"What logic is that? If you lose, you don't give up anything, and if you win, I have to give you my hat? Both sides have to stake something for a fair gamble!" Ash said with slight exasperation.
Was this guy used to being a robber? Proposing a duel with no downside for itself, who would gamble with you?
Mankey rolled its round eyes and then proposed, "Hoo-cha!"
If I lose, I'll accept you as my Trainer!
"Using yourself as a wager? Interesting, let's do it then." Ash found this Mankey pretty amusing. Although it had a robber's logic, it seemed more like a result of being influenced by others, going with the flow.
From its refusal at first, followed by considering equal trade, you could tell its thinking ability and nature weren't bad, which was a reason Ash wanted to capture it.
Moreover, for a wild Mankey, this one's talent seemed remarkable.
[Type: Mankey]
[Gender: Male]
[Attribute: Fighting]
[Level: Advanced Level]
[Ability: Defiant]
[Skills: Scratch, Low Kick, Seismic Toss, Swagger, Cross Chop…]
[Six-dimensional Ability: Physical Attack B (A) Special Attack D (D) Defense D (C) Special Defense D (C) Physical Strength C (B) Speed B (A)]
Although it only has two A-grade qualifications, with one B, and the rest being C and D, the two A-grades and one B-grade placement are quite fitting.
Being a Fighting Type Pokemon, Mankey relies mostly on its fists, meaning physical attack, and requires exceptional speed for dodging and close-range combat attacks on the opponent.
Therefore, having A-grade in these two abilities is quite impressive for a Pokemon like Mankey.
Even if the other qualifications aren't high, it doesn't matter, it can just focus on being a high-attack fragile Pokemon.
Furthermore, aside from qualifications, what surprised Ash the most was Mankey's level; reaching Advanced Level in the wild is extremely rare!
Among all the Pokemon Ash had captured, only Gastly surpassed the Advanced Level; the rest were ordinary or even beginners, but this Mankey was at Advanced Level!
Either it has exceptional Talent or it's passionate about battling, having defeated countless wild Pokemon, amassing a great deal of experience.
Either way, it proved that this Mankey's Talent is outstanding.
However, for Ash, the main reason for wanting to capture this Mankey was because it suited his taste quite well. Despite speaking with a robber's tone initially, once it realized its mistake, it corrected itself immediately.
This clever mind, doesn't it resemble his own? Yes, indeed, just like him.
"Let's battle here then. Win or lose, we'll treat you to a meal, okay?" Ash released Mankey's wrist, and once on the ground, Mankey rolled a few times to distance itself from Ash.
"Hoo-cha! Hoo-cha???" You're quite a good person! Wait, can you understand what I'm saying?