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Terrifying pressure spread like a tide, surging from Pikachu's small body, so heavy it was almost suffocating.
The golden electric arcs dancing around him became violent, no longer a faint crackle, but a sharp, piercing roar like a thousand birds chirping in unison, as if the air itself was ionized by this powerful electricity.
Oshawott had just found another opening and leaped, his small paws almost touching Ash's pant leg again.
However, the destructive energy fluctuation behind him felt like ice water pouring over him, making him freeze abruptly.
He subconsciously looked back, and his big, dark eyes were instantly filled with that terrifying golden figure, reflecting for the first time the purest, most instinctive fear.
"Pika!"
The accumulated rage and surging electricity, reaching their peak, erupted like a long-suppressed volcano.
It was no longer a playful Thunder Shock, nor an ordinary Thunderbolt, but Pikachu's serious Thunderbolt, infused with the fury of defending his sovereignty!
A thick, incomparably bright golden electric serpent, as scorching as the core of the sun, tore through the sky, letting out a deafening roar.
His target was precise and cruel: not Oshawott himself, but the small patch of land where he was about to land, attempting to climb again.
Boom!
The powerful current exploded violently, and light instantly swallowed everything.
Dirt, grass clippings, and fallen leaves were clutched by an invisible giant hand and thrown into the air.
The ground trembled violently, and a charred, smoking shallow pit was instantly blown out, the edges of the pit's soil melted and crystallized, and countless tiny golden electric arcs like venomous snakes jumped and flickered within it, emitting a continuous sizzling sound.
The terrifying aftershock of the Thunder Shock formed a scorching heatwave, like countless invisible, fiery whips, frantically lashing the surrounding air, stirring up a burnt smell.
Oshawott was scared out of his wits by the close, world-destroying explosion and the terrifying shockwave, letting out a shrill, distorted scream.
His entire body was violently thrown like a broken kite, tracing a pathetic arc, and with a "bang," he heavily fell into the dense grass in the distance, rolling over a dozen times before finally stopping.
He lay limp in the grass, covered in black mud and charred grass clippings, his once smooth and shiny blue fur stood on end from the electricity, completely disheveled, and even faint wisps of burnt smoke seemed to rise from his body.
His small body trembled uncontrollably, as if every muscle was screaming, his dark eyes filled with extreme horror and disbelief; all his previous arrogance, stubbornness, and provocation were completely crushed and evaporated by this thunderous blow, leaving only the most primitive, deepest fear.
He finally realized firsthand what terrifying, all-crushing power was contained within that seemingly cute yellow electric mouse.
If that last strike had hit him directly, he wouldn't even have the courage to imagine the consequences.
Pikachu still stood in place, the electric sacs on his cheeks still flickering with dangerous and unstable electric arcs, his golden pupils cold; he stared intently at the pathetic, cowering, and trembling Oshawott in the grass, his gaze as sharp as a knife, as if silently pronouncing the final judgment,
"Now, do you completely understand your place? My place is not to be coveted."
Ash looked at Oshawott, who was completely intimidated, scared out of his wits, and almost curled into a ball, then looked at Pikachu, who was still angry but had clearly restrained his power and held back, knowing that this "qualification test" should end.
The goal of establishing authority had been achieved; what was needed next was guidance and acceptance.
He quickly walked to Oshawott, crouched down, and without rushing to help him up, spoke in a gentle but undeniably serious tone:
"Oshawott, did you see that?"
He did not comfort his disheveled state, but first pointed to the still powerful Pikachu behind him,
"That is Pikachu's strength, a strength forged through countless difficult battles and honed across countless regions.
It is also the bond between him and me, woven with trust and life."
His gaze returned to Oshawott, his voice steady, "This shoulder,"
He pointed to his empty shoulder, "is not just a position; it is a symbol of this bond, a unique testament to us. It cannot be gained by snatching."
His tone softened slightly, with clear encouragement and tenderness: "You are strong, and you are brave. Your determination and persistence, I saw the moment you chased after us.
I like you very much, but if you want to be my partner and travel with us, you must first learn to respect Pikachu, and respect every member of the team.
Partners do not prove their worth by snatching positions, but by mutual recognition, trusting each other, fighting side by side, and together winning glory."
He reached out, and this time, gently brushed away the dirt and charred grass clippings from Oshawott's body; his fingertips could feel him still trembling slightly,
"We can become stronger together, see a wider world together, and share the joy of victory together.
Although there is only one shoulder, the partner's place by my side," he patted the empty ground next to him, his eyes sincere, "will always be reserved for you. But you need to earn it yourself, in the right way."
Oshawott tremblingly raised his small head, looked at Ash's clear, firm, and sincere eyes, then timidly and quickly glanced at the yellow figure not far away, who still exuded a terrifying aura and had eyes as cold as a judge.
Recalling again the thunderous blow, like divine punishment, and the opponent's unwavering gaze, his small body trembled violently once more.
That tiny spark of unwillingness and provocation was completely, utterly extinguished, without even a wisp of smoke remaining.
"Oshawott." He cried out softly, with a whimper, his voice filled with endless grievance, lingering fear, and a hint of finally enlightened understanding and frustration.
He instinctively pawed at the beloved scallop on his chest, which now seemed to have lost some of its luster, as if seeking the only familiar comfort.
Ash smiled slightly, picked up an empty Poké Ball, his voice gentle and firm,
"Then, welcome aboard, Oshawott! Let's become stronger together, fight together, and in our own way, win a truly, undeniably deserved place!"
A red light spread gently, like a warm embrace, enveloping Oshawott.
He did not struggle, even with a hint of relief and new anticipation, as he was drawn into the Ball. The Poké Ball in Ash's hand symbolically and gently shook twice, then emitted a crisp, pleasant click, and became completely still.
Capture successful.
Ash stood up and solemnly clipped this Poké Ball, carrying a new beginning, to his belt, alongside his other partners.
He walked to Pikachu's side, crouched down, and gently stroked his small head, his voice full of gratitude and deep apology: "You worked hard, Pikachu. Thank you, really, for holding back at the end."
He knew that if Pikachu had truly wanted to attack, Oshawott would have had no chance of being unharmed.
He took out Pikachu's favorite Pokémon Block from the side pocket of his backpack and offered it to him.
Pikachu looked at Ash, then at the newly added Poké Ball on his waist; the dangerous electric glow on his cheeks finally completely subsided, and his eyes returned to their usual gentle warmth.
He chirped twice, as if an adult not bothering with a child's antics,
"Pika, Pika." (He's sensible, but not next time.)
Then he took the Pokémon Block, held it in his arms, and nibbled on it in small bites, his tail resuming its relaxed, leisurely wagging.
Ash stood up, dusted off his pants, and flashed a brilliant smile full of new vigor at Iris, who had been observing, and the now calm Pikachu,
"Alright, a new partner has joined. Our team has grown stronger. Destination Striaton City, let's go!"
Of course, Ash still applied Professor Oak's top-grade Potion to Oshawott.
"When should I get some more from the Professor?"
Ash looked at the Potion bottle, a third of which was used, planning ahead.
Pikachu leaped lightly, his body tracing a graceful arc, and landed steadily and naturally back on his exclusive shoulder, comfortably closing his eyes, declaring that the ownership of the throne was unquestionable.
Ash strode forward with firm steps, Iris followed with a smile, teasing him about the thrilling scene they had just witnessed.
Meanwhile, in the shadows of the dense bushes not far behind them, three pairs of eyes peered through the gaps, stealthily watching the conclusion of everything.
"Meow, it's crystal clear, meow. The brat not only caught that troublesome Oshawott."
Meowth lowered his voice, his tail stiffly upright like a flagpole in tension.
"And that Pikachu's electricity, that Thunderbolt just now, it felt really nasty."
James touched his hair, which had almost exploded again, with lingering fear, his voice trembling.
"Hmph! Who cares what powerful character he catches!"
Jessie stood with her hands on her hips, trying to maintain her composure, but the hint of apprehension and lingering fear in her eyes couldn't be hidden,
"Anyone who dares to interfere with Team Rockets' great plan will be dealt with!"
She paused, then couldn't resist adding, "But then again, that Oshawott looks really good. Looks like it could fetch a good price."
"For Boss Giovanni!"
"For promotions and riches!"
"For, for being able to afford stronger equipment later, meow!"
"No, meow! The important thing is that we first complete the infiltration and reconnaissance mission that the Boss assigned, meow!"
Meowth forced himself to perk up, pulling the sidetracked conversation back.
The trio cheered each other on, but their voices were noticeably weaker than usual.
Their figures quietly disappeared into the deeper shadows of the forest, beginning a new round of tracking and plotting, destined to be full of hardships.
A new journey, new partners, new troubles and challenges, accompanied by a hint of gunpowder and fresh hope, had already begun.