Ash had swept through the Kenzo Style dojo for over a thousand exchange points. While the group enjoyed the afternoon sun and let their Pokémon relax by the water, he quickly checked the System Shop.
If you have money, you have to spend it!
With only a thousand points, buying another superpower was out of the question. Besides, Ash's Aura Power and Psychic powers were already sufficient; he didn't need another ability yet. Superpowers were better when refined rather than accumulated.
Therefore, it was better to look for some practical items.
Other trainers might have prioritized Mega Stones or Key Stones. But Ash was different. He had the Bond System; once his bond with his Pokémon reached its peak, they could undergo a Bond Evolution that transcended normal evolution, making Mega Stones completely unnecessary.
As he browsed, he spotted a rare item specifically for Pikachu!
The Light Ball. It cost exactly one thousand exchange points. When held by a Pikachu, it doubled both its Attack and Special Attack, causing its moves to strike with twice the power!
Ash's Pikachu already possessed electrical power that surpassed others of its kind, even far exceeding its evolved form, Raichu. If that power was doubled by the Light Ball, what kind of strength would that be?
To find out, he just had to buy it!
"Pikachu, come over here!"
"Pika?"
Not only Pikachu, but Bayleef, Heracross, Noctowl, and Totodile also hurried over. Only Snorlax remained asleep, lying motionless.
Ash ignored it. He had transferred Totodile over, intending to train with it for a while. This Totodile was incredibly energetic, always dancing around and crying out "Wani wani!"
However, after being trained by Slowpoke and Wartortle for a while, Totodile had become much more reliable. It was about time for it to evolve.
A golden sphere the size of a fist appeared in Ash's hand. Upon closer inspection, it seemed as if a massive current of electricity was flowing within it.
Clearly, Pikachu recognized the object. Its eyes widened instantly.
"Ash, what is that bead? It looks so pretty!" Molly Hale reached out a small finger to poke the Light Ball.
"This is called a Light Ball. Pikachu, this is for you!"
Ash didn't keep Pikachu in suspense and simply handed the Light Ball over. To his surprise, Pikachu took the Light Ball and shoved it right into its belly.
Not its mouthit literally pressed it into its stomach. Ash was genuinely startled.
For example, the Macho Brace was a held item for Pokémon, but it would change shape to fasten onto the Pokémon's body. Of course, that was a System-produced Macho Brace, so its effects were top-notch.
Furthermore, Mega Stones required a crafted item to be worn by the Pokémon, like a necklace or a metal band.
But this Pikachu-exclusive Light Ball could apparently be fused directly into its body. Ash didn't know what other Light Balls were like, as he'd never seen one. Pokémon were truly mysterious!
"Oh! Pikachu, are you okay? Where did the pretty bead go?" Molly knelt down in a panic to look at Pikachu.
Zap! Crackle!
Small sparks of electricity flickered uncontrollably on the fused Pikachu's cheeks. Its already powerful electricity had been enhanced to the point where it was slightly beyond Pikachu's control.
Ash shook his head. "Looks like more special training is in order!"
"Poliwhirl, don't run too far!" On the other side, Misty was playing with her Water type Pokémon.
When Ash had caught Totodile, he had given Misty a Water Stone. It was a high-quality Water Stone he had redeemed from the System Shop.
Misty hadn't used it to evolve her newly evolved Poliwhirl again. Instead, she had used it on her most trusted veteran, Staryu, evolving it into Starmie.
"What is that?"
Misty noticed a larger, more robust Poliwrath suddenly appear beside her Poliwhirl. This was the form Poliwhirl took when exposed to a Water Stone.
As it possessed the Fighting type attribute, its physique and personality were much more aggressive. Before Misty could react, the Poliwrath punched Poliwhirl, knocking it into the water like a common bully.
Startled, Poliwhirl scrambled out of the water and hid behind Misty.
"That Poliwrath is so rude!" Misty glared at the Pokémon.
Seeing the trouble, Ash recalled his other Pokémon, placed the still-sparking Pikachu back on his shoulder, and walked over to Misty with Brock and Molly.
"Is there something wrong with my Poliwrath?"
A somewhat arrogant voice came from nearby.
"So it's your Poliwrath! Why is your Pokémon acting like this?" Misty immediately prepared to argue. Her 'child' had been bullied; as a parent, she had to stand up for it.
The person responded dismissively, "My Poliwrath was swimming happily. You guys were the ones who came to disturb us. How dare you complain?"
Talk about a false accusation; Ash and the others had been at this river all afternoon.
Ash remained silent, and the boy, whose name was Andreas, took their silence for weakness. "It only took one hit from Poliwrath and it ran to hide behind its trainer. Your Poliwhirl is pretty useless!"
"That's probably why your Poliwhirl will never evolve. It's because it lacks experience points!"
Hearing this, Ash couldn't hold back his laughter. He stepped in front of Misty with a grin. "You really are a funny guy."
Seeing Ash's reaction, Andreas felt insulted. "What's so funny?"
"There are two ways for a Poliwhirl to evolve," Ash explained. "You can use a Water Stone to turn it into a Poliwrath, or have it hold a King's Rock during a trade to become a Politoed.
It has nothing to do with your so-called 'experience points.' Did you catch that Poliwrath after it had already evolved? Is that why you don't even know the basics?"
Ash looked at him as if he were an idiot. Being ignorant wasn't a crime, but coming out to mock others when you didn't know what you were talking about was just wrong.
"Hmph!" Andreas gritted his teeth, looking embarrassed as if his secret had been exposed. "Enough talk! If you think you're so smart, prove it in a battle against my Poliwrath!"
"You're on! I'm not afraid of you!" Misty said, stepping forward. Now that she had Starmie, her combat power had increased significantly.
"Misty, let me handle this one," Ash said, tossing out a Poké Ball. "Totodile, I choose you!"
"That Totodile... its experience points must be so low they're invisible!" Seeing Ash send out Totodile, Andreas felt certain of his victory and let out a boisterous laugh.
"Poliwrath, use Superpower! Give this kid a lesson he won't forget!"
Facing the menacing Poliwrath charging toward it, Totodile continued its cheerful little dance. Ash didn't even bother giving a command yet.
Totodile danced around, effortlessly evading Poliwrath's attack.
"Dammit! Poliwrath, use Submission!"
Again, the attack was easily dodged by the dancing Totodile.
"Stop dodging if you've got the guts!" Andreas shouted. This Totodile was as slippery as an eel, darting here and there. It was clear his Poliwrath hadn't been trained for speed at all.
Ash shook his head. "Fine, I'll show you. Totodile, use Crunch!"
Totodile lunged at Poliwrath, its strong jaws shrouded in Dark type energy, and bit down hard.
"Ice Fang!" Ash followed up immediately. Totodile froze the Poliwrath solid, finishing the fight in just two moves.
Totodile's movements were clean and efficient; Slowpoke and Wartortle had trained it well.
Andreas recalled his Poliwrath and apologized. "I'll accept my defeat. Poliwhirl, I'm sorry!"
He then turned back to Ash and Misty. "Would you guys be interested in participating in the Seaking Catching Competition?"
Super Pikachu is online!
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