Pikachu was so stubborn that Ash had to tie a rope around it and drag it along just to get moving.
Only then did they finally set off.
After a while, Ash untied the rope, trying to make peace with Pikachu.
But how could such a defiant Pikachu cooperate so easily?
Unwilling to deal with Ash at all, Pikachu simply leapt onto a tree, showing off its proud and aloof nature.
Left with no other choice, Ash decided to rely on himself to catch Pokémon.
Not understanding battles at all, he just threw Poké Balls, trying to capture Pokémon outright.
How could that possibly work?
Whether it was Caterpie or Pidgey, Ash failed to catch a single one.
Up in the tree, Pikachu laughed so hard it nearly fell over.
…
[Alder: Well, I'll be. This kind of Trainer-Pokémon relationship… even I've never seen anything like it.]
[Cynthia: …Indeed, it's rather outrageous. Are rookie Trainers these days really like this when bonding with their Pokémon? It seems I've been quite out of touch.]
[Diantha: Hmm… it's a bit strange, but also kind of intriguing. I'll keep watching.]
[Gary Oak: Hey—don't get the wrong idea because of Ash! Rookie Trainers are NOT like this! Ash, stop ruining our reputation!]
Gary screamed internally.
What was this?!
Why was Ash's journey as a rookie Trainer so… unique?!
Gary thought back on his own brief early days as a Trainer.
A bonding phase?
Didn't exist!
As Professor Oak's grandson, Gary had a deep understanding of Squirtle's habits and abilities.
He had easily partnered with Squirtle and steadily earned Gym Badges one after another.
Being completely clueless like Ash?
Trying to catch Pokémon with a single throw?
He had never done something that foolish!
No normal rookie Trainer would do that!
Gary was completely at a loss for words.
All he could do was watch with a serious expression.
Meanwhile, the image of rookie Trainers in the minds of Champions, Elite Four members, and Gym Leaders was becoming increasingly… strange.
…
On the screen—
An annoyed Ash accidentally hit a Spearow with a stone.
The enraged Spearow hadn't even had time to focus on Ash before its attention was drawn to Pikachu, who was laughing wildly on a branch.
How could a single Spearow possibly defeat a Pikachu that had a type advantage?
The Spearow retreated in defeat.
But it didn't come back alone.
It returned with hundreds—no, thousands—of its companions!
Spearow were naturally aggressive and unreasonable Pokémon.
After being attacked, there was no way they would let Ash and Pikachu go.
Perhaps Pikachu could handle one, two… even ten Spearow.
But against hundreds—thousands—forming a dark swarm in the sky—
A single Pikachu stood no chance.
Ash grabbed Pikachu and ran.
Compared to Ash, the Spearow were far more focused on Pikachu.
But how could they possibly escape such an overwhelming encirclement?
Pikachu was soon covered in wounds under the relentless assault.
Ash's heart pounded with panic.
"Pikachu! I'll save you no matter what!"
Ash charged straight into the swarm surrounding Pikachu.
Ignoring the relentless pecking of countless Spearow, he wrapped his small body tightly around Pikachu, protecting it with everything he had!
Facing the cliff—
He leapt without hesitation!
A massive splash erupted!
…
Even under the violent force of the rushing water, Ash didn't lose consciousness.
Instead, he held Pikachu tightly, dodging attacks from Pokémon beneath the surface!
Kicking desperately through the current, Ash narrowly avoided the gaping jaws of a ferocious Gyarados!
His eyes burned with unwavering determination!
He had to escape—with Pikachu!
That determination resonated deeply with everyone watching the screen.
This level of resolve and courage—
Was far beyond what an ordinary rookie Trainer could possess!
Across the Pokémon League, Trainers who upheld justice clenched their fists unconsciously.
Get out!
You have to escape!
At the Viridian City Gym—
Giovanni let out a cold snort, full of disdain.
"Can't even protect his own Pokémon… hmph, just a naive brat."
"I don't see what's so interesting about this."
He spoke indifferently, his hand still absentmindedly stroking Persian's sleek fur.
And yet—
He didn't look away.
Deep down, he was still a little curious about what would happen next.
Amid everyone's anxious anticipation—
Ash was suddenly hooked out of the water by a fishing rod held by a girl.
Following her instructions, Ash immediately prepared to take Pikachu to a Pokémon Center for treatment.
But in the sky—
The faint silhouettes of the pursuing Spearow flock could already be seen!
Ash didn't hesitate!
He borrowed the girl's bicycle and dashed forward at full speed!
Not a second could be wasted!
He had to reach the Pokémon Center as fast as possible!
…
Seeing this scene, Misty's expression turned a little complicated.
She immediately recognized it—
This was the moment she first met Ash.
Thinking back to the slap she had given him back then, Misty spoke awkwardly,
"…I didn't know what was going on at the time. Seeing how badly Pikachu was injured, I thought you were the one who hurt it."
"Um… sorry about that."