Pokemon: A different Ash

Phew!

With a sound, the Poké Ball opened, releasing a burst of blue light followed by dazzling sparks. Everyone was startled, and Gary and the others quickly dodged.

"Hey! Ash, what are you doing?" After the sparks gradually disappeared, Gary sounded a little annoyed, and the other two were gasping for breath, looking quite frightened.

"I reminded you just now!" Professor Oak let out a sigh of relief.

Secretly, he thought, is it still not good?

The current dissipated, revealing a creature with long sharp ears and yellow fur.

With pitch-black eyes, it looked around vigilantly, as if two red blush marks were printed on its cheeks. Electricity flashed occasionally, and three long strips of brown hair trailed behind it. Its tail, shaped like a lightning bolt, ranged from thin to thick.

"Pikapi!"

"It's so cute! But... it looks very angry." Just from its appearance, it was clear this Pokémon would attract anyone's attention, including Blue's.

However, due to what had just happened, she didn't dare approach it and could sense its hostility towards them.

"Is this Pikachu?" Gary, the grandson of Professor Oak, could recognize the Pokémon.

"That's right. Normally, Pikachu is not too afraid of humans, but this one doesn't seem to like contact with humans. If anyone gets close, it reacts like it just did. I mentioned that choosing it might be problematic. What do you think, Ash? Do you still want to choose it?"

Professor Oak explained Pikachu's situation. It was indeed concerning for a Rookie Trainer to use such a Pokémon. He confirmed Ash's decision.

Blue and the others remained silent but looked towards Ash. Gary then spoke up.

"Ash, I think it's better to let Grandpa help you find another option! Otherwise, you'll lose to me, and don't say I bullied you." Gary put his hands behind his head, feigning nonchalance.

"I don't need the Professor's help. I will choose Pikachu!"

Ash shook his head slightly, then looked at Pikachu and slowly squatted down. Seeing this, Pikachu took a few steps back warily, with its paws on the ground, ready to attack at any moment.

"Don't be afraid! You don't like being in a Poké Ball, right? It's okay, I won't force you into one."

"Looking at this, at least for now, you can coexist peacefully with me, right?" Ash squatted down and slowly extended his hand, not touching Pikachu but speaking gently.

In fact, the biggest problem with Pikachu was its reluctance to stay in a Poké Ball. This wasn't a big issue for Ash, who didn't plan on putting Pikachu back in its Poké Ball.

"Huh?" After hearing Ash's words, Professor Oak was a little surprised.

He had only thought Pikachu had a different personality and didn't like being close to humans. As a Pokémon Professor, he naturally believed that Pokémon should be in a Poké Ball.

But Professor Oak didn't expect Ash to think of this. Are there Pokémon who don't like being in a Poké Ball? The answer is definitely yes.

"Pika~~" Pikachu frowned slightly, listening to Ash's words. Although he was still on guard, Pikachu seemed a little moved by Ash's persuasion.

"Don't you want to come with me? Then, you may have to stay in the Poké Ball! Even if someone else lets you stay outside, there will be special circumstances where you'll still be taken back."

Watching this scene, Ash tilted his head slightly but didn't withdraw his outstretched hand.

"Pika..." Pikachu seemed to be in a dilemma. Clearly, Pokémon are much smarter than pets from our world.

"How about it?"

"Pika!"

In the end, Pikachu put away his offensive posture and stood up again, assuming a bipedal stance. With its two short hands in front of its chest, it turned its head to the side and closed its eyes, showing a bit of compromise but still a hint of arrogance.

"Pikachu, please give me your advice. My name is Ash!" Seeing this, Ash smiled and slightly raised his hand as a signal.

Pikachu opened his eyes slightly, glanced at Ash, and finally stretched out his tail, placing it on Ash's hand without attacking.

The others were very surprised by this scene. They had been on edge just moments ago, and it was settled within a few words.

Ash touched Pikachu's tail with his palm, then slowly closed his eyes, trying to use his own energy to connect with Pikachu.

As Pikachu flicked his long ears, he seemed to sense something. The consciousness of the two parties seemed to enter a different space, which gradually calmed Pikachu's emotions.

"Pikapi!" A moment later, Pikachu suddenly opened his eyes, looking up at Ash with bright eyes. The bond between them had begun to form.

"Come on!" Ash opened his mouth, and Pikachu hesitated, then jumped onto Ash's palm and climbed up Ash's shoulder along his arm.

"Looks like it's all right, Ash is amazing."

Professor Oak couldn't help but praise this scene. Ash had noticed details that even he, as a Professor, hadn't. It showed that Ash was really careful in observing Pokémon.

Trainers who care about Pokémon in this way should be recognized by them.

"Grandpa, should we be next?" Seeing that Ash had already chosen Pikachu, Gary couldn't wait.

"Okay, let's discuss which one to choose from the remaining three!" After solving the problem, Professor Oak was in a good mood and indicated that the others could now choose their Pokémon.