Pokémon: Simultaneous time travel, this Ash is too versatile!

Chapter 7: Pikachu's Approval, Guidance from the Experts in the Group: Level Up First, Then Catch!

"Sorry, Pikachu. I only recently gained this power and I didn't control my strength well. How are you feeling now?" Ash apologized to Pikachu, who was slowly waking up, his words full of sincere remorse.

He truly didn't expect that his Aura Sphere, which used less than 10% of its power, would instantly defeat Pikachu!
Ash had come up with all sorts of tactics, but they were all over before they even started!
I don't know if Pikachu is too weak or he's too strong.

"Pikachu Pikachu..." Are you really human?

"How can you talk like that! Of course I'm human! A real human, okay! Just a human who has gained a little bit of special ability." Ash rolled his eyes.

"Pikachu Pikachu!" Your special ability is just too outrageous!

"Hehe, so-so, third in the world~ Now you can admit I'm your trainer, right?"

"Pikachu." A bet's a bet.

Although Pikachu is somewhat unruly, he is indeed an honest and trustworthy mouse. Since Ash defeated him head-on, he has nothing more to say.

And so, Ash finally caught his first Pokémon.

Other people's starter Pokémon are usable right away, but Ash has to go through a real battle with his Pokémon to gain its approval.

"Now that you've become my Pokémon, go back into your Poké Ball. Other people's Pokémon always go back into their Poké Balls," Ash said, taking out Pikachu's Poké Ball.

"Pika Pika!!" Pikachu shook its head frantically. Even without using Aura, Ash could understand what Pikachu meant. It just didn't want to go into the ball!

For other trainers, this behavior is generally not allowed. It's okay to let one out occasionally, but it's quite troublesome to keep a Pokémon out all the time.

But Ash was different. After hearing Pikachu's idea, he pondered for a moment and then nodded: "Alright, since you don't like going into the Poké Ball, then forget it. I'll spray some medicine on you first. Luckily, my mom brought some for me."

Upon hearing this, Pikachu's tense expression eased slightly, and its gaze towards Ash softened considerably.

Clearly, Ash's actions greatly increased Pikachu's goodwill towards him. Having lived in the human world for so long, Pikachu knew that there weren't many trainers willing to let their Pokémon stay outside. By sheer coincidence, he had met one.

It seems this trainer isn't so hard to accept after all. He's as strong as a monster, kind to him, and respects his wishes... Thinking about this, Pikachu isn't so resistant to obeying Ash's commands anymore.

After Ash took out some medicine and gently sprayed it on Pikachu, Pikachu's injuries improved considerably.

This is a special medicine made specifically for elves. Although it may sting a little at first, it is quite effective for the elves' recovery.

Ash didn't continue his journey to the next city until Pikachu had recovered considerably.

On the way, Xiao Zhi opened the chat group and asked what he should do next. After all, although he had set a goal to defeat Dan, he didn't know where to start.

[Champion Ash: ...If I remember correctly, Pallet Town should be followed by Viridian City. Register in Viridian City first and participate in the Pokémon League Conference. If you can win the Indigo League, you'll have basic combat ability.] [Newbie Ash: Huh? You have to win the championship to have basic combat ability? That's so strict!]

After learning how to change his name, Xiao Zhi also changed his name. In this group full of experts, he chose to change his name to a word he had just learned from the experts—newbie!
It means a pitiful, weak, and helpless newcomer.

Although he has gained Ash's Aura Hero abilities, Ash is still a complete mess when it comes to being a Trainer. He still has a lot to learn from the group.

[Champion Ash: Hmm, from what I remember, the Indigo League is indeed a relatively weak tournament, because it only allows trainers who have traveled within the last two years to participate. It's kind of an exclusive tournament for newcomers.]

[Champion Ash: But those are my rules. I don't know if your rules will change, but the League Tournament will definitely still exist. If you want a short-term goal, aim to win the League Tournament. After you win the League Tournament, then think about the next step.]

[Breeder Xiaozhi: If you have some free time, you can also learn some breeding techniques! If you don't understand something, come ask me in the group, I can teach you!]

[Ash: You're really desperate to recruit new players...]

[Aura Warrior Ash: Hehe, let him be. After all, there aren't many people in the whole group who can discuss breeding knowledge with him, and they're the kind who rarely participate. Now that he's finally found a newbie with no foundation, of course he wants to recruit him as a disciple.]

[Tactical Master Xiaozhi: But to be fair, what he said about breeding isn't wrong. If you want to reach the top, breeding is an indispensable skill. Unless you have a dedicated breeder to assist you, you should still learn some breeding knowledge.]

[Newbie Ash: Got it! I'm off to Viridian City now! See you later, everyone!]

[Champion Ash: Wait a minute, if you encounter wild Pokémon on the road, whether you want to catch them or not, you can always have a battle with them. Besides daily training, Pokémon also level up through accumulating battle experience. The more battles you have, the faster your level will theoretically increase.]

[Champion Ash: But battling isn't everything; it only takes up a certain proportion. Daily care, training, companionship, and instruction are all indispensable. You can learn a lot about these things by checking the group chat regularly.]

[Newbie Ash: I got it!]

Ash silently kept everyone's words in mind, and then left the chat group.

Ash had originally planned to use Pikachu to catch two more Pokémon before heading to Viridian City, but now it seems he should focus on training Pikachu first.

His relationship with Pikachu is only so-so right now, and Pikachu's level doesn't seem very high. It would be better to raise Pikachu first, and then catch a second or more Pokémon.

"Let's go, Pikachu, I'll take you to level up!"

"Pikachu?" Pikachu tilted its head, looking puzzled.

In his view, Ash's blinking and sudden burst of fighting spirit, saying he would help him level up, seemed like he had a split personality. But considering that Ash could understand what he was saying, Pikachu ultimately just asked a question in confusion.

"Upgrade and challenge the Gym Leaders, stand at the pinnacle of the world! Charge!" Ash shouted, charging ahead of the pack. Pikachu followed behind with a bewildered expression.

(End of this chapter)