Ash's Pokémon Travel Has Big Problems

Although playing mind games with a newbie kid is a bit too dirty.

But as a trainer who started as a soldier... on the battlefield, the dirtier the tactics, the better, as long as it succeeds.

Chapter 60: A Duel with Lt. Surge - Tactical Considerations?

"Ha ha ha ha--"

"I'll be waiting for you at the Vermilion City Gym~"

"boy~"

Prove your strength to me!

The communication screen went dark, but Maszem's oppressive laughter seemed to still echo in the room.

Professor Sakuragi turned around, patted Ash on the shoulder, his tone gentle but tinged with worry:

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself, Xiaozhi."

"That's just how Mascherano is... assertive, even a bit eccentric."

"He's using reverse psychology to put you in a very difficult position."

"Seriously, as a retired soldier and active dojo master... he actually used such methods on you."

Thinking about this, Dr. Sakuragi was speechless.

—I wonder if the teacher will call?

Professor Oak used to be very strong.

After so many years of self-cultivation... he probably wouldn't take the initiative to act?

"I know, Professor Sakuragi." Ash's eyes were unusually clear, and he did not show any impulsiveness. Instead, he seemed to be calmly analyzing tactics.

"He wanted to force me to take on the challenge as soon as possible, and I had to demonstrate the strength that would 'satisfy' him."

"That was also the purpose of my trip."

Ash is definitely going to get the yellow badge.

He was planning to collect badges from the eight main gyms, not other badges.

"It's good that you think that way." Dr. Sakuragi nodded with satisfaction.

"Come on, I'll show you around the research institute. Although it's not long old, some of the equipment is quite interesting."

"Perhaps it can help you relax and change your perspective."

Professor Sakuragi didn't care too much whether Ash won or lost.

Winning would be even better.

Losing is no big deal.

How can there be no failures on the road of life?

For Professor Pokémon, research failures are commonplace.

Nine out of ten research projects will fail.

For the next half hour, Professor Sakuragi led Ash and his two friends on a tour of the research institute, showing them some of the research equipment and projects that were not classified.

Sota excitedly followed beside him, asking all sorts of questions.

Xiaochun quietly hugged her plush toy, occasionally whispering a few words to Pikachu.

Xiaohao, on the other hand, followed at the back with a gloomy face, his gaze occasionally darting towards Xiaozhi's back, seemingly plotting something.

After the visit, Ash and his two friends said goodbye and left.

As soon as I stepped out of the research institute's gate.

Xiaoxia couldn't help but exclaim, "That Ma Xueshi is absolutely despicable!"

"It's clearly his own problem, but he's shifting the blame onto you!"

If I hadn't known I couldn't beat them...

Xiaoxia is now preparing to go to Ma Zhishi's house and teach him a lesson.

“This is a form of pressure and psychological warfare,” Xiao Gang said calmly, arms crossed.

"He wanted to make Ash uneasy during the challenge, so that he would be more likely to expose his weaknesses."

"However, he underestimated Ash's ability to withstand pressure."

Xiao Gang trusts Xiao Zhi completely.

As for the reason?

No reason.

If I had to describe it... it's a feeling, a convincing feeling.

Some people are born with a strong personal charisma.

Ash smiled, didn't say much, but quickened his pace: "Let's go back to the Pokémon Center first. We need to talk to Desmond about this."

At least there's good news: Xiaoming was introduced to Professor Sakuragi, wasn't that right?

-

Inside the Pokémon Center.

Xiao Ming was feeding the pangolin, whose injuries had stabilized, and the gloom on his face had not completely disappeared.

Upon hearing Xiaozhi recount the conversation with Lt. Surge and the promise to "determine whether to stop based on his performance," he abruptly raised his head, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"How...how could he do this!" Xiaoming clenched his fists, feeling both anger towards Lt. Surge and guilt towards Xiaozhi. "Isn't this just putting all the pressure on you? It's all because of me..."

"No, this has nothing to do with you." Ash interrupted him, his tone firm. "Even without you, I would still challenge him. It's just that now I have an extra reason to win even more spectacularly."

"But his Raichu was too strong..." Xiaoming recalled the terrifying power, still feeling lingering fear. "My Sandshrew couldn't even withstand a single hit..."

"So we need to come up with a strategy." Ash's gaze swept over his companions.

The Pikachu on his shoulder has sharp eyes, and the Poké Ball at his waist contains a reliable Gyarados and Pidgeotto.

“Lt. Surge believes in the supremacy of evolution. His Raichu’s power and voltage are far superior to those of ordinary Raichu, making a head-on confrontation very disadvantageous.”

If Ma Xueshi brings out his first-team main players.

Then Ash has no chance of winning.

He's only been traveling for a short time now. Even if his progress accelerates rapidly, if he wants to beat the main force of the Massion Team... he can only think of using cheat codes?

Unfortunately, the cheat wasn't powerful enough.

Based on the current progress estimate.

Ash felt that only after winning the Indigo League Championship and becoming an elite trainer would he be qualified to face off against ordinary Gym Leaders.

The Indigo League champion is a regular gym leader, not a league champion.

Tournament Champion ≈ Gym Leader < Elite Four < League Champion

Just as the group was gathered together, intensely discussing how to use Pikachu's speed, lightning rod properties, and potential environmental factors to counter Raichu, a gentle voice broke in.

"Perhaps... this can be of some help to you."

Several people turned around.

Miss Joey walked over at some point.

She was holding a delicate little box in her hands.

Upon opening it, inside was a yellow stone flashing with dazzling electric light—the Thunder Stone!

"Miss Joy?" Ash was somewhat surprised.

Miss Joey wore her usual gentle smile, but a rare sharpness flickered in her eyes:

"The Lt. Surge Gym Leader's recent actions have indeed brought a lot of unnecessary burden and pain to the Pokémon Center and trainers."

"As Nurse Joy, we hope to see trainers and Pokémon grow together, not have their confidence ruthlessly crushed."

She handed the box to Ash: "This Thunder Stone is of no use to me."

"Pikachu is a very special Pokémon; evolution is not its only option."

"However, the right to choose should be in your own hands."

"Or, could it also become part of the tactics?"

Joy continued, "If possible... I hope that during the gym battle, you can teach that arrogant guy a good, good lesson for me, and for all these injured trainers and Pokémon!"

"Let him understand that the purpose of Pokémon is not to ruthlessly crush, but to protect and guide!"

Just as Dr. Sakuragi said, Miss Joy was indeed somewhat dissatisfied with Lt. Surge's decision to increase her workload.

Pokémon evolution stones are not particularly expensive.

But the one Miss Joey brought out was clearly in particularly good condition.

Ash looked at the Thunder Stone brimming with energy, then at Pikachu perched on his shoulder, its eyes fixed on the stone, clearly showing no interest in evolution stones, and a sudden realization dawned on him.

He solemnly accepted the box—after all, why not take it if it's free?

"Thank you, Miss Joey."

"We will make good use of this stone."

Xiao Zhi smiled confidently.

"As for the lesson... don't worry, I'll make sure he has a 'memorable' battle, for everyone's sake too!"

That's what they say, but how do we deal with Ma Tsz-shi?

...While we should make good use of the [lightning rod]'s properties, we can't win with just that.

"Here's a little tip for you~~" Nurse Joy was clearly pleased as Ash accepted the evolution stone.

"Mass won't use his original main force to deal with the newcomers."

"But apart from his main player, the other Raichus are not good at speed."

"All of Lt. Surge's Pikachu evolve into Raichu too early."

……

……

(Going to catch up on sleep... I posted 18,000 words today... I can't take it anymore... After all, I've been writing two or three articles at a time and don't have many drafts saved up...)

(By the way, has anyone guessed... how I'm planning to let Pikachu win?)

(Hehehe~~(?????))

(Please vote, please tip! (o ? o )?)

Chapter 61 The key to victory lies in [deception]

The night is getting darker.

Only Ash and Pikachu remained in the room at the Pokémon Center.

A notebook lay open on the table, covered with hastily drawn tactical sketches.

"Partner, tomorrow's tough battle depends on you."

Ash gently stroked Pikachu's forehead: "Lt. Surge's Raichu has power and battery levels far exceeding ordinary levels. We have no chance of winning in a head-on confrontation."

Yes, even if we get the crucial information from Miss Joy that Raichu, whom Lt. Surge used to deal with the Challenger, isn't good at speed, it's still true.

The difference in social class is real.

Even if it's not a main Pokémon, Lt. Surge's Raichu is still way above average.

“Pikachu…” Pikachu nodded seriously, its little paws clenched, and a faint spark of electricity flashed from the electric sac on its cheek.

“We must play to our strengths and avoid our weaknesses… Your advantage is that you are much more agile than Raichu, and faster.” Ash’s pen tip touched one of the sketches, which depicted Pikachu’s trajectory as it used Quick Attack to constantly change positions.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will definitely win.

But if you want to win, you must control the pace and not get carried away.

Soldiers never tire of deceit.