"So now you get it, right?" Misty said firmly, arms crossed as she stood her ground. "Catching a Caterpie can give you quick strength in the early game, sure. But once you hit the higher leagues, Professional level and beyond, Bug-types fall behind.
Unless you specialize in them. Only a Trainer who dedicates themselves to Bug-types can bring out their true potential and maybe even push them beyond their limits."
Her tone softened just a little. "That's why most people leave Bug-types to Bug Catchers and a handful of specialists. Without focus, they'll never keep up."
Ash smiled back at her with an easy confidence that made Pikachu's ears perk. "I hear you, Misty. But this Caterpie is different. And if I want to take down my first Gym, I need more Pokémon. Besides…" His eyes gleamed. "No matter what kind of Pokémon they are, I believe I can train them to be strong, really strong. Trust me."
That grin of his, reckless, childish, but unshakably determined, caught Misty off guard. The words she had lined up to scold him with… vanished.
For some reason, she believed him.
Ash crept closer to the Caterpie. The little green Pokémon munched happily on leaves, oblivious. As Ash's Insight Eye activated, data shimmered before his vision.
Species: Caterpie
Gender: Male
Level: Novice – Intermediate
Ability: Shield Dust
Stats: XXX
Attack: D (C)
Special Attack: C (B)
Defense: D (C)
Special Defense: D (B)
HP: D (B)
Speed: D (A)
Ash's eyes widened. 'This Caterpie's talent is amazing…'
Aside from its physical Attack and Defense, all its other stats capped at B-rank, with Speed even reaching A-rank.
Along the way, he'd passed on dozens of Caterpie, none of them breaking past E-rank potential. In a forest this big, Ash had gambled that he'd eventually find one with at least C or B-level talent. And here it was.
For most Pokémon, C-rank potential is already considered decent. B-rank is one-in-a-thousand rare. A-rank? That's one-in-ten-thousand, sometimes one-in-a-hundred-thousand. And S-rank? Forget it. Unless you're looking at a Legendary, you might never see one in a lifetime.
After fighting and scanning more than thirty Bug-types, and encountering nearly a hundred in total, Ash had realized something else too: Bug-type Pokémon tended to have lower natural caps than other Pokémon. That, more than anything, explained why they were harder to raise in the late stages.
But this Caterpie was different. Not only was it overall B-rank, it had an A-rank Speed, perfect for quick strikes and fast evolutions.
Ash clenched his fist. 'Yeah. This Caterpie is the one. I'm catching him.'
"Let's battle, Caterpie!" Ash pumped his fist, eyes blazing.
The little green Pokémon paused mid-munch, tilted its head curiously at him… then went right back to nibbling its leaf.
Ash: "..."
"Pikachu, use Thunder Shock!"
"Pika-pika!" Pikachu bounded off Ash's shoulder, cheeks sparking before releasing a crackling bolt of lightning. The electricity struck the ground right beside Caterpie, kicking up dirt and making the Bug Pokémon hop in surprise.
It wasn't an attack, but a warning. A declaration of challenge.
Caterpie blinked its large eyes. Then, with a wiggle of its antennae, it finally squared up, determination shining in its gaze.
"That's more like it! You can finish your meal after you join my team! Pikachu, Quick Attack!"
"Pika!" Pikachu blurred forward, a golden streak tearing across the grass.
"Pi-i-i-i!" Caterpie countered by spitting a sticky String Shot!
But Pikachu tapped the ground lightly and veered aside, slipping past the white silk. With another push, Pikachu slammed shoulder-first into Caterpie.
"Bang!" The Bug-type tumbled across the dirt.
Ash pumped his arm. "Now, Pikachu, Thunder Shock!"
"Pika…CHU!!" Lightning arced through the air, zapping Caterpie squarely. The little bug squeaked in pain, then collapsed, too stunned to move.
"Now's our chance! Go, Poké Ball!"
Ash hurled his very first empty Poké Ball with perfect aim. The capsule struck Caterpie, popped open, and sucked it inside with a flash of red light.
Shake… shake… shake…click!
Ash dashed forward and scooped it up, eyes wide with joy. "I… I caught Caterpie!"
"Pika-pikachu!!" Pikachu cheered, punching the air.
Ash grinned so hard his cheeks hurt. Ever since he left Pallet Town, he'd dreamed of catching all sorts of Pokémon, but he'd held back, following the advice of the veterans in the group chat: focus on Pikachu first, don't rush. And now, after waiting, this was his first partner.
Meanwhile, Misty stood off to the side, her lips twitching. Of all things, a Caterpie? She hugged her arms tightly, trying not to shiver. Bug-types weren't her problem, it was crawly, caterpillar-like bodies she couldn't stand. Maybe once it evolved into a Metapod she'd survive being near it… but until then, she'd keep her distance.
Ash, however, held the Poké Ball proudly, remembering Tactician Ash's words from the chat the night before:
[Tactician Ash: "For Pewter Gym, Grass- or Water-types are the best, they completely counter Rock-types. But if you can't find one in time, then I recommend catching… Caterpie."]