(Note: This version of Ash knows Pokémon from the games, but not much about the anime's original plot. Think of him as an upgraded, more intelligent version of Ash without the usual level resets.)
Pikachu the so-called "Electric Mouse Pokémon."
They were everywhere in Kanto.
Common as Rattata.
Most never became strong, even after evolving into Raichu. Only a few ever reached true mastery.
But Gary Oak had always known Ash's Pikachu was different.
Since they were kids, he'd felt it this Pikachu was in a league of its own.
Its attacks, its speed, even the way it thought everything about it screamed monster-level potential.
If it were any other Pikachu, Gary would've confidently fought it with the Squirtle he'd just received.
But this Pikachu?
He'd only stand a chance after his Squirtle evolved into Blastoise. Maybe.
"Let's go!" Gary smirked, flipping his hair dramatically. "See you at the Indigo Plateau Conference! Try not to wet your pants before then!"
Without waiting for a reply, he strutted off with his cheering entourage.
Ash chuckled. "What a tsundere."
He waved at Gary's retreating figure, shaking his head. "Just say you want to battle me again, sheesh."
Putting the thought aside, Ash turned toward Professor Oak's Laboratory.
He wasn't here for a new Pokémon he already had Pikachu.
His real goal was the Pokédex.
Unlike in the games, not every rookie trainer could get one. Only those recognized by the Pokémon League or directly recommended by a researcher were allowed to own one.
As Ash stepped inside, the faint hum of machines filled the air.
Professor Oak stood in front of a computer, typing rapidly.
"Good morning, Professor Oak," Ash greeted. "I'm here for my Pokédex."
"Pika!" Pikachu added with a cheerful wave of its tail.
Oak paused mid-typing, then turned around, smiling. "Ah, Ash! Right on time. Give me a moment—I'm having someone teleport your starter Pokémon over."
Ash blinked. "My… starter Pokémon?"
He tilted his head. "Professor, isn't my starter Pikachu?"
Oak chuckled and waved his hand dismissively.
"Now, now, that Pikachu you took in during summer camp isn't officially League-registered. You adopted it. It doesn't count as your official Starter."
He adjusted his glasses and continued, "Besides, you've been helping me for years, and you're practically an assistant researcher. It wouldn't be right if you didn't have a League-certified starter Pokémon."
"Oh here it comes!"
Before Ash could argue, the transporter on the side table lit up.
A burst of white light flashed across the lab, followed by a solid click! as a Poké Ball materialized on the pad.
Oak walked over, carefully picking it up.
"Here, Ash. This is your official Starter Pokémon. I think you'll like this little one."
Ash hesitated but accepted it.
Why send a Pokémon from somewhere else? he wondered.
Usually, a new trainer just picked one of the three Kanto starters from the lab's incubators.
Still curious, he pressed the release button.
A burst of light emerged—revealing a small, frog-like Pokémon standing before him.
Its skin was pale blue and glossy, with soft white foam circling its neck like a scarf.
Large yellow eyes blinked up at him curiously.
Its movements were cautious, graceful… almost noble.
Ash froze.
He knew that face.
One of the three starters from the Kalos Region Froakie!
"Professor Oak," Ash asked slowly, "this… this is from Kalos, right? How did I end up with a Froakie?"
Oak smiled but said nothing. "How do you feel about him? Looks like he likes you already."
Ash turned toward Froakie, who was still staring directly at him—eyes bright, expression unreadable.
But beneath that watchful gaze, Ash sensed something deeper.
Scrutiny.
Vigilance.
And… closeness?
He felt a strange warmth in his chest—an instinctive connection he couldn't explain.
Is this… the same Froakie that shares a special bond with me?
He knelt down slowly, meeting the Pokémon's gaze. "Hey there, buddy."
Froakie didn't move away. Its bubble-collar rustled softly, but its eyes softened, almost as if answering his question without words.
Oak chuckled. "You know, that Froakie's a bit of a troublemaker. Professor Sycamore over in Kalos said no trainer ever wanted him. Maybe he was just waiting for the right partner."
Ash glanced back, surprised. "So this Froakie came all the way from Professor Sycamore's lab?"
"That's right," Oak said with a wink. "Seems he finally found the one he was meant for."
Ash smiled faintly. "Then I'll take good care of him."
Curious, he activated his Entry System and scanned Froakie.
[Name]: Froakie
[Gender]: Male
[Trainer]: None
[Type]: Water
[Level]: Beginner Tier
[Ability]: Protean (Transform)
[Moves]: Quick Attack, Bubble, Tackle, Growl
[Talent]: Champion
[Special Move]: None
[Entries]:
- Power of Bonds (Gold)
- Ninja Expertise (Orange)
- Superior Intelligence (Purple)
- Rapid Leveling (Purple)
- Water Mage (Purple)
Ash's eyes widened slightly.
He read the descriptions carefully.
[Power of Bonds (Gold)]
Able to resonate with Ash, generating a special energy called "Bond Power." Greatly enhances all attributes and synchronizes with the Trainer's will. The closer the bond, the stronger the effect.
[Ninja Expertise (Orange)]
When using ninja-like combat methods, move power and technique mastery increase by 50%.
[Superior Intelligence (Purple)]
Possesses above-average battle IQ, capable of analyzing tactics mid-fight.
[Rapid Leveling (Purple)]
Before reaching the Elite tier, level-up speed increases by 80%.
[Water Mage (Purple)]
All Water-type moves gain +10% power.
Ash couldn't help but grin.
"So that's it… the legendary bond ability."
No wonder Froakie felt so familiar it already carried the Power of Bonds entry, a trait that could sync perfectly with him.
It was fate.
"Looks like it's you and me from now on," Ash said, crouching to offer his hand.
"Froakie." The little frog touched his palm gently, a spark of light flickering between them for just a second.
Professor Oak smiled warmly at the sight.
"Seems he's already chosen you, Ash. Make sure to live up to that trust."
Ash nodded firmly. "You can count on it, Professor."
Outside, sunlight streamed through the lab windows.
Pikachu hopped onto Ash's shoulder, glancing curiously at Froakie, who returned the look with cool confidence.
Two pairs of eyes met—and both seemed to recognize something in the other.
A spark of rivalry.
A promise of teamwork.
Ash grinned. "Heh. Looks like things are about to get a lot more interesting."
(End of Chapter 3)