Chapter 27 Pikachu's Evolution Item: Electric Amplifier
2024-05-15 Author: Samsung Charmander
"Pika?"
"Awoo~"
"Pika?"
"Awoo~"
Soon, the two Pokemon had engaged in a round of Dragon Language Communication.
The other three Ordinary humans could only stare blankly from the side.
"Pika pika."
After a moment, Pikachu leaped down from the Rock Platform. It gestured wildly towards the three of them, as if trying to express something.
"Let me. I share a Fated Connection with Pikachu, so I can definitely understand what it's saying."
Ash stepped forward, taking the lead with an expression of utter confidence.
He rubbed his eyes and looked directly at Pikachu on the Ground.
Combining its series of physical gestures with its facial expressions, Ash felt a sense of their Bond slowly connecting them, allowing him to gradually grasp what the Pokémon was trying to say.
"Oh, oh, this Charmander has been engaged in Arduous Training here, and it wants us unrelated people to leave quickly, right?" Ash slowly translated.
Pikachu: "?"
The two behind him could only tentatively agree with this assessment.
After all, they didn't have a Bond with Pikachu. In this situation, Ash, with his Fated Connection, seemed more plausible.
Besides, if it really was Arduous Training, that would explain its exhausted Condition.
Wild Pokémon had their own World, and Humans really shouldn't disturb someone's training.
"What a shame..."
Ash sighed inwardly and chose to leave.
It seemed that a Catch was out of the question, since the Charmander was telling them to go away.
Pikachu: "?"
Charmander: "?"
It wanted Ash to help it find its Trainer!
Soon, the three of them arrived at a Pokémon Center in a Mountain Cabin located Mid-mountain.
Just as they pushed open the main door, a clap of thunder exploded outside.
*Tap, tap, tap...!*
In no time at all, a torrential downpour began.
"To think it's still persisting with its Arduous Training even in this weather. What an admirable Charmander," Ash couldn't help but look up and remark wistfully as he watched the heavy rain outside.
He then glanced at his feet, where Pikachu stood just outside the entrance, shaking water from its body. His expression changed to one of disappointment, as if looking at a hopeless case.
"Pikachu, why don't you go get soaked in the rain too? Maybe you'll evolve by tomorrow."
Pikachu: "?"
"Pikachu's Evolution doesn't come from Arduous Training. I heard it relies on a certain kind of Item," Misty couldn't help but interject.
What kind of Trainer doesn't even know how his own Pokemon evolves?
"An Item?"
Ash's interest was piqued. He pulled out his Pokedex and asked, "Pokedex, oh Pokedex, tell me, what Item does Pikachu need to evolve?"
"Beep-beep. Searching for Pikachu's evolution item..."
The Pokedex emitted a string of incomprehensible Electronic Voice as its CPU whirred to life and began its search.
"Search complete. This search took 27 seconds, surpassing 1% of all Pokedexes nationwide. Fantastic! Beep-beep. Pikachu's Evolution Item: Electric Amplifier."
Brock and Misty: "?"
Pikachu: "?"
"An Electric Amplifier, huh? Sounds pretty high-tech..."
Ash, however, lowered his head and pondered for a moment. He had never heard of this Item in his life.
But evolving meant gaining immense Combat Power, which was a very appealing prospect.
Although his Pikachu was still in its Growth Stage, preparing its evolution Item in advance wasn't a bad idea.
"So, where do I find this Item..."
Ash pushed open the door and went inside. The two following him exchanged a slightly dumbfounded look.
"An Electric Amplifier?"
"Why do I remember it being a Thunder Stone?"
The two whispered to each other.
Inside the Pokémon Center's Mountain Cabin.
Though small, it was fully equipped with Medical Equipment, Accommodation Facilities, and the classic Nurse Joy and Chansey Combo Set.
The three found a dining table, planning to have a good meal and rest.
*BOOM!*
Another clap of thunder echoed from outside. The once clear Sky was now filled with Dark Clouds, and the atmosphere had become grim and ominous, as if a dangerous storm was brewing.
Ash, who was usually enthusiastic about food, frowned. The Curry Rice in front of him suddenly lost its appeal.
"Hey, Brock, if it keeps up its Arduous Training like this, it's going to get itself killed, right?" he asked tentatively, his expression worried.
Brock and Misty immediately lost their appetite as well. They obviously knew what Ash meant; he was worried about the Charmander from before.
"Pika!"
At that moment, Pikachu, who was beside them, finally couldn't take it anymore.
It jumped up and kicked Ash in the knee, trying to point out his terrible translation earlier.
*Your whole family is doing Arduous Training in the pouring rain!*
"What's wrong, Pikachu? You don't like today's Electric Mouse-flavored Rations? Here, I'll give you my Curry Rice."
Ash paid no mind to Pikachu, subconsciously pushing the plate of Curry Rice in front of it.
Pikachu: "?"
Although it was completely baffled, it wasn't going to turn down Curry Rice.
Pikachu lowered its head and began to feast, deciding to eat first and explain properly after it was full.
*Tap, tap, tap.*
While the three were still lost in their troubled thoughts, another group of people hurried into the Pokémon Center.
They were a few years older than Ash's group and, judging by their attire, looked like a bunch of rowdy youths.
Paying no mind to Ash and his friends, they sat down directly at the table next to them.
"This rain is such a drag!"
"Speaking of which, big bro Dayou, you're amazing! Catching so many Pokemon so quickly."
"I, Kenjiro the Bug Catcher, declare you the strongest!"
The Youth named Dayou, who was the center of attention, leaned back with his hands behind his head, tilting his body back and crossing his legs, looking thoroughly pleased with himself.
"Hahaha, I'm the future League Champion! Of course my starting point would be this high."
He then placed a large pile of Poké Balls on the table. There were more than twenty of them, rolling about chaotically on the tabletop.
"But big bro Dayou, where's that Charmander of yours?"
"Oh, you mean Charmander? That weak Pokemon couldn't even beat a single Gyarados. I already ditched it," Dayou said, waving his hand dismissively.
Then, as if remembering something, he threw his head back and laughed smugly.
"I even told it to wait for me in the mountains, that I'd be right back for it. Haha, that idiot actually believed me!"
"As expected of big bro Dayou, so devious!"
"Awesome!"
His underlings immediately showered him with flattery, causing Dayou to once again wag his leg smugly and laugh aloud.
At that moment, a Shadow fell over his head.
A low voice sounded next to his ear. The voice trembled slightly, laced with an immense, suppressed fury.
"So, you were the one who abandoned that Charmander...?"
Somehow, Ash was already standing behind him.
His usually cheerful expression was now incredibly solemn, even furious.
"What's it to..."
Before Dayou could finish his sentence, a sharp whistling sound cut through the air.
It was immediately followed by a sharp pain on the side of his face.
*Smack!*
A crisp slap echoed through the room.
Dayou's entire body, starting from his face, was sent flying by a tremendous force, crashing onto the floor.
Ash had slapped him.
He had said it before: if he saw someone casually abandon their Pokemon, he would take action.
"You brat, you damn Caterpie!!"
After a moment of shock, Dayou scrambled up from the Ground, clutching his face in a rage, the veins on his forehead bulging.
Was this guy insane? How dare he hit the great him!?
Even his underlings were stunned.
They knew how to handle a Pokemon Battle, but a real-life brawl? They'd never learned that!
Maybe they should just cheer from the sidelines for now?
"Don't fight, don't fight! You can't kill anyone like this!"
Brock and Misty were also stunned by Ash's sudden move. They never expected this normally goofy Youth to have such a volatile side.
They exchanged a look and rushed forward to break up the fight.
Brock held back Dayou, while Misty held back Ash.
"Let go of me! I'm going to beat that country bumpkin to a pulp!" Dayou roared hysterically.
Brock: "No! Fighting is wrong!"
He held Dayou's body tightly. No matter what, a physical fight between people was never right.
"Let go of me! I'm going to beat that city slicker to a pulp!" Ash roared back in a frenzy.
Misty: "Okay."
Dayou: "?"
Misty released her hands, and Ash shot forward like a wild Arcanine that had broken its reins.
His last punch had landed on Dayou's left cheek. This time, he swung with a powerful right hook.
Dayou tried to move, but he found his limbs and body seemed to be bound by some kind of Rock and steel, rendering him completely immobile.
*Whoosh—Thud!*
The next instant, the heavy punch slammed into Dayou's right cheek!
The powerful force sent his head spinning. By the time he righted himself, he was already in a Flickering State.
Ash had beaten Dayou to a pulp!
"The Pokémon Center is not a place for fighting!"
Only after the two blows had landed did Nurse Joy leisurely appear, righteously putting a stop to the private brawl between Trainers.
"Please stop fighting immediately, or your Trainer licenses will be revoked!"
"You're right. It's my fault."
Having vented his Rage, Ash quickly bowed and apologized to Nurse Joy, admitting that he shouldn't have started a fight.
Then, without waiting for Dayou's reaction, he grabbed a Raincoat and bolted out of the Pokémon Center.
Beating someone up wasn't the priority right now. The priority was that Charmander!
Brock and Misty quickly chased after him.
After the three left, a stunned Dayou finally came to his senses.
He furiously pointed in the direction they had run and roared, "Nurse Joy, they assaulted me! Revoke their Trainer licenses, quickly!"
"I'm sorry, but that would require a Video Recording as evidence. This Pokémon Center is too small and has no Camera."
Nurse Joy merely gave him a dismissive glance before slowly walking towards the medical room inside.
By the looks of it, she was going to prepare the medical facilities for that Charmander in advance.
Dayou: "..."
Dayou was left standing there, looking utterly awkward.