Just like Misty's previous choice of one versus three, it's a judgment made by the Gym Leader himself. Whenever there's a perceived imbalance between their Pokemon and the challenger's, they choose a method to balance it out for the challenger.
Ash's current challenge of the highest difficulty to Lt. Surge isn't truly the highest difficulty. The true highest difficulty would involve facing at least two or more of Lt. Surge's strongest Pokemon. Right now, the only one Ash can use to fight the Gym Leader head-on is his fully-powered Pikachu.
If he were up against two... even Pikachu might not win, which is why Ash provokes with words, challenging the highest difficulty while limiting the opponent to use only one Pokemon, enabling a one-on-one duel!
However, Lt. Surge, upon hearing this, had a peculiar expression on his face, looking at Ash as if he were a fool: "Kid, do you know what level my Raichu is?"
"Professional Level."
"You know and still dare to challenge my Raichu? And with a Pikachu, no less? Kid, everyone has their limits!" Lt. Surge was amused by Ash. Even overconfidence has its limits, doesn't it? If Ash used another Pokemon, Lt. Surge might suspect Ash was hiding something, but to use Pikachu?
Lt. Surge, as the Gym Leader, immediately detected Pikachu's level as Advanced Level!
He wasn't entirely sure which specific stage of Advanced Level, but it was clear it hadn't reached Elite Level.
Not even at Elite Level and daring to challenge a Professional Level Raichu? Isn't this just a death wish?
"Just say whether you want to battle or not. If you're afraid of a duel, you could also go with the medium difficulty challenge you mentioned."
"Kid, you've piqued my interest. I hope when your Pikachu is being thrashed by Raichu, you'll be as cocky as you are now." Lt. Surge cracked a menacing smile, already imagining Pikachu being stomped by Raichu and Ash crying beside him.
Beside them, two of Lt. Surge's subordinates, gym staff members, were chatting and discussing the situation between their Gym Leader and Ash. For days, numerous trainers have been thoroughly defeated by Lt. Surge. Yet, none made him use his Raichu!
This time, the challenger just bumped into the muzzle of the gun.
Under the slightly mocking eyes of the two staff members, Ash and Lt. Surge each stood on opposite sides of the field.
"Go, Raichu."
Lt. Surge was the first to release his Pokemon. The Pokeball opened on the field, and with a flash of light, a large, earth-colored mouse appeared in the arena.
In comparison to Pikachu, Raichu was significantly larger, and its color and shape were not as appealing. If appearances are what you care about, Pikachu's form is better.
But if it's power you're after, Raichu is undoubtedly a whole tier stronger than Pikachu.
Ash took a glance at Raichu's information.
Power: Professional Junior Level, Ability Static, Six-dimensional Ability... Speed E, all others just D!
Ash was astonished when he saw Raichu's six-dimensional abilities. What kind of breeding could make a Pokemon this trashy?
Yes, trashy!
That's the first impression this Raichu gave Ash.
Breeding a Pokemon isn't just about level-raising; enhancing ability value is also crucial.
Why is it said that behind every successful trainer is a breeder? Because only a breeder can develop a Pokemon's potential at the current stage, allowing its maximum capacity to be higher upon leveling up.
If you only focus on leveling, even if a Pokemon reaches Champion Level, it might not be able to defeat well-bred Elites in terms of raw power.
Though generally, Pokemon reaching Champion Level aren't poorly bred...
To see a Professional Level Pokemon with all six-dimensional abilities at D, and some at E—like the Raichu before him, was Ash's first time.
This was the first Professional Level Pokemon he'd seen, yet it didn't stop him from thinking this Pokemon is poorly bred.
"How about that, are you scared by my Raichu? Been one month since you started, and it's unlikely you've encountered a Professional Level, or even seen one, right? Look at the aura emanating from Raichu. Your Pikachu is already trembling."
Scared? Certainly, he hasn't seen such a poorly bred Pokemon in his month-long journey.
Ash glanced at the Pikachu at his feet. Pikachu was indeed trembling, but was it out of fear? No, it was itching to rush out and smack Raichu around.
"I haven't seen Professional Level, but I have seen Divine Domain Level. Your Raichu is far from it."
Lt. Surge: ???
What kind of nonsense is he spouting? Divine Domain Level! I might as well say I've seen the Creator God!
Can't win so starting with psychological warfare, huh?
"It's you, Pikachu. Show them your power; even if he evolves, we've got a way to get stronger without evolving." Ash said, squatting and placing his cap on Pikachu's head.
Behind Ash, Misty and Brock saw this scene, their expressions froze, "It's happening? A Pikachu with the hat!"
Previously, when battling Misty, the Pikachu with the hat was a whole new level from its usual self!