"Moreover, I'm quite confident in my eyesight. Before the battle, Pikachu's level should have been Advanced Level, right? How did it become Elite Level once the battle started?"
"And what are those Surf and that strange high-speed Electric Type Move? Are those moves that Pikachu can learn?"
These questions had been piling up in Lt. Surge's mind since the battle began, and only now could he ask Ash.
Generally speaking, this should be a Trainer's secret. How to train Pokemon, and how to make them unique, are the Trainer's exclusive secrets. How could you tell others?
But Lt. Surge was utterly confused. He also plays with Pikachu, and he even uses Pikachu's evolved form. How could he not know what moves Pikachu can learn and what level of ability values they have?
Even if he had wasted Raichu's ability values through training, Pikachu is inherently weaker than Raichu in terms of species capability. Even if its ability values are better trained, it should still fall far behind in terms of levels!
In theory, Raichu should still have the advantage.
Besides, there are those two incomprehensible moves Pikachu used, the diversity in its moves, and the sudden level increase when the battle started...
Everything about it seemed too strange. Is this really a Pikachu? Or is it a Legendary Beast in disguise pretending to be a Pikachu?
Ash paused, then shook his head: "Sorry, Lt. Surge, it's a secret between Pikachu and me. I can only tell you that my Pikachu is special. Whether it's Zippy Zap or Splishy Splash, only he can use those moves. Other Pikachu cannot learn them."
"As for the level increase...you probably saw it wrong. Why don't you check what level my Pikachu is now?"
Upon hearing this, Lt. Surge looked at the Pikachu at Ash's feet, his expression startled, then he rubbed his eyes and looked carefully again.
How...how could this happen? Wasn't it Advanced Level just now, so how did it become Elite Level?
Just then, Pikachu's hat was back on Ash's head, confirming that Elite Level was indeed Pikachu's current level.
From starting as an Ordinary Intermediate to reaching Elite Level in just over a month, the speed of improvement on Pikachu was nothing short of astonishing.
After repeatedly confirming Pikachu was indeed at Elite Level, Lt. Surge could only mutter regretfully that he must have seen it wrong.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Ash waved goodbye to Lt. Surge.
Before leaving, Lt. Surge asked one last question, why Ash called him Uncle Surge.
Though his age justified that title from Ash, generally speaking, for someone you meet for the first time and do not have fond feelings towards, the person should be addressed by name or as Gym Leader.
In response, Ash said it just felt fluent to him, so he said it that way.
In reality, the tactic was discussed within their group, so that's why Ash subconsciously called him Uncle Surge.
After leaving the Vermillion Gym, Misty curiously asked on the way to the Pokemon Center, "Ash, what's up with that Splishy Splash move of Pikachu's? Is that Surf? Did you rename it yourself?"
Amused, Ash looked at the Pikachu in his arms and said, "That's not just Surf but with electric power infused into it, which has a chance to paralyze the opponent after hitting them. That's why the name was changed."
"I originally wanted to call it Electric Surf. Doesn't it sound descriptive? But Pikachu said he didn't want repetitive names, so we changed it to Splishy Splash. As for how Splishy Splash was learned...Pikachu suddenly grasped it on his own. I guess Team Rocket has some justification in constantly chasing after my Pikachu."
Concluding with a shrug, Ash continued, though he really disliked Team Rocket's trio, their judgment wasn't half bad. ![.
So Pikachu came up with that name...no wonder it has such taste. Misty thought to herself, feeling a sense of satisfaction.
While Ash was reluctant to share anything with Lt. Surge, he was open and honest with her, undoubtedly seeing her as one of his own. Reflecting on Ash subconsciously shielding her earlier, Misty couldn't help but walk with an added spring in her step.
Upon reaching the Pokemon Center, Ash first called his mother Delia to share the good news and then called Professor Oak.
"Congratulations Ash, on getting your third Gym Badge; your progress is quite impressive, matching Gary's pace."
"Gary? How many badges has that guy collected now?" Ash asked, having not heard of Gary in a while, he'd almost forgotten about him. After all, he hadn't taken a break during his journey, continuously enriching himself.
The countryside pests and such were long forgotten in the Jawa Country.
"He's also acquired three badges, but he headed to Celadon City first. His next target seems to be Vermilion City, so he should arrive within a day or two."
After briefly discussing Gary's whereabouts, Professor Oak suddenly said, "By the way, Professor Cerise's institute is opening today; if you have time, perhaps you could attend to show your support."
Professor Cerise? Ash paused, recalling the familiar yet unfamiliar name.
Professor Cerise was a student of Professor Oak's and a promising researcher in the field. He frequently visited Pallet Town to collaborate with Professor Oak on Pokemon research.
Ash had met him several times, and each time, he brought his daughter along. Over time, Ash became friends with his daughter.