Eddie, who possessed the power of Viridian, could sense Pikachu's emotions with ease.
Its emotions were filled with reluctance and disdain, as if it was unwilling to be subdued. Was it disdain for Ash?
It seemed that there was only one reason why Pikachu was disobedient and even Thunder Shocked Ash.
This Pikachu was arrogant, powerful, and had great potential. Eddie believed that this wild Pikachu, with the potential of a master, was probably the only one of its kind in the world.
Moreover, this special Pikachu was carrying a Light Ball. Eddie didn't think Ash had such a valuable item—it must have been Pikachu's own doing. With the Light Ball, Pikachu's strength wasn't as simple as its displayed level. Eddie suspected it could defeat a level 30 opponent.
Eddie didn't believe Ash could defeat this Pikachu in a direct confrontation. So, had he used an alternative method to subdue it?
Although Pikachu had Thunder Shocked Ash, it hadn't exerted much effort. The electricity left no lasting effects or pain, other than a slight numbness.
From this, it seemed that Pikachu wasn't the type of irritable Pokémon. Even when it electrocuted Ash, it controlled its power. It simply wasn't convinced by Ash and refused to listen to him.
"Frogadier, separate them."
Upon hearing this, Frogadier shot out a Ice Beam, creating a barrier between Ash and Pikachu, who were running in circles.
Both Pikachu and Ash stopped immediately and turned to look at Eddie.
"Ash, can I ask how you subdued this Pikachu? If I know the reason, I might be able to figure out why it's disobedient."
Eddie was curious about how Ash had managed to subdue this exceptional Pikachu. If they had fought head-on, even Ash's Bulbasaur would have been electrocuted.
"Well, it was causing trouble in a small town, so I went to help catch it."
Ash recounted the story, a hint of pride in his voice. "Bulbasaur came out first, and it didn't seem to be at full strength at first. After Bulbasaur resisted Thunder Shock, I used Sleep Powder to make it fall asleep, then I captured it."
"Pika~~~Chuuuuu!!!"
Ash was suddenly electrocuted again by Pikachu, and the chase resumed.
Eddie, watching Ash being shocked, gave him a cold stare and said two words: "You deserve it."
Honestly, Ash's tactics weren't too underhanded.
He had used Sleep Powder to make the enemy sleep, then captured the Pokémon.
This was a standard method for Grass-type Pokémon, useful both in battles and when catching new Pokémon.
Unfortunately, Pikachu didn't seem to accept it.
It likely felt tricked—put to sleep and captured before it even had a chance to fight at full strength.
Arrogant Pokémon, especially ones with as much potential and strength as Pikachu, didn't like being caught that way. It was a miracle it hadn't simply run away.
"Alright, alright, if you don't want to fight, don't fight. Don't shock me. Go back to the Poké Ball."
Ash spoke in a gentle tone and returned Pikachu to its Poké Ball.
"… Ash, your Pikachu doesn't seem to completely ignore you. You should work on getting along with it in the future."
Eddie looked at Pikachu, who seemed unhappy but didn't resist going back to the Poké Ball. He felt it was starting to accept Ash, so he offered his advice.
Although he knew that Ash would do the same, it was better to say it out loud to build a good relationship.
"Of course I will get along well with it. Pokémon are my good friends."
"Morning Sun, you said this, which means you also regard Pokémon as your good friends or even family. People who love Pokémon must be good people."
Upon hearing this, Ash patted his chest to show that he would naturally treat his partner well and gave Eddie a thumbs-up.
Ding! Ash recognizes you as a like-minded partner, and his favorability toward you has increased to "friendly."
Eddie: "······"
Eddie looked at Ash, who was talking to himself, then saw his favorability increase, and was quite speechless.
To be honest, although what he said was true, and he himself liked Pokémon, it was a little too easy for Ash to believe him and immediately boost his favorability.
Eddie could only sigh. Although the Ash in front of him was different from the "Ash " from his previous life's anime—more confident and capable—his passion for Pokémon had never changed.
"Alright, alright, I've kept you waiting for a long time because of Pikachu. I'll use my third Pokémon to fight."
"Although it's my third Pokémon, it's been with me since I was a child. It's actually my Starter Pokémon."
Ash adjusted his hat, which had gotten messed up when he was electrocuted, and then took out the third Poké Ball from his waist.
"Come out, Poliwhirl!"
"Yo-boo~"
A blue-skinned, spherical-bodied, two-legged Pokémon hopped out.
Name: Poliwhirl
Type: Water
Ability: Moisture
Level: 21
Potential: Champion
"... Well, the main force in your team is based on the potential of a Champion-level Pokémon, I understand. No need to complain about this in the future."
Eddie silently closed his Pokédex, muttering with a slight grudge.
"Morning Sun, what are you mumbling to yourself?"
"No, nothing. I just saw another water-type frog Pokémon and felt that we are destined to be together. Look, my Frogadier is also a water-type frog Pokémon."
Eddie quickly changed the subject. He didn't want to say anything more.
As the saying goes, don't talk too much if you can take action.
Eddie just wanted to beat him now—without holding back.
"It is quite a coincidence. Now let's see which one is stronger. I'll attack first, Poliwhirl! [Ice Beam]!"
Ash looked at the two frog Pokémon, full of fighting spirit. He smiled and made the first move. Poliwhirl stretched out its hand and quickly charged up a Ice Beam.
"Frogadier, hit it back! Let's see who's stronger!"
Eddie was not to be outdone. Today, he was going to defeat Ash.