[Newbie Ash: Caterpie? Why? Caterpie is considered a weak Pokemon, isn't it?]
The suggestion from Tactical Ash left Ash a bit confused. Even as a rookie, he knew that Bug Type Pokemon, especially those like Caterpie and Weedle, which were commonly seen throughout Kanto, were quite weak.
Even if they could evolve quickly, they couldn't be used for long, as they grew fast and were eliminated quickly as well.
[Tactical Master Ash: Caterpie is weak? Go talk to my Focus Sash Compound Eyes Sleep Powder Tailwind combo.]
[Newbie Ash: Wha... What's that?]
[Champion Ash: Heh, it's a pretty dirty trick... Butterfree, the final evolution of Caterpie, has an ability called Compound Eyes, which increases all skills' accuracy by 30%. Skills like Sleep Powder don't have high accuracy, but with Compound Eyes, the accuracy greatly improves.]
[Champion Ash: Butterfree's species ability values aren't considered high, but its speed is outstanding. So as long as Compound Eyes Butterfree can land Sleep Powder first and then follow with Tailwind, it can quickly set up the field for the next Pokemon. Even if it can't move first, with a Focus Sash, it won't get taken out in one hit, making it a very useful supporter.]
[Newbie Ash: ...]
To be honest, I completely don't understand. This strategy seems so profound. It sounds impressive, but I can't imagine how to put it into practice.
[Tactical Master Ash: Anyway, just capture a Caterpie first, preferably one with good potential. Although the bond between a Pokemon and its Trainer can break inherent limitations, if that were so easy, it wouldn't be called a miracle between a Trainer and their Pokemon.]
[Tactical Master Ash: After you capture a Caterpie, raise it into a Butterfree. Then I'll guide you on how to implement Butterfree's tactics. I love using Butterfree to turn the tide.]
[Newbie Ash: Got it. I'll go check out Viridian Forest.]
...
This was part of the conversation Ash had with the group last night. Capturing a Caterpie, especially one with good potential, was Tactical Ash's suggestion.
As I said, if there's no choice, then settling for a slightly inferior one is fine. After all, once it becomes your Pokemon, as long as you treat it sincerely, it's alright.
If you capture one after another and then realize their potential is lacking and release them, that's not a behavior any Ash in the group, including real-world Ash, would agree with.
But Real Ash has the Eye of Insight from the Trainer Ash. With such a powerful ability, it'd be a shame not to utilize it.
To see a Pokemon's potential and aptitude before capturing it, why not capture one with better potential and raise it with care right from the start?
It's not logical to capture a weak Pokemon deliberately just to prove there's no such thing as a bad Pokemon, only a bad Trainer, is it? That's pure unnecessary struggle.
The Caterpie captured this time is probably one of the top-tier Caterpie in Viridian Forest. Even though it hasn't shown its full potential yet, Ash believes it will definitely shine under his care—with the help of the pros in the group.
After capturing Caterpie, Ash released it again and sprayed it with a healing potion.
The damage caused by Pikachu was minimal, just knocking the Caterpie unconscious. But if left untreated, the injury would take a day or two to heal fully. With a healing potion, it would only take an hour.
Subsequently, since Ash wanted to quickly develop Caterpie, allowing it to evolve into Butterfree in a short period, he continuously battled other Pokemon, even encountering some boys in shorts or carrying bug nets in the forest.
These are the rumored Bug-Catching Experts and Shorts Boys residing in the forest outside.
Their skill levels are just slightly above ordinary wild Pokemon, but they can still increase Ash's experience in battling other Trainers.
Before entering Viridian Forest, the only Trainers Ash fought against were those goofy guys invading the Pokemon Center.
Time passed day by day, and three days flew by in the blink of an eye.
During these three days, the two would rest when tired, eat some instant food, reminisce about the food at the Pokemon Center, and discuss future plans and Pokemon development directions. Occasionally, they battled wild Trainers in the forest, and while traveling, they would train Pikachu and Caterpie's skills against roadside Pokemon, enhancing their battle experience.
In short, these three days were very fulfilling for Ash, but not as enjoyable for Misty.
Misty, who originally had entomophobia, almost went numb during those three days.
Her biggest regret in life was leaving her bike in Viridian City and choosing to walk with Ash to Pewter City.
Originally, she wanted to enjoy the scenery and experience the pleasure of traveling, but now, enjoyment? Every minute and second in Viridian Forest was torment for Misty! She even got somewhat used to Ash's Caterpie.
Besides being constantly troubled by bugs, whenever Ash battled, Misty would offer him some advice. Ash found it curious how, despite being around the same age as him, Misty knew so much and was obviously a better strategist.
Although he was a newbie, being immersed under the guidance of the group experts, Ash felt like his command skills were improving by leaps and bounds daily. Yet, compared to Misty, he was still a bit lacking... Just how strong were Misty's command skills? This question lingered in Ash's mind.
"...How much longer until we reach Pewter City, Ash?" Misty asked Ash weakly. It was already near noon on the fourth day, and she felt her feet were about to be worn out.
"Let me see... We're already halfway there. We've made better time than I anticipated," Ash said with some surprise after comparing the map.
If they were just traveling, reaching halfway would be expected. But considering Ash had been battling wild Pokemon and trainers along the way, one would think the journey would take longer, yet it didn't.
Misty rolled her eyes and said peevishly, "Duh, didn't you notice I wasn't tugging on your shirt while walking? To get out of Viridian Forest faster, I've even managed to temporarily overcome my fear of bugs!"
"Overcome... How did you overcome it? Don't you still scream when you see Caterpie approaching? Caterpie quite likes you, you know. It'll hurt his feelings if you act like that~"
"Stop joking. Just seeing him within a meter of me not making me run away is already because I consider him a partner! Let him come closer? Do you want me dead?" Misty retorted with a twitch of her lips.
"Well, he'll probably evolve by the time you accept him. I feel like Caterpie will evolve in the next couple of days; its experience is already enough. It's just a matter of when it cocoons... Do you have a problem with your legs?" Ash continued, then glanced at Misty and noticed her walking awkwardly, prompting his concerned question.
"What do you mean, 'Do I have a problem with my legs?' Can't you speak well? My feet just hurt, alright? Not everyone has a monster-like physique like you, who never gets physically or mentally tired." Misty stopped to massage her toes through her shoes.
If this continued, her feet would definitely get blistered. She needed to take a break...
Before Misty could suggest resting, Ash had already squatted in front of her: "Hop on."
"H-hop on? What?"
"I'm gonna carry you. Don't you want to get out of Viridian Forest sooner? At this rate, even if you rest, your feet won't heal quickly. It would take us two or three more days to leave Viridian Forest, so it'd be better if I carried you."
"But... this... well..." Misty's pale face turned a bit red, unsure whether it was from being tired or from being embarrassed by Ash's offer.
"Stop hesitating... Are you worried you'll be too heavy for me? It's fine. Even if you weighed 200 pounds, I could—"
"Who are you calling 200 pounds?! I'm not even 90!!" Misty's irate voice cut off Ash mid-sentence.
Soon after, Ash felt a warm, soft body lean against his back. Just like Misty said, she was really light.