"Professor Oak, I'm coming in!"
Lu Sheng knocked on the door and entered the lab.
"Lu Sheng, you're here. Good, you look well."
Professor Oak looked at Lu Sheng, a hint of hesitation in his expression, and slowly said, "I see you have an extraordinary physique and a unique understanding of Pokémon. Ordinary Pokémon wouldn't be much of a challenge for you. I happen to have a very special Pokémon here. Would you like it?"
My physique is indeed extraordinary; I'm very good at fighting... Lu Sheng nodded.
"Whatever you arrange, Professor, I'm not picky!"
Lu Sheng followed Professor Oak to a Pokémon storage device. A Poké Ball with an electric symbol rested calmly in the center of the device.
Looking at the Poké Ball in the center of the device, a fiery glint flashed in Lu Sheng's eyes, and his breathing quickened considerably.
"Task Complete: Arrive at Professor Oak's Lab on time and receive the Pokémon, Pikachu."
"Task Reward: Pikachu's affection increased, plus Pikachu's exclusive item, the Light Ball (Pikachu's Attack and Special Attack double when held!)."
"Whoa, whoa, don't get too excited yet. That unique Pokémon has a little problem."
Professor Oak quickly stopped Lu Sheng.
This Poké Ball contains the Electric God, how could I not be excited? Lu Sheng looked at Professor Oak, listening to him elaborate.
"The Pokémon inside is Pikachu, an Electric-type Pokémon."
Professor Oak picked up the Poké Ball.
The Poké Ball burst open, and a golden light immediately shone brightly.
A golden legend!!!
Is this the prestige of the Electric God?
Pikachu, the Electric God, appeared on the device.
It was entirely yellow, with two brown stripes on its back, a jagged lightning-bolt tail, red electric pouches on its cheeks, and long, erect ears.
It was a small, cute, yellow-furred mouse.
"Pika~chu!"
As soon as Pikachu appeared, it saw Lu Sheng, its big, round eyes curiously looking at him.
Lu Sheng reached out to Pikachu, cleared his throat, and met its gaze: "Pikachu, my name is Lu Sheng. From now on, I'll be your trainer. Please take care of me."
"Lu Sheng, don't be so reckless, Pikachu might shock you."
Professor Oak quickly put on rubber gloves, thinking how impatient young people were these days, really not considering the consequences!
Pikachu felt Lu Sheng's genuine emotions, without any impurities, only eager anticipation for their journey together.
"Pika~Pikachu."
It also extended its small hand and placed it on Lu Sheng's.
"Oh?"
Nothing happened? Professor Oak exclaimed, his eyes constantly scanning between Lu Sheng and Pikachu. What was wrong with Pikachu? It was so different from before, so gentle with Lu Sheng. Was it being threatened?
Pikachu, if you're being threatened, just blink!
Professor Oak felt half of the hostility in Pikachu's eyes disappear. He grew bolder, took off his gloves, and touched Pikachu just like Lu Sheng.
Something's not right... Lu Sheng frowned, shielding Professor Oak in front of him and pulling him to a safe distance to avoid being affected by the current.
This time, the situation was different. The electric pouches on Pikachu's cheeks flashed with currents, instantly shocking Professor Oak.
Zzzzt!
Professor Oak finally understood that the other half of the hostility in Pikachu's eyes was directed at him.
I was careless, I didn't dodge!
This power... it must be the Electric God!
Professor Oak experienced a plasma perm, usually reserved for Team Rocket's trio.
"There are many TMs suitable for Pikachu here. You should know how to use them. They'll be very helpful for challenging Gyms!"
Professor Oak, with a sooty face, handed Lu Sheng the TMs, a Pokédex, and five Poké Balls, giving him many instructions about traveling with Pikachu. He also gave Lu Sheng Pikachu's exclusive Poké Ball with the electric symbol:
"Alright, you can take Pikachu and go!"
"Thank you, Professor Oak."
After thanking Professor Oak, Lu Sheng left the lab with Pikachu.
Professor Oak watched Lu Sheng's departing back with a hint of nostalgia... Outside the lab, Lu Sheng looked at Pikachu's information.
"Pokémon: Pikachu."
"Level: 18 (Novice)"
"Ability: Static (30% chance to paralyze the enemy when using contact moves)"
"Hidden Ability: Master Actor (Can fight on par with legendary Pokémon, or on par with a novice trainer's Pokémon, and even lose)"
"Moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Thunder Wave, etc."
"Potential: ???"
The hidden ability really is Master Actor. No wonder Pikachu, who can contend with Arceus, would lose to a Level 5 Snivy.
Lu Sheng looked at Pikachu on his shoulder, thinking that this hidden ability needed to be modified. It should only be on par with legendary Pokémon; there's no need for it to be on par with novice Pokémon!
"Pikapi?"
Pikachu tilted its head, looking at Lu Sheng, its bright big eyes a little confused. What's wrong?
"Come on, let's go level up first."
Lu Sheng took Pikachu to a wilderness area, observing their surroundings.
A few Pidgey flew from the sky and landed on a tree ahead.
A Rattata quickly scurried through a nearby bush, constantly looking around, very stealthy.
There were also a few trembling Caterpie in the bushes. They weren't afraid of Rattata, but of Pidgey and Spearow.
Whoosh!
A gust of wind blew, and the nearby river flowed gently.
Under the bright sunlight, willow branches swayed in the air, and sounds from the forest were constant, a bit noisy, but also very comforting.
The air was filled with a natural fragrance.
Lu Sheng took a deep breath and looked at Pikachu on his shoulder: "It's really Pikachu!"
"Pikachu?"
Pikachu was a little confused, but it sensed Lu Sheng was in a very good mood.
"Pikachu, from now on, we're partners. Let's achieve the goal of becoming a Pokémon Master together!"
Pikachu nodded vigorously.
"Since that's the case, Pikachu, your first opponent is it!"
Lu Sheng put on Pikachu's exclusive Light Ball, then pointed at the sneaky Rattata eyeing his backpack.
Pikachu instantly understood, rushed over, and knocked the Rattata unconscious with a headbutt.
"And that Pidgey... no need for that Spearow!"
Lu Sheng deliberately avoided the Spearow. There was no way around it; their main group was here. To be safe, it was better not to provoke them.
Lu Sheng didn't want to chew on that tough bone. Not that he couldn't, but there was no need to.
He would just bully the Rattata and Pidgey around here.
"Let's take a break and eat something!"
Lu Sheng took out the prepared bento and a bottle of very fragrant ketchup.
"Pikapi!"
Pikachu's eyes lit up instantly, its gaze fixed on the ketchup. Taking a bite, it became even more excited. This ketchup was so fragrant and delicious!
Oh oh oh!
The person and the mouse, resting and eating their bento, suddenly heard a group of Spearow screeching, and faintly, a girl's voice.
Looking closely, they saw a young girl frantically pedaling her bicycle with her fair, long legs (envying the bicycle).
Her expression was very anxious.
Behind her, a large flock of Spearow was chasing her.
The flock of Spearow I specifically avoided, you actually provoked them?
Lu Sheng watched Misty ride her bicycle, fleeing from the Spearow's pursuit.
"Get out of the way!"
Seeing Lu Sheng and Pikachu still eating their bento in front, looking like they were watching a show, Misty yelled.
Bang!
Because she was riding very fast, and there was a sizable rock directly in front, Misty, focused on the Spearow flock behind her, didn't notice it at all. The bicycle ran right over it.
The bicycle instantly lost balance, and its owner, Misty, flew off.
Kind-hearted Lu Sheng steadily caught Misty.
However, he was used to hugging Hanako, so his hands automatically landed on her buttocks.