[Will: See? I told you — Pikachu has its limits! Even Ash's Pikachu can't break through that defense!!!]
[Lance: Will, please stop making bold declarations. You always get proven wrong afterward.]
[Will: How could I be wrong this time? Pikachu can't even scratch Rhydon's armor. It's definitely going to lose!]
[Lt. Surge: That's why Pikachu should evolve into Raichu! Evolution is the greatest gift the gods gave Pokémon. Embrace it with a smile! Hey, Ash, if you change your mind, it's not too late — I've got plenty of Thunder Stones right here.]
[Will: What good would evolving into Raichu do? He should just switch Pokémon. Bring out something like Ampharos or Electabuzz instead. Parallel World Ash is talented — if he had a stronger Pokémon, he could still win.]
[Misty: You're seriously annoying!]
[Ash: Hmph, I'll never give up on Pikachu! And the other me would say the same thing. We'll become Pokémon Masters together!]
[President Goodshow: Good! Spirited! This is what a true young man from Kanto should sound like!]
[Bruno: Abandoning a Pokémon because it's not strong enough — that's something only Team Rocket would do. Tell me, Will, are you a Rocket spy who infiltrated the League?!]
[Lorelei: It's not impossible. I recommend we conduct a political review on Will.]
[Lance: Then he's doomed. Will's political review would definitely fail.]
"What a tough opponent…" Ash and Pikachu had never faced such a sturdy foe before.
Normally, no one could withstand Pikachu's Iron Tail — but Giovanni's Rhydon was different.
"Giving up already?" Giovanni smirked. "That would be a wise decision. My Rhydon isn't something a rookie can handle."
"Not necessarily," Ash's voice was calm but firm.
Most Pikachu might truly be powerless before Rhydon — their Electric-type moves nullified, their strongest Iron Tail blocked by sheer defense.
But his Pikachu was different.
It had another weapon.
[Steven: A weapon? What kind of weapon could Pikachu possibly have?]
[Bruno: Maybe Brick Break? But that wouldn't help much either.]
Indeed, Pikachu's small paws using Brick Break wouldn't be stronger than Iron Tail.
[Will: A weapon? Really? It's time to stop living in a fantasy world, Ash. My advice — surrender now. Maybe Giovanni will reward your good sense with a pity badge.]
[Aaron: Trust Ash, and you'll never regret it. Just wait — he'll prove you wrong again, Will.]
"Pikachu!"
"Mii!" (Let him see the results of our special training!)
On the battlefield, Pikachu slowly closed its eyes, slipping into memory.
A mighty figure appeared in its mind — a great beast covered in blue fur, radiating divine power. Its calm eyes burned with killing intent.
When it assumed its Sword-Wielding King form, it became elegant and regal, holding a gleaming sword in its mouth. Its mere presence exuded unstoppable strength.
The vision flashed away. Pikachu opened its eyes again — and its aura had completely changed.
At that moment, Pikachu had stepped into an entirely new realm.
[Norman: What kind of Pokémon is that? A dog holding a sword? Sounds like a traitor to dogs everywhere.]
[Roxanne: That doesn't even sound like a normal Pokémon. Pikachu must've picked up some shady moves training with that thing.]
[Wallace: The whole "sword-in-the-mouth" pose is questionable… but I have to admit, that aura is remarkable. If that Pokémon entered a Pokémon Contest, it would easily win the Strong category ribbon.]
[Gary: Grandpa, do you know what Pokémon that was?]
[Professor Oak: If my guess is correct, that Pokémon was Zacian — the legendary hero of the Galar region.]
[Raihan: In Galar's ancient texts, Zacian is described as traversing the battlefield like the wind, striking down enemies faster than the eye can see. Those hit by its sword fall before they even feel the pain.]
[Steven: Wait — if that's true, then Zacian's a Galar Pokémon. How did it appear in Kanto and become Pikachu's mentor?]
[Diantha: Fool. Didn't Mew say it helped Pikachu with its training? That Zacian must've been Mew in disguise.]
[Cynthia: That makes sense. Mew is a truly miraculous Pokémon — it can transform freely, even into legendaries.]
[Caitlin: So basically… short for miraculous Pokémon?]
On screen, Pikachu suddenly moved.
Brown, glowing Fighting-type energy condensed around its golden tail — sharp, fast, and focused.
Within half a second, Pikachu's tail had transformed into a blade.
It slashed through the air several times, the sound whooshing like a sword cutting wind.
[Diancie: W-What?! Is that… Sacred Sword?!]
[Cynthia: Sacred Sword? Aegislash's signature move? Can Pikachu learn that?]
[Professor Oak: Theoretically… no.]
[President Goodshow: So, practically possible then?]
[Professor Oak: …Practically, also no. I've never seen a Pikachu use Sacred Sword before.]
[Diancie: The only Pokémon capable of using Sacred Sword are Honedge, Doublade, Aegislash, Gallade — and Zacian.]
[Diantha: Incredible. As expected of someone called a "monster." Totally abnormal — in the best way.]