"They're directly under Giovanni—the Rocket Boss. An elite combat squad."
Ash's heart pounded, but his face remained calm as he analyzed the situation.
"Their strength is at least Advanced-level (Lv. >30), maybe even Elite-class (Lv. >40)… There's no way I can beat them in a head-on fight."
He took a deep breath, mind racing.
"I've become important to the League. My future's bright—I absolutely cannot fall into Team Rocket's hands. Whether they want to recruit me or dissect me to study my psychic powers… neither is good news."
"But since I can't win through force… I'll have to rely on strategy."
His gaze sharpened, focused.
"My advantage? They don't know I've already seen through their identities."
"I can use that… lull them into dropping their guard."
Ash glanced at the jeep. "Viridian City is twelve kilometers from Pallet Town. It took me half an hour to ride here. If they're in a car, there's no way I can outrun them over open road."
"So I'll strike first—disable them before they make a move. Step one: take them by surprise. Step two: destroy their vehicle."
Having lived two lives, Ash had learned to stay calm under pressure. Even now, staring danger in the face, he didn't flinch.
He slowed his bike, putting on an innocent smile as he approached the trio.
But internally, his plan was already forming.
…
"System, teach Pichu the move — Thunder Wave."
"Pichu, those three by the jeep? They're the ones who tried stealing Pokémon at the summer camp. They're trying to capture me now. The moment I ring the bell on the handlebar—zap them with Thunder Wave!"
"And Frogadier, your mission is different. When you hear the bell, don't attack the people—target the jeep's fuel tank with Water Shuriken!"
While slowly pedaling closer, Ash gave these instructions silently using Aura Voice, communicating directly with his Pokémon's minds.
"And don't give yourselves away—act natural! Pichu, go all-in on the cuteness, lower their guard."
"Pichu Pichu~"
Though the system described Pichu as "Timid," Ash knew this little guy had a lion's heart. Despite his petite size, Pichu had nerves of steel.
Frogadier, seated quietly behind Ash, tensed his muscles ever so slightly.
But Pichu?
Still wagging his ears and grinning, acting as adorably innocent as ever.
…
"Wow!! Kawaii!!" Jessie squealed.
"So cute—absolutely adorable!" James added.
"Nyah! My heart!" Meowth chirped, clutching his chest.
Even villains like Team Rocket couldn't help but melt at Pichu's playful charm and Ash's seemingly innocent smile. Their defenses, already lowered, crumbled even further.
Ash coasted closer.
"Handsome big brother, pretty big sister—did your car break down? Need help?"
His tone was sweet and helpful, as if he were the most well-meaning kid in the world.
"Aww, you and your Pichu are just the cutest!"
And just as they began explaining their "situation"...
Ding-a-ling...
Ash's hand gently flicked the bell on his handlebar.
That was the signal.
"Pichu!!"
"Froaa!"
Zzzzzzzt!
Whoosh—SHLNK!
In an instant, the smile on Pichu's face vanished. Static electricity burst from the cheek pouches on his face as a thin arc of lightning shot out—Thunder Wave!
At the same time, Frogadier spun a razor-sharp Water Shuriken, flinging it precisely toward the jeep's fuel tank.
CRACK!
BOOM—SSHHHH!
"Aaahhh!! I can't move—so tingly!!"
"The fuel tank—!"
It happened so fast, Team Rocket didn't have time to react.
They'd let him get close.
And that had been their mistake.
Like the saying goes—"Only magic can beat magic." And in this world, only Pokémon can defeat Pokémon.
Humans and their machines were laughably weak by comparison.
Even a Level 7 Pichu's Thunder Wave was enough to paralyze all three of them instantly, and the shuriken from Frogadier had ripped straight through the jeep's main tank.
"Damn brat! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
Jessie screamed in rage, trying to move her limbs—but it was too late.
Ash didn't stick around.
With one explosive pedal, he launched forward on his bike, shooting down the road like a bullet.
"Hehe! Bye-bye, big brother and big sister!"
"Pichu Pichu~"
"Froaa~!"
Behind them, the Rocket Trio stood trembling with anger and static, their bodies still spasming from the electric jolt as they watched Ash flee with his Pokémon.
Jessie gritted her teeth.
"Did that brat see through our disguise? Or is he just naturally this annoying?"
Meowth hissed, "If that kid's just being a troll, I swear when we catch him—I'm gonna give him a lesson in pain, nyah!"
James snapped, "Quit whining! He's already way ahead—get in the car!"
"But the gas tank is busted—nyah!"
"Don't worry," James said smugly. "This jeep has a dual-tank system. The kid only hit the main tank. We still have the backup!"
Without another word, the three scrambled into the jeep—stumbling from lingering paralysis, but recovering faster than expected.
VROOOOM!!!
The engine roared back to life.
Tires squealed.
The hunt resumed.
"Crap!"
Ash's face twisted in shock the moment he heard the engine behind him.
"Didn't the Thunder Wave paralyze them?! How are they moving again? And wasn't the fuel tank destroyed?! How is that thing still running?!"
But no one could answer his questions now.
Team Rocket was back on his tail.
And he was running out of road.
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T/N:
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