"Piiiii—kaaaaa—CHU!!"
A shrill crackle of electricity burst forth, carrying a wave of ferocious hostility straight at him! Golden bolts writhed violently around Pikachu's body, filling the air with the sting of ozone. The lights in the research lab flickered madly, as if ready to die at any moment.
Professor Oak instinctively stepped back half a pace and shouted, "Ash, careful! It's going to—!"
But Ash moved even faster—far faster than anyone expected.
He didn't reach for an empty Poké Ball like the others had, nor did he give any command. He didn't even retreat. Instead, just as the raging lightning was about to erupt, Ash made a move that stunned both Professor Oak and Pikachu.
Rather than defend or dodge, he stepped forward—firmly, decisively—raising his right arm and spreading his fingers. But his palm wasn't aimed at Pikachu… it was angled slightly to the side. At the same time, the Aura he had barely begun to grasp roared to life, operating with unprecedented intensity.
Bzzzzz—
A thin, transparent, faintly blue film of energy took shape in front of his hand, small in size but forming perfectly between him and Pikachu.
ZRRRAAASH—!!!
The raging Thunderbolt exploded outward, slamming into the fragile Aura barrier! It trembled violently, emitting a strain-filled hum as tiny cracks instantly spiderwebbed across the surface—it clearly couldn't withstand a hit infused with this much anger.
Looks like my Aura still has a long way to go.
The remaining electricity surged around the barrier and shot into Ash's body. The intense numbness and pain made him grunt, his muscles twitching, but he clenched his teeth and refused to take even half a step back. His extended arm didn't shake at all. His gaze stayed clear and unwavering, locked onto the startled Pikachu whose attack had been partially blocked.
"Pika?"
A flicker of confusion appeared in Pikachu's small eyes.
This human… is weird. Why isn't he scared? Why isn't he using that awful red-and-white ball?
"It's okay," Ash said, his voice a bit rough from the electric shock, yet impossibly gentle—free of blame or fear. "I know you're scared. And angry. Being trapped in a Poké Ball… facing strangers… anyone would feel awful."
The Aura within him strained to keep the barrier's remnants alive as he pushed harder, trying to send emotions of understanding, calm, and pure harmlessness outward—just like he'd done with that Sentret in the woods. Only this time, the Pokémon in front of him was far stronger… and far more irritable.
"See? I'm not here to hurt you."
He slowly—painfully slowly—pulled back his trembling hand, still flickering with leftover sparks. Every movement was measured, careful, as if afraid that even the slightest sudden gesture would set Pikachu off again.
Then, under Pikachu's wary stare, he slid his hand into the side pocket of the backpack he'd prepared long before.
Pikachu immediately arched its back, electricity flaring again.
But what Ash pulled out…
was not a Poké Ball.
Nor a weapon.
It was… a bottle of ketchup.
Professor Oak: "???"
Pikachu: "Pika…?"
Under their dual looks of confusion, Ash gently squeezed out a small puddle of bright red ketchup onto the back of his hand. Then he slowly extended it toward Pikachu, wearing the friendliest smile he could manage.
"Try this. I think you'll really like it."
As a loyal fan of the original Ash, he knew one thing very well—Pikachu had absolutely no resistance to ketchup. This was his secret weapon.
Pikachu's nose twitched.
That vivid red, that sticky sheen, that strangely sweet-and-sour smell…
It stirred something inside it.
Its urge to attack weakened—tugged down by a mix of curiosity and hunger.
But it was still cautious.
Only the sparks on its cheeks dimmed slightly.
Ash held his breath, arm extended, Aura flowing as he radiated as much patience and kindness as he could.
If this doesn't win Pikachu over… I might as well find a rock and hit myself with it.
Finally, Pikachu leaned forward—hesitant but tempted—stuck out its tiny red tongue…
and gave the ketchup a quick lick.
It froze.
Then—
"Pika-CHUUU! (★ω★)"
Its eyes lit up like stars.
Its tail made a delighted wiggle.
The taste was far better than it imagined!
It immediately went back for more, licking eagerly, even grabbing Ash's wrist with both little paws—fully absorbed in enjoying this unexpected feast. The crackling electricity around its body disappeared completely.
Professor Oak stared, stunned speechless, his jaw hanging dangerously close to the floor.
The problem that had troubled him for so long…
was solved just like that?
This kid is… unbelievable.
Ash looked at the Pikachu happily devouring ketchup from his hand, and he let out a long breath. Warmth and triumph surged through his chest. He had taken the very first, most crucial step!
Just then—as his emotions soared and the very first bond with Pikachu began to form—
a cold, emotionless voice suddenly echoed deep inside his mind:
[Detected: Host has formed initial bond with 'Fated Protagonist-Class' partner 'Pikachu'. Energy threshold achieved...]
[Scanning host's soul… detecting unique Aura-frequency... matching...]
[Multiversal Mall System successfully bound. Welcome, sole host.]
Ash froze, eyes widening slightly.
A system? A Multiversal Mall?
[This mall is linked to all worlds across the cosmos. You may use "World Points" to exchange for mall items.]
[World Points may be obtained through the following methods:]
[1. Interacting with rare/legendary Pokémon.]
[2. Completing major historical events or altering predetermined fate.]
[3. Fulfilling special missions randomly issued by the system.]
[4. Significant improvement of the host's own strength.]
[Initial gift: 100 World Points (binding reward). Please explore actively and strive to earn more.]
Immediately after, a sleek, translucent, high-tech interface unfolded across his vision, every section neatly organized:
Pokémon World:
Poké Balls (Red-and-White Ball 100 pts each, Great Ball 500, Ultra Ball 1000, Master Ball… 1,000,000?)
Potions, Full Restores, PP Recovery items…
Evolution Stones (Thunder Stone 5000, Fire Stone 5000…)
Mega Stones (Insufficient ability — Locked)
Z-Crystals (Insufficient ability — Locked)
Dynamax Band (Insufficient ability — Locked)
Other Worlds:
Naruto: Military Rations Pill (200 pts), Explosive Tag (500 pts), Clone Technique Scroll (5000 pts)… Sharingan (One Tomoe — 100,000 pts)
One Piece: Seastone Fragment (3000 pts), Basic Physical Training Notes (8000 pts)… Devil Fruits (Logia-type starting at 10,000,000 pts)
Demon Slayer: Nichirin Blade (standard model 5000 pts), Basic Breathing Techniques (Water/Thunder/Flame… 20,000 pts per style)
(Many more panels awaiting unlock…)
Host Status:
---
Name: Ash Ketchum
Physique: Above average (Aura, initial strengthening)
Special Ability: Aura Power (LV.1) — (Can absorb and fuse other psychic traits to evolve)
World Points: 100
Task List: [No current tasks]
---
Ash's heart pounded furiously!
The surge of information nearly overwhelmed him.
This system… wasn't absurdly broken, but it was absolutely practical!
Not only did it contain every item from the Pokémon world—
it even allowed him to purchase power systems from other worlds!
And those power systems could be integrated into Pokémon as well!
The high-tier items were ridiculously expensive, sure—but this system had just opened the door to infinite possibilities!
Even earning "World Points" matched perfectly with his goal of traveling and changing destiny.
"Ash? Ash? Are you alright?"
Professor Oak's voice pulled him back from his internal shock.
"Huh? Oh! Yeah—I'm fine, Professor!" Ash quickly refocused, unable to hide the smile spreading across his face. He lifted the hand Pikachu was still hugging and licking. "Look, it seems like it accepts me now."
"Incredible…"
Professor Oak adjusted his glasses, leaning closer to observe the completely relaxed Pikachu.
"You did with one bottle of ketchup what we couldn't accomplish in months… Ash, you truly were born for Pokémon."
"Maybe."
Ash chuckled, choosing not to explain the Aura or the system. He gently stroked Pikachu's tail—using a massage technique he'd learned.
Pikachu let out a comfortable "Pikaaa," offering no resistance.
"Alright then—since you've gained its recognition, it's officially your partner."
Professor Oak handed him Pikachu's Poké Ball along with five empty balls, then took out the Pokédex.
"This is your beginner equipment. Use them well. I expect you to test many of our theories on your journey!"
"Thank you, Professor! I won't let you down!"
Ash accepted everything with solemn determination.