Ash pondered, besides Rayquaza, which other Pokemon might possibly reach the level of Arceus? Could it be the God of Life, Xerneas, the God of Death, Yveltal, the sea's ruler, Kyogre, the earth's ruler, Groudon, or even Ho-Oh and the legendary Kyurem that is said to possess the power to fuse various Legendary Beasts?
Yet, Champion Ash told him, the other Pokemon that Arceus considers capable of reaching the same level is—Pikachu!
This Pikachu is undoubtedly the very same Pikachu he knew.
Ash had always known that Pikachu possessed unfathomable potential. Even at the Divine Domain Level, he believed Pikachu could definitely reach it; it was just a matter of time.
The mysterious Power of Rebirth, even Legendary Beasts do not possess it. Among the many Legendary Beasts with their myriad abilities, which one could be like Pikachu, continually expanding its limits as it journeys through different regions?
If the Legendary Beasts had such an ability, their power limits would have long surpassed even that of Arceus.
Then again, perhaps it is because of Pikachu's modest beginnings that it possesses such power. If Pokemon that started out strong, like Salamence, a Quasi-God, or a Charizard, which already has excellent growth, were granted such power, they would soar with minimal area covered.
Now, after its second rebirth, Pikachu's growth ceiling should be nearing Champion Level. If such a special ability were bestowed on Charizard, its growth ceiling would probably rocket to Divine Domain Peak.
The world follows a path of balance; such overpowering abilities cannot be placed on similarly powerful Pokemon.
However, despite such an extraordinary ability, Ash never thought one day Pikachu could grow to stand shoulder to shoulder with Arceus. Or rather, from the moment he learned of Arceus's existence, Ash never imagined any Pokemon could reach that stature.
So when he heard that some experts in the group were challenging Arceus, he was extremely shocked. Challenge this? Isn't that simply courting disaster?
Turns out his experience was too shallow; Arceus is not invincible. As long as you can reach Arceus's level and battle Arceus without its plates, you have a chance to win!
It sounds like there are quite a few prerequisites, but it can't be helped, it's Arceus after all!
Just the chance to win is already an incredible feat; it's normal for there to be more conditions.
[Champion Ash: Currently, I am the strongest in the Pokemon Realm, but I still feel powerless against Arceus. Yet, I am still young and there are many possibilities ahead. Right now, Pikachu and I are teaching in the Paldea Region, partly to experience the joy of teaching, and partly to explore everything in the Paldea Region.]
[Champion Ash: Once I finish exploring everything in the Paldea Region and Pikachu ascends to a higher level, that will be when I challenge Arceus for the second time.]
A second challenge to Arceus... how wonderful, having such strength as the world's strongest. When can he ever reach such power?
Ash thought enviously, with a surge of determination rising in his heart. Even after a battle at the Divine Domain Peak, from what he understood of the current situation, he was far from reaching the end of his journey. Even Champion Ash hadn't reached the end of his journey. He had to work harder than ever before!
[Champion Ash: Keep it up, newcomer. I look forward to the day you reach our level and hopefully, we can exchange insights on battling Arceus then.]
[Advanced Ash: Yes, almighty! There will be such a day! I'll head back to Pallet Town first!]
[Champion Ash: Alright, go ahead.]
...
The day after the Orange Archipelago incident, Lorelei and Cynthia bid farewell to Ash.
Lorelei had to report back to the league, while Cynthia needed to take members and officers of Team Galactic back for confinement and interrogation in the Sinnoh Region.
After all, Team Galactic is an organization from their Sinnoh Region, so they needed to be taken back to Sinnoh for detention and questioning.
Before leaving, the two women asked Ash about Mewtwo. They both had some understanding of Mewtwo's power, but the strength Mewtwo displayed in the battle far exceeded their expectations.
You have to know, Mewtwo's opponent was the Divine Domain Peak's Dark Lugia, yet not only was it not suppressed, it even turned the tables and pressed Lugia on the sea surface repeatedly. In their many exchanges, Lugia didn't gain any advantage.
After Mewtwo changed its form, it crushed the darkness enveloping Lugia with a few punches and kicks. It seemed like Mewtwo was about to surpass Lugia by a level. But in reality, just over three months ago, Mewtwo's strength was merely at the Primary Divine Domain Level. How did it become so strong in such a short time?
To this, Mewtwo remained silent, then left it all to Ash by returning to his Pokeball without saying a word, having fought not only a finished fight but also one that was thoroughly satisfying.