After sweeping over a thousand exchange points from the Genzo Style Dojo, Ash took advantage of the group's relaxing afternoon by the water. While the Pokémon were playing, he quickly browsed the system mall.
When you have money, you have to spend it!
However, with only a little over a thousand points, exchanging for another superpower was out of the question. Besides, Ash's Aura and Telekinesis were already sufficient; he didn't need more variety. Superpowers are about mastery, not quantity.
Instead, he looked for practical items. Any other trainer would likely prioritize Mega Stones or Key Stones. But Ash was different—he had the Bond System. Once his bond with his Pokémon reached its peak, he could achieve Bond Evolution, which surpassed standard Mega Evolution and required no stones at all.
That was when he spotted a rare, specialized item for Pikachu.
The Light Ball. It cost exactly one thousand exchange points. When held by Pikachu, it doubles its Attack and Special Attack stats, making its moves incredibly powerful!
Ash's Pikachu already possessed electrical power that far exceeded others of its species—even surpassing its evolved form, Raichu. If that power were doubled by a Light Ball, what kind of strength would it wield?
To find out, he simply exchanged for it.
"Pikachu, come here!"
"Pika?"
Not only did Pikachu run over, but Bayleef, Heracross, Noctowl, and Totodile followed close behind. Only Snorlax remained lying down, fast asleep. Ash ignored the big guy and decided to swap Totodile back into his party for some training.
The little Totodile was bursting with energy, constantly dancing around and crying out "Wani-wani!" It had become much more reliable after its recent stint training with Slowpoke and Wartortle. It was almost time for it to evolve.
A golden, fist-sized orb appeared in Ash's hand. Upon closer inspection, it looked as though a massive current was flowing within it. Pikachu's eyes went wide—it clearly recognized the item.
"Big Brother Ash, what is that? It's so pretty!" Molly poked the Light Ball with a small finger.
"This is called a Light Ball. Pikachu, this is for you!"
Ash didn't tease Pikachu; he handed the ball over immediately. To his surprise, Pikachu didn't just hold it—it pressed the ball directly into its belly, where it merged right into its body. Ash was startled.
Items like the Macho Brace would physically strap onto a Pokémon, and Mega Stones usually required a necklace or a band. But this Light Ball, exclusive to Pikachu, fused internally. Pokémon truly were mysterious creatures.
"Oh! Pikachu, what happened? Where did the pretty ball go?" Molly knelt down in concern.
Crackle! Spark!
Static electricity began flickering uncontrollably from Pikachu's cheeks. Its already formidable electrical power had been boosted so significantly that it seemed to be slipping slightly out of Pikachu's control.
Ash shook his head. "Looks like we need more special training."
"Poliwhirl, don't run too far!" On the other side of the riverbank, Misty was playing with her Water-type Pokémon.
When Ash caught Totodile earlier, he had given Misty a high-quality Water Stone from the system mall. Instead of evolving her Poliwhirl again, she had used it on her most trusted companion, Staryu, evolving it into a magnificent Starmie.
"What's that?"
Misty noticed a large, muscular Poliwrath suddenly appear near her Poliwhirl. It was the evolved form of Poliwhirl when exposed to a Water Stone, now boasting a Fighting-type sub-type. Like a bully, the Poliwrath punched Misty's Poliwhirl into the water.
Terrified, Poliwhirl scrambled out of the river and hid behind Misty.
"That Poliwrath is so rude!" Misty glared at the Pokémon.
Seeing the trouble, Ash recalled his other Pokémon, placed the sparking Pikachu on his shoulder, and walked over to Misty with Brock and Molly.
"Is something wrong with my Poliwrath?" A voice called out, sounding rather arrogant.
"So that's your Poliwrath? Why is it acting like such a bully?" Misty snapped, stepping forward to defend her Pokémon.
The trainer, a boy named Shiro (different from the martial artist), shrugged. "My Poliwrath was just enjoying its swim. You're the ones getting in the way, so why are you complaining?"
He was shifting the blame! Ash and his friends had been by this river all afternoon. Ash remained silent, but Shiro took their silence for weakness.
"Your Poliwhirl just got tapped once and ran to hide behind its owner. It's useless! That's why it'll never evolve—it lacks experience!"
Hearing this, Ash couldn't help but chuckle. He stepped in front of Misty.
"You're a funny guy," Ash said with a smirk.
Shiro felt insulted. "What's so funny?"
"Poliwhirl has two ways to evolve: using a Water Stone to become Poliwrath, or being traded while holding a King's Rock to become Politoed. It has nothing to do with your 'experience' theory. Did you catch that Poliwrath after it had already evolved? You don't seem to know anything at all."
Ash looked at him as if he were an idiot. Being ignorant wasn't a crime, but coming out and mocking others while being ignorant was.
"Hmph!" Shiro gritted his teeth, clearly annoyed at being called out. "Enough talk! If you're so smart, battle my Poliwrath!"
"You're on! I'm not afraid of you!" Misty started to step forward with Starmie.
"Misty, let me handle this one," Ash said, throwing a Poké Ball. "Totodile, I choose you!"
"That Totodile looks like it has even less experience!" Seeing the small Pokémon, Shiro laughed arrogantly, certain of his victory. "Poliwrath, use Superpower! Teach this kid a lesson!"
Facing the ferocious charge, Totodile continued its cheerful dance. Ash didn't even bother giving a defensive command. Totodile simply danced through the gaps, easily dodging the attack.
"Curse it! Poliwrath, use Submission!"
Again, Totodile dodged effortlessly.
"Stop running away if you have the guts!" Shiro yelled. Totodile was as slippery as an eel, while the Poliwrath clearly hadn't been trained for speed.
Ash shook his head. "Fine, I'll show you. Totodile, use Crunch!"
Totodile lunged, its jaws glowing with Dark-type energy as it clamped down on Poliwrath.
"Follow up with Ice Fang!"
The attacks came in rapid succession. Totodile's bite froze the Poliwrath solid, knocking it out in two moves. The movements were clean and precise—Wartortle and Slowpoke had trained it well.
Shiro recalled his Poliwrath and sighed, his arrogance gone. "I accept my defeat. Poliwhirl, I'm sorry for what I said."
He looked at Ash and Misty. "Are you interested in joining the Seaking Catching Contest?"