Pokemon: With Title System

Chapter 101: Title Earned—"Defeated Pikachu (Kanto)"

Brock might not have believed anyone else, but he definitely believed Asahi at this moment.

Now that the gym issue was settled, Brock felt relieved.

But then, thinking about Misty's situation, he hesitated for a moment before asking, "Hey, Asahi… about Cerulean Gym…"

He wasn't trying to plead on their behalf—he knew that wasn't his place.

He just wanted to understand the situation so he could help Misty.

Asahi wasn't surprised. "Cerulean Gym is complicated. It's not something I can explain in just a few words."

"I heard from Gary that Misty is traveling with you guys. Here—this is my number. Have her call me, and I'll explain everything directly."

He handed Brock a business card.

Printed on it were his titles: Lecturer at Rainbow University, Pokémon Researcher.

With Brock's situation handled, Asahi turned to Ash.

"Ash, Professor Oak asked me to keep an eye on you and Gary. I already had a sparring match with Gary—want to have one too?"

Asahi hadn't forgotten about the system rewards for defeating Ash.

When he beat Gary, he earned Paldea's Secret Spices.

Now he was curious—what would he get for beating Ash?

Ash hadn't even processed the challenge before Gary perked up.

"That's right! Ash, battling Asahi helped me improve a lot. You're always saying you want to surpass me, right? Then fight Asahi and let him evaluate you!"

Asahi glanced at Gary and clicked his tongue.

Damn, Gary really does care about Ash. He never stops setting him up.

Ash, meanwhile, felt like Gary was up to something.

But after thinking it over, a practice battle didn't seem like a big deal—even if he lost.

He turned to Pikachu.

"Pikachu, do you want to battle?"

Pikachu's cheeks crackled with electricity, showing its excitement.

"Alright!"

Ash clenched his fist, then looked at Asahi. "Let's do it, Asahi!"

"Oh, right—your Swampert is out of energy. What Pokémon will you use?"

"My Pokémon? Since you're using Pikachu, of course, I'll use Eevee!"

Asahi grinned.

"I used Eevee against Gary too, didn't I?" He smirked at Gary.

Gary froze.

The memory of being completely dominated by Eevee resurfaced, making him shudder.

Ash, however, felt his confidence return.

If Asahi had used a much stronger Pokémon, he would've been nervous. But Eevee?

He believed in Pikachu's strength.

Ash even found time to tease Gary. "Wow, Gary. You lost to an Eevee?"

Gary: "…"

Ah, yes. I totally did.

Crossing his arms, Gary smirked and watched as Ash stepped onto the battlefield.

He was looking forward to what was about to happen.

…

Three minutes later.

Ash held his fainted Pikachu in his arms, staring blankly at Eevee, who was still bouncing around the battlefield.

Who am I? Where am I? What just happened?

Didn't I just send Pikachu out? How is Pikachu already knocked out?

Gary clicked his stopwatch.

"Minus one minute for the rule announcement, fifteen seconds for your pep talk, and another fifteen seconds to pick up Pikachu… Total battle time: one minute and thirty seconds."

"Way worse than me, Ash."

Annoyed, Ash snapped, "Oh yeah? How long did you last?"

Gary fell silent.

He vaguely remembered his Nidoking lasting about three to five minutes?

Definitely not ten.

Realizing that, Ash felt slightly better.

Turning to Asahi, he asked, "So, how did I do?"

Asahi, who had just received his system reward, thought for a moment, then handed Ash a digital book.

Ash read the title:

"Stop Saying 'Dodge, Hang On, Get Up!'—A Beginner Trainer's Guide to Proper Battle Commands!"

Ash nearly blacked out on the spot.

Holding Eevee in one arm, Asahi used his Viridian Force to heal Pikachu's injuries with the other. Before Pikachu could get angry, he playfully pinched its electric sacs and quickly let go.

It was all about the thrill.

Facing Pikachu, who was clearly annoyed, Asahi offered a box of sweet-and-sour energy cubes that had a taste somewhat similar to ketchup.

Pikachu sniffed it and took a small bite.

"Pika~chu!"

Its delighted cry stretched out with satisfaction.

After forming a bond with Pikachu, Asahi bid farewell to the others and left Pewter Gym.

Green took out a list from her pocket and checked off Pewter Gym before turning to Asahi. "Next, are we heading to Viridian Gym? Gym Leader Giovanni did invite us before."

Hearing "Viridian Gym" and "Giovanni," Asahi shook his head without hesitation. "Not going."

Back then, he had only been putting on a front with Giovanni. There was no way he would actually set foot in Viridian Gym.

Although this might make Giovanni suspicious, Asahi was naturally cautious. Unless he was absolutely sure he could escape unscathed from Giovanni's grasp, he would not step foot in Viridian City again.

Green was puzzled—wasn't Asahi a big fan of Giovanni?

Why was he acting like this now…? She keenly sensed that something was off.

However, since Asahi didn't explain, she didn't press the matter. She simply made a mental note to be extra wary of Giovanni.

"So, where are we going next?"

"No rush… Let's rest at Pewter Gym first," Asahi said.

In the meantime, he would also choose his reward.

Looking at the system prompt:

[Congratulations! You have defeated the newly debuted Pikachu and its trainer, Ash Ketchum, earning the title 'Pikachu Slayer (Kanto)']

[Please select your reward]

[1. Ash's Limited Edition Hat Collection]

[2. Aura Power]

[3. Pidgeot (Elite Four Level)]

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