Chapter 34: Ten Great Evolutions, Yet Only Wanting to Devolve Pokémon

After a brief rest, the trio arrived at the Vermilion Gym. The paths surrounding the gym had previously been obstructed by dead tree branches. This was a minor test set by the Gym Leader for incoming trainers, to see if they could rely on their own skills to reach the front gate. However, a mysterious tree-chopping maniac had recently appeared in Vermilion City, cutting down every tree in sight. They had even cleared away all the withered wood and branches in the city, directly exposing the gym's entrance. The local news media immediately seized the opportunity to promote a new wave of "green sustainable development" slogans, such as "If you want to get rich, start by felling trees."

"Pikachu, hang in there, don't you dare die! You've always been my best friend!!!" At that moment, a boy who looked like a novice trainer came sprinting out of the gym gates. His expression was a mix of anxiety, resentment, and regret as he roared while running. In his arms, he clutched a Rattata that was unable to battle, looking utterly scorched and smelling like overcooked meat. He didn't notice Ash and his companions, only continuing to encourage his Rattata as he brushed past them and disappeared from the entrance.

"You have to make it to the Pokémon Center! That way, I can save one Revive!" his voice echoed from afar.

The trio watched the miserable state of the Rattata and couldn't help but swallow hard. It was a textbook example of a Pokémon that was not only unable to battle but had also been "flogged" to death.

"Ash, I don't think the gym leader is a kind soul..."
"He's definitely much crueler than the last two gym leaders we faced..."

Hearing this, Ash didn't dare to be complacent. He took a deep breath and pushed open the doors of the Vermilion Gym. As a future Pokémon Master, he feared nothing! The moment they stepped inside, a blinding light shone into his eyes, forcing him to squint, much like Brock beside him. There were certainly benefits to having small eyes.

A deep, gruff male voice came from within, carrying a tone of self-indulgent complaint. "Why is someone here to challenge me again..."
"I don't know who cut down my trees, but now any old idiot comes to challenge me..."
"Damn it."

As the glare faded, the trio regained their vision. Surprisingly, the interior of this gym wasn't as flamboyant as the previous two, which had been filled with rocks and large pools. The Vermilion Gym was a standard, open training field with some spectator seating around the perimeter. A rugged man with a skin tone somewhere between Ash's and Brock's stood before them. He was muscular and nearly two meters tall, looming like a small mountain.

"!"

The massive shadow cast over Ash was so imposing that he couldn't help but take a step back.

"Hahaha, another novice brat? Go and defeat the weaklings at the Cerulean and Pewter Gyms before coming to challenge me! I won't show any mercy! Hahahaha!" The man laughed loudly, his expression arrogant.

Brock and Misty: "!"
They felt personally offended.

They immediately slammed their hands onto Ash’s shoulders and said in a low tone:
"Ash, don't hold back for our sake."
"Ash, hurry up and borrow a Charizard from your friend to teach him a lesson!!"

Ash: "..."

He shrugged off their hands, adjusted his cap slightly, and faced the man directly. "This is my battle; I won't borrow the power of others!" While Red was powerful, he was ultimately an external force, and those Pokémon were someone else's. Perhaps he would consider using them the day he managed to possess Red.

Red: "..."

Or maybe if Red were ever exorcised by a monk, he could rightfully inherit his legacy. Should he try to stage a "porcelain bumping" accident and intentionally run into a monk? Maybe the other party would then hit him with a "Great Vajra Dragon"? It was rumored there were many monks in the Johto region...?

Red: "?"
Could you wait until I’m asleep before considering these plans...?

Ash lifted his head. The man before him had a blonde buzz cut and wore a dark green military uniform. Ash wondered to himself if trainers were now working part-time as soldiers...?

"I am Ash from Pallet Town, the future Pokémon Master, and I am here to challenge you!" he declared with high spirits, not showing the slightest weakness.

The man nodded slightly, seemingly acknowledging Ash's courage to face the challenge. "Better than those cowards from before. Since you're here to challenge, then let's—"

Before he could finish his sentence, the tall man’s eyes widened. He had spotted the Pikachu at Ash's side, as if he had seen a rare and exotic beast.

"Let me see, let me see! You're actually carrying an electric mouse! The fur is smooth, the electric pouches are full, and the stepped tail has the standard four-fold bend... You’ve raised this Pikachu quite well!"
"It's just a bit too fat. Can it still move its legs at this size to use Tackle?"

Ash was displeased by this. He quickly raised his hands to bounce Pikachu slightly, wanting to show that his Pikachu wasn't that heavy. But he hadn't prepared for the weight and his arm dipped slightly. Well, it was indeed heavy. But that wasn't the point.

"My Pikachu’s speed is incredibly fast! Even its Quick Attack is faster than anyone else's!" he argued hastily.

"Pika!" Pikachu agreed, waving its own small fist.

"Not bad, not bad. I recognize you. My name is Lt. Surge, and I am an honorary member of the Vermilion City Pokémon Club's Electric Mouse Division!" Lt. Surge suddenly extended a massive palm, signaling a handshake.

Ash was stunned. He had indeed seen a Pokémon Club next to the Pokémon Center. He had assumed it was just a scam run by Team Rocket.

Was it the trend now for rough, burly men to have a girly side?

"In that case, let's have a battle of electric mouse breeding."

Ash: "?"
Why did the plot seem to be heading in such a strange direction?

Lt. Surge then threw his Poké Ball.
*Bang!*

Out came an electric mouse several sizes larger than Pikachu, with yellowish-black skin and a long, thin lightning-bolt tail. It looked combative and was raring to go.

"Beep. Raichu, the evolved form of Pikachu. Its physical strength and electricity have increased, but its aesthetic appeal has decreased. It ranks in the top three of this year's 'Top Ten Pokémon People Wish They Could De-evolve Immediately After Evolving' list," Ash’s Pokédex announced automatically.

Lt. Surge: "?"
Raichu: "?"

Ash quickly stuffed the Pokédex back into his pocket. "Haha, this Pokédex is an antique; it likes to spout nonsense. Don't mind it..." He was genuinely afraid someone would dismantle the device one day. Though, this Pokémon called Raichu... it did seem a bit less cute.

Ash couldn't help but imagine his own Pikachu evolving into a Raichu via a Thunder Stone and crushing his shoulder. Hmm, no evolution! He had to stay away from Thunder Stones in the future.

Lt. Surge scrambled to defend himself: "Ahem! Although the Vermilion City official blog did indeed rank Raichu in the top three of that list this year, those were all malicious low ratings from haters who aren't doing well in life! Actually, plenty of people love Raichu!"

Ash frowned. So that list was real? He would have to look it up later; he didn't want to accidentally evolve his partner and step on a landmine...

"Pika-pika..." Pikachu also noticed the Raichu that had appeared, squinting its eyes, pointing a little finger at the other, and laughing so hard it doubled over. What a fat electric mouse! It was even fatter than itself!? And so dark!?

"Pika-pi-mu..." Ash quickly squatted down and covered Pikachu's mouth. That was a Raichu, it had a standard build—don't judge others by your own Pikachu-sized standards!

Dammit! Everyone was good with their mouths; how did they all get so good at roasting each other!

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(Trivia: In the games, you need Cut to get past the trees in front of the Vermilion Gym, and the Pokémon Club is right next door...)