[Ding! Rival Mission Triggered: Defeat Gary by ranking higher in the Kanto Indigo League!]
[Mission Rewards: King's Rock – In battle, grants a 10% chance to cause flinching. Outside of battle, it is a special evolution item for certain Pokémon!
Intermediate Rare Candies ×2 – Instantly levels up Pokémon under level 50 by one level!]
[Optional Bonus Objective: If you battle and defeat Gary in the Indigo League, the mission reward will be upgraded!]
[Upgraded Reward: Special Grade King's Rock – The additional effect becomes permanent! When used as an evolution item, it also has a chance to enhance a Pokémon's potential!
Advanced Rare Candies ×2 – Instantly levels up Pokémon under level 70 by one level!]
Seeing the generous rewards, Kazuki casually fired back at Gary, "Gary, you're really fired up to compete with me! Is it because you're trying to impress someone?"
Gary and Ash had been childhood friends.
The last time Kazuki had chatted with Professor Oak about Pokémon knowledge, he'd brought up some topics even Professor Oak hadn't heard of. That left Ash completely awestruck—he looked like he was one step away from calling Kazuki dad on the spot.
Naturally, Gary found out quickly, and his competitive streak flared up. He was determined to settle the score with Kazuki.
"Me? Impress someone? Don't be ridiculous! Who would go out of their way to show off for a bunch of idiots?! I'm doing this to prove to the world who the real next-generation Pokémon Master is!" Gary sputtered through a flustered string of excuses, frowning as he glared at Kazuki.
This guy Kazuki… is way harder to deal with than Ash!
Ash dropped out this year, and now I have to start my journey alongside this guy instead… It's really putting the pressure on!
"Hahaha! Youth really is full of fire and passion. Makes me jealous!" Professor Oak chuckled as he interrupted their exchange.
"Alright, that's enough declarations of rivalry! Time to pick your starter Pokémon!"
Gary's eyes lit up the moment he heard that. But with Kazuki present, he forced himself to act like a composed young gentleman as he slowly walked downstairs.
Kazuki and Gary followed Professor Oak to a machine that displayed three familiar red-and-white Poké Balls.
"These are the three starter Pokémon available to you: Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander! Each one has its own strengths, and they're perfect for beginner Trainers!"
Gary eagerly reached out for the Poké Ball containing Squirtle, but then quickly retracted his hand and assumed a composed stance. "Ahem, Kazuki, since you arrived first today, I'll let you pick first."
"Not that it matters—whatever you pick, I'll surpass you with what's left!"
Gary always had that arrogant little-prince attitude, but he still played by the rules when it counted.
But none of the three options were really Kazuki's style, so he spoke up frankly, "Professor Oak, I've always preferred Electric-type Pokémon."
"I heard there were four Trainers who signed up today. So what's the fourth Pokémon?"
"Oh! You like Electric-types, Kazuki? What a coincidence!" Professor Oak blinked in surprise and then smiled. He pressed a button on the side, and a fourth Poké Ball rose from the center of the machine.
"Yes, I did prepare four Pokémon today! And the fourth just so happens to be an Electric-type…"
Before Professor Oak could finish, Gary hastily snatched up the Squirtle Poké Ball, afraid Kazuki might suddenly change his mind and take it instead.
"Alright! Since you're going Electric-type…"
"Then I'll take this Water-type Squirtle!!"
"Kazuki! I'll be waiting for our match in the Indigo League! Don't get eliminated too early!"
"Hahaha!"
After securing Squirtle, Gary bolted out of the lab in a rush. As he ran, he shouted back to Professor Oak, "Gramps! I grabbed the Pokédex and Poké Balls myself! I'm off to meet my fan club Later!"
Professor Oak chuckled and shook his head. "That kid! Oh, right—Kazuki, the Electric-type I mentioned is Pikachu!"
"It's always best for a Trainer to raise a type they genuinely like—makes everything much smoother!"
"But… this Pikachu does have one small issue."
"What kind of issue?" Kazuki asked, going through the motions as he reached to take the Poké Ball.
Professor Oak quickly stopped him. "Wait, Kazuki, let me handle it."
He cautiously touched the Poké Ball and explained, "This Pikachu is already the evolved form of Pichu."
"Because of that, its personality is a bit... proud. It sees human bodies as too weak and unworthy of training it. It tends to throw tantrums."
The moment Professor Oak released Pikachu, his body tensed and he stepped back instinctively.
But today, Pikachu appeared calm and obedient.
"Huh? That's odd. Usually every time I let it out, it zaps me right away. But today it seems well-behaved! Looks like I've finally earned its respect!" he said, relaxing as he reached out to pet Pikachu's head.
"Pika~"
"YOW! OUCH OUCH!"
A moment later, the unsuspecting Professor Oak was zapped and dropped flat on the floor.
Pikachu stood proudly on the table, one paw on its hip and a smug expression on its face.
"You see that, Kazuki? That's this Pikachu's problem!"
"It looks down on any human it manages to zap!"
"Are you sure you still want it? Oof, that really tingles…"
Kazuki stared at the adorable Pikachu and answered firmly, "Yes. I want this Pikachu."
"Hmm?" Professor Oak, still lying on the floor, looked at Kazuki in shock.
Even Pikachu wore a baffled expression—but its eyes were filled with hostility, and the two little red circles on its cheeks were already crackling with sparks...