As Shinji pulled up the system and aimed it at Pikachu, the pale blue panel in his mind quickly displayed Pikachu's information.
[Pikachu ♦] (Ash's Pikachu)
Level: 4 (Superior Class)
Type: Electric
ability: Static
potential: Peak
base stats: 32 (430)
Moves: Thunderbolt, Agility, Quick Attack, Thunder, Iron Tail, Volt Tackle, Nuzzle
Seeing the information on the panel, a rare flash of surprise crossed Shinji's dark purple eyes, and his heart couldn't help but skip a beat.
Good grief, it truly deserves to be called 'Pika-god' in his past life.
As the protagonist of this world, even Ash's Pokémon are so extraordinary.
Not only did its base stats break the conventional limits, but its potential was also a one-in-a-million Peak grade.
Peak potential—this was the highest he had seen so far; even his carefully raised Torterra and Elekid were only at the Excellent grade.
This Pikachu's potential was nothing short of terrifying.
However, seeing Pikachu's level, Shinji couldn't help but shake his head again.
Level 4, Superior Class—for a Pikachu with Peak potential, this growth rate really couldn't be considered fast.
It seemed Ash was just like in the anime, relying on so-called 'trust' and 'bonds' while lacking systematic and rigorous training.
Otherwise, with this Pikachu's Peak potential, its level would definitely not be limited to this.
"What a waste of talent..." Shinji thought to himself, but then immediately dismissed the idea.
"Maybe not. After all, if it were anyone else without that almost absurdly deep bond between Ash and Pikachu, they might have ruined this Pikachu instead. Its potential might have even declined due to improper training methods."
While Shinji was analyzing Pikachu's data, Jessie and James also emerged from behind the bushes following their Pokémon.
The group surrounded the weakened Pikachu, watching it like hawks.
Dawn also sensed something was wrong. She leaned toward Shinji and whispered, "Shinji, what's going on? That Pikachu doesn't look like their Pokémon, and they're dressed so strangely. Who are they?"
"I don't know, ask them," Shinji's reply was as concise as it was dismissive.
These words instantly made Dawn fume with anger.
She put her hands on her hips, puffed out her cheeks, and glared at Shinji with her deep blue eyes. She looked like a ruffled kitten that wanted to pounce and bite him.
Choked by Shinji's cold attitude, Dawn didn't bother with him anymore.
She took a deep breath and charged forward with Piplup, spreading her arms to protect Pikachu behind her. Standing tall with her small frame, she spoke righteously to the Team Rockets members, "I don't know who you are, but this Pikachu definitely isn't yours! I won't let you take it away!"
Seeing Dawn rush over to protect Pikachu so recklessly, Shinji's lip twitched, and for a moment, he didn't know what to say.
Is this a classic case of being brainless? She didn't even weigh her own strength. A rookie trainer who just started her journey and hadn't even successfully caught a wild Buneary dared to play the hero.
Facing enemies of unknown identity and strength without the slightest fear—truly, a newborn calf fears no tiger.
Shinji sighed in his heart, truly at a loss for Dawn's impulsive behavior.
On the other side, seeing a young girl suddenly pop out to block them from Pikachu and righteously accuse them seemed to trigger a switch in the Team Rockets.
"Since you've asked so sincerely!"
"Then we shall tell you out of our great mercy!"
...
The classic entrance monologue began.
Shinji watched the Team Rocket Trio's flamboyant performance with cold eyes, but his gaze involuntarily fell on Dawn.
Though the girl was nervous, her back was straight and her eyes were firm as she firmly shielded Pikachu behind her without backing down an inch.
That pure protective instinct and courage seemed somewhat dazzling under the sunlight.
Looking at the determined and even slightly foolish Dawn, a string in Shinji's heart seemed to be lightly plucked, and an indescribable emotion flickered through his mind.
He couldn't help but sigh inwardly: "I really can't do anything with you."
While Team Rocket was reciting their lines, Shinji no longer hesitated.
He directly took a Poké Ball from the clip on his lower back, pressed the button to enlarge it, and flicked his wrist to throw it out.
"Elekid, Thunderbolt."
His voice was still flat, yet it carried an unquestionable decisiveness.
"Bi-bi-bi—!"
In a flash of white light, Elekid's vigorous figure appeared in the clearing.
It didn't even need to see its opponents clearly; it had absolute obedience to Shinji's orders.
As it appeared, it already began rapidly spinning its arms. Its body was instantly covered in violent golden electricity, and powerful electrical energy quickly gathered at the horns on its head.
The next moment, an incredibly thick bolt of terrifying electricity, like a golden giant python, tore through the air. With a crackling explosion, it slammed toward the posing Team Rocket group!
"Aaaah—!"
Boom!
The current hit precisely, and the screams were instantly drowned out by a massive explosion.
Immediately, the Team Rockets members along with their Pokémon were sent flying by the shockwave of the explosion. They traced an arc through the sky and finally vanished as a star on the horizon.
"Why'd you suddenly attack people, meow!"
"Exactly! We hadn't even finished our lines!"
"We're blasting off again—"
"Wobbuffet—"
The intermittent complaints gradually faded away as the star disappeared.
After driving off Team Rocket, Shinji expressionlessly recalled Elekid and walked up to Dawn. His dark purple eyes stared at her silently without speaking.
Dawn felt a bit intimidated by Shinji's calm yet oppressive gaze, and she also knew her actions just now were indeed too impulsive and dangerous.
She lowered her head sheepishly, twisting the hem of her skirt with her fingers, and explained softly, "Shinji, I... I was just in a hurry. Seeing them bully Pikachu, I couldn't help but want to protect it."
Looking at Dawn's apologetic look and thinking of her reckless figure just now, Shinji's heart—which hadn't intended to blame her anyway—softened completely.
In the end, he couldn't bear to scold this simple and kind girl too much and just gave a soft "Mm."
At the same time, as if possessed, he reached out and gently patted Dawn's head, which was covered by her white knit cap, twice.
The movement was a bit stiff, yet it carried a trace of subtle comfort.
Fine, you can do whatever you want from now on; I'll be there to back you up.
Shinji thought silently to himself.
Dawn originally thought Shinji was reaching out to knock her head and instinctively wanted to dodge, but then she felt the gentle touch on her crown.
She froze completely, a faint blush instantly spreading across her cheeks. Her eyes became somewhat flustered, and her heart skipped a beat for some reason.
Shinji didn't notice Dawn's odd behavior; his attention quickly shifted to the Pikachu on the ground.
Since they had encountered it and Dawn had gotten involved, he naturally couldn't just walk away and ignore it.
He took out a Special Potion exchanged from the system shop from his backpack and began to skillfully perform simple treatment for Pikachu.
Dawn watched Shinji's profile as he crouched on the ground, focused and serious about treating Pikachu. His long eyelashes were lowered, his nose was straight, and the usually cold lines of his face seemed to soften slightly at this moment.
Unconsciously, Dawn became a bit mesmerized by the sight.
She didn't expect this cold guy to look quite handsome when he was serious... Not knowing what she was thinking about, a silly smile appeared on Dawn's face, and she didn't even realize when Shinji had stood up and was looking at her.
"Let's go."
It wasn't until Shinji's cool voice sounded that Dawn snapped out of it. Finding Shinji looking at her with those dark purple eyes, her face turned bright red with embarrassment, as if she had been caught doing something bad, and she hurriedly looked away.
However, Shinji didn't say much and just turned to walk toward the exit of the forest.
"Oh, okay!" Dawn quickly responded, hurriedly recalling Piplup into its Poké Ball. Then, she carefully picked up Pikachu—who was still unconscious but had much steadier breathing after the simple treatment—and quickened her pace to follow Shinji.
"Where are we going?" Dawn asked, jogging to catch up with Shinji.
"Pokémon Center," Shinji replied without looking back, his pace steady.
"Okay!" Dawn nodded, holding Pikachu and quietly following by Shinji's side.
The setting sun lengthened their shadows, casting them onto the forest path.
Soon, the two arrived at a Pokémon Center located at the edge of the forest. The red and white building looked exceptionally peaceful in the twilight.
Shinji and Dawn walked straight into the lobby and handed Pikachu, which needed professional treatment, to Nurse Joy at the front desk.
"Sorry to trouble you, Nurse Joy," Dawn said politely.
"Please leave it to me," Nurse Joy replied with a professional, gentle smile as she took the tray holding Pikachu and placed it on the nearby treatment machine.
Meanwhile, on the other side of Sandgem Town, a boy wearing a Pokémon League collaboration hat was anxiously looking around. Accompanied by a lively Aipom, he kept muttering, "Pikachu! Where are you? Pikachu!"