Rampaging Evolution! Manectric Takes the Field!

"For a rookie Pokémon Trainer, you did pretty well!"

After the battle, Bai Shi even made a show of praising Trip.

"Hmph. Don't get too cocky. I'll win next time!"

Trip had no interest in Bai Shi's praise. He recalled the unconscious Snivy and turned to leave.

He swore that one day, he would settle the score for today.

"That felt good!"

Watching Trip hurry away, Bai Shi felt refreshed.

Electrike might not have evolved, but beating Trip had let Bai Shi vent a little frustration he'd carried since before arriving in this world.

He had also saved Ash from some embarrassment.

At least Ash wouldn't suffer the humiliation of losing to Trip, who had only just become a Pokémon Trainer.

"Bai Shi, your Electrike seems to have gotten a lot stronger!"

"Once Pikachu's checkup is done, have a battle with me too!"

Watching their battle had left Ash itching for a fight, and he challenged Bai Shi.

"Hahaha! If things work out, I'm up for it!"

Bai Shi smiled but didn't agree outright, giving him a vague answer instead.

He remembered that Pikachu couldn't use Electric-type moves right now.

He just hoped Ash could stay this optimistic when he found out.

Once Trip had disappeared from sight, Bai Shi followed Ash back to the lab.

Pikachu's checkup had just finished.

"Ash, after a thorough examination, we found that Pikachu absorbed too much electrical energy and became overloaded."

"That may keep him from using Electric-type moves properly."

Professor Juniper studied Pikachu's examination report, her expression grave as she spoke to Ash.

"Professor Juniper, is there any way to cure Pikachu?"

Ash was thunderstruck by her words and asked anxiously.

For a pure Electric-type Pokémon, losing the ability to use Electric-type moves was like losing both arms.

No wonder Ash