[Breeder Ash: Speaking of traveling to other regions, we have to talk about Pikachu's unique trait. It's not that Pikachu has low potential, but rather, his potential is so high! High enough that it needs a special method to unlock it, and the way to unlock it is what I just mentioned: after reaching the end of one region, set off for another region.]
[Breeder Ash: For example, once you've collected all eight badges in Kanto and accomplished the feat of challenging the League Conference, and then you head to the Hoenn Region, one layer of Pikachu's constraints will be lifted. His talent will increase by one level, and his maximum ability value will also go up. However, correspondingly, his level will decrease.]
[Newbie Ash: ???]
Ash was only half-understanding what was said earlier, until Breeder Ash mentioned that Pikachu's level would decrease, which finally stumped Ash.
It's common to see Pokemon with increasing levels, but Pokemon with decreasing levels are extremely rare.
Generally, only Pokemon suffering damage to their core would experience a level decrease. How could there be a situation where potential and caps increase, yet levels go down?
[Breeder Ash: You didn't see it wrong. Pikachu's level does indeed decrease; this is the price for unlocking a higher tier of talent. But don't worry, Pikachu will find it relatively easy to return to his original level afterwards. In fact, once back at his original level, he'll have superior abilities for his level, so don't worry.]
[Newbie Ash: Is this the secret hidden in Pikachu all along? How much can Pikachu's potential increase after reaching the next region? Is there a limit to this increase?]
[Breeder Ash: The extent of the increase depends on your Pikachu's condition. Like my Pikachu, in the beginning in Kanto, could only grow to Professional Middle Level and couldn't advance any further. Now that I've traveled across all the regions, I should have unlocked all of Pikachu's potential, yet he is only at Champion Peak.]
[Breeder Ash: But I believe he should be able to reach Divine Domain Level. It's just that my training hasn't been thorough enough. However, even at Champion Peak, Pikachu now has the strength to contend with the Divine Domain. The difference between Divine Domain and Champion is like the distance between heaven and earth, yet Pikachu contending with the Divine Domain is inseparable from his constant breaking of his limits and repeatedly lowering his level.]
To contend with the Divine Domain, and with just a Pikachu at that... one might think anyone claiming such is crazy, but naturally, Breeder Ash wouldn't boast idly here.
Seeing this, Ash couldn't help but start to dream of his own Pikachu's wonderful future. One day, could his Pikachu also reach such heights?
Absolutely!
[Newbie Ash: So as long as I have Pikachu battle through the League, he will have the potential to advance to Divine Domain Level? But compared to other Pokemon, these promotion conditions seem much harder!]
Other Pokemon just need a 3S-level qualification to meet the advancement to Divine Domain Level requirements. In contrast, his Pikachu has to travel through entire League Regions to meet the conditions.
According to Breeder Ash, every region Pikachu experiences elevates his qualification, meaning after the second or even third region, Pikachu could achieve multiple S-level qualifications.
Doesn't this make it much more difficult compared to other Pokemon's advancement to Divine Domain Level?
Of course, using "just" to describe 3S qualification is indeed a bit excessive, but considering the number of high-qualification Pokemon Ash has, using "just" isn't too out of place.
[Breeder Ash: Did you think reaching 3S-level would guarantee 100% advancement to Divine Domain Level? You're dreaming!]
[Breeder Ash: I already said, the basic condition for advancing to Divine Domain Level is the 3S-level qualification, but having over 3S qualification doesn't ensure 100% advancement to Divine Domain Level.]
[Breeder Ash: Pikachu's steady ascent to Divine Domain Level through travel experiences is something countless Pokemon dream of but you probably haven't thought about it, have you?]
[Breeder Ash: If giving a Pokemon enough time could ensure reaching Divine Domain Level, such a Pokemon would be highly sought after globally! In a sense, Team Rocket's trio has unrivaled vision, as they targeted Pikachu even before he showed prominence.]
Breeder Ash's words enlightened Ash, having potential is one thing, being able to truly grow to Divine Domain Level is another.
There are many Pokemon with outstanding innate talent, but how many can truly reach the Celestial King Champion?
Thus, as per Breeder Ash's explanation, a Pokemon like Pikachu, who can directly achieve Divine Domain Level, is indeed a world-class rarity, incomparable to any so-called outstandingly talented Pokemon.
Furthermore, Breeder Ash was right; Team Rocket's trio indeed has an eye for great talent!
They genuinely set their sights on Pikachu from day one and have pursued him ever since. Speaking of insight, those three are truly unparalleled.
However, it cannot be excluded that it was just a case of a blind cat stumbling across a dead mouse.
[Newbie Ash: Now that you mention it, progressing to Divine Domain Level in an orderly manner is indeed something others dream of. By the way, does the new S-level ability I acquired have a connection with Pikachu?]
[Breeder Ash: That's right, the ability does exactly what it implies, allowing Pikachu to break through even without meeting the necessary breakthrough conditions. You can use it on Pikachu once you head out.]
[Champion Ash: I have to admit, your luck is enviable. Whatever you lack just comes to you — getting a top-tier booster when you're about to face off against Giovanni and Mewtwo. It seems like heaven is blessing your Gym challenge this time.]
[Newbie Ash: Hehe, my luck has always been pretty good. I'll head out now, thanks for the knowledge sharing, everyone!]
After sending this message, Ash exited the chat group and returned to the hot spring.
This chat session included a raffle and some educational content, so it took longer than usual. Brock and Pikachu even curiously approached to check on Ash.
They called Ash multiple times, and without response, they almost thought he had fainted in the hot spring.
Luckily, Ash came to his senses afterward, or they would have intended to lift him out of the hot spring.
"What happened, Ash? Why didn't you respond when we called you just now?" Brock, inspecting Ash from head to toe, asked curiously.
"It's nothing, I just stayed in too long and felt a bit lightheaded. I didn't hear you; it's nothing serious now." Ash waved his hand, indicating he was fine.
Seeing Ash really wasn't affected, Brock relaxed and stepped out of the hot spring.
If he soaked much longer, he thought he might faint, regardless of whether Ash would.
Ash also stretched and greeted his companions, "Time to go, everyone. If we don't head back, Misty might report us missing."
Though they brought mobile phones, they left them in the changing room, so Misty still couldn't reach them.
This was something Ash just recalled.
Sure enough, upon returning, they were greeted by Misty's angry face, "Where did you guys run off to! Not even a word to me!"