Ash's eyes remained fixed on the translucent data panel hovering before him. This was the "Appraisal" function of the Bag System—a tool that translated raw biological potential into cold, hard metrics. He looked at the Sceptile standing before him, the Pokémon leaning against a cedar tree with an nonchalant twig clamped between its jaws.
[Analysis: Sceptile]
Classification: Forest Pokémon
Type: Grass
Ability: Overgrow (Latent)
Individual Values (IVs): 6V (Perfect Potential in all metrics)
Calculated Strength: Elite Four Level
Key Moves: Leaf Blade, Leaf Storm, Dragon Pulse, Agility.
Ash felt a phantom smirk tugging at his lips. Perfect 6V potential. It made sense; this was the same Sceptile that would eventually outpace and dismantle a Darkrai at the Lily Valley Conference. Even now, before the Sinnoh journey had officially begun, Sceptile stood as a pillar of the team—surpassed only by the erratic power of Pikachu, the sheer mass of Snorlax, and the seasoned fury of Charizard.
"You're staying on the active roster," Ash murmured, nodding to the Grass-type. Sceptile didn't move, but the subtle twitch of its tail told Ash it understood. To conquer Sinnoh, and more importantly, to crush Tobias, he needed speed that defied physics and power that ignored type-disadvantages. Sceptile was the answer.
But first, there was a debt to pay.
"Charizard, I'm counting on you for the transport!"
The roar that followed was a tectonic vibration. Through the Lab's transfer system, Ash had recalled the crimson titan from the Charizard Valley. The dragon landed on the ranch with enough force to kick up a cloud of dust, its wingspan casting a massive shadow over the grass.
Ash climbed onto the saddle-seat behind Charizard's neck, Pikachu securely nestled in his usual spot.
[Analysis: Charizard]
Individual Values: 6V
Strength: Elite Four Level (Apex)
Notes: Training in the Valley has refined its Flame output. Near-Champion threshold.
"To the Viridian Forest," Ash commanded.
Charizard beat its wings once, a gust of hot wind flattening the grass, and then they were airborne. Pallet Town shrunk into a cluster of dollhouses. To a normal traveler, the trek to the heart of the Viridian Forest took days; on the back of an Apex Fire-type, it was a twenty-minute blur of wind and adrenaline.
They descended into a clearing where the canopy broke, the ancient trees reaching upward like the pillars of a cathedral. Ash recalled Charizard, the red light of the Pokéball snapping the dragon back into its stasis.
The silence of the forest was heavy, filled with the hum of hidden insects and the rustle of leaves. Viridian was a primal place, a sprawling green labyrinth that spanned the border of Kanto and Johto.
"Stay sharp, Pikachu," Ash warned. "We're in the deep woods now."
As he moved toward the coordinates where he had last seen his old friend, the bushes to his left exploded. A streak of iridescent green blurred across his vision.
Chop!
A Scyther skidded into the center of the path, its twin scythes gleaming with a wicked, metallic sheen. It stood nearly five feet tall, its predatory eyes locked onto Ash with a mixture of territorial aggression and martial challenge.
Ash stopped. Most trainers would see a dangerous wild animal; Ash saw a Scizor in waiting. He had been considering a Beedrill for his Bug-type slot—the Mega Evolution was formidable—but a Scyther of this caliber was a different breed of lethal.
"A wild one with that much discipline?" Ash noted the Scyther's stance—low, balanced, and ready to pivot. "Interesting."
He tapped his shoulder. "Pikachu, you're up. Let's see if you've shaken off the morning rust."
Pikachu hopped into the dirt, sparks dancing between his cheeks. Ash's eyes flickered to the side as the system scanned his partner.
[Analysis: Pikachu]
IVs: 6V
Exclusive Ability: The Actor (Combat power fluctuates based on narrative stakes/opponent level).
Current Strength: Elite Four Level (Potential: Multi-Regional Champion).
The "Actor" ability was the only way to explain it—the strange phenomenon where Pikachu could go toe-to-toe with a Regice one day and struggle against a beginner's Snivy the next. But today, under Ash's awakened gaze, the "Actor" was feeling inspired.
"Quick Attack, then transition into Iron Tail," Ash ordered.
Pikachu didn't just move; he disappeared into a white streak of kinetic energy. The battle for the Viridian Forest had begun.