The sunlight was warm, and a gentle breeze brushed across the open grassland as Ash and his companions enjoyed a rare moment of picnic time.
Pikachu was happily holding a Berry and munching away, while Togepi waddled around nearby, playing unsteadily.
Suddenly, Ash's chewing slowed slightly. His Aura sensed a steady, focused gaze coming from not far away.
Without drawing attention, he glanced sideways. Behind a bush stood a young man wearing a beret, a camera hanging around his neck. The man was holding up a long-lens camera, aiming directly at Pikachu.
Ash immediately understood. He recognized the man as a Pokémon photographer named Todd and roughly guessed how things would unfold next.
He continued eating calmly, pretending not to notice, curious to see what Todd would do.
Sure enough, after observing for a while, Todd lowered his camera with a somewhat disappointed look. He stepped out from his hiding place, scratching his head awkwardly, his face filled with apology and frustration.
"Sorry for disturbing you," Todd said shyly. "My name is Todd. I'm a Pokémon photographer. I want to take the best photo of Pikachu to enter an extremely important photography contest. But…"
He looked toward Pikachu, who had already hidden behind Ash again.
"Your Pikachu seems really shy. Whenever I raise my camera, it gets nervous or hides. I can't capture the expression I'm looking for."
Seeing Todd's sincere yet anxious expression, and recalling memories from his previous life, Ash immediately understood the reason.
The photographer must have overheard some exaggerated or misleading claims from Team Rocket about "the best photo" such as gaining huge rewards or fame. Because of that, he had become overly obsessed with the idea, which put far too much pressure on Pikachu.
Ash's eyes flickered as a plan formed in his mind, a classic case of beating them at their own game. Not only would he help Todd get a great photo, he would also teach Team Rocket a lesson for their meddling.
"I see," Ash said with an understanding smile. "Mr. Todd, I think I know what the problem is. Pikachu doesn't hate being photographed. It just senses your nervousness and strong sense of purpose, which makes it uneasy. And let me guess… did you hear someone say that taking 'the best photo' would bring some kind of huge reward?"
Todd froze for a moment before nodding awkwardly.
"Y… yes. A few people who called themselves 'talent scouts' said that if I could take the best photo of Pikachu, I'd win a huge prize and become famous…"
Ash, Misty, and Brock exchanged glances, each seeing the same helpless understanding in the others' eyes.
Classic Team Rocket.
"Were they a group wearing white uniforms who talk in a very exaggerated way?" Brock asked.
"Yes, yes! That's them! You know them too?" Todd asked in surprise.
"You could say we're… old acquaintances," Ash said with a small smile. "Mr. Todd, their information isn't reliable. But helping you capture a natural photo of Pikachu? That's something we can try. You'll just need to cooperate with us. We're going to put on a little show…"
Ash lowered his voice and explained his plan to Todd, Misty, and Brock.
After hearing it, everyone nodded, smiles of understanding spreading across their faces.
The plan began.
First, Ash helped Pikachu relax and simply play around as usual.
Then he asked Todd to temporarily put away his professional camera and instead use the Pokédex's simple photo function or some less noticeable device, blending into the group to take discreet snapshots.
At the same time, Ash had Misty and Brock play nearby with Pokémon like Togepi and Bulbasaur, creating a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere to draw Pikachu's attention away from the camera.
Sure enough, in a familiar and comfortable environment, Pikachu gradually lowered its guard and returned to its usual lively and adorable self.
It chased and played with Togepi, curiously sniffed the flower on Bulbasaur's back, and showed a drooling expression when tempted by Brock's cooking. Every moment was natural and full of life.
Hidden among the group, Todd kept snapping photos with his inconspicuous device, a delighted smile spreading across his face. For the first time, he felt like he had truly captured the glow of Pikachu's spirit.
Right then, according to the plan, Ash suddenly said loudly:
"Ah, I heard there's an extremely rare Pokémon around here… something called a 'Golden Pikachu'?"
The words were like a stone tossed into still water, instantly creating ripples.
The Team Rocket trio, who had been hiding nearby and eavesdropping with perked-up ears, immediately took the bait!
"A Golden Pikachu?!"
"Even rarer than a normal Pikachu, meow!"
"We've got to catch it and present it to the Boss!"
Team Rocket suddenly leapt out of their hiding place and struck their signature pose.
"Since you've asked so sincerely!"
"We shall kindly tell you!"
…
"That Golden Pikachu belongs to us, meow!"
However, their dramatic entrance and loud declarations perfectly served as the ideal "background" and "stimulus."
Seeing these three old troublemakers, Pikachu reflexively turned around. Sparks burst from the electric sacs on its cheeks, its eyes sharp and determined. Its expression carried both fighting spirit and a hint of exasperated amusement that seemed to say, "You guys again?"
It struck its classic battle-ready pose.
"Now!" Ash whispered to Todd.
Todd had already been prepared. He swiftly raised the hidden professional camera and aimed it at Pikachu, who looked exceptionally vivid and powerful against the backdrop of Team Rocket's exaggerated presence.
Click! Click! Click!
The rapid shutter sounds rang out crisply.
"Pika—CHUU!!"
At the same moment, Pikachu unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt that struck Team Rocket precisely before they could even say their next line.
"What a terrible feeling—!"
Still dreaming about capturing the "Golden Pikachu," Team Rocket once again blasted off into the sky like shooting stars.
As the electricity faded, Pikachu calmed down and looked curiously at its own paws, seemingly wondering why Team Rocket had been defeated so easily this time.
Todd excitedly checked the photos on his camera.
In the image, Pikachu stood beneath a brilliant blue sky, with Team Rocket's ridiculous silhouettes in the background. Its entire body was surrounded by golden lightning, its eyes firm and expression lively and powerful, perfectly capturing Pikachu's cuteness, agility, and strength all at once.
"This is amazing! This is exactly what I wanted! The best Pikachu photo!" Todd exclaimed with joy, repeatedly thanking Ash. "Thank you, Ash! Not only did you help me get the photo, you also made me realize that the best photo doesn't come from forcing things or chasing fame and rewards. It comes from understanding Pokémon and capturing their most genuine moments!"
Ash accepted the thanks with a smile.
Satisfied, Todd prepared to leave. But after walking a few steps, he suddenly stopped. Turning back toward Ash and Pikachu, a new look of curiosity and determination appeared on his face.
"Wait, Ash!"
Todd hurried back, his eyes sparkling.
"I've changed my mind! One photo is nowhere near enough! You and your Pikachu, and all of your Pokémon partners… the unique bond between you, and every story that happens during your journey… they're all far too valuable to record with just a single shot! These moments are far more precious than any staged photograph!"
He raised his camera, his voice full of enthusiasm.
"Please allow me to travel with you for a while! I want to use my camera to document your real adventures! I promise I won't interfere with your journey. I just want to capture those natural moments. Please!"
Ash looked at Misty and Brock. Both of them smiled and shrugged, showing that they didn't mind.
Ash then looked at Pikachu. Pikachu chirped, "Pika pika!" seemingly no longer rejecting the photographer who no longer pressured it and simply observed quietly.
"Alright then, Mr. Todd," Ash said with a smile and a nod. "You're welcome to join our journey for a while. But fair warning, our travels are full of surprises… and Team Rocket."
"Haha, that's exactly what I'm hoping for! That's the most exciting material!" Todd happily adjusted the strap of his camera. "Then for the rest of the journey, I look forward to working with you, Ash, and everyone else!"
And so, Ash's traveling group temporarily gained a new member, a passionate recorder of their adventures.
The Pokémon photographer, Todd.
He was no longer obsessed with capturing a single "best photo." Instead, through the lens of his camera, he faithfully followed Ash and his companions, documenting the adventures that shone with bonds and growth.
A temporary companion had joined the team!
...