Pokemon: Trait Master

[Infinite Reincarnation (Rainbow)]: Upon reaching the peak of its current power, the user can reset its level to gain even higher stats and an increased level cap. Number of reincarnations—Unlimited. 

[Master of Acting (Orange)]: When battling higher-level Pokémon, there is a 10% chance to temporarily match the opponent's level. 

Originally, the Gold-tier Infinite Reincarnation trait was called "Regional Reincarnation." 

Not only did it have many requirements and restrictions, but it also forced the user to reach a level bottleneck and travel across an entire region before they could reincarnate. 

In the Pokémon world, there were only eight regions: 

Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, and Galar. 

The Paldea region from the latest games in Ash's previous life did not exist here, meaning Pikachu would have only been able to reincarnate a maximum of eight times under the old system. 

But now, after upgrading it to Rainbow-tier Infinite Reincarnation, 

- No need to travel across regions. 

- No limits on reincarnation. 

The difference between Gold and Rainbow-tier was like comparing a common Pokémon to a Legendary. 

Simply worlds apart. 

And as for Master of Acting? 

The original Blue-tier version of it was absolute garbage. 

- 0.1% chance to copy an opponent's level in battle. 

- 50% chance to have its own level lowered when battling weaker Pokémon. 

Even now, Ash considered that version a massive liability. 

He had almost thrown it away, but in the end, he decided to upgrade it instead. 

Now, at Orange-tier, it was at least somewhat useful. 

When combined with Infinite Reincarnation, 

if the level-copying effect triggered, who could ever match Pikachu at equal strength? 

That was why Ash had never replaced it. 

As for the remaining three traits: 

[Thor (Gold)]: Your ability to store electrical energy surpasses all common Pikachu. You can accumulate up to 100 million volts of electricity. 

- Any Electric-type attacks of the same level or lower will deal no damage to you. 

- All Electric-type moves deal +100% damage. 

[Exceptional Intellect (Purple)]: Your intelligence far surpasses that of regular Pokémon. Even without a Trainer's commands, you can make tactical battle decisions on your own. 

[Move Overload (Purple)]: There is a 10% chance that any attack you use will exceed its normal power. 

Currently, Pikachu's Quasi-Elite strength could only support five traits at a time. 

These five were the absolute best ones Ash had chosen from the countless traits he had farmed over the years. 

Thor had evolved from a basic Lightning-type trait, but the number of traits Ash had sacrificed to upgrade it was insane! 

If he hadn't been lucky enough to pull some Red-tier traits along the way, 

he probably wouldn't have even reached Gold-tier! 

But Thor was the best trait for stable, raw power growth— 

so he had prioritized it over Master of Acting. 

Not only did it boost Electric-type moves, but it also unlocked a Special Move—100 Million Volt Thunderbolt: Thor! 

A move that could only be used when fully charged! 

Even after Pikachu had reincarnated once, it had still taken them six months of nonstop battling just to charge it up for the first time. 

As Pikachu's strength grew, the charge time should shorten significantly, 

but so far, Ash hadn't found a worthy opponent to test it on. 

If he was going to use it, it had to be on a Legendary Pokémon at the very least! 

As for the first Infinite Reincarnation reset, 

it had been a gift from the system's starter pack. 

Without it, low-level wild Pokémon could have never dropped a Rainbow-tier trait. 

The other two traits, Exceptional Intellect and Move Overload, were innate. 

Both were extremely useful, 

but Ash hadn't gathered enough trait experience to upgrade them yet. 

— 

Thus, after years of grinding in "Newbie Village," 

Route 1 Sword Saint Ash was finally ready to step into the world! 

By his side stands Thor Pikachu, a force of thunder and destruction, already at Quasi-Elite level.

Let the world tremble.

Rookie Trainers, you are not prepared!

— 

As Ash reminisced, he finally arrived at Professor Oak's Lab. 

At the same time, Gary was just walking out after receiving his starter Pokémon. 

The boy carried a single-shoulder backpack and had a confident, smug grin. 

He waved to the gathered townsfolk, addressing them with absolute arrogance: 

"Rest assured, uncles and aunties, grandpas and grandmas—I will return with the Indigo League Championship Trophy!" 

"There has never been a Trainer in history who became League Champion within half a year of starting their journey, 

but I, Gary Oak, will be the first!" 

Hearing Gary's over-the-top bragging, Ash couldn't help but burst into laughter. 

"Alright, alright, cut the nonsense. 'First in history'? Let's see you get past Pikachu first. Which starter did you pick?" 

With the memories of an adult, Ash rarely hung out with kids his age. 

But Gary was an exception. 

Maybe it was because he was Professor Oak's grandson, 

or maybe… 

they were simply fated to be rivals. 

Whenever he was around Gary, Ash's childish side naturally came out. 

The moment Gary heard Ash's voice, his smug expression froze. 

Just a second ago, he had been overflowing with ambition, ready to dominate the world— 

but the instant he saw Ash, 

his confidence shattered like glass. 

"Tch! Pikachu is nothing! Once my Pokémon grows stronger, I'll be able to beat ten of your Pikachu! Just wait and see!" 

"Oh? So what you're saying is… right now, you can't beat Pikachu?" 

Gary: … 

If he had to be honest— 

Yeah. No chance in hell. 

There was no way he could win! 

Not only had Ash gotten Pikachu years earlier, 

but the Pokémon Gary had chosen was Squirtle— 

a Water-type that was completely countered by Pikachu's Electric attacks. 

And Ash's Pikachu wasn't just any Pikachu. 

It was a Pikachu with a cheat code. 

Gary had personally witnessed that Pikachu annihilate a Fearow with a single Thunderbolt. 

At the time, he had thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. 

Based on his estimates, Ash's Pikachu was at least Elite-level already! 

Was it even remotely normal for a Pikachu to reach that level in just a few years?!