Reincarnated Into a Pokémon World and Can See Their Hidden Potential?!

The cheers of the crowd reverberated through the massive tournament dome, but Ray sat quietly with Kira in the shaded rest area. Both had completed their second-stage matches earlier that day and now enjoyed a well-earned break, warm drinks in hand.

Ray's match in the misty forest terrain had tested the coordination of his team to its limit. Pidgeotto had maneuvered through the thick trees with practiced grace, launching aerial attacks and controlling the flow of the battle. Dratini had darted through the underbrush, delivering precise bursts of Dragon energy, while Charmander kept the enemy pinned with clever use of Flame Burst and Smokescreen.

Kira's battle was equally impressive. Her Machoke had dominated the rocky cliffside terrain, using the uneven footing to its advantage. Her opponent barely lasted a few minutes before she claimed victory.

Now, all eyes were on the next match.

"Next battle: Ritchie versus Axel from Vermilion City!" the announcer boomed with excitement.

"That's the guy with the Pikachu, right?" Kira asked, sitting up straighter.

Ray nodded, eyes fixed on the central screen. "Yeah. That last match of his? It made headlines."

The battlefield shimmered again, transforming into a volcanic zone—molten rock glowing between jagged platforms, steam rising ominously.

Axel released a formidable Arcanine with a roar. Fire flared from its mane.

And then Ritchie stepped forward. Calm. Unshaken. His hand moved to his belt, and he released a single Pokémon.

"Pikachu, let's go."

The yellow mouse landed on the heated stone, cheeks sparking with electricity. Its gaze was unwavering.

Ray's system interface flickered to life. He scanned the screen without drawing attention.

[Pikachu – Level 47 | Aptitude: Deep Blue+]

Ray's pulse spiked.

Level 47… that's the strongest Pokémon I've seen here so far.

He didn't speak a word, not even to Kira. He just kept staring, absorbing the implications.

The battle began.

Pikachu blurred forward in an instant—faster than even Arcanine could react. One thunderous strike landed on its flank. Before Axel could shout a command, Arcanine collapsed.

One hit.

The crowd exploded with noise. Axel stood stunned. The referee blinked before raising a flag to declare the result.

And Ritchie? He calmly recalled Pikachu, nodded, and walked off the field.

Kira broke the silence. "That was insane."

Ray nodded slowly. "Precise. Efficient. He doesn't waste anything."

"You think you'll fight him?"

"If we both keep winning, it's likely."

Kira glanced at him, sensing his thoughts turning. "We'll be ready."

Ray offered a faint smile, then looked down at his party on the screen:

[Pidgeotto – Level 42 | Aptitude: Deep Blue][Dratini – Level 31 | Aptitude: Light Purple][Charmander – Level 31 | Aptitude: Purple]

They were strong—much stronger than when the tournament began. But that Pikachu…

Ray clenched his fist.

"I don't know how far he's pushed that Pokémon," he murmured, "but we'll catch up."

Kira rested a hand on his shoulder. "And when we do, we'll win."

Ray didn't answer immediately. His eyes were still locked on the fading screen where Pikachu had just claimed another effortless victory.

But finally, he nodded.

"Yeah. We will."