Summary
Ash and Pikachu both strive to achieve their dreams in their own ways without following traditional norms or expectations. The iconic battle between Pikachu and Raichu reflects Ash's journey as a child with big dreams of winning on his terms. Pokémon teaches children that success can be achieved by staying true to themselves, just as Ash and Pikachu have proven.
One of the most iconic moments of the early aughts Pokémon anime is definitely a fight between Lt. Pikachu and Raichu. Surge, and as a result, Ash plans to evolve Pikachu. Pikachu boldly refused, and the reason he did so was actually surprisingly related to Ash.
In the episode “Electric Shock Showdown”, an injured Pikachu, still recovering from his injuries in his battle with Raichu, blasts away the Thunder Stone that Ash attempted to use and then attempts to convey an idea to Ash. Meowth translates for Team Rocket, stating that Pikachu said, “I don't want to change! If I want to defeat Raichu, I will do it just like myself!” Pikachu goes on to say that he wants to win for all Pikachu out there, to show that evolution isn't the only way forward.
This quote from Pikachu also reflects something the story seems to say about Ash.
Ash represents children with big dreams everywhere
The reality is that Ash, as a character, hasn't aged one bit since his introduction at the beginning of the series; He was 10 years old then and he's 10 years old in Journey, even more than 1,200 episodes later. Of course, all those adventures still happen, it's just that Ash (and every other character) doesn't grow or change much physically. While it's never mentioned in-universe (nor should it be), there's an obvious reason why Ash is still 10 years old, and that's so he's still accessible to The audience is children at the age of watching the show.
Even though he's just a kid, Ash has big dreams that he wants to fulfill, and he aims to achieve those dreams and become a Pokémon Master. However, like Pikachu, Ash doesn't just want to achieve these things; he wanted to do them his way. Ash's wild strategies over the years have proven that his out-of-the-box thinking can be very effective, and if he had approached Pokémon in a more traditional way, he might never have thought of doing these things. Like soaking Onix with water to weaken it.
Ash's dream has no expiration date; There's no reason why he can't become a master when he grows up, like Leon or other champions. He can learn more about Pokémon strategy and fighting, and develop common tactics that can lead him to victory. But accomplishing his goal that way wasn't what Ash really wanted; he wants to win his way, just like Pikachu. Like Pikachu defeating Raichu, Ash defeating Leon is not only his victory but also the victory of 10-year-old children with big dreams all over the world, both in and out of space.
After all, while Ash certainly has a gift for interacting with Pokémon, he's no prodigy. He was just a normal kid from tiny Pallet Town, and if Ash could make it this far then any kid with enough determination could. Ash and Pikachu have proven that you can win as you are and that changing yourself is not necessary to achieve your dreams. In terms of the moral of a story, Pokémon There can certainly be a lot worse than teaching kids that they can be most successful by being themselves.
