Pikachu has been a beloved and iconic character in the Pokémon franchise for decades. The electric mouse Pokémon has been Ash Ketchum's faithful companion since the very beginning of the anime series, and the two have had many adventures together. That being said, however, recent news has left many fans wondering about Pikachu's fate now that Ash has officially retired from his journey as a Pokémon trainer.

The Pokémon anime series has been on air for over 25 years, and Ash has been the main character throughout. However, it was recently announced that the current season of the anime, Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys, would be the last to feature Ash as the protagonist. A new arc and series are currently slated for 2023, along with a completely new main character. This news has left many fans wondering what will happen to Pikachu, Ash's most trusted and loyal Pokémon, now that his journey has come to an end.

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One possibility is that Pikachu will simply retire along with Ash, returning to Pallet Town and living out the rest of its days with its trainer. This would be a fitting end for the two, who have been inseparable throughout their journey. However, it is also possible that Pikachu will continue its journey on its own, perhaps even becoming a mentor to a new generation of Pokémon trainers. This would be a fitting role for the electric mouse, who has always been a strong and capable Pokémon and has a wealth of experience and knowledge to pass down. It would also give Pikachu a reason to stick around for future generations of Pokémon protagonists. Another, far more unlikely, possibility is that Pikachu will simply return to the wild, living out its days in the tall grass and forests of the Pokémon world. This could end up being one of the most bittersweet moments in the franchise if Pikachu and Ash really do go their separate ways but with the circumstance of their meeting and how their bond has developed over the last few decades, it stands to reason the two will remain friends for the foreseeable future.

Pokémon Could Replace Pikachu as Mascot

Pikachu and Ash

There is no doubt that in a couple of years the return of Ash and Pikachu could make for one of the franchise's most memorable moments of all time. That being said, Pikachu's absence would also raise the question of what Pokémon could possibly take its place as mascot? Likely contenders are cute but powerful Pokémon that are already very well known like Treecko or Jigglypuff, but the series could always play it safe and merely introduce another, different Pikachu. There is also the possibility that Pikachu will continue to appear in future Pokémon anime series and movies, even if Ash is no longer the main character. Pikachu is such a popular and iconic character that it is hard to imagine the Pokémon franchise without it, and it seems likely that the electric mouse will continue to be a prominent presence in the world of Pokémon for many years to come.

Regardless of what the future holds for Pikachu, one thing is certain: it will always be remembered as one of the most beloved and iconic Pokémon of all time. From its adventures with Ash to its appearances in the Pokémon games and movies, Pikachu has touched the hearts of fans around the world and will continue to do so for many years to come.

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