Ash's Greninja was arguably his strongest Pokemon, so fans were shocked to see him release it. Here's why he made the tough choice.
The Pokemon anime has seen Ash go through a number of different adventures with various companions and Pokemon by his side. Though he might not have the championships to show for it, Ash has always assembled a solid group of Pokemon around him in his journey to become a Pokemon Master. The young trainer from Pallet Town has encountered and befriended some incredible Poekmon, giving him a great roster to work with.
But more than any trainer in the series, Ash seems to put the well-being of his Pokemon above all. This has led to him having to make some difficult decisions in the past and release some of his loyal companions, making for some tearful goodbyes. Many of these came as a major shock to anime viewers at the time, but none were as surprising as Ash releasing arguably the strongest Pokemon he’d ever trained; Greninja.
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Why Did Ash Release His Greninja?
Ash has surprisingly released some of his best Pokemon over the years. From Butterfree, to Lapras, and Goodra, Ash has had to make some tough calls in the hopes of acting in his Pokemon’s best interests. As surprising as these releases have been, most fans were completely caught off-guard by Greninja’s exit, even when considering Ash’s history of reluctantly letting his Pokemon go.
Ash caught Greninja as a Froakie, making it the first Pokemon he caught in the Kalos region.
The little Water-type proved to have a very unique personality right from the beginning, as it was depicted as being incredibly stubborn and picky when it came to choosing a trainer. Froakie had already rejected a handful of trainers prior to meeting Ash, and only decided to stick with him due to both sharing similar personalities. The strong bond shared between the two led to Greninja to achieve the Ash-Greninja form, differentiating it from any other Pokemon Ash has trained.
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At the time of its release, Greninja was Ash’s strongest, most resourceful Pokemon. Pikachu has been a mainstay of Ash’s party for years, and while it’s always been a consistently powerful member of his team, Greninja stood out as a better-rounded party member. Its usefulness in battle alongside the connection it shared with Ash are why its departure was such a surprise for fans.
At one point during their adventure both Ash and Greninja were faced with a dilemma following their battle against Xerosic and the aftermath of the Giant Rock’s destruction. Plenty of the Giant Rock’s roots remained underground, which would prove to be disastrous if left alone. When Z2 requested that Greninja and Z2 aid it in tracking down the remaining roots, Greninja’s strong sense of duty kicked in, prompting Ash to let his companion go off on its own path.
Other Pokemon Ash Has Released
Greninja’s farewell was an emotional one, but it wasn’t the only tear-jerking goodbye Ash had with one of his Pokemon. When Ash saw that his Goodra seemed more comfortable in the Wetlands with its friends, he tearfully let it go its own way. The same thing happened with his Butterfree in Kanto, though it wasn’t nearly as valuable a member of Ash’s party as Goodra and Greninja were.
Ash even tried to release his first and closest companion, Pikachu, when he saw that it was happy spending time with others of its kind. While some might criticize this as Ash being too willing to weaken his team for sentimental reasons, it shows that Ash isn’t solely focused on winning, and instead does his best to do what’s right for his Pokemon in the long run.
Ash constantly changes Pokemon with every region he enters, with Pikachu standing as the only consistent member of his party. Though many of his Poke companions are left with Professor Oak for safekeeping, Ash has had to move on from some amazing Pokemon. What made Ash’s Greninja’s release so surprising to many was the bond the two shared, which seemed akin to the one Ash has with Pikachu and Charizard. Though it’s out of the picture now, fans might very well see Greninja make a return sometime in the future, if only to help its trainer out one more time.
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As a seasoned Pokemon enthusiast and expert, I delve into the intriguing dynamics of Ash's journey, specifically focusing on the unexpected release of his Greninja. My comprehensive knowledge of the Pokemon franchise, coupled with an understanding of Ash's character evolution, allows me to shed light on the intricate details of this significant event in the Pokemon anime.
Firstly, Ash's decision to release Greninja is rooted in a pattern observed throughout the series. Over the years, he has faced the emotional challenge of parting ways with some of his strongest and most cherished Pokemon, including Butterfree, Lapras, and Goodra. This trend showcases Ash's commitment to prioritizing the well-being of his Pokemon over personal victories, a distinctive trait that sets him apart in the Pokemon world.
Greninja, captured as a Froakie in the Kalos region, stood out early on due to its unique personality. The Pokemon displayed stubbornness and selectivity in choosing a trainer, eventually forming a strong bond with Ash. The culmination of this bond was the emergence of the Ash-Greninja form, a testament to the extraordinary connection between trainer and Pokemon. At the time of its release, Greninja was not only Ash's strongest but also a well-rounded party member, surpassing even the perennial powerhouse Pikachu.
The pivotal moment leading to Greninja's release occurred after a challenging battle against Xerosic and the destruction of the Giant Rock. Faced with the threat of lingering roots, Greninja's strong sense of duty prompted it to embark on a mission alongside Z2. Ash, guided by his commitment to his Pokemon's welfare, made the heart-wrenching decision to let Greninja pursue its own path.
While Greninja's farewell was emotionally charged, it wasn't an isolated incident in Ash's journey. Similar tear-jerking goodbyes happened with Goodra and Butterfree, emphasizing Ash's consistent willingness to prioritize his Pokemon's happiness over personal attachment. Even Pikachu, his closest companion, faced the prospect of release when Ash recognized its happiness among others of its kind.
Critics might argue that Ash's choices weaken his team for sentimental reasons, but it underscores his broader philosophy. Ash's focus extends beyond mere victories; he strives to do what is right for his Pokemon in the long run. The ever-changing roster of Pokemon as he enters new regions, with Pikachu as the sole constant, demonstrates his adaptability and commitment to the welfare of his Pokemon.
The release of Greninja, despite the strong bond reminiscent of Pikachu and Charizard, left fans surprised. However, my expertise suggests that the door may not be closed permanently, leaving room for Greninja's potential return to aid its trainer once again in the future. This decision adds an element of suspense and anticipation to Ash's ongoing journey, making it a storyline worth following for avid Pokemon enthusiasts.
