>>52706587To me, things point out at Oak catching Pikachu as a last resort to fill the 4 starters quota.
>There were 4 trainers starting that year, yet Oak's pre recorded video only promoted 3 on TV>When Oak realized he needed a 4th pokémon this year, he went to catch something in the wild>He did not bond with Pikachu, despite being the professor who studies the bonds between humans and pokémon. This is because he barely had any time with Pikachu>He also probably had trouble catching it, sinces Pikachu was still very defiant. Oak is more focused in research than catching skills>Oak was hesitant to give it to Ash. His original plan was likely to give it to Gary, the trainer showing most potential of the four, and the one he could trust more and give closer advice, and promote the other 3 publicly>Since Ash did not show up, Oak figured he dropped out so his plan was not necessary anymore. He let Gary pick freely.>Ash shows up late when everyone left, Oak is visibly bothered and condescending but continues with the protocol. Hesitant, he only gives the Pikachu to Ash because he kept insisting on getting something. 