Last week's episode of the "Pokemon Sun and Moon" anime series was somehow familiar to the fans of the original Pokemon series. The episode titled "The Big Alola Pancake Race," rekindled the age-old rivalry between Pikacu and Raichu. The episode also emphasized Alola Raichu's love for pancakes.
Raichu first appeared in the original Pokemon series in 1998 to face off against Pikachu in a fierce gym battle. Technically, the two Pokemon are related but a thunderstone is required in order for Pikachu to evolve into a heavier and stronger Raichu.
This is not exactly the second time the thunder Pokemons have squared off; the two were also put up against each other in the subsequent Pokemon Diamond and Pearl anime series. It has never been made clear, however, why the two hate each other so much despite being related. Some speculate that it may be because of their skittish nature, Pikachu's jealousy over Raichu's increased strength, or even Raichu's jealousy over a more pampered Pikachu. We may never be able to figure out the real cause why they just cannot stand each other.
In "Pokemon Sun and Moon," Pikachu and Raichu's confrontation is not quite as vicious as the previous ones. A competition in Alola requires the two and their respective trainers to race across the finish line while bearing a bunch of pancakes placed on a plate.
Nobody knows exactly why Raichu is so into pancakes. It is interesting to note, however, that before the release of the "Pokemon Sun and Moon" anime series, fans commented on how Alola Raichu's appearance resembled a burnt pancake. The pokemon's official description even mentions how Raichu's tanned color is a result of its obsession with sweets, most especially pancakes.
alolan pancakes are so good they decalcified raichu's pineal gland and opened its third eye and it gained a secondary psychic type pic.twitter.com/jqbcljNdGS
— peril deity (@thotcelot) 28 December 2016
It is important to put in mind that Pikachu and Raichu's rivalry did not erupt because of a competition over pancakes. The two thunder pokemons just simply hate each other for reasons unknown to pokemon fans.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
