Ash's Pignite

Pokabu was one of the Pokémon he caught at the beginning of his journey in the Isshu. When Ash is training in a battle club on the way to his first Gym Battle, Team Rocket tries to steal the Club's Pokémon, and they see a recording of Pokabu. When Ash sees it, it is thin, battered, and has a rope around it's nose. Ash then tends to it, and the Master of the Club explains the Pokabu was abandoned by his former trainer, and lived on it's own. After Team Rocket attacked them, Pokabu saved Pikachu, and Pokabu joined the team..