Despite having new protagonists introduced into each season of Pokémon, Ash Ketchum remains at the forefront for each new anime based around a new generation and region. Whether one likes that or not, Ash is still the protagonist, and it doesn't seem like this boy will ever pass the mantle over to a new protagonist.
On that note, crossovers have become the center of discussion for many anime outside of Pokémon. If Ash had a choice, which anime characters would he like to travel with, and who would he reject?
10 WOULD TRAVEL WITH: Monkey D. Luffy Because He's A Kind-Hearted Individual Who Would Protect Ash
One Piece features one of the closest friendships in anime and has a main character named Monkey D. Luffy who Ash Ketchum would love to travel with. Considering Luffy's kind-hearted personality alongside his dream of becoming the pirate king, his goals parallel Ash's own as he wants to become a Pokémon master.
Not only that but if Ash were ever in danger, Luffy's superb fighting skills and shining heart to protect people he considers his friends will give Ash safety and prosperity.
9 WOULDN'T: Katsuki Bakugo Because Of His Aggressive Attitude & Horrid Past Life
Although Bakugo has displayed some redeeming qualities for himself in My Hero Academia, his arrogant and hotheaded attitude isn't something Ash would want to deal with on a journey. For instance, Bakugo has many flaws concerning his aggressive attitude, insecurities, and a sadistic past life that would give Ash's long-time rival Gary some chills.
Despite helping children learn how to become confident heroes in the anime, Bakugo has a low tolerance for affectionate people sometimes. He loves to group himself with people he believes are powerful, and knowing Ash's personality, Bakugo would rather bully Ash than travel with him.
8 WOULD TRAVEL WITH: Yugi Muto Because He'd Be A Great Strategic Companion To Have
Not only is Ash Ketchum a character who's just like Yugi Muto, but Yugi's personality and strategic knowledge would make him a great companion to accompany Ash on a journey. When it comes to battling foes, Yugi and Ash occasionally rely on their signature partners, Dark Magician and Pikachu, to swoop a victory for them.
Also, Yugi's known to rely on his companions to cheer him on when he's in a desperate situation like Ash, meaning both would cheer each other on when in combat.
7 WOULDN'T: Orochimaru Because He's A Sinister Villain Who Conducts Human Experiments
Orochimaru is one of the best villains in Naruto who would terrify and make Ash feel uncomfortable to be around on a journey. He is a sinister and cunning individual who loves to experiment with human beings regardless of his patients' age range. When Ash learns of his methods of achieving immortality, he'd be morbidly disgusted by Orochimaru's actions.
Furthermore, if Orochimaru were to travel with Ash, he'd only join him to use the trainer and possibly get his hands on his Pokémon, including Pikachu. Unbeknownst to Ash, he'd probably have more horrid plans for his electric companion like what Team Rocket would do with Pikachu.
6 WOULD TRAVEL WITH: Yukihira Souma Because He's A Great Chef
Food War's protagonist Yukihira Soma is one of the best anime chefs who'd give Brock and Cilan a challenge. Soma has battled against the greatest chefs in his universe who are professionals at the craft.
Not only that, but Soma's a kind-hearted individual who enjoys the company of others. This is perfect for Ash, who's had plenty of experience traveling with those who can cook and is considerate of the meals Brock and Cilan made for him during his adventures.
5 WOULDN'T: Light Yagami Because He Might Use The Death Note Against Him
Light Yagami isn't only a character that Ash wouldn't want to travel with, but he's a character Ash would despise considering Light's many victims he murdered. In Death Note, Light had the ability to kill anyone with his supernatural notebook.
Like the cops and L, Ash would uncover the darker truth behind Light's actions and would try to explain to him why it's wrong and cruel. Considering Light had the power to write anyone's full name in the Death Note to murder them, Ash would want to avoid him at all costs.
4 WOULD TRAVEL WITH: Atsuko Kagari Because She's A Powerful Magical Girl With Helpful Powers
One of the strongest magical girls in anime with a large heart and a drive to improve themselves in their craft is Atsuko Kagari. Moreover, Ash Ketchum would love to travel with Atsuko since both characters can be clumsy sometimes but have that same never-give-up attitude when dealing with hardships and unexpected events.
Furthermore, Atsuko has many magical skills to help Ash whenever he's involved in situations that his Pokémon can't handle. Having a magical partner at his side can also influence Team Rocket to not mess with Ash either, as Atsuko can be intimidating at times.
3 WOULDN'T: Hisoka Because He'd Want To Fight Pikachu
Hisoka is a vicious anime villain with a strong obsession with Hunter x Hunter protagonist, Gon Freecss. Hisoka is a cold-blooded killer, loves to fight strong opponents to test his skills, and has shown no remorse regarding killing his opponents or causing them immense pain. If Hisoka were to travel with Ash, he'd more likely do it so he can challenge Pikachu to a fight.
Although Pokémon and humans don't fight each other in the Pokémon world, for the most part, Hisoka's known to go to any lengths to get what he wants, which would place Ash in a complicated and deadly situation.
2 WOULD TRAVEL WITH: Tai Kamiya Because He's A Caring Individual Who Values Friendship
Although Tai and Ash come from franchises pitted against each other because of their concepts, Ash wouldn't have any issue having Tai accompany him on a journey. Tai was known for being an energetic and passionate person when he was a kid and later became an established mentor for the new Digi-destined.
Moreover, Ash would love to seek guidance or chat with him about his various adventures with Agumon. Likewise, Tai would ask Ash about his many journeys with Pikachu, which would lead to a long heartwarming conversation between them.
1 WOULDN'T: Dio Brando Because He's A Selfish Cold-Blooded Murderer
One of the most selfish anime characters and heinous villains in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure who Ash wouldn't want to travel with is Dio Brando. Dio's committed many terrible crimes in his universe and has even hurt animals that never stood a chance against his might.
Considering his past instances with creatures, Dio wouldn't hesitate to harm and murder Pikachu in front of Ash. Dio doesn't value friendship, love, or compassion--unless the people are worshipping him. Considering Dio's evil personality and brutal acts, Ash wouldn't give Dio a chance to travel with him.