Might be an important issue here. Ash will soon have to make a very difficult choice. Should he keep his Pokemon journey going or should he change gears and get Team Rocket off his back?

PS. One other option, but it might be a difficult choice:

ASH! GIVE THEM YOUR FRIGGIN' PIKACHU!!! No wonder they've been harassing you for what was it...300+ episodes so far. Give them what they want and they'll let you go.