"I didn't expect Leaf's strength to be so impressive," Ash said with surprise as he watched the match unfold. He'd underestimated her abilities completely.
"That's why you're always bringing up the rear, Ash," Gary said with a teasing smirk.
"Don't think Leaf wasted her two months like you did. I'd bet she trained her Pokémon even harder than I did—that's why we barely saw her around."
"Exactly. From what I understand, Leaf's entire starting lineup has reached their final evolution forms, with significantly improved strength," Red explained, noting Gary's surprised expression.
"Even you should be wary of Leaf's current capabilities, Gary."
Gary's mind raced with questions. How had Red gathered this intelligence on Leaf when she'd barely been visible these past two months? Before he could voice his curiosity, Ash suddenly shouted, drawing everyone's attention back to Leaf's impending attack on the Grass venue.
"Ditto, use Swords Dance to deflect the Pin Missile!" Leaf commanded.
Ditto spun rapidly, generating powerful airflow that neutralized most of the incoming projectiles.
"Agility, then, Twineedle!"
The transformed Beedrill vanished from sight, reappearing behind its opponent. Exploiting the real Beedrill's momentary distraction, Ditto struck with Twineedle, landing a critical hit.
The severely wounded Beedrill plummeted to the ground. A final Pin Missile barrage sealed its fate, leaving it unconscious on the arena floor.
"The match is over! Leaf from Pallet Town has won! Her exceptional commanding ability and Ditto's outstanding performance secured the first-round victory. Let's give her an enthusiastic round of applause!" the announcer cheered.
Leaf's charming presence quickly attracted admirers among the crowd, who spontaneously formed an exclusive fan club to support her future matches.
Her stellar performance reminded everyone of something important: Pallet Town, once celebrated as the "Land of Champions," was rising again.
From that moment, the title spread throughout every corner of Indigo Stadium. Spectators eagerly anticipated the performances of the four rookie trainers from Pallet Town.
After all four advanced to the second round, they gathered at the selection venue the next day to draw their battle assignments.
Ash's group silently prayed for one thing: that they wouldn't face Red in the second round. None of them wanted their tournament run to end so soon.
Finally, under Red's calm gaze and the nervous drawing of the other three, the indicator lights on the display screens pointed to different battle venues.
All three exhaled simultaneously in relief. They'd avoided Red.
Red drew the Grass venue for the first match. His opponent turned out to be an old acquaintance: A.J., who early in their journey had been the self-proclaimed "undefeated gym leader" at a plains area.
To hone his strength, A.J. had established an unofficial gym to achieve a 100-win streak before beginning his journey, though he'd gradually lost sight of his original purpose.
Fortunately, Red had intervened in time, helping A.J. overcome his inner struggles. Otherwise, his journey might have taken a darker path.
The current A.J. had changed considerably. The photo on the display screen revealed determined, focused eyes. Traveling had clearly helped him mature, shedding his former arrogance to become a formidable contestant.
Afterward, Ash drew the Rock venue's second match, Gary drew the Water venue, and Leaf drew the Ice venue—the third and fourth matches, respectively.
The four rookie trainers from Pallet Town wouldn't clash yet, at least not until the battles moved to the main stadium.
With a two-day gap between rounds, they still had time to prepare for their upcoming second-round matches.
The following day arrived quickly.
Indigo League - Grass Venue - Second Round
"Welcome to the first match at the Indigo League's Grass venue! The red corner trainer is our familiar Lord Red, while the green corner contestant is A.J. from Vermilion City."
"How will contestant A.J. withstand Lord Red's fierce attacks? Let's find out together!"
Thunderous cheers erupted from the audience. Everyone buzzed with excitement for Red's upcoming battle, clearly eager to see his Pokémon in action.
"Wow, big brother's fan club is seriously intense," Ash said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"You think Red's popularity is anywhere near yours?" Gary scoffed. "If it weren't for your passionate speech that day, barely anyone would know your name. They'd probably just see you as Red's substitute."
"What?! Damn it, Gary! You're looking down on me!" Ash nearly lunged forward, but Brock caught him just in time, preventing another squabble between the childhood friends.
"Alright, enough fighting. Just watch Red's match," Leaf interjected with exasperation, urging the two to settle down before they disturbed nearby spectators.
If they weren't all notable trainers from Pallet Town, hot-tempered audience members would have already kicked them out.
"Both sides may use three Pokémon. Whichever side's Pokémon all lose their ability to battle loses. The first match at the Grass venue officially begins!"
After the announcer finished explaining the rules, the referee waved the flags, and the match bell rang.
"Lord Red, I didn't expect to face you in the second round," A.J. said respectfully from the opposite command platform. "I'm actually excited about this, since you've been like a mentor in my journey as a Pokémon trainer."
"Relax. Let's have an exciting battle," Red replied with a slight nod.
"Go, Kabutops!"
"I'm counting on you, Nidorino!"
Red and A.J. simultaneously threw their Poké Balls, releasing their respective Pokémon onto the grassy battlefield. The ancient fossil Pokémon Kabutops emerged with its scythe-like claws gleaming, while Nidorino landed with a defiant roar, ready for combat.