"Magmar, use your strongest Skull Bash!" Blaine commanded sharply, clearly ready to give it his all.
"Charizard, hold your ground!" Ash's eyes narrowed as he focused. Charizard's arms suddenly tensed with power, intercepting Magmar's charge head-on.
"It's over. Charizard, take Magmar into the sky—Seismic Toss!" Ash's voice cut through the heat of battle.
"What?!"
"Magmar, break free, quickly!" Blaine shouted, but Magmar had already exhausted itself with its Skull Bash. Charizard's grip was like iron—there was no escaping.
"Roooaaar!!" Charizard let out a thunderous cry, spreading its wings as it soared skyward with Magmar in tow. Higher and higher they rose, circling rapidly. The thinner air made Magmar's head spin, its body weakening from lack of oxygen.
Then, with immense force, Charizard hurled Magmar down in a devastating Seismic Toss.
BOOM!
The impact shook the battlefield. When the dust cleared, Magmar lay fainted, unable to continue. Charizard roared triumphantly, announcing its victory.
"Magmar is unable to battle! The winner of this match is Ash from Pallet Town!" Lorelei declared.
"Yes! Ash won!" Suzie jumped up in excitement, cheering as though she herself had claimed victory.
Cynthia and Sabrina both smiled softly, clearly impressed. Ash, however, closed his eyes, reflecting on the intense match. To him, this battle had been razor-thin, and he knew it.
The audience watching live erupted in cheers, Ash's reputation climbing even higher. For many, this Indigo Plateau Conference was already the most thrilling event across all regions.
"This kid is too strong… he's on par with his father, maybe even stronger," muttered Ferb Ignatius, clenching his fists.
"Interesting. This time, I'll defeat you for sure," said Sam Glacienne, watching from afar.
"So that's the so-called strongest rookie of our generation, huh," scoffed Nobuo Blackstone, his face twisted in arrogance as Ash's victory was broadcast across the screen.
Almost every major family had sent their next generation to compete in Kanto this year. But because of Ash, the entire conference had become the center of attention, drawing even Elite trainers from other regions. The League wasn't about to let Kanto fall behind.
"Ash, I've lost this battle. Your strength is incredible—possibly even beyond mine. This is the Crimson Badge, the gemstone version," Blaine said as he recalled his fallen Magmar. He then handed Ash the gleaming badge.
Ash carefully placed it into his badge case. That made six in total—only one more to go. He was now the first trainer in Kanto to collect the gemstone badges, and he was still just starting his journey.
"This was an amazing battle. Honestly, your power even surpasses my uncle's. I thought you'd struggle after making it to the championship, but clearly, I was wrong," Lorelei admitted.
"But it also makes me even more certain of the value of Rare Candies. I'll reach out once I've found what you're looking for," she added.
Ash chuckled. "I don't have many Rare Candies left myself. If you really find them, I wouldn't mind putting in the effort to get them."
...
The next morning, Ash and his friends boarded a helicopter headed toward Celadon City. Within two hours, they had arrived—far faster than traveling on foot.
"Cynthia, Sabrina, Suzie—you three should take the helicopter back to Pallet Town and wait for me there," Ash instructed as they landed.
"Why, Ash? We want to go with you to the Viridian Gym too!" Cynthia protested immediately, unwilling to leave his side.
"I'm not kidding. You can't follow me this time. This is between me and Giovanni. If you're with me, I'll be too distracted worrying about protecting you." Ash shook his head firmly at Cynthia's words, refusing her request.
"I don't need your protection—I'm a Champion trainer myself," Cynthia replied with equal determination.
"Same here. My psychic powers can support you," Sabrina added.
"I want to be there too," Suzie said softly, unwilling to stay behind.
One by one, the three girls voiced their refusal to leave Ash's side. They weren't just worried about this Gym battle—they knew it meant facing Team Rocket's boss, Giovanni, and they feared for Ash's safety.
"Enough! I said no. All of you, return home." Ash's voice grew sharp, his eyes hard. It wasn't that he didn't want them with him—but this battle could come down to an encounter with Mewtwo itself.
Even for him, the odds of victory against Mewtwo were no better than fifty-fifty. He couldn't allow the three of them to risk everything alongside him.
"Alright, Ash, don't be angry. We'll listen to you." Cynthia quickly backed down when she realized Ash truly meant it. She knew how rare it was for him to lose his composure, and when he did, it was serious.
Seeing the three finally give in, Ash turned away. His face was grim. He had deliberately left Viridian Gym for last—not because of weakness, but because of the strength waiting for him there. Waiting in the shadows was none other than Mewtwo
...
TN:
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