The referee declared that Sandshrew had lost its ability to continue battling. As a Gastly with proper upbringing and noble moral character, Gastly immediately retracted its Toxic Gas attack, refraining from harming the already incapacitated Sandshrew further.
"Sandshrew!"
As the poison dissipated, A.J. immediately rushed forward, clutching his poisoned Sandshrew while frantically searching his backpack for an antidote.
He couldn't find a proper antidote, and reluctantly had to feed Sandshrew a few sweet peaches capable of countering poison. Yet judging by Sandshrew's still-pained expression, the effect of the peaches was far from ideal.
"Looking for an antidote? Here."
Nozomi pulled a bottle of specialized anti-poison spray from his spatial backpack and tossed it to A.J.
"Gastly's toxin is extremely potent, so a regular antidote won't suffice," Nozomi explained.
He had once conducted tests and confirmed that Gastly's poison was so powerful that ordinary antidotes could only suppress its effects, never fully cure it.
Thus, Nozomi had meticulously crafted this special antidote using Berries and other materials, following the guidance of the Pokémon Training Handbook.
"Thank you so much!"
With his most cherished Pokémon in critical condition, A.J. could not care about their current rival status. Grateful, he hurriedly thanked Nozomi and pried open Sandshrew's mouth, spraying the antidote directly.
As expected of a system-designed formula.
The antidote, crafted according to the handbook's precise steps, worked remarkably fast. Within just a few seconds, the purple haze around Sandshrew faded, and it returned to normal.
Seeing Sandshrew recover, A.J. exhaled in relief. "I really appreciate it… I was rude before."
He looked genuinely embarrassed as he spoke the last part.
After all, he had provoked Nozomi repeatedly before, yet Nozomi didn't retaliate or give him a sharp reply. Instead, he extended help despite past conflicts—a display of virtue that made A.J. feel deeply ashamed.
"It's nothing. We're all Trainers, after all," Nozomi waved his hand dismissively, showing that he held no grudges.
As he had said earlier, he considered A.J.'s skill level far beneath his own. Those he conversed with casually were Rocket executives or Pokémon Inspectors. Anger was simply not an option.
But to A.J., Yuuji, and the other nearby Trainers, this was a display of extraordinary magnanimity.
It was the mark of truly noble character.
If before they had admired Nozomi merely for his strength, now they respected him sincerely for his character. Even those who had doubted his victories, thinking he won through cunning tactics, had to admit he was worthy of respect.
A.J. felt even more ashamed.
He drew a deep breath. "I lost today's match."
A.J.'s sudden admission left Nozomi slightly surprised. He waved his hand. "Hmm? You don't need to feel burdened. I'm looking forward to our next battle."
Nozomi genuinely enjoyed this kind of match—especially against opponents like A.J., who were not completely weak and could put up some resistance. These were the matches he liked best.
They allowed him to train his Pokémon's coordination and increase their battle experience.
If he faced stronger opponents, he would have to rely on Metagross and Steelix to secure victory. Matches against weaker foes offered little value.
"No, I can clearly see the gap between us," A.J. shook his head. "You defeated my most proud Pokémon, Sandshrew, with just Gastly. My Butterfree, and two other Pokémon, haven't even entered the battle yet. No matter what, I couldn't have won three consecutive matches with the remaining Pokémon. So this match—I lost. You ended my winning streak."
"You really won't continue? Maybe my remaining Pokémon are all weak compared to Gastly…"
Nozomi felt a twinge of regret. Finding a suitable opponent to train against was not easy. He tried to lure A.J. into continuing the battle.
"I won't. Besides, Sandshrew needs to go to the Pokémon Center for treatment."
A.J. had a perfectly valid reason.
Hearing this, Nozomi knew a third match was impossible. He sighed. "Very well."
The surrounding Trainers were impressed.
Look at him—a gracious Trainer, persuading his opponent to continue! In a world so full of treachery, where else could you find such a noble Trainer?
Of course, they couldn't know that Nozomi's reasoning was far simpler: he had originally planned to send out Bulbasaur for the third match but now had no opportunity. It was merely a matter of slight regret.
A.J.'s winning streak ended at ninety-two victories.
Yet instead of feeling disappointed, he breathed a sigh of relief. It puzzled him—why did surrendering voluntarily feel so liberating?
"Perhaps this is the immense pressure Nozomi puts on me!" A.J. thought.
With that thought, the referee announced Nozomi as the victor, bringing an end to the battle that had lasted over an hour.
"Nozomi, I'll train hard, challenge Gyms, and when the Indigo League Conference begins, I'll challenge you again on Indigo Plateau."
A.J. issued his challenge to Nozomi.
Though his winning streak had ended, and he hadn't reached a hundred victories, A.J. resolved to continue his journey.
"If we meet at the Conference, I'll give my all," Nozomi said with a smile.
And you'll get to see Steelix and Metagross. Don't feel too hopeless.
Of course, the latter thought was only in Nozomi's mind.
In the harmonious atmosphere that followed, the watching Trainers gradually dispersed.
Most were heading toward Lavender Town. Clearly, the Ghost-type Pokémon in Lavender Town would soon have plenty of unsuspecting targets to haunt.
Meanwhile, Nozomi's reputation spread with the departing Trainers, circulating throughout the Kanto League.
The legend of a Trainer who wielded Gastly skillfully and possessed extraordinary character gradually spread among rookie Trainers in the Kanto Region.