In terms of words, he despises his opponent, while in tactics, he respects them. This has always been Gary's guiding principle.
If he can infuriate his opponent, it will be much easier to fight when the time comes. Against a Trainer and Pokemon who've lost their composure, with his Uncle Gary's ability to command, isn't defeating them as easy as pie?
This time facing Ash, he's still executing this tactic.
Why does he know Ash's Starter Pokemon is Pikachu? Because he asked his grandfather, Professor Oak!
He cares more about Ash's situation than anyone else; even if he doesn't say it out loud, in his heart, he acknowledges Ash as his rival!
So, even though he hasn't seen Ash since the journey began, Gary is somewhat aware of Ash's situation.
From what he knows about Ash's Pokemon, Ash would likely send out Pikachu in this battle without him having to say anything, as it has an advantage over Wartortle, and it's also Ash's Starter Pokemon.
He might as well take the initiative to provoke a bit!
However, after he mocked Ash, not only did Ash not refute him but instead showed a strange expression, while the Pikachu at Ash's feet looked angry, saying "Pika Pika," though Gary couldn't understand what it was saying.
What does this mean? He mocked Ash's Pikachu, and Ash remained indifferent? This is his Starter Pokemon, and with Ash's temperament, shouldn't he be as angry as the Pikachu at his feet?
For a moment, Gary suddenly had a foreboding feeling in his heart, wondering if perhaps his taunting wasn't quite right.
"Then just like you said, Gary, let's have a showdown with our Starter Pokemon. It's you, Pikachu!"
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu jumped onto the arena, full of anger and fighting spirit.
This outdoor arena is usually available for Trainers to use freely, but today it was requisitioned by the officials from the Acapulco Resort. Simple barriers were set up around the arena to prevent people from entering and getting accidentally hurt in the Pokemon battle.
The ground is made of hard concrete, and unless it's a professional-level Pokemon battle, it usually won't be severely damaged.
But if a professional-level Pokemon were to battle, the damage to the field would be significant. Therefore, at the entrance of the arena, there's a sign that says: Professional-level and above Pokemon battles should not take place in this outdoor arena.
But generally, professionals wouldn't have nothing better to do than come here for a battle.
As Ash sent out Pikachu, the onlookers around began to discuss loudly.
"Isn't the one holding the fort that new emerging Trainer, Gary?"
"I've heard of him. They say in barely over a month after starting his journey, he's already earned three Gym Badges!"
"Just over a month for three badges? That's incredible!"
"Who is he battling? They seem to be quite familiar with each other."
"I don't know... But using a Pikachu in battle? How impressive can that Trainer be? He's probably just acquainted with Gary."
"True, with a Pokemon like Pikachu, there's generally little future or combat ability. Any Trainer with a bit of insight wouldn't spend effort training one."
"..."
The murmurs reached Misty and the others' ears, and Misty glanced at the crowd with a bit of discontent in her eyes.
Not knowing Gary but not Ash? What logic is that? Ash is also a Trainer with three badges!
And one of those badges was won against a professional-level Raichu, using the very Pikachu they look down upon!
It seems people still have quite a bias against Pikachu, but Pikachu has indeed left a lot of stereotypical impressions in Kanto. It took Ash's Pikachu to change her perspective; otherwise, she wouldn't have thought much of Pikachu either.
However, right now, Ash's Pikachu is standing in the arena, and she can't wait to see these onlookers drop their jaws in astonishment.
On the other side, Delia was also surprised to see Ash come up. She had looked for Ash after arriving at the resort but hadn't found him, so she decided to come with Professor Oak to watch Gary's performance.
She hadn't expected Ash to show up here too, but he seemed not to have noticed them.
"Ash is here too. This seems to be the first time they've met since their journey began, and as soon as they meet, they start battling. Indeed, when Trainers make eye contact, it's a signal for battle to begin," Professor Oak said with a faint smile and nod.
In the month since the journey began, this is the first time Gary and Ash are meeting, and they commence battling right away. This is the allure of the Trainer's spirit!
"I wonder if Ash can beat Gary. What do you think, Professor?" Delia lightly touched her chin with her finger, pondering as she asked Professor Oak while watching the confrontation between the two.
If Ash heard Delia's title for Professor Oak, he would surely be shocked. Since when did Delia become Professor Oak's apprentice?
Hearing this, Professor Oak thought for a moment and replied, "Not necessarily; it depends on their tactics. But in terms of sheer strength, Ash is somewhat stronger. That Pikachu is indeed extraordinary; it's already reached the Elite Level..."