"He's also a Trainer who got three badges in just a month, why isn't anyone talking about him?"
Ash thought as he greeted everyone and then hurriedly ran towards the arena.
Before leaving, he told Misty and Chloe that if they got tired, they should rest first. This battle with Gary was something he absolutely couldn't miss, so even in the blazing sun, he had to go.
However, since Ash went, how could Misty and Chloe rest? Plus, Misty was also curious about the person named Gary, whom Ash often mentioned.
For Ash to be so fixated on him, he must also be a monster, right?
So, the group of four followed in Ash's footsteps and headed to the arena together.
...
"Growlithe, use Flamethrower!"
"Arf!" The scorching flames shot out from Growlithe's mouth, roasting Sandshrew on the other side to a char.
Gary crossed his arms in front of his chest, wearing a confident smile: "Is this all you've got? This ten-win streak has been way too easy, no need for the last match. Just give me the prize directly."
"Gary, Gary, you're amazing! Gary, Gary, you're so handsome!" cheered a group of youthful girls dressed in cheerleader outfits, rooting for Gary.
Not far away, Professor Oak, dressed in beach shorts and a floral beach shirt, covered his face, somewhat unable to watch. Delia, next to him, dressed in a swimsuit with a white long-sleeved jacket over it, covered her mouth and chuckled.
Gary's performance really showcased the vibrant spirit of the youth.
Although a bit arrogant, he had the strength to back it up. However, what made Professor Oak avert his eyes was the cheerleader squad behind Gary.
Those awkward cheers shouted publicly; how could Gary stand being shouted at like that in public?
"There's still one person left. Who will challenge me? Hurry up and finish so I can get my prize."
"I'll do it!!" A figure leaped from the crowd, flipping 360 degrees in mid-air, then landed elegantly in the Trainer's spot opposite Gary.
The flamboyant entrance drew everyone's gaze. Gary's mouth twitched at the sight.
The limelight he worked so hard for was snatched away in an instant by the arrival of this guy. Who on earth is this guy?
When Gary focused his gaze on the newcomer, his expression shifted dramatically.
"Ash?!"
"That's right, it's me. Long time no see, Gary. I didn't expect you to be battling here. Why didn't you let me know? Are you afraid of being defeated by me and losing your title as the strongest rookie?"
Ash slowly stood from a crouching position, adjusting his hat with one hand, exuding confidence!
On his way here, he thought of several high-profile entrance strategies to completely overshadow Gary. Ash finally chose to showcase his outstanding physical skills by performing a 360-degree flip landing as he entered.
This was sure to elicit a spectacular reaction from everyone.
And sure enough, just as he anticipated, all eyes were drawn to him now—he was the star of the moment!
"Heh, since when did the reckless and pathetic Ash dare to talk like this? In the theoretical exams at Pallet Town, I completely outclassed you in every way. You only have your physical prowess to boast about."
When it comes to taunting, Gary wasn't weaker than Ash. Back in Pallet Town, Ash never won a verbal spar with Gary.
However, things are different now. After being influenced by many experts, Ash's taunting skills have improved, not to mention his rapid advancement in strength and theoretical knowledge.
Even though he's had only a month to grow, compared to before, it's an absolute transformation!
Gary, nothing less than a walk in the park!
"Less talk, I'm your tenth opponent. What's the rule, one-on-one or multiple?" Ash raised his chin, speaking arrogantly.
Facing Gary, the patience he'd nurtured over the past month was thrown out the window—what patience? What courtesy? Never heard of it!
Recalling Gary's mocking after defeating him previously, Ash now had only one thought—bring it on!
He will definitely beat Gary until he's searching for his teeth on the ground today!
"Hey, looks like this month of travel has given you some crazy confidence. Let me show you, in front of innate talent, your growth is insignificant!"
Gary said as he recalled Growlithe, lifting his chin proudly, revealing a new Pokeball: "The battle rules are one-on-one. I'm the challenger, so I'll send out my Pokemon first. Ash, you'll be the last stepping stone to my ten-win streak. Go, my darling!"
Gary lightly kissed the Pokeball and tossed it.
The Pokeball sailed through the air in a graceful arc, its light flashing as a deep blue turtle-like Pokemon appeared on the field.
A sturdy shell, small fangs, earflap-like wings, and a wave-like tail: it's Squirtle's evolution—Wartortle!
Ash squinted his eyes at the sight: "A starter Pokemon as Squirtle, huh?"
Even though Gary talked big, he wouldn't take Ash lightly, choosing his strongest Pokemon to battle. Undoubtedly, this Wartortle was Gary's current ace.
Typically, the ace is your starter Pokemon, especially at the beginning of the journey.
That's because the starter Pokemon has been with you the longest initially, and you've invested the most effort in them.
Moreover, the bond between Trainer and Pokemon can surpass a Pokemon's inherent limits. Some Pokemon, initially slow to grow and low in Ability Value, can eventually transcend their limits, becoming top-tier Pokemon due to the influence of their bond with their Trainer... though these are quite rare cases.
After all, there are very few who can form such a strong bond with Pokemon.
In short, for a Trainer like Gary, who just debuted a month ago, the ace Pokemon is generally their starter, just as Pikachu is Ash's ace now.
No matter how Pikachu develops in the future, right now, he is undoubtedly Ash's ace!
Ash glanced at Wartortle's data.
Level, Advanced Peak, Ability Torrent, Ability Values all A except for Speed and Attack, which have B-level aptitude.
What's up with Professor Oak giving special treatment? Such aptitude in a Pokemon is one in a thousand within the species, how did Gary manage to get one?
But then again, my Pikachu has sextuple A's; speaking of special treatment, I seem more like the one getting it…
"How's that, intimidated by my Wartortle's prowess? Don't be afraid to tell you, Wartortle is my starter Pokemon, so why don't we have a battle between starters? Your starter should be that stray dog underfoot, right?"
Gary looked towards Pikachu, taunting.
Pikachu: ???
"Pika? Pikachu!!" What did I ever do to you? Watch your mouth!!
Upon first meeting Gary, Pikachu had no strong feelings, knowing only that Ash was obsessed with Gary.
However, after that taunt, Mr. Big P couldn't hold back.
Darn it, I was planning to battle you normally. Now I'm going all out in buddy form!
Let's see who's the real stray dog here!
Ash couldn't help but twitch at Pikachu's words, now looking at Gary with pity.
Buddy, you're done for. Normal Pikachu might give Wartortle a chance at victory, but in buddy form… no idea how to lose!