After a brief tactical discussion, Ash and the other two decided on their respective battle targets.
Pikachu would face the slow Omastar, using speed-based tactics to secure victory.
Venusaur would take on the agile Kabutops, using overwhelming offense to suppress it.
As for Nidoking, it would confront the strongest opponent, Zapdos, relying on its typing to stall Zapdos's fierce assaults.
Although their strategy seemed clever, in the face of true strength, it was nothing more than empty theory.
"Pikachu, use Agility, then Iron Tail!" Ash commanded.
Pikachu turned into a blur, instantly appearing behind Omastar, its tail glowing silver as it swung with full force.
"Bang—"
Pikachu's Iron Tail struck Omastar directly, but its shell was incredibly sturdy, rendering the attack ineffective.
"Use Bind, then follow up with Crunch," Red said calmly.
Omastar swiftly extended countless tentacles, wrapping around Pikachu and immobilizing it. Then several more tentacles stretched out, forcibly dragging Pikachu right in front of it.
Under Pikachu's terrified gaze, Omastar opened its massive maw, its sharp teeth seemingly capable of delivering a fatal blow. As an ancient carnivorous Pokémon, it exuded a chilling killing intent.
"This is bad—Venusaur, quickly use Power Whip to save Pikachu!"
The eight vines on Venusaur's body twisted together into a thick green whip. With a powerful swing, it knocked away Kabutops, which had tried to intercept, and hurled the vine toward Omastar.
"Use Rollout while carrying Pikachu."
Omastar didn't abandon its attack on Pikachu. Instead, following Red's command, it changed its approach.
Curling into a ball, Omastar rolled back and forth across the ground with Pikachu in tow, continuously draining Pikachu's stamina.
"Pika—"
Dragged across the ground, Pikachu cried out in pain, struggling to break free from Omastar's tentacles, but to no avail.
"Venusaur, block Kabutops's sneak attack!"
A flash of blade-like light caught Leaf's eyes, and she realized Kabutops had silently moved behind Venusaur like a deadly assassin ready to strike.
A purple glow enveloped its scythe-like arms as Kabutops slashed at Venusaur with a manifested blade of will, unleashing Psycho Cut directly at its vital point.
"Vena—!"
Venusaur cried out in agony as Kabutops's Psycho Cut repeatedly damaged its body.
"Kabutops and Omastar were partners in ancient times. Their coordination and support are far more terrifying than you imagine," Red explained.
In the end, the exhausted Pikachu was struck head-on by Omastar's multiple Water Gun attack and lost its ability to fight.
"Pikachu is unable to battle!" Professor Oak announced.
"Don't worry, Ash. This battle just didn't favor Pikachu because of Zapdos. Your strength has already improved a lot."
Seeing Ash's dejected expression, Red quickly comforted him.
"It's okay, brother. I'm just regretting not sending out Charizard earlier," Ash said helplessly, regretting his initial decision.
At first, Ash had planned to use Charizard, but seeing Pikachu's excited eyes, he chose to let Pikachu battle instead. It was his way of showing kindness to his Pokémon.
Gary wanted to make a sarcastic remark but held it back, since it really wasn't Pikachu's fault.
"Venusaur, hang in there! While Kabutops is close, use Leaf Storm!"
Leaf commanded calmly, not panicking at all, issuing the most appropriate order.
"Vena—!"
Venusaur stomped the ground, releasing countless sharp leaves. The storm formed by the swirling leaves trapped Kabutops, tormenting it from all directions.
Seeing this, Omastar immediately extended numerous tentacles and used Pin Missile, helping to reduce some of Leaf Storm's power.
With Omastar's support, Kabutops's scythes glowed white as it used Slash to break free from the Leaf Storm.
Just as Kabutops and Omastar were about to launch a simultaneous attack on Venusaur, Leaf suddenly raised her right hand and announced her surrender.
"A wise decision," Red nodded.
At this point, Venusaur was already exhausted. Continuing to fight would only harm its body further.
Unwilling to let that happen, Leaf decisively chose to surrender.
"Venusaur has lost the will to fight," Professor Oak announced, looking at Leaf with approval, recognizing how much she had grown during this journey. She was no longer the naive girl she once was.
"What an awkward situation…" Gary said self-mockingly.
Now Nidoking had to face three opponents: Zapdos in the thundercloud-filled sky, Kabutops panting in front, and Omastar ready to strike from behind.
"Kabutops, Omastar, return and rest first," Red said leisurely.
Hearing Red's command, both Kabutops and Omastar obeyed without hesitation, returning to his side to rest.
"Thanks, Red," Gary said gratefully, not expecting such consideration.
Nidoking was immune to Electric-type moves, while Zapdos could evade Ground-type attacks.
"Zapdos, use Drill Peck!"
"Nidoking, use Drill Run!"
Zapdos flapped its massive wings and dived straight toward Nidoking, its spinning beak sharp enough to pierce anything.
"Roar—"
Nidoking roared, raising its drill-like horn and charging forward to meet Zapdos head-on.
"Bang—"
Nidoking was knocked back by Zapdos's frontal assault, its legs digging into the ground as deep grooves formed beneath it.
"Zapdos's power is terrifying…" Misty said in shock.
"Of course. Zapdos's strength rivals Red's original team—it's not something to underestimate," Professor Oak explained.
"Nidoking, use Stone Edge at close range!"
Sharp stone blades materialized around Nidoking and struck Zapdos almost instantly.
Zapdos winced in pain, then blue flames erupted across its body as it launched a close-range Brave Bird.
As the stone blades kept hitting, the blue aura around Zapdos grew more intense, soon engulfing Nidoking entirely.
"Boom—"
The grassy field where Nidoking stood was instantly flattened. After taking the full impact, Nidoking staggered, struggled, and finally collapsed.
"Nidoking is unable to battle! Therefore, the winner of this match is Red!" Professor Oak announced the final result, sighing slightly at Gary's disappointed expression.
Fortunately, the three of them understood Red's overwhelming strength. Before long, they regained their usual confidence. At least they hadn't been swept by Zapdos alone, so their disappointment didn't linger.
At that moment, two Pokémon were flying toward Professor Oak's Laboratory.
One of them, a deep blue-purple Butterfree, was extremely excited, tears streaming from its eyes.
Seeing this, the pink Butterfree beside it immediately moved closer, gently wiping away its tears.
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