Leaving Cerulean City, Ash and his friends headed toward their next destination—Vermilion City.
Along the way, they heard rumors of a trainer nearby known as "The Beast Tamer, A.J." He and his Sandslash had defeated nearly a hundred challengers in a row, gaining quite a reputation.
"A hundred straight wins? Sounds impressive," Brock said, rubbing his chin.
Misty, however, was unimpressed.
"Hmph, maybe he just hasn't met a real strong opponent yet. Right, Ash?"
Ash smiled, not confirming nor denying it. But he was indeed curious about this "Beast Tamer A.J."
Knowing the original story, he understood very well—the kind of trainer who only fights those who come to him, racking up easy wins, often has major hidden flaws.
Sure enough, at a fork in the road they couldn't avoid, they saw a prominent tent. Next to it stood a large sign proudly reading:
"Beast Tamer A.J. — 98 Consecutive Wins! Who's the next challenger?"
Outside the tent, a boy wearing a vest and wearing a cocky expression stood with his arms crossed. That was A.J.
At his feet, a well-trained Sandshew stared with sharp, fierce eyes.
The moment A.J. saw the three of them—and especially the Pikachu on Ash's shoulder—his eyes lit up with ambition.
"Oh? New challengers?"
He grinned confidently.
"Looks like my 99th win is about to arrive. Rules are simple—one on one. Dare to accept?"
Misty was about to snap back, but Ash stepped forward calmly.
"I accept. However… I want there to be a wager."
"A wager?" A.J. raised a brow.
"If you win," Ash said, "I'll give you a premium Pokémon food recipe. But if I win, you have to seriously consider a piece of advice I'll give you."
A.J. snorted, full of confidence.
"Whatever! I can't lose anyway! Sandshew, get ready!"
Ash patted Pikachu on the shoulder.
"Pikachu, this one's yours. Let's see how our special training pays off."
"Pika!" Pikachu leapt forward, battle spirit burning.
"Sandshew, show them our power! Poison Sting!"
Sandshew launched a barrage of purple poisonous needles.
"Pikachu—Quick Attack to dodge, then close in!"
Ash commanded steadily.
Pikachu became a yellow blur, dodging every needle and instantly closing the distance.
"So fast?!" A.J. was stunned but quickly reacted.
"Sandshew, Harden—then use Scratch!"
Sandshew's body gleamed as its defense rose, and its claws slashed toward Pikachu.
"Don't take it head-on. Pikachu—Double Team!"
In an instant, seven or eight Pikachus appeared around Sandshew. Its Scratch hit nothing but illusions.
"What?!" A.J. froze. He had never seen such a move before.
"Now—Thunder Shock!"
Every clone fired Thunder Shock at once. Though the power was divided, the disruptive effect was overwhelming.
Sandshew winced, shaken.
"Don't panic! Sandshew—Rollout!"
A.J. tried to recover by having Sandshew curl into a ball and begin rolling, using Rollout to attack everything indiscriminately while building speed.
"Pikachu, track its path—Iron Tail!"
Ash issued a completely unexpected command.
Pikachu's tail gleamed with metallic shine. It watched Sandshew's rolling trajectory—then struck with full force!
BANG!
Iron Tail hit the rolling Sandshew squarely—super effective!
Rollout was forcibly stopped. Sandshew shrieked as it was knocked out of its spin, crashing to the ground, heavily injured.
"No way?! Rollout—blocked?!"
A.J.'s confidence shattered. His signature tactic, undefeated until today, had been broken instantly.
"Finish it—Thunderbolt!"
The massive bolt of electricity struck Sandshew, who was now too slow to evade. It collapsed, unable to continue.
"S-Sandshew!"
A.J. rushed forward, holding his partner in disbelief. His 98-win streak had ended—just like that.
Ash walked over and handed him a potion.
"Your Sandshew is well-trained. Its fundamentals are solid."
A.J. accepted the potion, treating Sandshew while whispering:
"…Thanks. You're… really strong. I lost."
Ash looked him in the eye, expression turning serious.
"A.J., you are strong. I can see the bond and the training between you and Sandshew. But… have you thought about why your streak broke so easily?"
A.J. looked up, confused.
"Because you stayed here the whole time—waiting for passing challengers."
Ash gestured around.
"Most people who come by are beginners or trainers around your level. Your strategies work well against them. But if you meet someone experienced, flexible, or who has the exact counter to your type and tactics… your whole style collapses instantly.
Like today—you weren't prepared for an Electric-type's speed or unique moves at all."
A.J. opened his mouth to argue—but couldn't. Every word Ash said hit the truth.
"The real path to strength," Ash continued,
"isn't beating countless similar opponents in one place. You need to travel. Meet all kinds of trainers. Face different types of Pokémon. Experience losses. Learn and adapt.
Kanto is huge—there are powerful Gym Leaders, veteran Elite Four members, even strong trainers from other regions. Stay here too long, and you'll stagnate. You and Sandshew will never reach your full potential."
A.J.'s determined expression slowly shifted into contemplation.
He looked at Sandshew, who looked back at him—eyes filled with the desire for something more.
Ash finished gently:
"I've given you my advice. Whether you stay here and maintain a fake 'invincible' legend… or step out and see the real world with your Sandshew—that's your choice."
With that, Ash walked away with Brock and Misty, leaving A.J. standing alone, staring at the horizon in deep thought.
---
[Ding! Host defeated Beast Tamer A.J., ended his streak, and guided a key turning point in his life. Reward: 300 World Points]
[Current World Points: 5000]
---
On the road, Misty sighed.
"Ash, what you said back there was really good. If that A.J. listens, he'll definitely become stronger someday."
Brock nodded.
"Yeah. A trainer and their Pokémon both need a bigger stage to grow."
Ash smiled quietly.
He hoped A.J. would choose the right path.
And as for their own journey—countless challenges and encounters still awaited them.
(A/N: As for the accumulated World Points… it might be time to spend some. Any suggestions?)