As the Indigo League entered its fourth round, the atmosphere in the arena grew increasingly tense.
Ash stood in the player's tunnel, watching the ongoing match in the main stadium, Gary versus Melissa.
"Gary's Blastoise has already defeated two of Melissa's Pokémon in a row," Brock analyzed intently. "But its stamina is clearly running low."
Misty looked worried as she watched Gary on the field. "Even though he has a large number of Pokémon, there are too few that can truly serve as his core fighters."
Ash remained silent.
Everything was unfolding just as he had expected. Gary had been too focused on catching large numbers of Pokémon while neglecting the development of a strong core team.
Sure enough, when Melissa sent out Golem, the tide of the battle began to shift.
"Golem, use Earthquake!" Melissa's command was sharp and decisive.
The heavily injured Blastoise had no way to evade. Amid the violent tremors, it collapsed.
Gary was forced to send out Nidoking, but Melissa had clearly done his homework.
"Golem, use Rollout!"
Nidoking's Poison Sting was barely effective against the Rock type Golem, while Golem's successive Rollouts kept building power.
After several rounds, Nidoking was also defeated.
Gary's final Pokémon was Onix, but facing an opponent of the same type, it quickly fell under Golem's Rock Slide.
"Onix is unable to battle! The winner is Melissa!" The referee's announcement brought the match to an end.
Gary walked out of the arena in a daze, not even noticing Ash nearby.
Ash let out a soft sigh. This was the price of neglecting the training of a core team.
That afternoon, Ash's fourth match took place on the Grass Field. His opponent was a girl in an elegant kimono, Jeanette Fisher.
The field was covered with dense grass and tall trees, making it ideal for Grass and Bug type Pokémon.
"I've watched your battles, they were impressive," Jeanette said with a graceful bow. "But my tactics are completely different from the opponents you've faced before."
The match began, and Jeanette sent out Beedrill first.
This Pokémon thrived in the Grass Field, able to use the trees as cover.
"Bulbasaur, I choose you!" Ash sent out his reliable partner.
"Beedrill, use Pin Missile!"
Beedrill fired a barrage of sharp needles from all directions.
Ash remained calm. "Use Vine Whip to grab onto the branches and move behind the trees!"
Bulbasaur skillfully swung through the forest using its vines, perfectly dodging every attack.
A precise Razor Leaf followed, striking Beedrill's wings.
"Now, Solar Beam!"
With the boost from the Grass Field, Bulbasaur almost instantly completed its charge. The blazing beam blasted Beedrill straight out of the field.
"Beedrill is unable to battle! Bulbasaur wins!"
Unfazed, Jeanette sent out her second Pokémon, Scyther.
It moved at incredible speed, turning into a streak of green light through the forest.
"Scyther, use Fury Cutter!"
"Bulbasaur, use Sweet Scent to slow it down!"
Bulbasaur released a thick, sweet aroma, and Scyther's movements visibly slowed.
Then a Leech Seed landed, steadily draining its stamina.
Although Scyther resisted stubbornly, it ultimately fell to the continuous attrition.
Now, Jeanette had only one Pokémon left.
To everyone's surprise, she sent out what appeared to be a frail Bellsprout.
Whispers spread through the audience, many believing Jeanette had already given up the match.
But Ash's pupils suddenly contracted. He clearly remembered that in the original battle, it was this seemingly weak Bellsprout that had given him a great deal of trouble.
"Return, Bulbasaur." Ash decisively recalled his slightly fatigued partner.
Jeanette smiled faintly. "It seems you've noticed. This Bellsprout has undergone special training."
Ash smiled as well. "Perfect. I have a special partner to introduce too. I choose you, Muk!"
When the purple sludge-like Pokémon appeared on the field, the audience could not help but wrinkle their noses.
Jeanette's Bellsprout was clearly intimidated by the smell coming from Muk.
"Bellsprout, don't be afraid! Use Razor Leaf!" Jeanette commanded.
Sharp leaves flew toward Muk, but its body merely wobbled slightly as the leaves sank into its soft form, causing no damage at all.
"Muk, use Sludge!"
The sticky sludge struck Bellsprout accurately. The dual advantage of Poison against Grass dealt heavy damage, leaving it writhing in pain.
"Bellsprout, use Vine Whip to grab a branch and dodge!"
But Muk's next move was already coming. Ash gave the order. "Use Poison Gas!"
A cloud of purple poison quickly spread, and before Bellsprout could escape, it was engulfed.
Under the relentless barrage of Poison type attacks, it could no longer hold on and collapsed.
"Bellsprout is unable to battle! Muk wins! The winner is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!"
Jeanette recalled Bellsprout and bowed to Ash. "Congratulations. To recognize Bellsprout's special traits so quickly, you truly are an exceptional trainer."
Ash returned the gesture politely. "Your tactics were excellent. I nearly underestimated you."
With this victory, Ash successfully advanced into the Top 16.
He knew very well that the crucial turning point was about to arrive.
...
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