----------------Round One begins--------------
The inauguration ceremony had just wrapped up in a blaze of fireworks and roaring cheers. The massive Indigo Plateau stadium still buzzed with energy spectators filing toward the stands, vendors hawking glow sticks and commemorative badges, the air thick with the smell of grilled skewers and fresh popcorn. Ash, Misty, Sabrina, and Brock made their way through the bustling corridors toward the registration hall, dodging excited kids waving foam fingers and trainers double-checking their badge cases.
Ash walked with his usual easy stride, Pikachu perched on his shoulder, tail flicking happily. Misty and Sabrina flanked him like bodyguards, while Brock trailed behind carrying everyone's water bottles like the team mom he was.
Inside the registration area, the line moved quickly. Ash stepped up to the counter and handed over his eight Kanto Gym Badges plus his Pokédex to the smiling receptionist lady.
She scanned the badges one by one Boulder, Cascade, Thunder, Rainbow, Soul, Marsh, Volcano, Earth then slotted the Pokédex into the reader. A soft chime rang out as the system loaded his trainer profile.
"Everything checks out, Ash Ketchum," she said warmly.
"You're officially registered for the preliminary rounds. Once you clear prelims, you'll advance straight into the main tournament bracket then top 8, semis, and finals after that."
She slid the Pokédex back across the counter. "Now, if you'll press the button here, the system will randomly assign your first prelim match field."
Ash glanced down at Pikachu. "You wanna do the honors, buddy?"
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu hopped forward, tail swishing. With a dramatic flick, he slapped the glowing button.
The screen flickered through the options Rock Field, Grass Field, Ice Field, Water Field before landing with a cheerful ding on Water Field.
Misty pumped a fist. "Yes! Home turf advantage!"
Sabrina raised an eyebrow. "Water Field favors you, Ash… but don't get cocky."
Before Ash could reply, another familiar ding sounded this time only in his head. A translucent blue panel materialized.
[Ding! Chain Mission Triggered: Indigo Plateau Conference]
Mission Details: Use only ONE Pokémon per match to challenge and defeat your opponent's entire team in the preliminary rounds.
Reward: Rare Candy ×5 per successful match completion
Chain Mission Exclusive Reward: Upon completing all four preliminary ring challenges Universal Mega Evolution Keystone (can Mega Evolve up to 6 Pokémon simultaneously using a single stone)
Ash's eyes widened. A slow, dangerous grin spread across his face.
"Oh… that's perfect."
He already owned multiple Mega Stones Charizardite X, Blastoisinite, Venusaurite, and more and several of his Pokémon had the bond strength to trigger Mega Evolution. A single Keystone that could handle six at once? That was game-changing. League-crushing.
Misty noticed his expression. "What's got you smirking like that?"
Ash just winked. "You'll see."
The group headed toward the waiting area for prelim participants. Benches lined the walls, trainers nervously checking their teams, some doing last-minute stretches with their Pokémon.
Ash found a quiet corner, sat down, and let Pikachu curl up in his lap while he mentally reviewed strategies. One Pokémon per match. Against full teams of three. He could already picture the headlines.
Before he could relax, a loud, obnoxious voice cut through the chatter.
"Well, well, well if it isn't the great Ash Ketchum. Heard you're supposed to be some kind of prodigy."
Ash looked up. A tall, lanky guy with a ridiculous bowl-cut hairstyle strutted toward him, arms crossed, wearing a smug grin. His name tag read: Mandy – Astounding Pokémon Trainer.
Mandy stopped in front of Ash, looking him up and down like he was sizing up livestock.
"Listen, newbie," Mandy continued, "I've been watching the prelim brackets. You're going up against me first round. Water Field. And I'm gonna wipe the floor with you. Just thought I'd give you a heads-up so you don't embarrass yourself too badly in front of the crowd."
Ash blinked once. Then smiled calm, polite, almost gentle.
"All the best, Mandy."
Mandy's smirk faltered. "What? That's it? No trash talk? No 'I'm gonna crush you'? You're supposed to be some hotshot."
Ash shrugged. "I don't need to talk big. Results speak louder."
Mandy's face twisted. "Cocky little "
He stormed off, muttering under his breath.
Misty's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Ash, why are you being so humble against that jerk? Did you hear the attitude on him?"
Sabrina's aura flickered, dark and cold. "The audacity of that bowl-cut bastard. Next time I see him, I'll put him in a dark nightmare he won't wake up from."
Ash laughed softly, reaching over to squeeze both their hands. "Relax, guys. It's not a big deal. I've got other ideas for him."
Misty huffed. "Fine. But if he keeps running his mouth "
"I'll handle it," Ash promised, voice low and certain.
An announcement crackled over the speakers.
"Attention all participants: Round One of the Indigo League preliminary matches begins now. Ash Ketchum, report to Water Field 3 for your matchup against Mandy."
Ash stood, cracking his knuckles. "Showtime."
The stadium's Water Field arena was massive deep central pool, floating platforms, artificial waterfalls cascading from high walls. Spectators filled the tiered stands, waving banners and cheering as the announcer's voice boomed.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE PRELIMS ARE IN FULL SWING! NOW STARTING THE THIRD BATTLE ON WATER FIELD 3!"
"ON THE GREEN SIDE THE NEWCOMER ASH KETCHUM, FAMOUS FOR HIS MASSIVE CONTRIBUTIONS HELPING PEOPLE IN PORTA VESTA AND BEYOND!"
"ON THE RED SIDE THE POKÉMON LEAGUE FAVORITE, THE ASTOUNDING MANDY!"
"KETCHUM IS ACCOMPANIED BY HIS TWO LOVELY GIRLFRIENDS MISTY WATERFLOWER AND SABRINA ALONG WITH HIS BEST BROTHER, BROCK FLINTSTONE!"
Misty and Sabrina both flushed bright red at the announcement. Brock's eyes bulged comically wide, his jaw dropping. "They said my last name! They actually said Flintstone!"
Somewhere in Saffron City, an older man in a dark suit paused mid-teleport, veins popping on his forehead. "They called my precious daughter 'lovely girlfriend' on national television !"
A frying pan clanged against the back of his skull.
"Stop overreacting, dear," his smiling wife said sweetly. "Sabrina's happy. Let her be."
In Hoenn, a little boy watching the broadcast tilted his head. "Wait… they let other people into the stands besides coaches? Weird."
In Unova, a psychic girl with long blonde hair paused, eyes narrowing at the screen. She could sense the boy Ash radiating strong psychic energy. Intrigued, she leaned closer.
In Sinnoh, a man sitting in a Pokémon Center lobby glanced up from his coffee. He froze when he saw Cynthia on screen disguised, but unmistakable to him. He shook his head slowly. "No way… she wouldn't be in Kanto. Must be some ruins expedition…"
Back in the stadium, the announcer continued.
"EACH TRAINER IS ALLOWED TO USE THREE POKÉMON! NOW… THE BATTLE BEGINS!"
Ding ding ding!
Mandy smirked, tossing his first Poké Ball high.
"Showtime! Watch me, Ash I'll show you real magic! Go, Exeggutor!"
The palm-tree Pokémon emerged with a deep, echoing cry, leaves rustling menacingly.
Ash's grin turned sharp.
"Let me show you my utmost honor by crushing you today. Gyarados I choose you."
The Poké Ball burst open.
A massive roar shook the entire stadium.
Gyarados erupted from the light shiny, scales gleaming metallic red-gold under the stadium lights, eyes blazing crimson, body coiling like a living storm. The sheer size and presence made the water in the pool ripple outward in waves, splashing against the barriers.
The audience gasped collectively.
Commentator 1 (stunned): "Hold on look at that color! That's no ordinary Gyarados that's a SHINY Gyarados! Red-gold scales absolutely stunning!"
Commentator 2 (voice rising): "I've never seen one this big in person! That metallic red sheen folks, this is a once-in-a-lifetime sight! Ash Ketchum just brought out a legend on the first round!"
Misty and Sabrina exchanged proud smirks. Brock just stared in awe, muttering, "That thing's bigger than my Onix…"
Mandy's smirk vanished completely. His jaw dropped. "W-what the ?!"
Commentator 1: "Mandy looks shaken! He clearly wasn't expecting this!"
Ash's voice was calm, almost bored.
"Gyarados Dragon Dance."
Gyarados coiled, body glowing red-gold as speed and attack skyrocketed. The water around it churned violently, waves crashing against the platforms.
Commentator 2: "Dragon Dance! Speed and attack boost Gyarados is powering up fast!"
Mandy recovered, snarling.
Mandy recovered, snarling. "Exeggutor Psychic! Crush it!"
Exeggutor's three heads glowed, psychic waves slamming toward Gyarados like invisible hammers.
"Hyper Beam," Ash said quietly.
Gyarados opened its maw.
Golden-white energy gathered in a blinding sphere then fired.
The beam tore through the Psychic wave like paper, continued forward, and struck Exeggutor dead-center. The palm tree Pokémon didn't even get a chance to scream it was blasted backward, slamming into the far wall and sliding down unconscious.
Commentator 1 (shouting): "ONE HIT KNOCKOUT! Exeggutor is down! Mandy's powerhouse just got obliterated in a single move!"
Commentator 2: "That Hyper Beam was monstrous! The sheer power look at the crater in the wall!"
The crowd erupted into deafening cheers.
Mandy's face went white. "No way… one shot?!"
Ash didn't gloat. "Next."
Mandy gritted his teeth, hands shaking slightly.
"Seadra go!"
The seahorse Pokémon appeared, fins flaring, ready to fight.
Commentator 1: "Seadra now! Water-type specialist can Mandy turn this around?"
"Water Gun barrage!"
Streams of high-pressure water lanced toward Gyarados.
Ash didn't even blink.
"Thunderbolt."
Gyarados roared electricity crackling along its entire length. A massive bolt arced from its horns, intercepting every Water Gun and striking Seadra head-on. The seahorse convulsed, smoke rising from its scales, then sank beneath the surface, fainted.
Commentator 2 (voice cracking): "Another one-hit KO! Seadra is out! Mandy's down to his last Pokémon!"
Commentator 1: "This is unreal! Ash Ketchum hasn't even broken a sweat!"
Mandy was visibly shaking now, sweat pouring down his face.
Mandy (voice cracking): "Golbat finish this!"
The bat Pokémon swooped out, wings beating furiously.
Commentator 2: "Golbat! Flying/Poison type speed and status moves are his specialty!"
"Air Slash!"
Razor blades of wind sliced toward Gyarados.
Ash sighed.
"Dragon Tail."
Gyarados twisted, tail glowing blue-green. One sweeping strike shattered the Air Slashes and caught Golbat mid-flight. The bat spun like a pinwheel before crashing into the pool, unconscious.
Commentator 1 (screaming): "AND THAT'S IT! GOLBAT IS DOWN! ASH KETCHUM DEFEATS THE ASTOUNDING MANDY IN RECORD TIME WITH A SINGLE POKÉMON!"
Commentator 2: "Three Pokémon, three knockouts, zero switches! Ladies and gentlemen this is dominance on another level! What a statement from the newcomer!"
The stadium exploded into thunderous applause and cheers.
Mandy stood frozen, staring at his fainted team. His hands shook violently. He looked up at Ash really looked and saw something terrifying: calm certainty.
Ash returned Gyarados with a gentle flash. He walked over to the center line, offering a hand.
"Good match."
Mandy stared at the hand, then at Ash's face. Slowly, he took it shaking.
"You… you're the real deal."
Ash smiled faintly. "See you in the main bracket."
He turned and walked off the field to deafening cheers, Misty and Sabrina waiting with proud grins, Brock wiping away a proud tear.
Behind him, Mandy sank to his knees, whispering to himself:
"I never stood a chance…"
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Okay, first match is over. Is this good enough? Do you want me to add more details or more matches? Are you satisfied, or do you want bigger matches? Should I add or remove the commentary? I added 3 or 4 characters in this chapter can you spot them? Let me know.
Next chapter comes after 10+ comments, okay.