After a brief glance, Ash exchanged a look with Froakie, silently confirming that his partner still had the stamina to continue. Once he was sure, Ash turned toward the ring of campers gathered around the battlefield.
"Anyone else," he called out, voice calm yet firm, "want to come up and spar with me?"
"Whoa, this guy actually wants to keep fighting?"
"Tch, is he seriously planning to fight all five matches in a row?"
"What a show-off. If I didn't think it'd be unfair to fight him when he's tired, I'd already be up there."
"Pfft—yeah right."
The moment Ash issued his open challenge, the whole camp erupted into noise. Some were awed by his momentum, others thought he was getting arrogant, and more than a few predicted he'd be taken down soon enough.
But despite all the chatter, no one stepped forward.
It wasn't that they lacked courage—it was that they didn't want to risk their points. Most of them were hoping someone else would go first, to wear down Froakie's remaining strength before they jumped in.
Then again… these were all six-year-old kids. They didn't think that deeply.
After a long silence, someone finally moved.
A girl in a crimson kimono walked confidently into the arena. She had a large butterfly-shaped ribbon tied neatly in her hair and a mischievous grin on her face.
"Well, since all you cowardly boys are too scared," she said cheerfully, "I guess this beautiful girl will have to do it!"
Her bold tone caused a stir.
"Who does she think she is?"
"She just called us cowards! The nerve of that girl!"
The boys grumbled in unison, their pride wounded. But the girl didn't so much as flinch. She simply adjusted her sleeves, tossed her hair, and gracefully took her place on the field.
"I'm Jeanette Fisher from Crimson City in Kanto," she announced, holding up a Poké Ball. "And my partner will be this one!"
"Go! Bellsprout!"
Pop!
The Poké Ball burst open, releasing a Pokémon that looked like it had walked straight out of a plant nursery.
With a brown, vine-like stem for a body, rootlike feet, leafy arms, and a bright yellow bell-shaped head, Bellsprout swayed gently as it landed.
"Bellsprout~!"
Its tiny black eyes locked onto Froakie with eerie intensity, its slender body twisting back and forth like a hypnotic vine.
"A Grass and Poison type, huh?" Ash muttered, eyes narrowing slightly. "So she's trying to win by type advantage…"
He smirked faintly. "But if you think that alone can beat me—you're in for a surprise."
"System, scan that Bellsprout," Ash ordered in his mind.
[Pokémon: Bellsprout]
Level: 5
Type: Grass / Poison
Nature: Relaxed
Ability: Chlorophyll
Potential: [Red]
Skills (Copyable):
· [Skilled]: Vine Whip, Bind (19/500)
· [Novice]: Growth (15/100)
"Oh?" Ash's eyes gleamed with interest as the data appeared before him. "That's actually not bad at all—an Red Potential Pokémon."
Compared to his own Froakie, whose potential was [Purple]—a level of greatness chosen by fate itself—this Bellsprout was clearly inferior.
Still, it was leagues above the average C-class Pokémon most campers had received.
In fact, outside of rare starter Pokémon from the League, Red Potential Pokémon were considered extremely high quality for beginners. Even the three starters—Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle—were typically around that range.
Ash was mildly surprised, but he quickly brushed it off. After all, all the Pokémon used in this camp were temporary loans. They'd be returned once the program ended.
…..
"Both sides ready… Battle, begin!"
The referee's voice rang out, his hand slicing through the air.
"Bellsprout, use Growth!" Jeanette called out immediately, taking the initiative.
"Bellsprout~!"
The little plant Pokémon began to glow with a soft green light. Its thin body stretched taller, its leaves widening as energy from the soil surged upward.
"Boosting both Attack and Special Attack right away, huh?" Ash frowned slightly.
Unlike the reckless kids who only charged forward, Jeanette actually understood battle tactics—she knew how to use support moves and set up advantages.
That made her a much more dangerous opponent.
"But even so," Ash said calmly, "the one who'll win this battle… will still be me."
"Froakie, since the opponent's not attacking—then let's go on the offensive first!"
"Use Bubble!"
"Froa~!"
Froakie crouched low, barely moving from its spot, and began to fire a stream of bubbles with precision aim.
"Pupupupupu!"
"Swish! Swish! Swish!"
The transparent water bullets shimmered as they shot across the air toward Bellsprout.
But Jeanette reacted quickly.
"Bellsprout, dodge it—now!"
"Bellsprout~!"
Its rootlike legs dug into the ground, soaking up nutrients as its newly enhanced body moved more nimbly. With an elegant twist, Bellsprout bent backward, letting the bubbles whiz right past.
"Whoa!"
Gasps filled the air.
Even the boys who'd mocked her earlier couldn't hide their surprise.
This was the first time in the entire day that someone had successfully dodged Froakie's attack.
The audience's reaction quickly shifted from disbelief to admiration.
"Wow, she's actually good."
"Did you see that? She dodged everything!"
For the first time in three consecutive battles, Ash's attack had missed.
But instead of frustration, Ash remained utterly calm—his expression steady, his eyes sharp.
Even though Froakie was running low on stamina, Ash's demeanor hadn't changed at all.
Jeanette frowned slightly, feeling the pressure of that composure.
"Let's see how long you can keep that cool face," she said under her breath, before calling her next move.
"Bellsprout—use Vine Whip!"
"Bellsprout~!"
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Two green vines snapped through the air like whips, cutting across the battlefield toward Froakie with deadly precision.
"Vine Whip, huh?" Ash's lips curved upward. "I've been waiting for that."
He raised his hand decisively.
"Froakie, use—"
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T/N:
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