On the morning of the second day after the Indigo League opening ceremony, the air in the competitors' village was filled with tension and anticipation.
Ash woke up early, making his final preparations for the upcoming first match.
"According to the tournament schedule, my first battle is set on the Water Field," Ash said as he carefully studied the match chart. "My opponent is a trainer named Mandi. Apparently, he likes to perform magic tricks during battles."
Brock flipped through his notes. "Mandi performed quite well in the preliminaries. He specializes in Water and Grass type Pokémon. Ash, which Pokémon are you planning to use?"
Ash thought for a moment.
Compared to the original timeline, his current team was undeniably impressive: Charizard, Wartortle, Bulbasaur, Primeape, Pikachu, and even the rare Dratini.
But for this first match, he wanted to give some of his less frequently used partners a chance to shine.
"I've decided to use Krabby, Shiny Magneton, and Pidgeotto," Ash finally said. "Especially Krabby. It's been training hard at Professor Oak's lab lately. It's time to show the results."
(Pidgeotto is the Pidgey Ash rescued at the beginning. It evolved naturally in the backyard, so no need to ask!)
Misty looked a bit worried. "But Mandi has an Exeggutor on his team. It has a type advantage over Krabby."
"That's exactly the point of the test," Ash replied with a smile. "A true trainer should be able to overcome type disadvantages."
The match was scheduled for ten in the morning.
When Ash arrived at the Water Field, the stands were already packed with spectators.
Mandi was already waiting in the opposing trainer's area. Dressed in a flamboyant magician's robe, he was tossing confetti toward the audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Mandi bowed dramatically. "Are you ready to witness a spectacular battle magic show?"
The referee signaled both trainers to take their positions.
Mandi was the first to throw a Poké Ball. "Come out, my magical assistant, Exeggutor!"
The three headed Exeggutor appeared gracefully atop a floating platform, all three heads bowing toward the audience at once.
Ash remained calm as he sent out his own Pokémon. "I choose you, Krabby!"
Whispers spread through the crowd.
Anyone with sharp eyes could see that the Grass type Exeggutor had a clear advantage over the Water type Krabby.
Mandi smirked. "It seems my first trick will be making your Krabby disappear in an instant!"
Razor sharp leaves swept forward like a green storm, rushing toward Krabby.
Ash responded calmly, "Krabby, dive underwater!"
Krabby quickly sank beneath the surface, avoiding the attack.
Mandi waved it off dismissively. "You can hide for a moment, but not forever! Exeggutor, use Psychic to force it out!"
All three of Exeggutor's heads began to glow blue, and the entire pool started to churn violently.
Krabby was forced back to the surface, looking quite battered.
"Now's the time, Seed Bomb!" Mandi pressed the attack.
At the critical moment, Ash shouted, "Krabby, counter with Vice Grip!"
Krabby's claws glowed white as it bravely met the incoming seeds.
In the midst of the fierce clash, Krabby suddenly burst forth with a dazzling light of evolution!
"This is… evolution!" the commentator shouted excitedly.
When the light faded, a massive Kingler stood on the field.
Its enormous claws were several times larger than before, gleaming with a metallic sheen.
Mandi's expression shifted slightly, but he forced himself to remain composed. "Even if it evolved, it's useless! Exeggutor, use Hypnosis!"
"Kingler, use Bubble Beam!" Ash immediately commanded.
The dense stream of bubbles not only blocked the hypnotic waves, but also struck Exeggutor head on.
Seizing the opportunity, Kingler unleashed its newly learned Hyper Beam, blasting Exeggutor straight out of the field in a single hit.
"Exeggutor is unable to battle! Kingler wins!" the referee announced.
Mandi recalled Exeggutor with a grim expression and sent out his second Pokémon. "Seadra, turn the tide!"
Ash switched out Kingler at the same time. "I choose you, Magneton!"
When the Shiny Magneton appeared on the field, a wave of astonishment swept through the audience.
Mandi's Seadra was clearly intimidated by this rare Pokémon.
"Seadra, don't be scared! Use Water Gun!" Mandi ordered.
"Magneton, use Magnet Rise to dodge, then follow up with Thunderbolt!" Ash calmly directed.
Magneton nimbly avoided the powerful stream of water, its body erupting with brilliant golden electricity.
Electric type moves were super effective against the Water type Seadra, and a single strike left it severely injured.
"Seadra is unable to battle! Magneton wins!"
This was what true type advantage looked like.
"How is this possible…" Mandi stared at his fallen Seadra in disbelief.
Now it was down to his final Pokémon.
With no other choice, he sent out Golbat, hoping to win with speed. But he had forgotten that Ash carried the title of a Flying type master, even if that was something from the future.
Ash sent out Pidgeotto, preparing for an aerial battle.
The two Flying type Pokémon engaged in a fierce chase through the sky.
Golbat relied on its agility, repeatedly using Supersonic to disrupt its opponent, while Pidgeotto kept its sharp eyes locked on every movement.
"Golbat, use Wing Attack!"
"Pidgeotto, dodge with Quick Attack!"
The two figures crossed paths rapidly in midair. Ash seized the moment. "Now, use Steel Wing!"
Pidgeotto's wings were instantly coated in a metallic sheen, striking Golbat with perfect accuracy.
Then, a follow up Sky Attack completely ended the battle.
"Golbat is unable to battle! The winner is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!" the referee announced loudly.
The audience erupted into thunderous applause.
Ash celebrated by high fiving his three victorious Pokémon.
This victory not only showcased the results of their training, but also proved that even those who were not the main members of the team each possessed the strength to stand on their own.
...