Just as Ash's group finished calming the anxious Squirtle and Wartortle, the Pikachu on Ash's shoulder suddenly cried out. Ignoring Ash's attempt to stop it, Pikachu forcefully released its electric current.
Fortunately, Pikachu immediately leapt off Ash's shoulder, otherwise the released electricity would have inevitably affected him.
Just as Ash was about to scold Pikachu for attacking on its own, he suddenly noticed a fierce-looking Persian quietly appear before them. It occasionally licked its front paw, casting a mocking gaze toward Pikachu, whose body trembled from time to time.
"What kind of Pokémon is this?!" Ash exclaimed in shock. He quickly took out his Pokédex and analyzed Persian's data, and soon the Pokédex emitted a mechanical voice.
"Persian, the Classy Cat Pokémon, evolved from Meowth. It has a vicious temperament. When it straightens and raises its tail, beware—that is a sign it is about to pounce and bite."
"So it's Meowth's evolution, no wonder it looks so familiar," Ash muttered.
Because of Red's presence, the Team Rocket trio wisely chose not to cause trouble. This way, they could enjoy a few days of vacation without taking on heavy debt—it was simply too comfortable.
(As expected, that big boss is our lucky star) ×3
That was what the Team Rocket trio thought.
Persian is a carnivorous Pokémon capable of hunting smaller Pokémon, and Pikachu just happens to be on its menu.
Being stared at by its natural predator like this, Pikachu couldn't help but tremble instinctively.
Fortunately, Ash quickly noticed Pikachu's fear and stepped forward to comfort it.
After a short while, encouraged by Ash, Pikachu regained its spirit. With a determined look, it stared at the Persian in the distance, wanting to personally defeat this natural enemy.
"That thing must have been sent by Archer to stop us," Brock reminded.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"
Now that it was confirmed as an enemy, Ash showed no mercy and immediately ordered Pikachu to attack.
A high-voltage current burst from Pikachu's body, surging forward like a lightning serpent to capture Persian.
Seeing this, Persian let out a disdainful chuckle. The red gem on its forehead shone brilliantly, and it fired a gem-like beam of light.
"That's the Rock-type move Power Gem!" Brock exclaimed.
Thunderbolt and Power Gem collided midair, quickly causing a violent explosion. But in that brief moment, Persian seized an opening. Its figure blurred and instantly appeared in front of Pikachu.
Under Pikachu's fearful gaze, Persian used Fake Out, striking Pikachu heavily with its right paw and knocking it back several steps.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!"
Pikachu quickly got back up and, using its agility, slammed into Persian head-on. At the same time, it released electricity from its entire body, landing a close-range Thunderbolt on Persian.
Hit by the current, Persian showed no panic. Calmly, it used Iron Tail to stab into the sand, channeling the electricity into the ground. Then it revealed its sharp right claw and used Slash directly at Pikachu.
"Ash, that thing isn't something Pikachu can defeat alone. How about we—"
Seeing Pikachu struggle so much, Brock tactfully suggested that he and Misty join in, turning it into a three-against-one battle.
"No. Pokémon battles have principles. Besides, that Persian doesn't even have a trainer's command. I can't take any more advantage."
After understanding Brock's suggestion, Ash immediately rejected it. He wanted to defeat Persian with Pikachu using their own strength, not by outnumbering it.
"Ash, why are you still so reckless? That's Team Rocket's Pokémon, not an ordinary battle!" Misty said angrily, while Togepi in her arms cried anxiously.
"No need, Misty. Actually, Ash is right. I should apologize instead—I almost made him abandon his dignity as a Pokémon trainer because I was too anxious."
Seeing Misty about to confront Ash, Brock quickly stopped her.
"Ash is a man. A man's dignity must be protected by himself. Some battles can't be interfered with by others, because this is a battle of dignity. I understand how he feels right now."
"You men are really stubborn…" Misty muttered, turning her head to look worriedly at Ash, hoping he and Pikachu could defeat Persian.
...
Meanwhile, on Red's side
After Venusaur gained the upper hand, Blastoise immediately launched its assault. The two cannons on its back fired thick streams of water, forming two powerful water columns that surged toward Houndoom.
Houndoom, fearful of water, hurriedly fled, afraid of being hit by Blastoise's Hydro Pump.
The Electrode floating in the air tried to help, but was entangled by Venusaur's Vine Whip. Immediately afterward, Venusaur used Seed Bomb—its flower released a massive seed that slammed into Electrode, causing an explosion.
"How is this possible? Venusaur only has eight vines—why does this one have twice as many?!" Archer shouted in terror, unable to comprehend what he was seeing.
Originally, Electrode relied on its rolling speed to easily evade the eight extending vines. Just as it was feeling fortunate, it was suddenly bound by another eight vines, completely restraining its movement.
"Did you really think my Venusaur was ordinary?" Red said calmly. Then he ordered Blastoise,
"Reduce the power of Hydro Pump to Water Gun, and use Ice Beam from your mouth!"
Seemingly accustomed to Red's commands, Blastoise didn't hesitate. It immediately reduced the water pressure, then used its remaining strength to fire Ice Beam. A freezing ray struck Houndoom's hind leg, restricting its proud speed.
Excited, Blastoise used Hydro Pump again. Two thick water columns were about to hit Houndoom.
"Houndoom, use Flame Charge to melt the ice on your hind leg and dodge quickly!" Archer commanded calmly.
With the boost from two Flame Charges, Houndoom's speed increased significantly. Just before being hit, it leapt aside and narrowly avoided the attack.
"Huff! Huff!"
Houndoom panted heavily, its eyes fixed seriously on Blastoise. Only now did it realize that Blastoise seemed to be deliberately hiding its strength.
Clearly, not only Houndoom, but also Red and Archer had noticed something unusual about Blastoise.
Of course, this wasn't intentional concealment. According to Red's guess, it was because Blastoise had long lived in a state of "invincibility." On its island, aside from its own kind, no one dared to invade.
Over time, such a peaceful life had subconsciously weakened its strength. Now, through this battle, Blastoise was simply rediscovering its former power.
[Born in hardship, die in comfort!]