On the morning after the opening ceremony of the Indigo Plateau Conference, the air in the Athlete Village was thick with tension and anticipation.
Ash woke early, making his final preparations for the upcoming match.
"According to the tournament schedule, my first match is set for the Water Field." Ash studied the battle chart closely. "My opponent is a trainer named Mandi. Word is he loves performing magic tricks during his matches."
Brock flipped through his notes. "Mandi performed quite well in the preliminaries. He specializes in Water and Grass type Pokémon. Ash, which ones are you planning to field?"
Ash sank into thought for a moment.
His current lineup was truly luxurious compared to the original timeline: Charizard, Wartortle, Bulbasaur, Primeape, Pikachu, and even rare Pokémon like Dratini.
However, for this first round, he wanted to give some of his other partners a chance to shinethose who usually didn't get as much time in the spotlight.
"I've decided to go with Krabby, my Shiny Magneton, and Pidgeotto," Ash announced. "Especially Krabby. He's been training incredibly hard at the Professor's lab lately. It's time to show the results of that work."
(Note: Pidgeotto is the same Pidgey Ash rescued at the beginning of the story; it evolved naturally while at the ranch, so no more questions about that!)
Misty looked a bit concerned. "But Mandi's roster includes an Exeggutor. In terms of type advantage, Krabby is at a total loss."
"That's exactly the point of the test," Ash replied with a smile. A true powerhouse should be able to overcome a type disadvantage.
The match was scheduled for ten o'clock 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 box, clad in a flamboyant magician's robe and tossing confetti into the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Mandi gave an exaggerated bow. "Are you ready to witness a magnificent display of battle magic?"
The referee signaled for both trainers to take their positions.
Mandi was the first to throw his Poké Ball. "Come forth, my magic assistantExeggutor!"
The three-headed Exeggutor appeared gracefully upon a floating platform, its three heads nodding in greeting to the audience. Ash calmly sent out his first choice. "I choose you! Krabby!"
A murmur ran through the crowd. Any seasoned observer could see that a Grass type like Exeggutor held a crushing advantage over a Water type like Krabby.
Mandi laughed triumphantly. "It seems my first trick will be making your Krabby vanish instantly! Exeggutor, use Razor Leaf!"
A storm of razor-sharp leaves swept toward Krabby. Ash remained composed. "Krabby, dive into the water!"
Krabby nimbly submerged, vanishing beneath the surface to dodge the volley.
Mandi remained unfazed. "You can hide for a moment, but not forever! Exeggutor, use Confusion to force it out!"
Exeggutor's three heads glowed with a blue light, causing the entire pool to churn violently. Krabby was forced back to the surface, looking somewhat disheveled.
"Now, Seed Bomb!" Mandi followed up immediately.
At the critical moment, Ash shouted, "Krabby, intercept it with Crabhammer!"
Krabby's pincers flashed with white light as it bravely slammed them into the incoming seeds. In the heat of the collision, a brilliant light of evolution suddenly erupted from Krabby's body!
"That's... evolution!" the announcer screamed in excitement.
When the light faded, a massive Kingler stood on the field. Its giant pincer was several times larger than before, gleaming with a metallic luster.
Mandi's expression shifted slightly, though he tried to maintain his cool. "Evolution won't save you! Exeggutor, use Hypnosis!"
"Kingler, use Bubble Beam!" Ash commanded instantly.
The dense stream of bubbles not only blocked the hypnotic waves but slammed directly into Exeggutor. Kingler seized the opening and unleashed a newly learned Hyper Beam, blasting Exeggutor right off the platform.
"Exeggutor is unable to battle! Kingler wins!" the referee announced.
Mandi recalled his Exeggutor, his face sour as he sent out his second Pokémon. "Seadra, turn the tide!"
Ash swapped his Pokémon at the same time. "I choose you, Magneton!"
When the oddly colored Shiny Magneton appeared on the field, a wave of awe washed over the crowd. Mandi's Seadra was visibly intimidated by the rare sight of this unique Pokémon.
"Seadra, don't let it scare you! Use Hydro Pump!" Mandi ordered.
"Magneton, use Magnet Rise to evade, then use 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt!" Ash directed calmly.
Magneton nimbly floated above the thick pillar of water. Its body then erupted with dazzling golden bolts of electricity. The Electric move was super effective against the Water type Seadra, taking it down in a single devastating strike.
"Seadra is unable to battle! Magneton wins!"
This round had ended even faster than the first. Ash was putting on a clinic, showing his opponent the meaning of a true type-advantage stomp!
"How is this possible..." Mandi stared in disbelief at his fallen Seadra. It was now down to his final Pokémon.
With no other options, he sent out Golbat, hoping to win through pure speed. But he had forgotten that Ash would eventually be known as a "Flying Type Master"even if that title belonged to his future self.
Ash sent out Pidgeotto, ready for a duel in the sky.
The two avian Pokémon engaged in a fierce chase through the air. Golbat used its agility to harass Pidgeotto with Supersonic, while Pidgeotto kept a sharp, unwavering gaze on its opponent's every move.
"Golbat, Wing Attack!"
"Pidgeotto, use Quick Attack to dodge!"
Two silhouettes blurred as they crossed paths at high speed. Ash timed it perfectly. "Now, use Steel Wing!"
Pidgeotto's wings were instantly coated in a metallic sheen as it struck Golbat with precision. This was followed immediately by a decisive Brave Bird, ending the match for good.
"Golbat is unable to battle! The winner is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!" the referee cried out.
The audience erupted into thunderous applause. A dejected Mandi recalled his Golbat and quietly left the field.
Ash shared a high-five with his three victorious Pokémon. This win did more than just showcase the results of their special training; it proved that every Pokémon on his team possessed the strength to hold their own, even if they weren't his primary starters.
He felt as though he wouldn't lose a single matchat least, not until he crossed paths with Richie.
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