The news of Ash successfully advancing to the Top 16 of the Indigo Plateau Conference quickly spread throughout the entire Indigo Plateau.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, his mother Delia and Professor Oak hosted a banquet at the "Pokémon Star," a high-end hotel near the Competitors' Village. The restaurant was famous for offering specialized cuisine tailored to Pokémon of different types.
"Ash, I'm so proud of you!" Delia said, embracing her son tightly with tears of joy shimmering in her eyes. "I watched every single one of your matches on TV. When that Red Gyarados appeared, the neighbors on our whole street were cheering for you!"
Professor Oak patted Ash on the shoulder with a gratified smile. "Your growth has exceeded my expectations. Not only have you learned to use various tactics flexibly, but more importantly, the bond between you and your Pokémon has been clearly demonstrated in every battle."
The Professor pushed up his glasses, his expression turning serious. "However, the upcoming matches will be even tougher. Among those in the Top 16, no one advanced by sheer luck."
As they boarded the scenic elevator heading toward the revolving restaurant on the top floor, it stopped at the fifteenth level. A young boy wearing a red headband stepped inside, a very distinctive Pikachu perched on his shoulder.
The most striking feature of this Pikachu was its meticulously groomed bangsa small tuft of fur standing up on the right side of its forehead, giving it a unique personality.
"Hello there," the boy greeted them in a friendly manner. His eyes lit up when he noticed the Pikachu on Ash's shoulder. "I'm Ritchie from Viridian City, and I'm a competitor in the tournament too. It looks like we both have Pikachu as partners."
Ash immediately recognized the rival he had faced in the original story, but he responded calmly. "I'm Ash from Pallet Town. These are my companions, Misty and Brock. Your Pikachu has a very unique style."
Ritchie's Pikachu hopped curiously onto the floor, standing face-to-face with Ash's Pikachu as they sized each other up. The two electric mice quickly began communicating with various "Pika-pika" sounds, appearing to compare their respective Trainers.
"It seems they get along well," Ritchie said with a smile. "I named my Pikachu 'Sparky.' I've watched your matches, especially the one on the Grass Field. Being able to see through the disguise of Jeanette Fisher's Bellsprout so quickly... that level of insight is truly admirable."
Ash responded humbly, "Your matches were great too. I noticed your Butterfree uses Confusion in a very unique way, as if it has incorporated Psychic-type techniques into its style."
During the brief elevator ride, the two Trainers engaged in a pleasant exchange about their tactical philosophies. Ash knew in his heart that this polite young man would likely be his next opponent, but until the official drawing results were released, everything remained uncertain.
During dinner, Professor Oak reminded Ash while sampling the specialized Pokémon food, "Based on my observations, your future opponents will conduct in-depth research into your tactical habits and your Pokémon's abilities. You must be prepared for any specialized situation."
Delia placed a large piece of steak on Ash's plate. "Don't forget to rest properly. I think you've gotten thinner lately. Remember to eat on time. Pokémon battles are important, but your health is the foundation of everything."
Brock was busy recording the recipe for the hotel's special Pokémon food. "A dish that can replenish electric energy like this might be very helpful for Pikachu."
After dinner, as Ash and the others walked out of the hotel, they found a temporary booth set up at the entrance. A prominent banner hung there: "Official Tournament Designated Pokémon Health Check."
Two 'doctors' in white lab coats were enthusiastically hailing passing Trainers. A van modified into a mobile clinic was parked beside them.
"Competitors, please come over for your pre-match health check!" Jessie squeezed her throat, trying to make her voice sound gentle and trustworthy. "This is a new regulation for the tournament to ensure all Pokémon are in peak condition for the matches!"
Ash recognized them at a glance. Despite the masks, Jessie's unique hairstyle and James's clumsy movements couldn't possibly escape his eyes. Just then, Ritchie happened to walk out of the hotel and toward the booth.
"Wait a second, Ritchie," Ash stopped him immediately. "These people are Team Rocket in disguise. They specialize in stealing Trainers' Pokémon."
Ash then walked up to the booth and exposed the trio's disguise directly. "Team Rocket, there's no need to keep up the act in front of me!"
Seeing she had been seen through, Jessie ripped off her mask in a fit of rage. "Fine! Since you caught us, we'll stop acting! Hand over all your Pokémon! Especially those two Pikachus!"
James and Meowth jumped out from behind the booth, frantically striking their classic poses.
Ritchie looked on in surprise. "Are you that notorious Pokémon theft organization?"
"That's right, meow!" Meowth unsheathed his claws. "We're taking both your Pikachus, meow! We're going to get a big promotion this time!"
Ash calmly turned to Ritchie. "Looks like we have to deal with these troublemakers before we can head to the drawing ceremony."
Ritchie nodded, and Sparky on his shoulder was already eager for a fight. The two Pikachus stood side-by-side. Though their styles were different, the same battle intent flickered in their eyes. Ash's Pikachu raised its tail slightly, while Sparky used a paw to groom its signature bangs, as if preparing for the coming fray.
"Since you've asked so sincerely!"
"We'll tell you out of our great mercy!"
"To prevent the world from being destroyed!"
"To protect the world's peace!"
...
Before Team Rocket could finish their opening monologue, Ash gave a decisive order: "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
"Sparky, use Thunderbolt too!" Ritchie commanded almost simultaneously.
Two bolts of golden lightning interlaced in the air, forming an even more powerful network of electricity. Jessie and James hurriedly sent out Arbok and Weezing to resist, but under the combined attack of the two Pikachus, their Pokémon were quickly overwhelmed.
To Team Rocket's despair, the two Pikachus seemed to share a natural chemistry; Ash's Pikachu led the main assault while Sparky used its strikes to block their retreat.
"This feels so bad!" In an even more dazzling flash of light, Team Rocket turned into stars in the sky once again.
Ritchie looked at Ash's Pikachu with admiration. "You've trained your Pikachu so well. Its power is strong and stable, and it even seems to contain a mysterious, special power."
"Your Sparky is great too," Ash said sincerely. "Not only is its power control precise, but that unique hairstyle makes it very recognizable. I can tell there's a deep bond between you."
With the Team Rocket farce resolved, the two headed together to the tournament headquarters for the Top 16 drawing ceremony.
The atmosphere in the hall was heavy. The sixteen Trainers who had emerged from the crowd were gathered together, each with a serious expression, eager to know their next opponent.
President Goodshow stood on the stage, his gaze sweeping across every contestant. "Every one of you who has reached the Top 16 has proven that you are among the most outstanding young Trainers in the Kanto region. Now, the moment to decide your fate has arrived."
Staff members brought up a transparent drawing box containing sixteen exquisite crystal balls. The contestants went up to draw according to the order in which they had advanced.
When it was Ash's turn, he took a deep breath and reached into the box. He pulled out a small ball, opened it, and took out a fine slip of paper embossed with the League emblem. A single name was written clearly on itRitchie.
Ash looked up toward Ritchie and found that the other boy was looking right back at him. Ritchie held up his own slip of paper; the name written on it was "Ash."
President Goodshow announced loudly: "Match one of the fifth round: Ash of Pallet Town versus Ritchie of Viridian City!"
The two newly made friends smiled at each other, their eyes shining with both anticipation and determination. They knew that this duel would be the best test of each other's strength.
The next chapter brings the first climaxsee how Ash makes up for his past regrets!
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