058: The First Battle, Gary vs Ash!!
Half an hour of preparation time while 99% of the students were still introducing themselves to their Pokémon and building initial bonds, only Ash was already guiding Bubble Frog (Froakie) through targeted training routines.
But there was no helping it. After all, everyone had just received their starter Pokémon, and mutual familiarity was minimal. Most didn't even know how to properly issue commands yet, let alone conduct structured training sessions.
Moreover, these six-year-old children had little to no concept of systematic Pokémon training. They were simply too young to fully grasp the benefits of refining battle coordination or boosting move accuracy.
"Alright, young Trainers!" Professor Oak's warm voice echoed from the dam in front of the forest camp. Flanked by several research assistants in white lab coats, he glanced around at the gathered students with a kind smile. "Your half-hour of bonding time is up are you all ready?"
"Ready~!!"
"Ready~!!" the children chorused, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Great!" Professor Oak nodded approvingly. "Looks like your time together has built strong foundational partnerships with your Pokémon. Now, each of you can invite another student to the dam center for a formal battle!"
"Whoa!! A Pokémon battle! So exciting and kinda scary!"
"Anyone wanna battle me? My Pokémon is Bellsprout!"
"I've got a Magnemite, and it's charged up to go!"
"I'm Xiaomeng from Viking City. I'll probably lose, but I still want to battle! Who's in?"
The excitement was palpable. Just receiving their first Pokémon was thrilling enough but now, being able to command them in battle like real Trainers on TV pushed the atmosphere to a fever pitch. Students boys and girls alike held their Poké Balls like Olympic torches and eagerly released their partners into the open.
"Hey, Tierno, Trevor, have you seen Ash?" Gary stood by the dam's edge, scanning the crowd. "The battles are starting, and I can't find him anywhere."
"Haven't seen him either," Trevor said, holding his Poliwag. "Maybe he went somewhere quiet?"
"Tch, that guy. Is he hiding because he's afraid I'd challenge him?" Gary smirked. "But that doesn't sound like Ash at all…"
"Who's hiding, Gary?" Ash's voice rang out just as he returned from Nurse Joy's temporary Pokémon Center. He'd gone to heal Froakie after a round of training and was now walking back with confident steps.
"Oh? Where've you been?" Gary asked, giving Ash a playful punch on the shoulder.
"Just did some preliminary training with Froakie, then stopped by Nurse Joy to restore his stamina."
"The battles are about to begin, and you haven't challenged anyone either," Ash teased, eyeing the lively Fletchling perched on Gary's shoulder. "That's not like you."
"Hmph! I was waiting for you," Gary said smugly. "Ash, you're the only rival worthy of being my first opponent. I must be the first to defeat you!"
"Oh? Then I guess I'll just have to accept your generous offer to lose," Ash grinned as he pushed through the crowd toward the cleared battleground at the center of the camp.
"Ash, you jerk! I'm the one who's going to win!" Gary shouted and shoved through the crowd to catch up.
~
"Whoa!! Someone's battling! Someone's actually stepping into the ring!"
"Who's that boy with the black hair? He's cute!"
"His name's Ash. He's one of the two big shots from Pallet Town. The one behind him is Gary Professor Oak's grandson and another local prodigy."
"A battle between Pallet Town's two rising stars? I'm hyped!"
"Tch. 'Kid kings'? They're just a couple of country brats with fancy intros. Let's see if they can actually battle."
As Ash and Gary took center stage, all the students and nearby spectators turned their attention toward them. Some watched with admiration, others with skepticism but everyone knew this was going to be the most anticipated match of the day.
However, this did not affect the two parties involved. It was their very first official battle as Pokémon Trainers, and both Ash and Gary appeared visibly excited, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Professor, I didn't expect Ash and Gary to be the first to step onto the field."
Not only were the other students riveted by the unfolding match, but Professor Oak and a team of research staff responsible for scoring and observation were also standing at the sidelines, closely watching the situation on the battleground.
Seeing his grandson Gary taking the initiative, Oak didn't show any overt emotion on his face, but there was a clear gleam of admiration in his eyes.
A proper Pokémon Trainer must be brave and resolute. Especially for young Trainers, enthusiasm and courage are essential traits. Hesitation and overthinking are not qualities that suit someone pursuing this path.
"As a Flying-type, Gary's Fletchling has the aerial advantage in this terrain. Given its high mobility and natural speed, he likely has a better shot at victory in this match," said Gangpei, one of Oak's long-time assistants, while adjusting his glasses as he analyzed the matchup.
But upon hearing that, Professor Oak, who hadn't expressed an opinion until now, slowly shook his head with a soft chuckle.
"Ash has always been exceptionally clever since he was a toddler. More importantly, he possesses a rare natural affinity with Pokémon his presence alone seems to put them at ease. When it comes to the innate qualities of a Trainer, I'd say Ash is a tier above Gary."
"Furthermore, while most students were still getting acquainted with their new partners after receiving their Pokémon at 9:00 a.m., I saw Ash in a quiet corner of the forest, training with Froakie. He was practicing dodging techniques and building synergy instead of just bonding superficially."
"In this match, I'm actually leaning toward Ash. If Gary underestimates him or lets his pride get the better of him, he might find himself on the losing end," Oak added, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he observed the boys facing off.
"It's rare for you to express this much optimism about a summer camp student, Professor," Gangpei remarked, clearly surprised. Normally, Oak remained impartial and reserved with his evaluations.
"Haha, just keep watching. You'll understand soon enough," Oak replied with confidence in his voice, not bothering to elaborate further.
As the two spoke, the battle at the center of the dam was reaching its opening climax. Ash and Gary stood firmly on opposite ends of the cleared dam area, each facing the other with unwavering determination. Their Pokémon were already released and in position, ready for combat.
Froakie—its name reflecting its species as seen in the manga's Kalos adaptation—was crouched low, muscles taut like a coiled spring, with its frilled bubble scarf glimmering in the sun. Its alert, wide eyes tracked the sky with pinpoint focus, fixed on Gary's Fletchling, which circled above with elegant arcs, its wings cutting crisply through the breeze.
"Student Gary vs. student Ash 1v1 format the match begins now!!" the camp staff member called out loudly, raising a flag and bringing down their arm to signal the start of the match.
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