"Looking at Sandslash's condition, you're still doing water resistance training, aren't you?" Red asked.
A.J. looked slightly embarrassed on the opposite platform. Red's keen observation had picked up on something crucial: Sandslash wasn't afraid of water and hadn't taken severe super-effective damage from Kabutops' Razor Shell. This meant A.J. and Sandslash had continued their water resistance training and achieved real results.
Through sheer persistence and effort, they'd proven something important—that Sandslash could overcome its natural weakness.
"Not really," A.J. said modestly, scratching his head. "We just happened to battle several Water-type trainers by chance, and fortunately they were all patient enough to help us train. I know you advised me to give up back then, Lord Red, but Sandslash and I stubbornly kept at it anyway."
A.J. lowered his head guiltily, unable to meet Red's gaze, worried about being criticized for his foolish determination.
"No—I was at fault back then. I shouldn't have dismissed your persistence so quickly," Red said firmly. "In my view, persistence with results deserves respect. You've both grown tremendously."
The current A.J. and Sandslash had matured far beyond the naive pair Red first encountered. They'd learned to train themselves by challenging different strong opponents, rather than remaining stagnant in the plains area with crude equipment.
Back then, Red had been displeased precisely because of that inadequate training environment and A.J.'s willingness to remain complacent.
Hearing Red's acknowledgment, both A.J. and Sandslash broke into genuine smiles. Recognition from someone they admired meant everything to them.
Their fighting spirit ignited to its peak.
"Alright! Sandslash, let's go with everything we've got—use Pin Missile!"
Countless sharp needles launched from Sandslash's claws like missiles, streaking toward Kabutops at blistering speed.
"Ice Beam."
Kabutops released a frigid beam that froze every incoming needle mid-flight, transforming them into harmless snowflakes that drifted to the ground with soft crackling sounds.
"Sandslash, use Drill Run!"
Sandslash charged forward, spinning like a drill with claws extended, rotating continuously as it bore down on Kabutops.
"Razor Shell!"
Kabutops assumed its signature quick-draw stance, gathering water along its scythes before slashing forward to meet the spinning Sandslash head-on.
The collision echoed across the arena with tremendous force.
Kabutops' eyes widened slightly in surprise at Sandslash's power, then immediately followed up with its left scythe, delivering another devastating Razor Shell strike.
The double offensive forced Sandslash to retreat and create distance.
A faint cracking sound reached A.J.'s ears as Sandslash's tough bristles loosened again—Razor Shell's defense-lowering effect had triggered once more.
Due to the lingering Sandstorm effects, Kabutops didn't pursue with Aqua Jet. The residual sand would weigh down the water and compromise the priority attack.
"Sandslash, use Stone Edge!"
"Stone Edge."
Both Pokémon unleashed volleys of sharp stone blades that collided at the center of the battlefield, shattering each other in explosive impacts.
"The timing's right," Red murmured.
As if on cue, the Sandstorm covering the Grass venue finally dissipated completely, leaving only scattered sand across the green lawn.
"Sweep with Ice Beam."
Red's tone shifted, becoming deadly serious—clearly signaling the end was near.
Recognizing the change, Kabutops' expression sharpened. It released a frigid beam that struck toward Sandslash with terrifying speed.
"Sandslash, use Dig to dodge—quickly!"
But Sandslash's speed couldn't match Kabutops with its Weak Armor boost active. The cold beam struck true, instantly encasing Sandslash in solid ice.
"Sorry, A.J.," Red said quietly, then his voice hardened. "Kabutops, finish it with Razor Shell!"
Kabutops materialized before the frozen Sandslash in an instant. Despite desperate attempts to break free, Sandslash remained trapped in the ice.
The slash cut through the air with a whisper.
Kabutops slowly withdrew its scythes like a victorious samurai, turning away without looking back.
It had barely taken two steps when the ice sculpture shattered behind it with a crystalline crash. Sandslash collapsed to the ground, unable to continue.
"Sandslash is unable to battle! Therefore, the winner of this match is Red from Pallet Town!"
The referee waved the flags, announcing the final result.
"The match is over! Once again, Lord Red claims victory! But contestant A.J.'s strength deserves our utmost respect. Let's give both contestants the warmest applause for this spectacular battle!" the announcer declared.
When the match concluded and Red prepared to leave, a swarm of TV news reporters and cameramen predictably surrounded him, clearly intent on getting their story.
Red could only offer brief, reserved answers for about a minute, acknowledging A.J.'s impressive growth before using Teleport to vanish from sight once more.
The TV station staff, now accustomed to Red's sudden exits, quickly redirected their attention to A.J., who hadn't yet departed.
A.J. graciously answered the reporters' questions, most of which inevitably centered around Red. Fortunately, the journalists showed decent tact—they didn't simply interrogate A.J. about Red's private information but instead asked about their relationship and what inspired A.J. to pursue Red as a rival, keeping the interview respectful and engaging.
Indigo League - Rock Venue - Second Round
Meanwhile, Ash's second-round match was underway.
"This second-round battle at the Rock venue has reached its climax! Both trainers have only one Pokémon remaining—everything comes down to this final showdown!"
The announcer's voice crackled with excitement as both trainers prepared their last partners.
"Go, Nidorino!"
Ash's opponent threw his Poké Ball first, releasing the formidable Poison-type with evident confidence.
"Nidorino excels at power-based tactics! What Pokémon will Ash from Pallet Town choose to counter it?" the announcer continued, building anticipation among the crowd.