After observing Nidorino for a moment, Ash confidently threw his Poké Ball, completely overlooking Pikachu at his feet.
Pikachu had been warming up excitedly, sparks crackling across its cheeks, fully expecting to be Ash's ace for this match. Upon hearing Ash's next words, the Electric-type deflated and flopped to the ground in disappointment.
"I choose you, Tauros!"
White light burst forth, revealing a robust, powerfully built Tauros with an imposing presence.
"Moo!"
The moment Tauros materialized, it released a thunderous bellow, its battle-ready gaze locking onto Nidorino with fierce intensity.
"Contestant Ash has sent out Tauros! Is he planning to use its overwhelming physical strength to dominate the power-oriented Nidorino?" the announcer speculated.
"I'm counting on you, Tauros! I believe you can win!" Ash called out, his eyes shining with trust.
Since this was Tauros's first battle under Ash's command, the Normal-type radiated excitement, eager to prove itself by crushing the opponent and claiming victory.
"Nidorino, use Horn Attack!" Ash's opponent commanded.
Nidorino charged forward with explosive momentum, its poison horn aimed squarely at Tauros's body.
"Tauros, you won't lose in raw strength! We'll use Horn Attack too!" Ash shouted.
With an enraged roar, Tauros thundered toward Nidorino. Within seconds, the two collided at the center of the Rock venue with tremendous force.
"How is that possible? This Tauros is absurdly powerful!" Ash's opponent stared in disbelief as his Nidorino was effortlessly overpowered.
"If Kingler was raised by Grandpa, then Ash's Tauros has Red's Tauros to thank," Gary observed from the stands. After their conversation back in Pallet Town, Gary knew Ash hadn't switched out any Pokémon from Professor Oak's lab—meaning Ash himself hadn't trained this Tauros at all. Someone else had clearly done the work.
"The Tauros Ash is using is the second-in-command of the herd, deeply trusted by my Tauros," Red explained. "They sparred regularly, so it picked up considerable strength through those training sessions."
"I see. Ash's luck really is something else. Even without training these Pokémon personally, professionals cultivate them for him," Gary said, shaking his head in mild exasperation.
"Ash's luck is legendary—capturing thirty Tauros in the Safari Zone proves that," Leaf added with a teasing smile.
"Maybe it runs in the family?" Gary mused thoughtfully.
"Why overthink it? Ash is about to win anyway," Red said, redirecting their attention to the battlefield.
"Tauros, use Iron Tail!"
Ash's excitement was palpable as he pressed the advantage. The earlier Horn Attack clash had been completely one-sided—Tauros had rammed Nidorino into two stone pillars repeatedly, pinning it in place with relentless impacts.
"No! Nidorino, dodge!" Ash's opponent cried out desperately.
But the warning came too late. Before Nidorino's horrified eyes, Tauros's three tails glowed brilliant silver and crashed down on Nidorino's face with crushing force. The devastating blow launched Nidorino several meters backward, where it collapsed directly beneath its trainer's command platform.
"Nidorino is unable to battle! Contestant Ash wins this match!"
The referee raised the flags high, declaring the final result.
"I won!"
Ash pumped his fist triumphantly, sharing the moment of victory with Pikachu.
"Amazing!" Misty and Brock cheered from the coaching seats, thrilled by Ash's second-round advancement.
"That Ash is getting way too carried away after just two wins," Gary muttered from the stands, watching his rival celebrate enthusiastically on the command platform.
Since Gary's third match of the Water venue's second round was next, he stood and waved farewell to Red and Leaf before departing with his cheerleading squad.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket—absent for some time—had fallen so low they were literally hiding in a garbage can.
After indulging in stolen delicacies, the trio finally remembered their mission: capture Ash's Pikachu.
Once again, they launched their ambitious scheme, only to meet the same predictable fate—obliterated by Pikachu's Thunderbolt and sinking deeper into crushing debt.
"This world has light and darkness," Jessie said despairingly as enthusiastic cheers echoed from the Rock venue. "In my youth, I dreamed of standing under the spotlight, dressed beautifully on stage..."
"This isn't the time for melodrama!" Meowth complained. As a Pokémon, it couldn't relate to Jessie's girlhood fantasies.
"Right! This time we'll use tonight to come up with a foolproof plan," James declared.
"And capture all the Pokémon in one go!" the trio chorused together.
Clearly, Team Rocket was back to their usual routine of scheming and daydreaming.
Indigo League—Water Venue—Second Round
In the third match of the Water venue's second round, Gary stood confidently on the green trainer's platform and sent out his ace, Golduck.
With exquisite psychic control, Golduck consecutively defeated two of the opponent's Pokémon. However, it ultimately succumbed to the opponent's Cloyster after its stamina was exhausted.
"No! My handsome Golduck lost!" Misty wailed dramatically from the stands. Golduck had been so impressive just moments before.
Ash glanced helplessly at Misty, unable to comprehend her sudden emotional outburst.
"Well then, if it's Cloyster, I know exactly who to send!" Gary announced with a grin, throwing his next Poké Ball.
White light flashed, and to Ash's absolute shock, an extraordinarily well-developed Kingler made its grand entrance.
Compared to Ash's Kingler—which barely reached normal development levels despite Professor Oak's careful cultivation—Gary's specimen was a marvel. Thanks to its excellent genetic potential and Gary's rigorous training regimen, this Kingler stood at a staggering 2.6 meters tall, twice the height of an average member of its species.
"Ash, I hate to say it, but Gary's Kingler developed a bit too abnormally," Brock said, trying to comfort the deflated Ash.
"Hey, come on! Your Kingler pulled off that spectacular one-versus-three sweep for you!" Red said, patting Ash's head reassuringly. "How can you suddenly envy Gary's Kingler? That would hurt your honest partner's feelings!"
"You're right!" Ash immediately perked up, his spirits restored.
Red smiled slightly, satisfied that Ash had regained his confidence. What mattered wasn't comparing Pokémon—it was the bond between trainer and partner.