"Do you really think Cloyster's ranged attacks can stop my Kingler?" Gary said with a confident smirk, convinced his opponent was living in a fantasy.
Although Kingler's movement speed was rather sluggish, it happened to face Cloyster—whose mobility was equally compromised. This matchup essentially provided Kingler with a stationary target.
"Kingler, charge forward and use Crabhammer," Gary commanded calmly.
"Cloyster, counter with Icicle Spear!" his opponent called out desperately.
Ice condensed rapidly along Cloyster's horn, forming razor-sharp icicles that launched toward the advancing Kingler in quick succession.
Unfortunately, the defensive barrage proved ineffective. Kingler shattered each incoming icicle with its massive claws before swinging its enormous left pincer down in a devastating Crabhammer that crashed into Cloyster's shell with bone-rattling force.
Even though Cloyster had retreated into its shell for maximum defense, it couldn't withstand the overwhelming power. Within moments, Cloyster's eyes rolled back as consciousness fled.
"Gary's Kingler is absolutely terrifying!" Brock exclaimed from the stands, shocked that even Cloyster's legendary defensive capabilities couldn't endure a single Crabhammer.
The shell bore visible cracks from the impact—one more strike would leave Cloyster homeless.
"Kingler specializes in raw power and physical defense. This specimen perfectly demonstrates Gary's exceptional training methods," Leaf analyzed, meticulously recording battle details in her notebook.
Though all four were rookie trainers from Pallet Town with strong bonds, they would inevitably clash as opponents later. Detailed observational notes remained essential preparation.
Red glanced at Leaf's careful documentation, then at Ash still grumbling about Gary's talent, and sighed helplessly.
'Foolish Ash...'
"Cloyster is unable to battle! The winner of this match is Gary from Pallet Town!"
The referee raised the green flag high, declaring the final result.
"A spectacular performance! Gary from the legendary Land of Champions has claimed another second-round victory! Truly worthy of being a rookie trainer who began his journey alongside Lord Red. I eagerly await Gary's future battles!"
The announcer's enthusiasm resonated through the stadium. Besides Red's phenomenal popularity, Gary—as Professor Oak's grandson—was also a top seed contestant with countless spectators holding high expectations.
Fortunately, Gary's inner resolve remained unshaken. He accepted the pressure gracefully, refusing to let expectations compromise his performance.
"Red, huh..."
Gary's faint smile carried burning determination as his gaze locked onto Red in the audience. His intention couldn't be clearer.
'Red, I will defeat you and become Pallet Town's number one trainer!'
"I'm looking forward to your future performance, Gary," Red said, his lips curving upward in acknowledgment.
After Gary's victory, everyone relocated to the Ice venue, where Leaf's battle was about to commence.
Indigo League - Ice Venue - Second Round
This was the fourth match at the Ice venue. Leaf stood confidently on the red trainer's platform and deployed her fully evolved Nidoqueen, planning to use aggressive tactics to sweep through all her opponent's Pokémon.
By unfortunate coincidence, Leaf's opponent was also a girl who favored an adorable aesthetic, sending out cute, petite Pokémon that stood absolutely no chance against Leaf's imposing Nidoqueen.
The opponent regretted that her adversary was not only another girl but one far more commanding with several times more fans—a bitter pill to swallow.
"Nidoqueen, use Ice Beam!" Leaf commanded decisively without hesitation. In her view, anyone who stepped onto this battlefield must fully accept the uncertain outcomes of victory and defeat.
Leaf completely ignored the pitiful looks her opponent directed her way. Unlike some male trainers, she had no reason to restrain her attacks based on her opponent's appearance.
The frigid Ice Beam struck Clefairy instantly, encasing the Fairy-type in solid ice and eliminating it with a single blow.
"Clefairy is unable to battle!"
The referee announced somewhat awkwardly, baffled by how this trainer had reached the second round.
'Did she use her cute appearance to confuse opponents? That seems unlikely...'
"Waaah! My Clefairy! Sister Leaf is so cruel!" the opponent wailed, attempting to condemn Leaf's "merciless methods" for freezing her adorable Clefairy with one attack.
"That's right! How heartless!" a fan club in the audience collectively protested, trying to use public opinion to suppress Leaf's momentum.
Red frowned with obvious displeasure. Ash's group and Gary beside him also glared with annoyance, disgusted by such underhanded tactics.
But the resolute Leaf showed no fear. Instead, she glanced disdainfully at the fan club, her commanding presence leaving the group of middle-aged men speechless and cowering with bowed heads.
The fan club's fear stemmed primarily from Nidoqueen on the Ice venue. Seeing anyone dare condemn her beloved trainer, Nidoqueen expressed her displeasure with a withering glare that immediately silenced the troublemakers.
Witnessing Leaf's dignified stance, her own fan club rushed to defend her honor. The more hot-tempered supporters directly confronted the unruly group, scaring them into retreat.
"Those guys abandoned me so quickly!" the opponent muttered helplessly before sending out her remaining Pokémon—Pidgey and Jigglypuff.
Both proved hopelessly outmatched. Nidoqueen's Ice Beam knocked them down effortlessly, transforming them into frozen sculptures decorating the Ice venue.
"That was exceptionally easy," Leaf remarked with a helpless wave, disappointed that her second-round match had concluded in under two minutes without providing the exciting battle she'd anticipated.
"I didn't expect that former Nidorina to become so formidable," Gary said in surprise from the audience. Though the match was one-sided, as a Nidoking trainer himself, Gary understood the specific strength of Leaf's Nidoqueen and was genuinely impressed by her rapid progress.