"This exciting match has concluded! Let's give our warmest applause for the spectacular battle these two trainers delivered, and congratulate Lord Red for advancing to the fifth round! All upcoming matches will transfer to the Indigo League's main stadium," the announcer proclaimed enthusiastically, already anticipating Red's future performances.
Once the match ended, TV station staff immediately materialized in the contestant passage, their eager gazes fixed on Red. He represented this Indigo League's headline news story—even a few sentences would satisfy their supervisors.
To prevent their target from escaping, most reporters devised a countermeasure. The moment Red showed signs of using Teleport, they'd employ desperate tactics to gain his sympathy.
That's right—acting pitiful. If they failed to secure even one interview sentence, not only would their bosses reprimand them, but performance bonuses might vanish. They couldn't afford that outcome.
The news reporters gazed pathetically at Red as he approached through the passage, their expressions growing increasingly mournful as he prepared to Teleport away, eyes glistening with theatrical desperation.
Red sighed and reluctantly compromised, staying put to accommodate their interviews.
He didn't want to create unnecessary awkwardness for everyone involved. Answering a few questions would at least provide these reporters with material to submit. Moreover, TV interviews could satisfy supporters watching from home and broadcast simultaneously to Pallet Town. After consideration, Red decided that sparing a few minutes for questions would provide satisfactory service.
Once Red felt he'd answered comprehensively, while most reporters contentedly scribbled notes, he seized the moment before anyone noticed and activated Teleport, vanishing instantly.
His sudden disappearance stunned everyone momentarily. Since they'd already obtained valuable information, disappointment remained minimal—just regret at not stopping him sooner.
Reporters, feeling their material remained insufficient, redirected their attention to Ryosuke, still dazed on the command platform, leading their cameramen toward him.
Ryosuke was still contemplating how to strengthen his Pokémon lineup next, momentarily oblivious to the suddenly appearing TV station staff.
After a sharp cry, Red materialized in the audience seats, reuniting with Ash and the others who'd watched his match.
"Gary, your fourth-round Rock venue match is next. Don't lose just because you're keeping your main Blastoise in reserve," Red teased while reminding Gary not to act carelessly and squander his advancement opportunity through momentary mistakes.
"Don't worry, Red. I'm Gary from Pallet Town—I won't stop at the fourth round!" Gary declared confidently, dismissing Red's concerns.
Gary's confidence wasn't arrogance but genuine assurance. He'd already thoroughly analyzed his next opponent's battle patterns and held absolute certainty about winning the fourth round.
Indigo League - Rock Venue - Fourth Round
After a brief rest and reorganization, Red transported everyone to the Rock venue's front row seats to watch Gary's fourth-round match and cheer him on.
Although Gary maintained his plan to keep his starter Blastoise hidden, he'd grown considerably through Red's influence and wasn't someone ordinary contestants could defeat.
Gary absolutely couldn't lose to his opponent, Yoshiki.
"This is the fourth-round Rock venue battle! On the green platform, Gary from Pallet Town! On the red platform, Yoshiki from Pewter City! Both sides may use three Pokémon. Whichever trainer's team is completely defeated loses. The fourth-round Rock venue battle officially begins!"
After the match, the bell rang, and Gary and Yoshiki simultaneously deployed their lead Pokémon.
"Win this match for me, Rhydon!"
"I'm counting on you, Onix!"
White light burst forth, revealing a gray-bodied Rhydon with a sharp drill protruding from its forehead, and an Onix with its towering rocky body crowned by a distinctive horn.
Rhydon and Onix locked gazes, though Rhydon appeared somewhat disappointed by Onix's appearance, clearly not viewing this towering Rock-type as a worthy opponent.
"As expected—Onix leads," Gary murmured, his lips curving upward with confidence that made Yoshiki visibly uneasy.
Although the match bell had rung, neither Gary nor Yoshiki chose to resort to blind aggression. Both planned to wait for the opponent's move before deploying optimal defensive responses.
Yoshiki was puzzled by Gary's refusal to mount proactive attacks.
Although Rhydon irritably whipped its tail against the ground, out of absolute trust in trainer Gary, it didn't blindly charge but waited for Onix's approach.
Both Rhydon and Onix had moves that threatened each other. Neither dared move carelessly—this became an endurance test.
The audience grew restless. Several spectators had worked hard to secure front-row seats, expecting intense action, not a motionless standoff. Impatient shouts erupted throughout the crowd. Interestingly, because of Gary's privileged status, no one dared to criticize him directly—instead venting their frustration on ordinary Yoshiki.
Fortunately, several Officer Jennys arrived promptly to maintain order, detaining the noisiest spectators to prevent them from disrupting the contestants' focus.
"So envious... I'd love experiencing Officer Jenny restraining me like that..." Brock said dreamily, unable to tear his gaze from the departing officers.
"What's with this guy?" Gary asked, shocked by Brock's infatuated display.
In Gary's recollection, Brock was Pewter Gym's respectable Gym Leader. How could he exhibit such behavior? Was he possessed?
"Just get used to it. I was quite surprised initially too—didn't expect Brock's public persona to be so carefully maintained," Leaf complained.
"Sorry about him," Misty sighed helplessly, yanking Brock's ear to forcibly snap him from his infatuation.