Seeing that Swift couldn't threaten Bulbasaur either, Kaoruko planned to deploy Scyther's trump card: Double Team.
Scyther's figure on the Grass venue suddenly blurred, splitting into multiple copies. Three Scyther materialized in Bulbasaur's vision simultaneously, all watching its every move with fierce intensity. If Bulbasaur showed even the slightest opening, they would strike.
"Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!" Sensing trouble, Ash immediately commanded, but walked straight into Kaoruko's trap.
Bulbasaur quickly extended its vines but struck only a clone. The real Scyther capitalized instantly, landing a powerful strike that dealt considerable damage.
After knocking Bulbasaur backward, Scyther pressed its fierce assault. The overwhelmed Bulbasaur could only keep dodging desperately.
"Crisis! Contestant Ash's Bulbasaur is in serious trouble!" the announcer proclaimed.
"A worthy fourth-round opponent. Ash is really struggling this time," Brock said tensely.
"I hope Bulbasaur can hold on," Misty worried aloud.
After absorbing Scyther's consecutive attacks, the frustrated Bulbasaur repeatedly deployed Razor Leaf and Vine Whip, but Scyther easily evaded and knocked down the stationary Bulbasaur again.
Sensing the deteriorating situation, the anxious Ash suddenly remembered something, subconsciously shifting his gaze to Red in the front row.
After catching Ash's desperate look, Red quietly mouthed, "Magical Leaf."
"Got it! Bulbasaur, use Magical Leaf!" Ash shouted excitedly, realizing the solution.
Following Ash's command, Bulbasaur immediately activated Magical Leaf, releasing several leaves glowing with brilliant emerald light.
Witnessing Magical Leaf approaching, Scyther instinctively dodged. Just as it was preparing to charge toward Bulbasaur again, Kaoruko's anxious shout rang out.
"Scyther, watch out behind you!"
Scyther glanced back in shock to discover the previously evaded Magical Leaf possessed homing capabilities, curving through the air to strike its body head-on. The impact forced Scyther to tumble awkwardly to the ground.
"Perfect opportunity! Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip now!" Ash exclaimed excitedly, not expecting Magical Leaf's tracking effect to work so brilliantly.
Seeing Scyther temporarily immobilized, Bulbasaur immediately extended two vines, whipping Scyther's body with devastating force.
After a tense moment, Scyther collapsed with eyes rolled back.
"Scyther is unable to battle!" the referee announced.
"Kaoruko specifically strengthened her Pokémon's offensive capabilities, so their other stats are seriously lacking. A double-edged sword," Leaf speculated. That explained why Kaoruko's Beedrill and Scyther couldn't withstand hits. Their defensive power had been sacrificed to maximize attack potential.
"I'm wondering how Bulbasaur mastered Magical Leaf. Given Ash's knowledge level, there's no way he knew this move existed," Gary observed, stroking his chin.
"Obviously it's Red's doing," Leaf teased. "Either way, Ash is Red's little brother. Of course, he'd take care of him."
"Too bad the kid loves sleeping in," Red complained.
Gary didn't enjoy such comfortable treatment, yet Ash still resented Red for waking him up every morning for training sessions.
Witnessing Ash's Bulbasaur consecutively defeat Kaoruko's two Pokémon, aside from Maiden Town's devoted fan club, other spectators rallied behind Ash, believing he would definitely claim the fourth-round victory.
Magical Leaf's appearance genuinely amazed them. They'd had no idea Bulbasaur could learn such a guaranteed-hit technique.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket's trio had originally earned sufficient funds for elaborate schemes at the Indigo League, but two passing Officer Jennys immediately exposed them. Frightened, they hurried to the Grass venue audience and disguised themselves as food vendors.
Red, feeling mischievous, directly called Team Rocket's trio over to purchase drinks. But when they turned and recognized Red's presence, they panicked and quickly relocated elsewhere.
"Are there really people who don't want to make money these days?" Gary asked, puzzled. He'd clearly seen Team Rocket's trio turn toward their direction after hearing the call.
"Maybe they have some urgent business," Leaf explained, advising Gary not to worry about it.
"So, what Pokémon will the cornered contestant Kaoruko deploy last!" the announcer shouted.
Misty speculated Kaoruko's final Pokémon might be a powerhouse like Rhydon or Nidoqueen. Brock shared Misty's assessment, expecting Kaoruko would send out something large and intimidating.
"Red, what do you think?" Leaf asked.
"The next Pokémon might exceed everyone's expectations," Red replied cryptically.
Red recalled the uniquely trained Bellsprout from his memories, one that specialized in fighting techniques. A method of transcending species limitations, though unfortunately not cultivated to its full potential.
White light burst forth. Under everyone's witness, the final Pokémon was the seemingly fragile Bellsprout.
Bellsprout's appearance shocked countless spectators. No one expected the final ace would be such an unassuming Grass-type.
"What, so the third one is just filler?" Ash said gleefully, thinking he could prepare to leave and already wondering how to handle enthusiastic reporters afterward.
"Unbelievable! Contestant Kaoruko's final ace is actually Bellsprout! Are the spectators as confused as I am?" the announcer said, genuinely puzzled.
"Sorry, but looks like I've already won this match!" Ash shouted confidently, commanding Bulbasaur to use Tackle immediately, planning to defeat Bellsprout with a single decisive blow and achieve a complete sweep.
Bulbasaur charged forcefully toward Bellsprout. Just as it prepared to overwhelm the seemingly weak opponent, Bellsprout effortlessly caught Bulbasaur's forelimbs and smoothly threw it hard onto the grass.
"Wait, this Bellsprout seems abnormal," Gary said in shock, not expecting such exceptional strength from the unassuming Pokémon.
"Go Bellsprout! Go Bellsprout!" Witnessing Bellsprout seize the advantage, Kaoruko's fan club's enthusiasm surged dramatically. They cheered passionately for Kaoruko and Bellsprout, their energy creating the impression of absolute dominance.