The long-anticipated rival battle between Blue and Red finally began at the Indigo Arena, under the gaze of countless spectators.
"I never thought that even in this world, their battle would still be unavoidable."
Lucas watched the two figures in the arena as they clashed again and again without giving an inch, a trace of nostalgia surfacing in his expression.
In the games, Blue had always been the final rival standing in Red's path to the summit, and that impression was briefly reflected as well in Pokémon Origins and the Pokémon Generations specials.
This was a true battle of destiny for the championship.
Yet even in this world, where the storyline had already diverged so much from the original, Blue and Red still had to give it their all in a decisive fight for the Kanto Champion title.
The only question was—who would ultimately emerge victorious?
Even Lucas found it difficult to judge, because at this moment, the strength of Red and Blue was simply too close.
Both were top-tier champions.
Both possessed outstanding, monster-level talent.
Both had unshakable conviction and iron will.
Born under the favor of the world itself, no matter which aspect one looked at now, the two were nearly indistinguishable.
There were simply too many variables in battle. Although Lucas knew that in the original work, this rival battle ended with Red's victory, how could he be certain here?
The battle continued relentlessly, and the blazing atmosphere of the Indigo Arena showed no sign of cooling down in the slightest. The fight was simply too spectacular—so thrilling that it was impossible to tear one's eyes away.
Hoenn Region.
The Ever Grande Conference had already concluded. Unlike Kanto, this year's Champion Challenge in Hoenn did not take place, as no one had stepped forward to challenge. As a result, the conference naturally came to an end.
Inside the Champion's Office of the Pokémon League headquarters.
"Steven, who do you think will win?" Wallace asked, watching the live broadcast on the computer screen as he turned to his close friend beside him.
"Hard to say. Right now, it's basically an even match," Steven shook his head.
"Ah~ I really want to watch the battle live. It's all your fault—back then you just had to hand the Champion position over to me."
Wallace scooted a little closer to Steven, grumbling unconsciously as he spoke.
They had received news of Red and Blue's championship battle a long time ago.
But because of the Ever Grande Conference, Wallace, as Hoenn's Champion and a member of the Elite Four, had to make an appearance. That meant he naturally couldn't go to Kanto to watch the match in person.
This left Wallace extremely regretful. After all, no matter how good a live broadcast was, it could never compare to watching the battle on site.
Damn it! Back then, he really must have believed Steven's nonsense to actually take on the Hoenn Champion position.
Now he couldn't shake it off even if he wanted to.
"Just shut up already," Steven froze for a moment, then snapped at Wallace in irritation.
"Didn't I stay here with you instead of going myself? What are you still yapping about?"
Steven had originally planned to rush to the Indigo Arena, but Wallace absolutely refused to let him go. In the end, Steven could only stay holed up in the office watching the live broadcast.
He was already keeping Wallace company like this, yet this guy was still complaining nonstop.
Wallace: "..."
"And you should really focus a bit more on training," Steven continued mercilessly. "Even Karen, a former Team Rocket executive, has started challenging the World Championships, and her ranking has been rising really fast lately."
"Forget the Master Rank Class—at this rate, you might not even be able to hold onto a top-five spot in the Ultra Class next year."
Steven lectured Wallace bluntly. This guy had recently started messing around with his Wallace Cup Contest again.
As the Hoenn Champion, he had already dropped out of the Master Class and still didn't think about improving his strength—did he seriously have no shame?
"I want to work hard too, you know…" Wallace was stunned for a moment before muttering quietly.
Damn it, every single person on the Master Class leaderboard was terrifying, and the one at the very top was a monster like Lucas.
Was it easy for him, a Water-type Champion, or what?
"Well~ Steven, how about you take the Champion position ba—"
"Not happening. I don't want it. Get lost."
Wallace: "..."
And it wasn't just this pair in Hoenn.
Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Galar…
After the conclusion of their respective regional tournaments, almost all well-known trainers across the various regions were paying close attention to this fierce battle that would decide the Kanto Champion.
No matter what, Red and Blue were the most dazzling prodigies aside from Lucas himself. A full-power clash between two monstrous youths was naturally a huge spectacle.
Moreover, through this battle, everyone could gain a clearer understanding of just how strong the two of them had become, because…
After this rival championship battle, it was very likely that both of them would once again begin challenging the rankings!
Even Lance, who was currently in Johto training Guzzlord and Naganadel, was silently watching these two juniors who had once defeated him in Vermilion City.
Back at the Indigo Arena, the battle had unknowingly reached its final stage.
As Venusaur and Tyranitar both lost their ability to battle, the big screen showed that Red and Blue were each left with only their final Pokémon.
They exchanged a glance, then, with perfect tacit understanding, threw their last Poké Balls at the same time.
"Charizard!"
"Blastoise!"
A flash of white light burst forth as Charizard and Blastoise landed heavily on the battlefield.
"This is even more troublesome than I expected, but the ending won't change, Red. Victory will be mine!" Blue said as he raised his right hand, the Key Stone on his wrist beginning to glow.
"I'm sick of your empty boasts. I won't lose to you!" Red replied in a low voice, his crimson eyes filled with unshakable resolve.
The Key Stone resonated with the Mega Stones, and in the blink of an eye, Mega Charizard X and Mega Blastoise appeared on the field.
Blue swept his gaze over Mega Charizard X and let out a soft chuckle.
Of course, he was no stranger to this Charizard—not only because they had fought side by side several times before, but also because he had personally watched Red receive this Charizard in the first place.
Mega Charizard X and Mega Blastoise faced each other, and a vast, oppressive atmosphere slowly began to spread.
"Do you remember this scene? The day we first set out on our journey," Blue suddenly said to Red.
Red pursed his lips. Of course he remembered.
On the day he received his starter Pokémon, just after leaving Pallet Town, he ran into Blue—and it was also then that he experienced his very first Pokémon battle.
And in that battle, he lost.
Charmander was defeated by Squirtle. He lost to Blue.
Although they met and battled many times afterward during their journeys, with victories and defeats on both sides, there was one fact that could never be erased—his very first loss in life had been given to him by Blue.
How strikingly similar it all was.
On the first day they became trainers, it was Charmander versus Squirtle.
On the final road to the championship, it was Charizard versus Blastoise!
"So, you haven't forgotten," Blue's lips slowly curled upward.
"Things are different now. My Charizard and I won't lose," Red said in a deep voice, his red eyes locked onto Blue.
"Victory isn't decided by talk alone. What I want to tell you is that this time, the ending will be exactly the same as last time!" Blue sneered, the softness brought on by memories instantly transforming into a feral, aggressive gaze.
He was Blue—The arrogant and proud, Blue Oak!
"Why should your Charizard be able to fight my Blastoise? I'm the one who's most qualified to become the Kanto Champion!"
"Blastoise! Hydro Pump!"
Blue lifted his chin high and swung his arm down heavily as he shouted at Mega Blastoise.
He would defeat this guy and stand at the very top of Kanto!
(End of Chapter)