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After the match, both parties stepped forward to shake hands. Ash held Jeanette's small hand, a smile on his face: "That was a truly interesting battle. I hope we'll have a chance to battle again in the future."
"...Can you tell me how your Monferno learned that movement technique?"
"Movement technique? Oh, you mean the move in the middle where it dodged Bellsprout's Razor Leaf, right? It learned that from your Bellsprout! I have to say, your Bellsprout is really impressive. If it had faced someone else instead of me this time, even a Professional Level Trainer might have lost."
Ash said with admiration.
He genuinely felt that Jeanette's Bellsprout was very powerful. While Monferno seemed to fight easily, it was only possible with the augmentation of Ash's Aura. Aura not only boosted Monferno's strength but also gave it unparalleled observational skills.
Strength enhancement was one aspect; Aura's ability to perceive minute details was a great counter to such evasion-based moves.
You detect an attack and dodge, but my Aura can detect your dodging movement and land an attack on your evasion path a step ahead. This ability is clearly quite effective against Bellsprout's evasive movements.
Therefore, even though Monferno was toyed with a few times earlier, it didn't suffer much. Only that one back-heel kick caught it off guard and almost caused trouble, but it ultimately pulled through.
After using Aura to completely capture and memorize the opponent's movements, Monferno could then Mimic them.
The reason Monferno could perform the same movements as Bellsprout was indeed inseparable from Aura, but its own talent also played a crucial role. Otherwise, even if Aura fully memorized the movements for it, its body would still need to be capable of executing them.
As for the 'four ounces deflects a thousand pounds' technique, even with Aura's analysis, it wasn't that easy to learn. Moreover, even if learned, it wouldn't be suitable for Monferno to use against the opponent, because that was a counter-attack skill, and Monferno was the aggressor.
Later, after Ash figured out a way to deal with that technique, he directly launched an attack on Bellsprout. Having learned what he needed to learn, it was time to end the match.
So, when the match finally ended, it wasn't because Monferno found a way to break the deadlock, but because Ash decided to end the match.
No matter how exquisite Bellsprout's technique was, how could it possibly compare to Ash's all-encompassing Aura?
Across from him, Jeanette, holding Ash's hand, had a strange look on her delicate face. What did he mean, if it hadn't encountered you, even a Professional Superior might not have won?
So, your Monferno is even stronger than a Professional Superior, is that it? You should really listen to the nonsense you're spouting. Your Monferno is only at the Superior Beginner level. How can it possibly challenge a Professional Superior?
But Jeanette ultimately said nothing. After all, her Professional Beginner Bellsprout wasn't also defeated by Monferno?
And it wasn't just a simple defeat; the opponent also stole Bellsprout's unique skill. That was a secret technique Bellsprout had spent an unknown amount of time learning, and it was stolen in a single battle.
This Monferno, this Trainer, couldn't be viewed with common sense.
"I'm also very happy to have battled you all. This battle has broadened my horizons greatly. There are truly such talented Pokémon in the world... And you, who can raise such a Pokémon, are also very impressive. I look forward to battling you again."
Jeanette's fair, small hand squeezed Ash's palm tightly, then she flicked her hair and walked gracefully towards the contestant's area.
On Jeanette's side of the stands, there were cries of lament, with many even demanding a rematch. Such an absurd request, of course, couldn't be granted. Ash witnessed the power of rabid fans for the first time.
He had originally thought his fans, or the Elite Four's fans, were passionate enough, but he hadn't expected there to be an even more fervent level!
…After the match, Ash went to where his companions were sitting in the stands. Brock looked at him with envy and jealousy, Misty's gaze was slightly displeased, and Gary's gaze was somewhat teasing.
Ash and Pikachu exchanged glances, unsure of what had happened. The former scratched his head and asked, "What happened? Why are you all looking at me like that?"
"Hehe, Ash, you're quite the lady's man, aren't you~" Gary's voice was a little strange, giving Ash goosebumps.
"What lady's man? What are you talking about?"
"Still pretending! I saw it all! Why were you holding Ms. Jeanette's hand for so long! And when she left, Ms. Jeanette even gave you such a beautiful smile. Dammit, you truly deserve to die a thousand deaths! I knew I shouldn't have cheered for you!" Brock was now practically biting his clothes, looking like a resentful wife.
Misty said nothing, only looking at Ash with a slightly resentful gaze.
Hearing this, Ash rolled his eyes: "What are you all going on about? I was just talking to Ms. Jeanette about some battle-related things. What nonsense are you all saying?"
"Tsk tsk, say what you want, but I only believe my own eyes." Gary said, standing as if it didn't hurt his back, adding fuel to the fire, causing two 'well' symbols to appear on Ash's head.
Although he didn't feel much about romance, being slandered like this in front of Misty made him feel uncomfortable. So he said, annoyed, "Are you ready for your afternoon match? Don't actually get eliminated in the Top 64!"
Ash's words made Gary's expression stiffen: "Yo... you mind your own business! I'll definitely win!"
Amidst their playful banter, everyone left the arena. Meanwhile, Lance and the others, who had been silently watching Ash from the special viewing area, also left the venue. Ash had surprised them every day during these past few days of matches, and they eagerly anticipated what kind of performance Ash would deliver in the upcoming matches.
So far, the only Pokémon Ash had used that had shined brightly before was Pikachu, and even then, he hadn't used its full power.
Besides Pikachu, the Aerodactyl and Gengar were also noteworthy. They just didn't know if anyone in the upcoming matches would be able to force out Ash's true strength... In the afternoon, on the rock-type field, Gary, with a serious expression, commanded his Blastoise to battle the opponent's Nidoking.
His Blastoise had already reached the Professional Peak Level during this period of battles. Although he didn't know how long it would take to cross over to the Gym Leader Level, his combat power was undoubtedly among the top tier participating in the Indigo Plateau Conference.
Professional Peak was almost the ceiling for the Indigo Plateau Conference. Currently, there were only three known Gym Leader Level Trainers in the Indigo Plateau Conference: Kouhei, Paul, and Ash. The first two had over a year and a half of travel experience.
Gary, having only traveled for half a year, could achieve such results, his talent even surpassing theirs. Only Ash could surpass him.
His opponent this time was also a very experienced Trainer. His Nidoking, Golem, and Onix all had Professional Level strength, with two at Professional Peak and one at Professional Superior.
This level was already considered the top among the participants, beneath the three Gym Leader giants. Even Gary's Professional Peak Level Pokémon were slightly inferior to his opponent's.
However, Gary's Blastoise completely countered his opponent's three Pokémon. After trading one for two, he brought out Blastoise to defeat the opponent's Golem. Now, they were in the final battle; whichever Pokémon fell first would be eliminated from the Top 32.
"...Now! Nidoking, use Stone Edge!" Gary's opponent, A-Ping, commanded his Nidoking.
Nidoking roared, slamming its hand onto the ground. Dozens of sharp stone blades shot up from the ground, forcing their way towards Blastoise!
"Withdraw into your shell to block it, then use Hydro Pump!" Gary's voice also rang out at this moment. He was going to gamble!
"Kame!" Blastoise retracted its entire body into its shell. The sharp rocks from the ground directly slammed into Blastoise's shell!
The powerful force sent Blastoise flying directly, and the sharp rocks even caused a crack to appear on the surface of Blastoise's shell.
Gary clenched his fists, his expression slightly tense. He didn't know if Blastoise could withstand this attack. Before this, Blastoise had already taken many hits, and this was another powerful Rock-type move. Taking it head-on carried a huge risk.
Under Gary's tense gaze, the airborne Blastoise suddenly extended its head and limbs from its shell, simultaneously adjusting its body posture. The two massive water cannons on its back aimed at the Nidoking below, and then fierce streams of water erupted!
"Boom!!"
Nidoking, having just used its powerful Rock-type move, had no time or space to dodge the Hydro Pump erupting from the air.
The Hydro Pump directly hit Nidoking. Two thick, barrel-sized clear water columns, like two invisible giant hammers, slammed fiercely onto Nidoking's body.
The water columns exploded outwards after hitting Nidoking, forming half-meter-high waves that washed away the remaining stone fragments from the Stone Edge. Further away, the guardrail in the front row of the audience was even washed down by the splashing water, and several close-by spectators instinctively recoiled.
Nidoking let out a pained Roar, its body pushed backward by the water columns, flying out. Its back slammed heavily against the rocks at the edge of the field.
"Bang!" The rocks on the field shattered directly, and Nidoking rolled repeatedly on the ground, finally collapsing onto the ground, lifeless.
A-Ping desperately called Nidoking's name, but no matter how he called, Nidoking showed no movement. The referee waited for a moment before waving the flag: "Nidoking is unable to battle, Blastoise wins! The winner of the fourth preliminary match is--Gary!"
Gary successfully advanced to the Top 32!
At this point, both Trainers from Pallet Town had entered the Top 32. This time, four people came from Pallet Town, but the other two, who had little presence, didn't even manage to get eight badges. They had a smooth start, but then directly found themselves unable to progress.
Gary and Ash's strengths grew exponentially, which allowed them to cope with the increased difficulty of the Gym challenges as they collected more badges. If one's strength couldn't keep up with the pace of badge acquisition, then no matter which Gym they challenged, they would be stuck there for a long time.
There was only a short half-year, and they had to challenge Gyms and improve their strength. Normally, there simply wasn't enough time, unless you were a genius. Clearly, the other two from Pallet Town were not.
Only Gary and Ash made it to the Indigo Plateau Conference.
However, the appearance of two was already a pleasant surprise for Professor Oak. After all, these were individuals who successfully entered the Indigo Plateau Conference in just half a year. For two such geniuses to appear at once was already quite extraordinary.
That evening, Professor Oak and Delia all came to the Indigo Plateau to celebrate Ash and Gary's success. That night, Delia also showed off her skills, preparing a table full of delicious food.
Ash and Brock helped out in the kitchen.
In the evening, everyone gathered to drink (cola) and had a joyful night of fun. Professor Oak and Delia also stayed overnight at the Indigo Plateau, as there wasn't much to do going back late at night anyway.
Ash's room had bunk beds. That night, Delia stayed in Ash's room, but Ash himself quietly slipped out in the middle of the night.
On a cliff at the Indigo Plateau, Ash and Pikachu sat, looking at the crescent moon in the sky, their faces filled with thoughts: "Pikachu, we've made it to the Top 32."
"Pikapi~"
"It hasn't been easy getting here. Even now, I still feel it's a bit unreal."
"Pika?"
"How is it unreal? Think about it, I've only been traveling for half a year, and now, participating in a major competition like the Indigo Plateau Conference, I've almost effortlessly reached the Top 32. I even feel like becoming Champion isn't that difficult... Don't you think this is very Mew-like?"
'Is that so? I, on the other hand, think the fact that you can knock me down with one punch is even more Mew-like.' Mewtwo's figure appeared beside Ash, her mature voice carrying a hint of teasing.
Ever since Ash started participating in the Indigo Plateau Conference, she had hardly appeared, merely observing the outside situation silently from inside the Poké Ball.
After all, she had no interest in participating in such a competition, and she was with Ash to observe the human world.
Today, Ash ran out to the cliffside, lamenting his journey, which gave Mewtwo a bit of novelty, because Ash's appearance clearly showed some confusion!
This guy actually gets confused?
"Cough cough, what you said also makes some sense... However, one's own strength is one aspect, and a Pokémon's strength is another."
'So what are you now? Complaining that your strength is improving too fast? If you really think that way, then, in your human words, you're just making a fuss over nothing!'
"Hey, hey, you've even learned that... Of course, I'm not complaining that my strength is improving too fast. I just feel... I'm really lucky to have you all by my side. Without you, I wouldn't be who I am today."