A/n : The previous chapters were too small hence an additional one so have fun
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The morning sun was bright as Ash prepared for his first qualifier. He started the day with light training for Blastoise, Pidgeot, and Pikachu, making sure they were warmed up but still full of energy.
After breakfast, Ash, Misty, and Brock made their way to the Grass Field stadium, joining the large crowd of spectators and participants.
It was clear the tournament was the talk of the town; each of the four fields was packed, with the main stadium displaying the battles on large screens.
Inside the player waiting room, Ash sat quietly, mentally preparing for the match. He hadn't spotted his opponent, Pete, among the other trainers, but that didn't bother him.
He kept his focus on the upcoming battle, his mind running through possible strategies. Meanwhile, Misty and Brock managed to find seats together in the crowded stands, ready to cheer him on.
At 8:30, the first match on the Grass Field kicked off. The intensity of the battle captivated the crowd, showcasing impressive skill from both trainers.
After a hard-fought exchange, one of them emerged victorious, defeating his opponent's three Pokémon with only two losses of his own. The crowd roared in appreciation, and Ash couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. He was ready.
Finally, the announcement he was waiting for echoed through the room. "For the second match, trainers Ash and Pete, please prepare and head to the battle venue in five minutes." Ash took a deep breath, stood up, and nodded at Pikachu.
"Let's go, Pikachu!" he said with determination, striding down the hallway toward the stadium. The other trainers in the waiting room watched him go, some with admiration, others with curiosity.
In Pallet Town, Delia and Professor Oak were joined by neighbors and friends in Ash's living room, gathered around the television to watch the match. Ash's popularity in Pallet Town had grown, and everyone was eager to see how he would perform.
"I'm confident Ash will get through the qualifiers without trouble," Professor Oak assured the group. "He's trained hard and has some of his best Pokémon with him."
As Ash stepped into the arena, the stadium exploded with cheers. The crowd might not know his name, but they cheered for him all the same, fueling his excitement.
On the other side of the field stood Pete, his first opponent in the tournament. The giant scoreboard overhead displayed both their faces, with three empty circles under each to indicate their remaining Pokémon.
The field was impressive, with patches of tall grass reaching up to two meters in places, while other sections were only a few centimeters tall. This varied terrain would challenge both trainers to think carefully about movement and positioning.
"The trainer on the green side is Ash, and the trainer on the red side is Pete!" the commentator announced, introducing them to the audience.
Misty and Brock shouted from the stands, catching Ash's attention. He turned and waved back, smiling, and Misty waved Togepi excitedly in response.
"The qualifying match between Ash and Pete is about to begin! Each trainer will use three Pokémon, and the battle will end when one side has no Pokémon remaining!"
The referee took the stand, going over the rules before holding up a coin. "Now, please determine who goes first!"
Pete, as the red side, had the advantage of calling the toss. "Heads," he said, a hint of nerves in his voice. The referee tossed the coin high, catching it and revealing the Magikarp image.
"Pete wins the toss and chooses to attack first!" the referee announced. "Now, both trainers, please send out your first Pokémon!"
"Arcanine, go!" Pete shouted, throwing his Poké Ball. In a flash of light, the powerful Fire-type Arcanine emerged, roaring as it landed on the grassy field, eyes locked on Ash with fierce determination.
Ash took a deep breath, sizing up the field and his opponent's Pokémon. He knew Pete's Arcanine was a strong start, but he had a plan.
"Blastoise, I choose you!" Ash called, sending out his Water-type starter, who appeared with a resolute look and a confident stance, ready to face Arcanine head-on. The crowd erupted as both trainers prepared for an intense showdown.
The stage was set, and Ash was ready to show everyone just how much he and his Pokémon had grown.
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