Despite Rival's efforts to delay the inevitable, the match reached halftime within just five minutes.
This marked the fastest entry into halftime in the history of the Indigo Plateau Conference finals.
Ash's Rival sat slumped in his chair during the intermission, head buried in his hands.
He couldn't shake the feeling that every eye in the stadium was laughing at him, mocking his defeat.
On the other side, Ash glanced at his dejected opponent with a twinge of guilt. However, he had no intention of holding back.
He wasn't a saint, and this was his moment to prove himself. Ash wanted to send a clear message—Gary was far more deserving of the runner-up title than this Rival could ever be.
When the five-minute intermission ended, the two trainers returned to the battlefield. Ash, maintaining his confidence in Pikachu, commanded his companion to continue the fight. This time, he adopted a more serious approach, aiming to conclude the match swiftly.
The match ended in less than five minutes, bringing the total time—including intermission—to just nine minutes and 21 seconds.
It shattered the previous record of 12 minutes and 37 seconds by over three minutes, setting an unprecedented milestone.
"The match is over! The match is over! Contestant Ash has done the impossible, using only his Pikachu to claim the title of Indigo Plateau Champion in spectacular fashion!"
As the commentator's enthusiastic voice echoed throughout the stadium, the Indigo Stadium erupted in cheers and applause.
The spectators were in awe, unable to believe that Pikachu—the so-called mascot—possessed such overwhelming power.
Pikachu's performance transcended the expectations of everyone present, even eclipsing the capabilities of Ash's other Pokémon.
Aftermath of Victory
Despite his triumph, Ash wasn't as elated as one might expect. His Rival had been too weak, and the lack of a true challenge dampened his excitement.
Throughout the tournament, only Gary had proven himself a worthy opponent.
Even so, winning the Indigo Plateau Conference brought a sense of fulfilment. With Pikachu by his side, Ash took a moment to bask in the glory of their victory as the crowd cheered them on.
Forty minutes later, at 5 PM, the award ceremony was set to begin. The finals had concluded so quickly that preparations for the ceremony hadn't yet been completed.
In the meantime, discussions among the audience continued to revolve around Ash's unprecedented strength.
Many believed that they had witnessed the emergence of a future Elite Four member, or perhaps even a champion.
Ash's rapid rise and raw power made many wonder if he might one day achieve what no one else had—reaching the "Hall Level," a concept beyond the championship.
However, for now, even the most optimistic supporters knew there was still a long journey ahead.
In the lounge, Ash pondered his next steps. Despite his remarkable growth, he recognized that he wasn't ready to challenge the Kanto Elite Four yet.
The Kanto Elite Four were considered the strongest across all regions, featuring champions like Lance, Agatha, Bruno, and Lorelei.
Each represented a monumental hurdle Ash needed to overcome.
With Pikachu and Charizard as his strongest allies, Ash knew he had a lot to learn before he could stand among the Elite.
The Award Ceremony
At 5 PM, the closing ceremony began. The battlefield had been restored, and a grand stage was erected for the event.
As the Pokémon world's anthem, Epilogue, played, the top 32 contestants marched onto the stage from opposite sides.
Leading the red side was Ash, the newly crowned Indigo Plateau Champion. Behind him followed 15 other trainers who had reached the top brackets.
Gary, originally intended as the third-place winner, reluctantly took the green side's lead position.
While he initially refused, Professor Oak convinced him otherwise, emphasising the importance of promoting the image of him and Ash as "Twin Stars" of the Kanto Region.
Walking parallel to each other, Ash and Gary reached the stage and faced the audience. The cameras captured the iconic moment, broadcasting it to viewers worldwide.
The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers, celebrating the conclusion of an exhilarating tournament filled with unforgettable battles.
Charles Goodshow's Speech
"Now, please welcome Charles Goodshow to the stage for a closing address!" the announcer declared.
Charles Goodshow, the esteemed president of the Pokémon League, stepped forward with a warm smile.
"Faster, higher, stronger... This is the guiding principle of the Pokémon League," he began, his voice resonating with pride.
"Today, I am honoured to witness history in the making. This Indigo Plateau Conference has showcased extraordinary talent, dedication, and the unbreakable bond between Trainers and their Pokémon."
As Goodshow spoke, his gaze lingered on Ash, who had broken records and inspired countless spectators.
"The true purpose of the Pokémon League is embodied in moments like these," Goodshow concluded, his voice filled with emotion.
Recognition of Champions
"Now, we invite the top three contestants—Ash, Danny, and Gary—to the stage!" the announcer declared.
Ash and Gary exchanged a knowing look before stepping forward, joined by Danny, the runner-up.
Unlike the others, Danny's expression was tinged with bitterness, still processing his defeat.
The three trainers took their places on the podium. Ash stood at the highest tier, with Yue Ze on his left and Gary on his right.
Charles Goodshow approached Ash with the championship medal and trophy. Placing the medal around Ash's neck, he handed over the trophy with a proud smile.
"I look forward to seeing your future accomplishments," Goodshow said sincerely.
"I won't let you down," Ash replied, determination shining in his eyes.
His journey was far from over.
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