In Pewter City, at the Rock-type Gym...
The Gym Leader, Brock, was frowning as he stared at the result of his battle.
His last Pokémon had just fainted, marking his defeat.
Across the field stood his opponent—a boy with black hair and indifferent red eyes staring at the outcome with no expression. The most notable thing about him was his red cap and the Pikachu sitting on his shoulder.
Even if Brock wanted to call this a proper battle, it would be embarrassing to do so—it was a complete one-sided crushing.
The challenger had used only one Pokémon to defeat Brock's entire team.
Even though the team Brock used was just the set given by the League for testing new trainers, it was still a humiliating loss.
Brock sighed as he looked at the young man in front of him, then recalled his Pokémon and handed the badge from a distance.
"You've won this battle, challenger Red from Pallet Town. This is your first badge. I look forward to seeing how far you go in the League."
Brock smiled and expressed his expectations for Red.
Red remained silent as he took the badge and slightly lowered his cap.
"…"
Brock sighed, already used to this challenger's odd behavior, and was about to return to his place to wait for the next challenger.
Or that's what would've happened—if Red's voice hadn't stopped him.
"…I want to challenge the Elite Gym Match."
Brock paused for a moment, then turned back to face Red once more.
"Hah… You trainers from Pallet Town are all the same."
He sighed helplessly, then returned to his spot and said:
"Alright, challenger Red, I accept your request. But I warn you—this won't be an easy match."
For a brief second, a rare spark of excitement flickered in Red's eyes.
The referee looked between the two trainers and shouted:
"This is an Elite Gym Challenge, between challenger Red from Pallet Town and Pewter City Gym Leader Brock! The match will be 2 versus 6! The Gym Leader chooses first!"
"I choose you, Geodude!"
Brock sent out his first Pokémon.
"…Go, Pikachu."
Red's choice made Brock raise an eyebrow for a moment.
"Begin!!" the referee announced.
Half an hour later...
Red exited the Gym, holding the Elite Gym Badge, and stared at it indifferently.
"That was an amazing battle, Red!"
His thoughts were interrupted by his travel companion, Yellow.
"..."
"You're still not gonna smile even after that?" she teased, elbowing him gently.
Red didn't say anything, but inwardly agreed with her words.
Brock was not an easy opponent too.
He easily defeated four of his Pokémon with just Onix. If not for Pikachu and Charmander, he would've lost the match.
But he frowned, recalling what Brock had told him:
'Looks like Green and Blue beat me to the punch…'
"…Let's go."
Red said nonchalantly to Yellow, who was already used to how he acted.
'…I'm curious how far Ash has gotten.'
A small smile crept onto Red's face as he thought of his twin brother.
Yellow noticed the smile, curious—but said nothing.
The two companions continued their journey, with a long road still ahead.