Pokemon: A different Ash

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Both Misty and Brock, as Gym trainers, naturally understood the significance of an "all-member competition."

The full-team match is the most formal rule established by the Pokémon League, quite different from regular roadside battles or Gym challenges. It's a rule typically reserved for the Pokémon League Conference and is only used by top trainers who make it to the final 16.

As is well-known, a Trainer can only carry six Pokémon at a time, and in a full-team match, both Trainers use all six Pokémon in battle. Not only does the number of Pokémon extend the duration of the match, but it also requires a strategic approach, allowing Trainers to recall Pokémon in unfavorable situations during the battle.

In Gym challenges, challengers can also switch Pokémon, which tests their adaptability and prepares them for the more demanding conditions of the League Conference. However, Ash and Gary have only recently begun their journeys, and starting a full-team challenge at this stage seems a bit early.

"That's so sudden!" Misty responded, surprised by Ash's idea.

"Actually, it's no big deal! Sooner or later, we'll have a match," Ash replied casually. He knew a showdown with Gary was inevitable.

"Have either of you done a full-team match before?" Brock asked curiously.

"I've known about it, but this will be my first official full-team competition," Ash admitted, nodding. Though it was his first, he wasn't worried. As a time traveler who had seen many full-team battles, he felt prepared.

Ash didn't share too many details, but with the challenge set, the match was now certain to happen.

After a busy day, everyone headed back to their rooms to rest. Exhausted, they fell asleep shortly after.

Early the next morning, Ash woke up before dawn, motivated to compete against Gary. He took his Pokémon out for a jog on the beach, keeping up his usual routine.

Soon after, Misty and Brock joined him, followed by Moe, who came to bid farewell to everyone. Having paid off his debts, he now had enough travel funds to fulfill his dream of exploring the world. Grateful to Ash and his friends for their help, he found them before leaving to express his thanks.

Then, he set off on a yacht. To be honest, it was inspiring to see someone set off so boldly at his age.

After saying goodbye to Moe, Ash, Brock, and Misty spent time with Delia in Lam Plugie, shopping for souvenirs. Even though the big match was the next day, Ash didn't spend the day training, instead letting his Pokémon rest and recharge.

In Pokémon battles, rest and recovery are as important as practice. At the League Conference, with so many battles using multiple Pokémon, fatigue from one match can impact the next, especially if there's no fresh Pokémon available to swap in.

After a day out, they returned to the Pokémon Center, where Delia reminded Ash to get an early night as she would at home.

Ash said nothing more, going back to his room and lying on the bed. Pikachu jumped up onto his pillow and lay beside him.

"Pika!"

"Pikachu, are you nervous?" Ash asked, turning to look at his partner.

"Pikapi?"

Pikachu paused, then shook his head confidently. Ash smiled, reassured by Pikachu's spirit.

"Alright then, let's give it our all tomorrow."

"Pika-chuu!" Pikachu responded, and then the room fell into silence. Both Ash and Gary waited in anticipation for the dawn.

**The Next Morning**

"Hoo! Hoo!" Ash panted as he ran along the beach, where the morning sun had just risen over the horizon, casting a warm glow across the sand. Today was different from the day before; Ash didn't bring any Pokémon—not even Pikachu. He ran alone, leaving a trail of footprints behind him, focused on the path ahead. 

As he ran, he saw another figure approaching from the opposite direction. When he realized who it was, he paused briefly, then smiled. It was Gary, his rival for today's match. Gary, also in high spirits, broke into a grin as well. Without a word, the two ran past each other, acknowledging one another only with a glance.

"Ash, you'd better be ready! Don't let me down," Gary called out over his shoulder.

"Just wait and see!" Ash replied confidently.

They exchanged these words as they passed, continuing to run in opposite directions. It was a fitting scene, two paths meeting briefly before splitting once more, just as their destinies might take them down different roads.

**8:40 AM**

"All set, Ash. Your Pokémon are ready to go!" said Nurse Joy. After his morning run and a quick shower, Ash met up with Misty and Brock for breakfast, then headed to the Pokémon Center front desk to have his team checked before the match.

"Thank you!" Ash said, taking the Poké Balls back, as Pikachu hopped onto his shoulder.

Gary had already gone to the venue, and they learned that Hideki had rented a private battle arena. Though Lampluge was known as a leisure city, it wasn't difficult to find a space dedicated to Pokémon battles.

With his Pokémon in hand, Ash, Misty, and Brock walked toward the venue to meet Gary. When they arrived and explained their purpose to the staff, they were quickly shown inside.

"Gary! Gary, go get 'em! Gary, you're the best!" rang out in cheerful voices.

Inside the large arena, the sound of encouragement echoed from the seats. Though the stands weren't packed, a small group of spectators was present, the most eye-catching being a group of fans in the front row, their voices and cheers clearly in support of Gary, waving enthusiastically with their legs swinging in excitement.