POKEMON : THE WAY OF PERCEPTION

Professor Oak nodded as Ash prepared to leave, but he didn't simply watch him go. Instead, he accompanied Ash to the door, walking beside him. For Oak, Ash wasn't just a new Trainer—he was also a student in a way.

"Be careful on your journey," Professor Oak said after a long pause. "This world isn't as simple as it might seem on the surface."

Ash paused, puzzled by the Professor's serious tone. "What do you mean?" he asked, concern creeping into his voice.

Oak sighed. "It's not something you need to worry about too much right now, but let me give you some advice. While the Pokémon League works hard to maintain safety, there are still many areas of this world that remain unexplored and dangerous. If you come across deep forests or uncharted mountains, avoid them for now. They are home to wild Pokémon far stronger than what a Rookie Trainer can handle."

He glanced at Pikachu, who stood alert on Ash's shoulder. "Even experienced Trainers at the level of Gym Leaders can't guarantee their safety in such places. It's best for someone like you to stick to the roads maintained by the League."

Ash nodded solemnly. "I understand, Professor. I'll be careful."

Pikachu chimed in with a soft "Pika-pi," nodding in agreement. It had lived in the wild before and understood the dangers Oak was talking about.

Oak smiled, resting a hand on Ash's shoulder. "Good. Now, it looks like someone is waiting for you down there." He gestured toward the stairs, where Gary was standing with his arms crossed, looking up at them.

Ash followed Oak's gaze and saw Gary glaring back at him. "I see," Ash muttered. "Thanks for everything, Professor. I'll be off now."

"Good luck, Ash," Oak replied. "And don't forget—train hard."

With that, Ash made his way down the stairs, Pikachu perched confidently on his shoulder.

---

A Rivalry Ignited

Gary smirked as Ash approached. "So, you got your first Pokémon, huh?" he said, his tone as confident as ever. He glanced at Pikachu, who returned his look with a spark of electricity flickering from its cheeks.

"That's right," Ash replied.

"Pikachu, huh? Not bad," Gary said, his smirk widening. But there was a tension in his voice, a determination hidden beneath the bravado.

For years, Gary had been competing with Ash, always striving to outshine him. Although Gary had initially held the upper hand thanks to his family's resources, Ash's rapid growth over the past two years had been nothing short of remarkable. Even Professor Oak had praised Ash's progress repeatedly—a fact that gnawed at Gary.

Now, as newly minted Trainers, Gary saw this battle as the ultimate chance to reassert his dominance. "Let's settle this right here and now," Gary declared, pointing dramatically at Ash.

"Fine by me," Ash replied, his voice steady but his excitement unmistakable. He felt a surge of anticipation. This was his first real Pokémon battle—something he had dreamed about for years.

---

The Crowd Gathers

Gary led the way to a small battlefield just outside the lab. It was a modest area, roughly 20 meters long and 5 meters wide, but it was enough for their first match. Around them, curious townspeople had gathered to watch, including Gary's fan club, who cheered loudly.

"Gary! Gary! You're the best!" the girls chanted, waving signs of support.

Ash took his place on one end of the field, while Gary stood at the other. Taking a deep breath, Ash looked at Pikachu. "This is our first battle, buddy. I know we're still getting to know each other, but let's give it our all!"

"Pika!" Pikachu nodded firmly, jumping down from Ash's shoulder and landing gracefully in the arena. It crouched on all fours, its cheeks sparking faintly with electricity.

Gary grinned. "Not bad. But it won't be enough to beat me. Go, Squirtle!"

He threw his Poké Ball high into the air. It opened with a burst of white light, revealing a small, turtle-like Pokémon.

---

Pokémon Profile: Squirtle

Type: Water

Category: Tiny Turtle Pokémon

Ability: Torrent (boosts Water-type moves when HP is low); Hidden Ability: Rain Dish

Characteristics: Wields a tough shell for defense and can spray water from its mouth with great force

---

Squirtle stood confidently, its blue skin gleaming under the sunlight. Its round purple eyes and brown shell gave it an endearing yet formidable appearance.

Gary pointed at Ash dramatically. "Let's get started! Squirtle, use Water Gun!"

---

The Battle Begins

Squirtle opened its mouth, releasing a high-pressure jet of water aimed directly at Pikachu.

"Pikachu, dodge!" Ash shouted.

Pikachu leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. The water splashed harmlessly onto the ground.

"Good job!" Ash called. "Now, use Thunder Shock!"

Pikachu's cheeks sparked as it unleashed a bolt of electricity toward Squirtle.

"Squirtle, withdraw!" Gary commanded.

Squirtle quickly retreated into its shell, reducing the damage from the electric attack. The sparks crackled against its hardened defense, but it emerged unscathed moments later.

"Nice try, Ash," Gary taunted. "But you'll need more than that to win!"

Ash clenched his fists, thinking fast. Electric attacks are strong against Water-types, but Squirtle's shell is giving it extra protection. We need another strategy.

"Pikachu, keep moving!" Ash called. "Don't give it a chance to aim!"

Pikachu darted around the battlefield, its speed making it hard for Squirtle to land a hit.

Gary frowned. "Squirtle, use Tackle! Catch it off guard!"

Squirtle lunged forward, aiming to slam into Pikachu.

"Jump and use Quick Attack!" Ash countered.

Pikachu leaped into the air, moving at lightning speed. It collided with Squirtle mid-charge, sending the turtle Pokémon stumbling backward.

"Great work, Pikachu!" Ash cheered.

---

A Close Finish

The battle raged on, with both Pokémon giving it their all. Squirtle's resilience and defensive techniques clashed against Pikachu's agility and electric prowess.

Finally, both Pokémon were visibly tired, their breaths coming in short bursts.

Gary gritted his teeth. "Squirtle, one more Water Gun! Finish it!"

"Pikachu, counter with Thunder Shock! Give it everything you've got!" Ash yelled.

The two attacks collided in mid-air, creating a burst of steam and electricity. When the dust cleared, Squirtle wobbled on its feet before collapsing.

Gary's jaw dropped. "Squirtle… can't battle anymore?"

The crowd erupted into cheers, many of them surprised by the outcome.

Ash grinned, rushing to Pikachu's side. "You did amazing, buddy!" he said, scooping the exhausted Pokémon into his arms.

Gary recalled Squirtle, looking both frustrated and impressed. "Looks like you've improved, Ash," he admitted grudgingly.

Ash smiled. "Thanks, Gary. That was a great battle."

As the crowd began to disperse, Gary turned away, his determination renewed. "Next time, things will be different," he muttered to himself.

Ash, holding Pikachu close, felt a surge of pride. His first battle had been a success, and he knew this was only the beginning.

---

End of Chapter 6

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