Ash's Journeys: Kanto

Surprising the Ninja

Ash POV

The next day, I walked back to the gym, now much more prepared than before. Gabite and Bulbasaur were fully conditioned for the battle, and Larvitar now had the Ground type coverage to give me the edge in the fight.

Walking up to the front desk, I noticed the same guy who was there the last time I was here.

"I'm here to challenge Koga," I said curtly, looking at the man with an unimpressed expression.

"You're quite the eager one, eh? Already back after your loss?"

"Yeah, I realized he just got lucky last time. He won't strike gold twice," I replied.

The man smirked. "Well, you've got guts, I'll give you that. Head on in, Koga's waiting."

I walked through the gym doors, my mind focused and my strategy clear. Koga's tricks wouldn't work on me this time. I stepped into the battle arena, where Koga stood, his expression as composed and confident as ever.

"So, you've returned," Koga said, his voice calm but edged with a hint of mockery. "I admire your perseverance."

"I'm here to win," I shot back, my eyes locked onto his.

"Very well," Koga said, pulling out his Poké Ball.

"This match will be a 3 on 3 battle between the Fuchsia City Gym Leader Koga and Challenger Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. Only the challenger will be allowed to switch Pokemon during the battle. Trainer, send out your first Pokemon," the referee announced, waving his flag.

"Venomoth, teach this kid another lesson, will ya?" Koga said with an arrogant smirk, throwing his Pokeball out.

After the blue light faded, the same insect that ruined my battle last time appeared. Too bad that I was going to use perfect counter to deal with it from the start this time.

I responded swiftly, "Gabite, you're up!"

Gabite roared, ready to battle. He was the one who had defeated Venomoth last time, and I had every intention of repeating the same result this time around.

'Come on little bug, let's dance,' Gabite taunted, baring his teeth.

"Battle begin!" the referee called out, making me smirk. This is was going to be good.

"Venomoth, use Sleep Powder!"

"Gabite, dodge and use Dragon Breath!"

Gabite swiftly evaded the powder with a slide and took aim at the Bug type. Venomoth screeched in pain as it was flung back after a hard hit, but quickly regained its composure.

"Venomoth, Psychic!" Koga yelled, his voice betraying his annoyance.

'Dig,' I ordered, watching Koga intently. He was starting to show frustration, I wanted to capitalize on it when he made his mistake.

'Give me the signal,' Gabite said back, still underground.

'He's waiting for something, he probably has a plan. Make a decoy hole with Dragon Breath and come through another hole. Do it...now.'

Behind Venomoth, a hole blasted through, making Koga grin.

"Sleep Powder with Gust!"

Venomoth sent the Gust boosted Sleep Powder into the smoke that had risen up, but there was nothing there.

Behind Venomoth, another hole appeared, and this time, Gabite shot out like a speeding bullet.

"Bite, then slam it on the ground," I said cooly, watching Koga lose more and more of his shit.