[Gary's Blastoise has knocked out Ash's Bayleef, leaving him with three Pokémon left while his rival still has five.]
Gary is pretty impressive... but so are we!
AAnnouncer
Ladies and gentlemen, we'll take a five-minute intermission here, giving Ash time to regroup after losing three of his Pokémon.
[pleading] Pika-pi! Pikachu, Pikachu!
Hey, Pikachu, what is it?
Ash, I think it's asking if it can battle!
Well, it makes sense. Gary IS using a Water Pokémon.
I wish I could, buddy, but I'm only allowed to use the Pokémon I registered before the match.
[in protest] Pika!! [He crosses his arms.]
Those two battling so fiercely has got my stomach in knots!
Gary was always the confident one taking the lead with Ash right behind, struggling to keep up with him!
He may not admit it, but I think that Gary considers Ash his most important friend of all.
I think Ash feels the same way!
[A buzzer sounds, signaling the end of the intermission.]
You've made it this far, Ashy Boy. And that'll be far enough! Blastoise, go!
AAnnouncer
And, now for the final battle, Gary brings back his Blastoise, and Ash will be staying with Charizard. Blastoise appears to have an overwhelming advantage based on Pokémon type, but this match isn't over just yet, folks! Believe me!
[in his thoughts] Advantage? Who cares. We made it this far, right, and we're going all the way!
[At night, after Ash's victory over Gary, his rival is seen standing at the same pond they reflected at before the Johto League began.]
Hey, Ash. Thanks for coming to see me.
No problem. So what's up, Gary?
[Gary reaches into his pocket and pulls out the red half of a Poké Ball they broke in a fishing argument with Ash, who considered it a draw, while Gary considered it a loss for Ash.]
Here, take it. It belongs to you; you earned it. Really, I mean it!
That battle today of ours was awesome! I don't even feel bad that I lost! You see, Ash, when we tied long ago, I felt like a failure.
[Ash is dumbstruck at this new admission over their argument, meaning he does regret being so in Ash's face over it.]
But today, you totally beat me fair and square, get it?
I guess... You know, I feel like I got a whole lot stronger by battling with you today!
Me too. I'll cheer for you in your second match.
[They shake hands.]
