After earning his second badge, Ash sets off triumphantly for Vermilion City. Along the way, they hear of A.J., a fierce Pokémon Trainer who has never lost a match. Full of self-confidence from his own record of 10 victories in a row, Ash heads directly for A.J.’s Gym to find his new opponent. When they arrive, they find a huge bulletin out front announcing that the Gym is not authorized by the Pokémon League, along with a neon sign declaring “98 Consecutive Victories.” A.J. is on the brink of achieving his goal of 100 straight victories, and then plans to embark on a journey to gather badges. As Ash prepares to challenge him, will victory fall on the side of our hero, or the powerful A.J.? In the process, can Ash learn some important lessons about the bonds between a Pokémon and its Trainer?