The Path to the Pokemon League

After receiving Ash's second badge, the gang sets off for Vermilion City. Along the way, our heroes encounter a stern Pokemon trainer named A.J. at his "unofficial" Pokemon gym. Ash and Pikachu lose their battle with A.J. and his Sandshrew, bringing A.J. two victories closer to his goal of "100 undefeated battles." Team Rocket arrives, determined to capture Pikachu, but ends up battling A.J. instead, giving him the two wins he needed to reach 100!