Ash, wearing shorts and a blue vest, stood with his Infernape whose scales were ablaze with fire.

Opposite them, Blastoise stepped forward steadily while Lu Ye, dressed in a shirt with hands in his pockets, faced them.

A breeze swept across the battlefield as their gazes locked midair—a rare surge of fighting spirit rising in Teacher Lu.

Very well...let Ash witness a broader path.

Then, go achieve his own championship and glory!

The stadium fell completely silent as the referee suddenly swung down his flag.

"Battle begin!"

"Infernape, Mach Punch!"

Ash tilted his cap downward before raising his glowing eyes and throwing a punch forward.

"Wurgh!!"

Infernape roared furiously, stomping the ground with a 'boom' that sent shockwaves outward. Its figure blurred as it instantly closed the distance to Blastoise, iron fist gleaming with a sharp white light as it swung forward!

BOOM!!

Shockwaves erupted!

Blastoise single-handedly caught Infernape's afterimage-like fist, its gaze growing colder.

"I-It caught Mach Punch barehanded?!" Paul's pupils trembled.

"It locked onto Infernape's position using Aura," Aogen murmured. "And...preemptively countered."

Fist and palm remained locked midair—Infernape's extended arm trembling slightly while Blastoise's outstretched hand didn't budge an inch.

"Wurgh!"

Infernape's eyes widened as its gaze shifted from its trapped fist to the unshaken Blastoise, before curling into an excited grin instead.

"WURGH!!" Infernape's eyes sharpened further as the orange-yellow flames atop its head surged violently, left fist swinging toward Blastoise's face!

BAM!!

The fist sank deeply into Blastoise's cheek, the impact echoing through the silent stadium.

Blastoise lifted its calm eyes to stare placidly at Infernape.

"Kameh?"

Is this all you've got?

"Wurgh..." Infernape froze momentarily.

Blastoise raised its right arm steadily before suddenly clenching its fist—piercing through the air like a cannonball as it smashed into Infernape's abdomen with a 'THUD'!

THUD!!

"Wurgh...!" Infernape's pupils contracted as its entire body folded backward before being sent flying outward with a 'BOOM'!

The speed was too fast, the power too overwhelming!

Infernape was launched halfway across the field in an instant, crashing into the outer protective barriers!

BAM!!

The collision shook the entire stadium!

"Ugh...rgh..." Infernape was embedded deeply into the cracked barrier, spiderweb fractures spreading behind it.

Amidst the swirling dust—

THUD!

Infernape slid down from the barrier, head lowered with its expression hidden, barely managing to kneel on one knee!

The audience gulped collectively.

"What...just happened?"

"Holy tortoise, it punched Infernape flying?"

"T-This is champion-level power!!"

The stadium erupted instantly, cheers shaking the skies.

At the Lily of the Valley Conference, they were witnessing a champion deploying his ace!!

"Not just Elite Four members, but even a champion's main fighter is here?!"

"Damn...no wonder they call this the Baby Cup!"

"Teacher Lu's dropping the act?" A-Jin exclaimed in surprise.

"He wants Ash to remember this battle forever," Marshal said, removing his sunglasses and tucking them into his camouflage vest before crossing his arms. "Passion and fighting spirit alone will never make a champion."

"Woah, that's deep coming from you, old man!" A-Jin slung an arm over Marshal's shoulder while rubbing his chin.

"Hmph!" Marshal's lips curled wildly upward. "Just a retired soldier's life experience."

Bruno clasped his hands together, watching the kneeling Infernape at the field's center.

Was this just to crush Ash and claim victory?

No—if that were true, Infernape wouldn't have survived Blastoise's Hydro Pump.

Choosing to clash fists instead...

Bruno's gaze deepened.

This was more like...a lesson. A challenge!

Lu Ye stood calmly amidst billowing winds that lifted his clothes, one hand in pocket, expression unreadable.

This wasn't just the gentle Teacher Lu.

He was the champion who had faced Arceus, a strict mentor with towering expectations, a trainer who unified strategy and power.

Standing behind Blastoise, Lu Ye stared directly at the dazed Ash.

"Is this all you've got, Ash?"

"WURGH!!"

Responding to Teacher Lu was Infernape's growl as it shakily rose.

Infernape slowly stood up, fists clenched, golden eyes blazing with twin flames like an undying fighting spirit.

Steadying itself, it glared sharply at Blastoise—the orange-yellow flames atop its head resembling an inextinguishable will to fight, its aura suggesting it would battle relentlessly until death!

"There's more than this, Teacher Lu."

Ash's eyes burned with determination. "Infernape and I will keep growing stronger, keep fighting!"

On the stands, Cynthia's eyes gleamed as she smiled faintly.

She sensed the bond being forged between Pokémon and trainer in this encounter.

Watching the battle, Giovanni crossed his legs while stroking the Persian on his lap, fingers pressed to his temple.

"Trainers from Pallet Town...all seem extraordinary."

But this appeared to be a mentor's test, an investment in the next generation.

Giovanni spaced out momentarily, vaguely seeing himself and Red in their places...

Another breeze swept past.

Blastoise stood immovable as a boulder, expression tranquil.

"Kameh..."

It curled a finger challengingly at the rising Infernape.

"Wurgh..." Infernape steadied itself, teeth gritted.

"Let's go!!" Ash thrust his hand forward, roaring. "Infernape, Flare Blitz!!"

Azure flames surged across Infernape's body as orange-yellow fire erupted from its scales, the two conflagrations intertwining into a raging inferno. Enveloped in flames, Infernape charged across the field—the ground shattering beneath its feet, shockwaves blasting outward, debris sent flying as it unleashed a deafening roar!!

"WURGH!!"

"Infernape unleashes an overwhelmingly powerful Flare Blitz!!" The commentator shouted. "I-Is this a desperate last stand?!"

"Too reckless!" Green frowned slightly.

Professor Oak laughed heartily. "But that's Ash's battling style!"

Not enough, this level is far from enough!

Lu Ye frowned deeply.

Although Infernape grew stronger the more it was beaten, such reckless commands were too damaging.

Just like the Kalos finals where Greninja dragged out his rain turns—Ash's tactical skills were abysmal.

And he wants to win a conference with this level!?

"WURGH!!"

The charging Infernape became a golden fireball, heat distorting the air as raging flames filled their vision.

First, abandon illusions and face reality!

"Blastoise." Lu Ye's voice turned icy. "Liquidation!!"

"KAMEH!!"

Blastoise slowly drew back its fist, water coalescing into a sharp swirling mass around it—the liquid pulsating as if alive before being launched forward with a whip-like motion, water glimmering like shattering light. As Flare Blitz barreled toward them, the punch was unleashed!

BOOOOOOM!!!

The collision of surging water and azure flames erupted into a massive mist, the deafening explosion shaking the stadium as visibility was completely obscured!

"Who won?"

"The champion's serious strike...this must be an instant KO!!"

BAM!!

"Wurgh!!"

From within the fog, Infernape's battered body was sent flying by the explosion, a pained groan escaping as it crashed onto the ground with two heavy 'thuds', trailing black smoke.

The massive blast sent water vapor billowing upward, gradually gathering into clouds before a droplet fell—marking the start of a drizzling rain.

Tiny raindrops splattered against Blastoise's impassive face and dark gray shell, creating a fine mist.

"Kameh..." Blastoise dusted off some ash from its chest—that Flare Blitz had inflicted minor but serious damage.

Gotta chew some Revival Root after this...

Meanwhile, the combined recoil from Liquidation's explosion and the azure flames' backlash had converged into overwhelming force.

The stadium was dead silent as the audience stared dumbfounded at the motionless Infernape.

"So strong..."

"That Blastoise is insane!!"

"A live demonstration from a champion?"

Cynthia's gaze fell upon Lu Ye standing in the rain, his expression unchanging as he prepared to recall Blastoise.

He must be deeply disappointed.

Having placed high hopes on Ash, only to witness such poor tactical decisions—relying solely on bonds to brute-force through battles.

He hadn't come for defeat, but had hoped for a genuine challenge where his student could demonstrate trainer skills matching his Pokémon's strength.

Pokémon battles were brutal, and victories even more so.

If you gave up early, you'd remain stagnant forever.

To be defeated, then grow—

Just like Red who fought Giovanni's Team Rocket takeover;

Steven who held back Hoenn's dual legends;

Lu Ye who stood before Arceus.

To forge your own championship moment!

Raindrops pattered against Infernape's rigid form as Ash lowered his cap.

"Infernape is unable to—"

The referee began raising his flag when he suddenly froze.

"Urgh...wurgh..."

Infernape flexed its arm shakily, struggling with immense effort to rise from the rain-soaked ground.

Teacher Lu and Blastoise's expressions shifted slightly.

"Hah...hah..."

Infernape lifted its darkened eyes, panting heavily as it stared fixedly at Blastoise with soot-covered arms hanging limply.

After a moment's silence, the stadium burst into thunderous cheers.

This tribute was for the indomitable warrior, and for this electrifying Pokémon battle!

The trio forgot about vending, gaping as they muttered:

"T-The twerp's Infernape got back up, meow!"

"Go for it, twerp! Show the boss what you've got!!"

"You guys have been growing too!!"

Cynthia's eyes gleamed as she crossed her legs, resting her cheek on a hand while observing Lu Ye at the field's center.

Is this why you're doing this...to remove that child's hesitation?

"Here we go—"

Ash stretched his hand sideways as if synchronizing with Infernape.

No matter what, Infernape and I will keep fighting.

More—we'll become even stronger!

So Teacher Lu, watch our growth closely!

"Infernape!!"

Ash clenched his fist and roared:

"BLAZE!!!"

"WURGH!!!"

Infernape howled skyward, arms spreading wide as the flames atop its head erupted violently—blinding white light shooting several meters upward like a pillar. Surging fury swept outward, cracking the ground and sending debris flying as terrifying shockwaves exploded!

HISSS—The drizzle evaporated instantly under Blaze's heat as Infernape's eyes turned razor-sharp, body wreathed in tangible flames—its burning fighting spirit almost palpable!!

The livestream instantly exploded:

"HOLY SHIT I'M HYPED!!"

"WHAT IS THIS POWER-UP SCENE?!"

"I know this—it's boss battle music time!"

The stadium buzzed wildly—how could a near-fainted Infernape erupt with such overwhelming will?!

"Big Bro's theme song huh..."

Lu Ye smiled faintly—'Type Wild' would fit perfectly here.

But.

Teacher Lu's gaze sharpened.

The future may be yours, but the present still belongs to me!

"Blastoise—"

Lu Ye's voice rang out clearly:

"TORRENT!!"

Blastoise's eyes grew intensely focused as raging Aura burst outward in shockwaves—a towering water pillar erupting beneath it, enveloping the tortoise.

Planting its feet firmly, Blastoise's eyes flashed: "KAMEH!"

Torrent, ACTIVATE!!

The massive water pillar shot skyward before dispersing into a dense mist—Blastoise's gaze turning sharp as it clenched a tightly wound fist, swirling water coalescing around it with faint cracking sounds!

"Manually activating Torrent?!"

"So it's a power-up showdown now?!"

"Blaze vs Torrent!!"

No longer taunting, Blastoise adopted a solemn battle stance, standing ready.

"Kameh..." It nodded slightly at the golden-flamed Infernape.

"Go for it, Infernape!!"

Ash was fully immersed in the battle now, shouting excitedly: "Flare Blitz!!"

"WURGH!!!"

Infernape's eyes blazed gold, crown flames burning furiously as azure and orange fires merged into a raging inferno encasing its golden scales. The next instant, it leaped skyward with a ground-shattering stomp, howling as it smashed toward Blastoise!!

BAM!!

A rare fighting spirit surged through Lu Ye as he grinned.

"Blastoise, Hydro Pump!"

"Kameh..."

Blastoise took a deep breath before its eyes flashed—fist piercing straight through the air with a devastating punch!

BOOOOOOM!!!

Hydro Pump collided midair with the flaming charge, generating massive steam.

The deafening explosion shook the stadium as the ground beneath them fractured instantly!

The fist tore through flames—Blastoise's right punch pulling slightly before impacting Infernape;

Infernape's left fist sinking deep into Blastoise's cheek.

As dust clouds rose, both stood frozen in their clash, fists locked.

The stadium held its breath—Bruno felt adrenaline coursing through him.

Flint gulped.

"T-This...Blastoise wasn't even going all out, was it?!"

"Rather." Cynthia smiled slightly, arms crossed. "Infernape proved itself to Blastoise and Lu Ye."

The dust gradually cleared—Blastoise retracted its fist, stepping back to crack its neck slightly:

"Kameh..."

Gonna need extra Revitalitea after this...

"Wurgh." Infernape remained frozen in its punching stance, eyes unfocused.

Even in defeat, it refused to fall—this was Infernape's unbreakable spirit.

"Infernape is unable to battle!" The referee confirmed before waving his flag.

"Kameh..." Blastoise remained composed, nodding slightly.

Silence lingered until the results were announced, snapping everyone from their daze.

"HOLY SHIT THAT TORTOISE IS INSANE?!"

"AKA, the King Turtle Aura."

"It held back that punch...how?!"

Ash exhaled in relief, recalling Infernape into its Poké Ball.

"My skills as a trainer...aren't championship level yet."

He gazed at the Poké Ball softly. "But I promise...we'll absolutely get stronger!"

"You've grown, Ash." Lu Ye smiled.

Ash looked up, grinning widely. "No more holding back, Teacher Lu—bring it on!"

"Kameh..." Blastoise remained expressionless, cannons gleaming coldly. Find the newest release on novelFirｅ.net

Hands in pockets, Lu Ye kept Blastoise on field, asking expectantly: "Next Pokémon?"

"I choose you, Pikachu!!"

Ash thrust his arm forward—Pikachu leaping onto the field with restored stamina, cheeks crackling.

"Pika!!" Pikachu crouched low, its fighting spirit completely transformed from before—eyes blazing sharply!

This was Pikachu at full power!!

"After being nearly KO'd earlier...now it's fully healed?" Lu Ye felt complicated.

If the ref won't call it, I'm activating hacks too!

Aura began flowing toward Blastoise, amplifying its own.

Lu Ye pondered.

If I don't hold back...the medical bills afterward will be astronomical.

But against Pikachu, caution was mandatory.

"Let's go, Blastoise!" Lu Ye commanded. "Dragon Pulse!"

Ash: "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"

...