"Paul… your connection with Infernape runs deep. This battle isn't just about us. It's about Electivire and Infernape too."

Ash understood Infernape's feelings better than anyone.

So the moment Paul sent out Electivire, Ash responded without hesitation.

Because back when Infernape was still Chimchar—and part of Paul's team—Electivire was just an Elekid.

Paul's grueling training fell squarely on Elekid's shoulders. But Chimchar?

Paul pushed it too hard, too fast, and Elekid laughed at it every time it failed.

Infernape could feel it now—Electivire had been through hellish training.

But it would show him:

No matter how hard you've trained, you'll never surpass me.

"WAGAHH!!"

BOOM!!!

The flame on Infernape's head burst like a sacred torch, burning bright and fierce—scorching heat rising from the battlefield.

"WAGAHH!"

Infernape beckoned to Electivire.

Go ahead. You strike first.

"HEH-HOHH!!"

Electivire locked eyes with its former rival.

"Whoa! Looks like something intense is brewing! Infernape is actually giving Electivire the first move! These two are staring each other down—what's the story here? Who's gonna come out on top? Let's find out!"

The announcer's hype only added fuel to the fire.

Electivire charged—without waiting for Paul's command.

Paul didn't flinch.

As if… he had expected this all along.

"…So you're finally learning to think about your Pokémon, huh?"

Ash smiled softly.

He gave Infernape a nod.

Infernape surged forward—without a word from Ash.

Electivire: Level 60.

Infernape: Level 62.

Thanks to Ash's influence, Paul's Electivire had broken through to the Elite Four tier.

Maybe… Paul wasn't far from becoming a real Elite Four member himself.

Electivire unleashed Thunder—a deafening bolt from the sky!

Infernape didn't dodge. Didn't flinch.

It ran into the storm.

Focus Punch!

With the Iron Fist ability boosting it, Infernape's punch radiated destructive power!

The Thunder rained down—but Infernape charged through it, eyes burning, fist glowing!

Neither trainer spoke a word.

They didn't have to.

It was as if an unspoken bond had formed—a true test of trust.

In the judges' box, even the regional Champions were stunned.

Cynthia watched silently.

She knew this Infernape was once Paul's abandoned Chimchar.

And now… look at it.

This wasn't just Elite strength—this was something more.

In the audience tunnel, the Sinnoh Elite Four arrived one after another.

Bug-type Elite: Aaron

Fire-type Elite: Flint

Psychic-type Elite: Lucian

Ground-type Elite: Bertha

And Elesa had come too, arriving with Flint to watch this battle.

It was Ash who had awakened something in Elesa—who helped her rediscover her passion.

Now, she'd left her Gym in someone else's care and returned to the road—chasing her own strength again.

They all nodded toward Steven Stone, who was already watching from the front row.

Together, they watched history unfold.

"This Infernape… it's stronger than when it battled me. Has it officially reached Elite status? Ash never fails to amaze me," Flint murmured in awe.

Lucian and Bertha nodded in agreement.

Infernape endured Thunder head-on.

Electivire tanked Focus Punch without backing down.

Then—Thunder Punch!

Infernape responded with Flame Punch!

Fists clashed—again and again.

No commands. Just instinct.

The referee was stunned.

This was a first—two Pokémon battling with zero trainer input.

It was close-quarters combat at its finest.

Punches, kicks, tail strikes—it looked like martial arts from an ancient film!

But Ash's Infernape had the edge in raw physique.

After enduring the brutal pain of the Attribute Enhancement Card, Infernape had evolved into a true juggernaut.

WHAM!

Electivire suddenly leapt back, its tail gleaming like steel as it whipped across Infernape's chest.

But Infernape grabbed it—tight.

And with a furious shout, over-the-shoulder slammed Electivire straight into the ground!

BOOM!

The battlefield was reduced to rubble—shattered tiles everywhere.

The crowd erupted.

Cheers rang out—half for Electivire, half for Infernape.

Everyone was on their feet.

"HEHH-HOHH!!"

Another Thunder from Electivire—direct hit!

Both Pokémon panted heavily.

And then—

Infernape's flame shot skyward.

Its entire body shimmered with crimson light!

It had activated its Awakened Blaze state!

Paul's eyes widened.

Maybe… I was wrong.

Look at that.

This is what happens when you believe in your Pokémon.

He'd pushed Chimchar to its limits, trying to force this kind of power.

But Ash… Ash had done it by trusting it.

By bonding with it.

In the original timeline, Ash helped Chimchar master Blaze through sheer emotional support.

This time, it was boosted by the system's enhancement cards.

But the essence was the same.

Blazing Volt Tackle!

Infernape, engulfed in flames and electricity, charged forward with its signature technique.

Electivire responded with Thunder!

They collided—head-on!

The blast lit up the entire arena.

Spectators could only see light—blinding, overwhelming light.

"Electivire is unable to battle! Infernape wins!"

Silence fell.

Then the cheers exploded again.

Paul stood quietly for a moment.

Then reached for Electivire's Poké Ball, recalling it with care.

"If this feels frustrating… then let's use that frustration to grow stronger, Electivire. Together."

Then he turned and walked away.

Head held high.

A rare smile on his face.

No one expected this.

Paul had surrendered—he didn't even send out his sixth Pokémon.

Ash recalled Infernape, satisfied.

Then, his eyes shifted—guided by Aura.

Tobias was standing across the field.

Watching him.

Tobias had once thought Ash was no threat.

But now… he couldn't read this boy at all.

Yet it didn't matter.

No one would stop Tobias from completing his mission.

He'd prepared for this.

Six legendary Pokémon.

Ash looked at Tobias.

Tobias looked back.

In that moment, the roaring crowd faded.

The announcer's voice.

The judges.

All vanished from their minds.

It was just the two of them now.

Tobias… are you ready?

Because you're next.

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T/N:

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