Chapter 278: Chapter 278: Overwhelming Victory
"Blastoise, it's your time!" he called, throwing the Poké Ball. With a flash of light, Blastoise appeared on the grassy field, towering with confidence.
Pete gulped. He had anticipated facing Blastoise but hoped it wouldn't happen so soon. Realizing he might have miscalculated, he braced himself as the commentator introduced the Pokémon and the referee called for the start of the match.
"Arcanine, let's open with Extreme Speed!" Pete commanded, determined to go on the offensive. Arcanine unleashed a low growl, channeling its energy before disappearing in a blur of speed, dashing towards Blastoise in a streak of light.
"Blastoise, withdraw into your shell, then use Rapid Spin!" Ash countered. In one fluid motion, Blastoise tucked into its shell, amplifying its defenses with a blue aura.
As Arcanine closed in, Blastoise began spinning rapidly, deflecting the impact. Though Arcanine's collision hit hard, Blastoise emerged mostly unscathed, shrugging off the attack.
"Now, Blastoise, use Water Pulse!" Ash called, his eyes fixed on Arcanine.
In mid-air, Blastoise emerged from its shell, hands raised as it summoned a sphere of water. It landed with force, skidding back a few meters, then launched the Water Pulse directly at Arcanine, who was still recovering from the impact.
"Arcanine, counter it with Heat Wave!" Pete shouted, trying to hold off the oncoming attack.
Flames surged from Arcanine, creating a blazing hurricane that clashed against the surging wave of water. Steam hissed and rose, filling the battlefield as the moves battled for dominance.
But Water Pulse was relentless, pushing through the fiery gust. The wave surged over Arcanine, extinguishing the flames and crashing into it with a heavy impact. Arcanine struggled to rise, visibly weakened.
"Water Gun, now!" Ash commanded, determined to end the battle swiftly.
Blastoise's cannons adjusted, firing two powerful jets of water that struck Arcanine squarely, knocking it back and depleting the last of its strength.
"Arcanine is unable to battle. Blastoise is the winner!" the referee declared, raising his flag in Ash's favor.
The commentator was astounded. "What an incredible show of skill! Ash's Blastoise has defeated Arcanine with decisive force! It's hard to believe he's only been a Trainer for less than a year!"
Pete's confidence began to waver. His initial plan had crumbled, and he found himself scrambling to adapt.
Despite his efforts to regain control, he struggled as Ash's Blastoise continued to dominate, even against his next Pokémon, Vileplume, which held a type advantage. Blastoise's strength and tactical maneuvers were too much for Pete to counter.
"Vileplume is unable to battle. Blastoise wins again!" the referee announced. "Since Pete has lost three Pokémon, the winner is Ash!"
The audience erupted in applause, and Ash, grinning, jumped down onto the field, greeting Blastoise with pride. In the stands, Misty and Brock celebrated alongside Delia, watching from Pallet Town.
Pete recalled his Vileplume with a sigh, shook Ash's hand with a forced smile, and left the field, leaving Ash to bask in the cheers and thrill of victory.
This was competition at its finest—an arena where one earned glory through skill, resilience, and sometimes overwhelming strength.
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