Even if the League wanted to relocate Kazuko Giovanni, they still had to consider Giovanni's immense influence in Kanto. As the saying goes, "Corner a dog, and it will bite." And Team Rocket was far more dangerous than a dog.
"Arcanine, use Royal Flame!" Ash commanded sharply.
But the intense heat of the battlefield made movement difficult for the majestic Arcanine; the air shimmered, and the scorched floor glowed faintly red from previous attacks. Even so, Arcanine gathered its strength—its jaws opening wide as dozens of blazing fireballs shot out in rapid succession, streaking across the arena like miniature suns.
"Torkoal, into your shell!" Kyle shouted immediately.
The Coal Pokémon quickly retracted into its shell, its iron-like carapace glowing faintly under the onslaught.
Ash's eyes flashed with intent. "Ashes Burn!"
At once, Arcanine released a surge of thick black flames that exploded outward in a cloud of soot and embers, engulfing Torkoal's position completely.
Kyle's expression darkened. "That move again…" He recognized it instantly. The same devastating technique Arcanine had once unleashed back when it was still a Growlithe—during Ash's match against Brock's grandfather, Garan.
Back then, its power had already reached A+ rank. But now… things were different. The battlefield itself was a furnace—heat radiated from every inch of the ground, amplifying every explosion, every flicker of fire.
A dangerous combination.
"BOOOOM!!!"
The collision of black flame and searing air erupted with a thunderous crack, forming a mushroom cloud that rose high into the stadium. The blast wave rattled the floor and sent dust spiraling into the stands.
"Torkoal!" Kyle cried, panic flashing across his face. He knew this move was already A+ level on its own—but under these conditions, the heat had boosted it straight into S-rank territory.
The commentator's voice rang through the arena:
"What an incredible attack! Ash's Arcanine has unleashed an S-rank technique! Can Kyle's Torkoal withstand such power!?"
The crowd erupted.
"Master Ash! You're the best!"
"Ash! You're the strongest!"
The chant spread through the stands like wildfire.
As the smoke began to clear, Torkoal emerged, its body trembling and shell cracked in places—but it was still standing.
Ash exhaled, impressed.
"That defense… impressive. So it didn't faint. Looks like Kyle put serious effort into building that Torkoal's endurance."
Indeed, this Torkoal might have been the toughest opponent Ash had faced so far in sheer defense.
Kyle sighed with relief. "Thank goodness…" He'd truly thought his Pokémon wouldn't survive that blast.
Then his eyes sharpened. "Torkoal! Maximum Overheat—Burn it Out!"
Torkoal's furnace-like shell flared crimson, molten heat bleeding through the cracks. With a roar, it gathered massive fire energy and unleashed it as a pulsating wave—Overheat in its most extreme form.
"Dodge it, Arcanine!" Ash ordered.
With a sharp bark, Arcanine vanished in a blur of speed—its paws a streak of fire as it weaved between collapsing rocks and molten ground. The Overheat slammed into the spot it had occupied a moment earlier, detonating with another fiery explosion.
But Kyle wasn't finished.
"Redirect it—track the movement!"
Torkoal roared again, adjusting its aim mid-attack. The lingering flames of Overheat curved, chasing Arcanine through the smoke.
"Flare Blitz!" Ash countered.
Arcanine turned on its heel, its body igniting with a blazing aura as it charged headlong through the pursuing fire. The two flames collided, and for a brief, brilliant moment, the entire battlefield became a blazing inferno of red and gold.
"BOOM!!!"
A deafening explosion split the air. When the light faded, both Pokémon stood panting, scorched and battered—but unyielding.
The crowd roared.
Ash smiled faintly, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Not bad, Kyle. That Torkoal of yours… it's tough."
Kyle grinned back.
"You too, Ash. I expected nothing less from you and your Arcanine."
Narrator: "What a spectacular clash! Both trainers are giving their all—this battle between Ash Ketchum and Kyle Verenza is far from over!"
Torkoal's reaction speed was impressive. Even after taking a heavy blow, it adjusted almost instantly — channeling the last embers of its Overheat attack and striking Arcanine squarely. The Fire-type roared in pain, claws scraping across the scorched floor as it struggled to regain balance.
Ash frowned.
He hadn't expected such a swift counter.
So that's why Kyle focused so much on defense, he thought. He's trained Torkoal's reflexes to match — otherwise, what's the point of a shield that can't move in time?
Narrator:
"Torkoal's Overheat connects! This is the first time Ash's Pokémon has taken direct damage since the start of the Indigo Conference! Kyle's strength is nothing to underestimate!"
It was true — throughout the entire Quartz (Indigo) Conference, Ash's team had dominated every match so far. This was the first time one of his Pokémon had been successfully hit. The crowd erupted with renewed excitement, the tension in the air palpable.
"Arcanine, Fire Blast!" Ash called, his voice cutting through the noise.
Landing firmly on all fours, Arcanine let out a deep growl. Flames gathered in its mouth before exploding outward — three massive fireballs streaked through the air like comets, heading straight for Torkoal.
"Torkoal, don't give up! Use Iron Defense!" Kyle countered instantly.
Torkoal withdrew into its shell, a metallic sheen flashing across its surface — a shimmering barrier of heat-hardened energy coating the shell like molten glass.
The Iron Defense technique greatly boosted its endurance — something Kyle had been perfecting for months. Given how much stamina Torkoal had already expended and the injuries it suffered from Ash's earlier Ashes Burn, reinforcing its defense now was the only way to stay standing.
"BOOM!"
"BOOM!"
"BOOM!"
The three fiery blasts struck Torkoal one after another, engulfing it in waves of searing flame.
When the smoke cleared, Torkoal was still in its shell, glowing faintly with heat, steam rising from its body. The crowd gasped — the Iron Defense had held.
But both trainers knew the truth.
Torkoal had taken serious damage. The defense might have saved it from being knocked out, but the impact of those Fire Blasts had left deep burns and heavy strain on its body.
Ash's expression hardened.
"It's hanging on… but not for long."
Kyle clenched his fists.
"Torkoal's still in this. Don't quit now!"
...
TN:
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