"Come back as well, Pikachu!"
Ash withdrew Pikachu. In the last battle, even though he had a type advantage, Pikachu really performed excellently, completely overpowering Hoothoot.
But in fact, whether it was due to type or level, Pikachu was simply above that Hoothoot, so this outcome wasn't surprising.
"Huh, Ash recalled Pikachu?" Misty couldn't understand Ash's move. Wasn't now the time to press the advantage?
If it had been the old Ash, of course he would have done that and maybe even dreamed of sweeping all three of the opponent's Flying-types with just Pikachu.
But the present Ash was different!
"I don't know, Misty. Ash has grown so much now!" Brock was starting to feel that the two of them, as Gym Trainers, were barely keeping up with Ash anymore.
"He recalled it?" Even Falkner didn't understand Ash's plan, but he made up his mind. "All right, next up—it's your turn."
"Let them see what Bird Pokémon can do!"
From Falkner's Poké Ball emerged a three-headed ostrich-like Bird Pokémon.
Dodrio!
But this Pokémon can't even fly!
The trio were puzzled, but Falkner spoke up without prompting, "To me, Dodrio is the origin of Bird Pokémon. The dream of taking to the skies one day aligns perfectly with my own aspirations."
Hearing this, Ash could only purse his lips.
Buddy, that's a bit of a stretch.
That's just how it evolved—it gave up flight for strong legs, developing great running ability.
What's with the talk about flying to the sky one day? Don't add random plotlines!
"In that case, Snorlax, I choose you!"
Snorlax emerged from the Poké Ball, its massive body landing with a crash—the whole tall building seemed to shudder, and even the sturdy battle arena dented slightly beneath its feet.
"What?!"
Falkner gritted his teeth. Dealing with this Snorlax wouldn't be easy; all of Dodrio's learned moves were physical attacks, which barely affected Snorlax.
"In that case, Dodrio, use Agility!" Falkner gave the command.
Dodrio abruptly accelerated. Falkner had trained it well, and Dodrio was naturally skilled at high-speed running.
You had to say, Falkner played to its strengths brilliantly.
But Ash's Snorlax was a surprisingly flexible and nimble heavyweight!
"Spin in place!"
Just as Dodrio charged in, that enormous body whirled, batting Dodrio aside mid-attack—Ash's timing was perfect.
Dodrio's attack was thrown off, and that titanic body swatted it away.
"The weight difference is just too much!" Brock smiled at the sight. From the moment Snorlax stepped onto the field, this match became a one-sided weight class.
"Not so fast! Dodrio, use Drill Peck!"
This was something like Dodrio's finishing move, and with all three heads attacking together, its power was intense.
But Ash and Snorlax weren't worried. "Drill Peck isn't nearly agile enough. Snorlax, grab it!"
Snorlax caught the charging Dodrio as if picking up a berry from the ground, and wrapped it in a massive embrace.
"Uh oh!"
Falkner cried out, alarmed.
Sure enough, Dodrio let out a howl of pain. Snorlax hadn't even used any moves yet, but just hugging Dodrio with that massive strength made its bones creak.
"I surrender, Ash! Let Dodrio go!"
Falkner chose to yield decisively. So Ash had Snorlax release Dodrio at once.
"Come back, Dodrio!"
Snorlax was declared the winner, turning to Ash with a happy grin.
"All right, I'll give it to you once the battle's over, but for now, return!"
Nearly all Ash's Exchange Points had been traded for System-brand Snorlax feed recently.
But the effect was obvious—after all, it was a System product, and every feeding slightly increased Snorlax's Bond Value.
At this point, Snorlax's Bond Value had already reached 150/255.
Ash considered that a worthy use of Exchange Points!
Brock and Misty understood now: today, Ash clearly intended to take on Falkner one-on-one.
That meant he had great confidence in his Pokémon, and this type of match was truly upright and sportsmanlike!
"Ash's next pick should be Charizard!"
And so, the final round!
Both Falkner and Ash almost simultaneously threw their Poké Balls.
"Ash, you're really strong, but this last one is not going to be defeated so easily! Fly, Pidgeot!"
"I'll get even stronger—stronger and stronger! Charizard, I choose you!"
Pidgeot took to the sky, a Pokémon the Pokédex notes as achieving up to Mach 2 while flying.
The classic final-form bird's power truly was not to be underestimated!
Yet Charizard was undaunted; beating its wings, it soared high to face Pidgeot in midair.
"Charizard, show Pidgeot what you've achieved in special training!"
When it came to speed, Charizard had made immense progress!
Upon hearing Ash's command, Charizard flashed a confident grin.
Ever since evolving, Charizard had looked down on the old Ash, thinking the rookie Trainer couldn't give it the power it wanted.
But on the Orange Islands, it was won over by Ash's genuine heart and agreed to follow his orders.
Now, Charizard completely acknowledged Ash—even admired him—knowing with certainty Ash would help it grow strong!
With a burning drive for strength, Charizard thundered toward Pidgeot, wings beating like a rocket.
"To actually challenge Pidgeot in a speed match!" Falkner was astounded by such a head-on clash. "Pidgeot, don't fall behind!"
Pidgeot vanished in a blur, effortlessly evading Charizard's dive.
But Ash's Aura Power had already locked on to Pidgeot's path.
"Charizard, use Flamethrower—behind you!"
Charizard didn't hesitate—it, too, sensed the rush of wind behind. A scorching pillar of fire burst out just as Pidgeot appeared, engulfing it completely!
"No way!"
Falkner couldn't believe his eyes. Pidgeot's greatest asset—its speed—had just met with disaster on their very first pass!
But the fact remained: heavily injured, Pidgeot's speed was nowhere near the same.
"Charizard, use Dragon Claw!"
Charizard now wielded Dragon Claw with ease, and appeared abruptly in front of the slowed Pidgeot. One swipe slammed Pidgeot straight down onto the battlefield!
"Pidgeot is unable to battle. Charizard wins! The victor is Ash, challenger from Pallet Town!"
Snorlax: 155/255
Charizard: 200/255