Although at that time many people said Ash used some unsavory methods, the follow-up live battle with Elite Lorelei also cleared up the rumors, meaning Ash had already battled with two Elites, and Charizard had appeared in battles with both!
"No wonder he's so arrogant; a Charizard that can compete against an Elite can indeed be a bit cocky." Corey nodded knowingly, but felt slightly troubled inside.
If he remembered correctly, Ash had been on his journey for less than half a year.
In less than half a year to achieve such results, compared to him, it was as if he'd lived all these years in vain, achieving nothing!
On the field, after a moment of silence, Mewtwo also nodded: 'Although your character is somewhat lacking, I recognize your strength. A three-on-one isn't unfair to you, and since your side has already lost two matches, by a best of three, you're already considered the defeated side. So now, defeating three Pokémon is your only way to victory.'
Mewtwo's words made Ash twitch the corner of his mouth. He had no objections to most of it, but what did it mean by lacking character?
While he couldn't claim to have the best character globally, he was still among the top tier, right? Others could question his strength, but they couldn't question his character!
"Actually, I really want to argue with you about this, but now's not the time for such things, and you don't seem like you'd quietly listen to my explanation. Let's talk in detail after the battle." Ash shrugged, choosing to skip the topic.
'Words are futile, let's battle.' Mewtwo's voice echoed in Ash's mind. The Blastoise on the field also stomped vigorously, releasing a ferocious aura.
This time, Mewtwo still chose Blastoise to appear, understanding the simple logic that Water Type restrains Fire Type. Did they really think she was just a fake Trainer?
"It's you, Charizard!!"
"Roar!!"
The power within Ash surged violently into Charizard's body. At this moment, Charizard was genuinely of Elite Level!!
Indeed, Charizard had successfully broken through to Gym Level after seven days of training.
Moreover, the Aura Power from Ash continued to enhance Charizard with no reduction, achieving a significant leap in levels.
Currently, in terms of sheer strength, Charizard could rival the Junior Elite level, and using the power of Divine Flame, even Elite Peak would have to think twice.
If Charizard encountered Pokémon with advantageous attributes, battling against an Elite Peak would provide a greater than sixty percent chance of victory.
Charizard's imposing presence made Blastoise's sturdy body slightly recoil; this aura was entirely different from the same type previously encountered, arguably on a different level.
'Hydro Pump.' The aura of Charizard had no effect on Mewtwo. To her, Charizard was no different from a Rattata, just a larger Rattata. Her voice remained calm and collected as she ordered Blastoise.
Blastoise's body slightly bent, then from the two cannons on his back, two torrents surged fiercely toward Charizard!
"Block it." Ash didn't even bother to command Charizard to use any moves, giving such a plain and simple order.
And Charizard carried out Ash's order entirely. He truly didn't use any moves, directly flying towards the Hydro Pump!
At the moment when the Hydro Pump was about to hit, Charizard placed both claws in front, enduring the entire force of the Hydro Pump head-on!
"Boom!!"
The sky was filled with a water curtain that enveloped Charizard entirely, causing everyone's hearts to clench.
No matter how strong Charizard was, taking a Hydro Pump head-on like this was too irrational, right? After all, this was a doubly effective attack!
The next second, an emerald green light flashed through the water curtain, instantly splitting the curtain into two.
Charizard, with Dragon Claws glowing, burst forth from the curtain, reaching Blastoise in an instant, and smashed down with ferocious claws!
"Screech!!"
A teeth-gritting sound echoed, leaving six terrifying claw marks on Blastoise's shell as he let out a scream, being slammed to the ground by Dragon Claw.
"Flamethrower." A calm voice echoed on the field, and the next moment, scorching flames covered the entire arena, instantly soaring the temperature of the open area!
The flames lasted only a few seconds, but Misty and others had already started sweating. An Elite Level attack significantly affected the surroundings, as the arena lacked a shield to isolate the aftermath, allowing them to feel the intense heat of the flames.
As the flames settled, a pitch-black Blastoise lay quietly on the ground, already incapable of battling.
With just two moves, the seemingly invincible Blastoise of Mewtwo was utterly defeated. This was the power of Ash's Charizard!
Gary even rubbed his eyes, an expression of shock and disbelief appearing on his face.
He knew there was a significant gap between him and Ash, but never had he felt this stark contrast in power directly.
The opponent he couldn't defeat with even MEGA Evolution was easily taken down by Ash's Charizard with a Negative Attribute!
Is there any justice? Any fairness?! They all came from Pallet Town on the same day, so why is there such a big difference?
However, there's no time to mourn for Gary's sadness now, as next up is Mewtwo's Venusaur!
Seeing Blastoise defeated so quickly, Venusaur took the stage, seething with anger, its face unmistakably raging.
Even though they were cloned Pokémon, they possessed the emotions of normal Pokémon, merely looking slightly different.
He wanted revenge for his partner!
'Frenzy Plant.' Mewtwo's command echoed, this time also using a signature move. Mewtwo was well aware of the disparity between both sides' strengths, and only through move skills could the gap be closed.
"Venusaur!" Venusaur roared, causing countless green plants to erupt from the ground, with thorny, barbed stems violently stabbing towards Charizard.
"Fire Punch."
"Roar!!" Charizard's fists became engulfed in blazing flames, shooting out like a meteor shower. Innumerable fists met the thorny barbs, and in the blink of an eye, those seemingly steel-piercing thorns were incinerated to ash by Fire Punch!
"Flare Blitz." Following the breaking of Frenzy Plant, Ash's follow-up command ensued. Instantly, blue flames erupted on Charizard, raising the field's temperature once more, making the ground seem like it would melt under those blue flames!
In the next instant, Charizard shot out like an erupting volcano, blue flames trailing in a long tail extending toward Venusaur.
"Boom!!" A violent explosion reverberated, with intense shockwaves spreading from the center. Fergus, seated, was nearly blown away, while Gary and others held their ground firmly, resisting the blast's impact.
As everyone endured the explosion's aftermath, their eyes remained fixed on the thick smoke on the field.
Seconds later, the smoke cleared, revealing Charizard standing in the center of the field with some minor injuries, while before him lay Venusaur, resembling the same charred state as Blastoise.
Charizard—two consecutive wins!
"Yeah!! Charizard, well done!" Misty had already begun to cheer excitedly before Ash could shout out in joy.
Corey and others also applauded enthusiastically; these two battles were not only quick but beautifully executed. Ash singlehandedly redeemed the dignity of the human side!