Dewgong's Ice Beam swept across the entire floating platform. Even if Clefairy had mastered Minimize, there was no way to avoid an attack that covered the whole area.
Thunderbolt and Ice Beam struck their respective targets almost simultaneously.
Although both Pokémon were hit, their reactions were completely different.
Dewgong clearly held the advantage in raw endurance. Even after taking a super-effective Thunderbolt, it suffered no serious injuries.
Clefairy, however, was another matter entirely. Its defensive ability was weak to begin with, and Dewgong's strength far exceeded its own. Under Dewgong's full-powered Ice Beam, Clefairy instantly lost its ability to battle.
Seeing the result, the Cerulean Gym referee announced excitedly,
"Clefairy is unable to battle. Dewgong wins!"
"Come back, Clefairy," Sam said calmly.
Clefairy's defeat had been within his expectations. His expression didn't change as he released his final Pokémon.
"Go, Bulbasaur."
When Misty saw Bulbasaur enter the field, her eyes lit up with a serious, focused look.
She hadn't chosen Dewgong at random. As a dual Water- and Ice-type Pokémon, it was clearly meant to counter Grass-types. She had already guessed that Sam's last Pokémon would be Bulbasaur.
Bulbasaur stepped onto the floating platform, clearly uncomfortable at first.
It was used to battling on solid ground, and fighting atop a floating board was a completely different experience.
Fortunately, Pokémon adapted quickly. After a short moment, Bulbasaur steadied itself and adjusted to the shifting surface.
"Now then," Misty said, raising her hand, "the final round begins."
She deliberately refrained from attacking while Bulbasaur was adjusting. As a Gym Trainer, she wanted to fight fairly.
If she attacked while the challenger was still adapting, the reputation of the Cerulean Gym would be completely ruined.
Once Bulbasaur was ready, Misty gave the command without hesitation.
"Dewgong, use Ice Beam again!"
Unlike Ash, who often relied on reckless charges, Misty had been trained as a Gym Trainer since childhood. She understood type matchups deeply, and choosing the correct move to suppress her opponent was basic competence.
Sam rubbed his temples, feeling a slight headache. The water-based battlefield was extremely restrictive for him and his Pokémon. Winning this wouldn't be easy.
"Bulbasaur," Sam said firmly, "use Razor Leaf."
Since dodging was difficult on water, he chose not to dodge at all.
This would be a direct clash—whoever couldn't endure it would fall first.
Bulbasaur's eyes sharpened with determination. Ignoring the Ice Beam closing in on it, it unleashed Razor Leaf without restraint.
Bulbasaur fighting at full power was nothing short of terrifying.
In an instant, countless razor-sharp leaves formed behind it, surging forward like a green storm and slashing toward Dewgong.
Sam's strategy immediately put Misty in a dilemma.
The entire battlefield was enveloped by Razor Leaf. If Dewgong continued attacking head-on, it would have to withstand sustained damage.
Should she retreat underwater and wait for Bulbasaur to exhaust its energy?
Or endure the Razor Leaf barrage and fight through it?
For a moment, Misty hesitated.
At that exact time, several new figures entered the arena.
They were the three Cerulean sisters, just returning from their synchronized swimming performance. Behind them followed two familiar faces, Ash and Brock.
When Ash saw the intense battle in progress, his jaw nearly dropped. He couldn't understand why Sam and Misty were fighting, nor why Misty was standing in the position of the Gym Leader.
The scene completely confused him.
The three Cerulean sisters, however, smiled brightly as they watched Misty commanding the battle with confidence.
Their youngest sister had finally grown up.
Compared to them, Misty might look like an ugly duckling, lacking both looks and figure—but when it came to Trainer talent, she was undeniably a genius.
They had endured ridicule and pressure for years, refusing to give up the Gym their parents left behind, all to wait for this moment.
Even when others mocked them as the weakest Gym Leaders in Kanto, they never wavered.
Because they believed that once Misty truly took over, everything would change.
That she would wash away the Cerulean Gym's disgrace.
Back on the battlefield, Misty finally made her choice.
She didn't want to retreat.
Diving into the water might increase her odds of winning, but she refused.
She was fighting as a Gym Trainer.
And an excellent Gym Trainer does not back down.
Steel yourself and charge head-on.
She would show Sam who truly ruled this battlefield.