Chapter 283: Defeating Arcanine, Kabutops's Ferocious Counterattack
"Arcanine, use Flamethrower now!" Gary ordered decisively, aiming to strike during the brief moment Red sent out his next Pokémon.
Another flash of white light revealed Kabutops, sturdily built and holding its signature sharp bone club.
"Kabutops!" it roared.
Before Kabutops could react, a massive pillar of flame erupted directly before it, with power so immense it seemed intent on engulfing the entire body of Kabutops.
Without needing any prompt from Red, the calm Kabutops resolutely used Rock Slide, manipulating sharp stone blades to continuously attack and wear down the raging flame, steadily draining its energy.
"Kabutops!"
To further dissipate the flames, Kabutops spun its bone club to generate a powerful vortex that blew away the remaining fire, coming through unharmed and unscathed.
"This was still too desperate an attempt," Gary muttered helplessly, trying to console his demoralized Arcanine.
"Use Bone Boomerang, Kabutops."
At Red's command, Kabutops threw its sturdy bone club with force. The weapon flew like a boomerang at incredible speed toward Arcanine.
Bang!
Arcanine barely had time to react before the club slammed hard into its body, then spun behind it, preparing for another attack.
"Arcanine, dodge quickly!" Gary urged anxiously, surprised by Kabutops's sudden aggression.
"Kabutops, charge with Headbutt!"
Kabutops roared and charged straight at Arcanine, extending its neck forward. The bone club behind it created a perfect two-pronged attack.
Just as Arcanine prepared to use Extreme Speed to evade the double assault, the paralysis effect activated.
A faint electric current appeared along Arcanine's body, inducing paralysis that froze it in place. It was forced to endure both of Kabutops's attacks without moving.
Bang!
"Arcanine!" Gary shouted anxiously.
Everyone watching saw Kabutops's hardheaded charge and heavy club collide with Arcanine's body at the same time. The force overwhelmed Arcanine, causing it to collapse and lose its battle capability instantly.
"Arcanine is unable to battle!" the referee announced, raising the red flag.
"I never expected Arcanine to be defeated so quickly..." Gary looked dejected as his battle spirit seemed to fade after successive defeats greatly dented his confidence.
"Sigh, as I thought," Professor Oak said helplessly, quietly sighing.
"The Gary I know wouldn't be so downhearted," Red suddenly said.
"Where is the aspiring Gary who wanted to become Pallet Town's strongest Trainer? Who is this weak version standing before me now? Has all your fighting spirit crumbled like this?"
"Red, you jerk..." Gary hesitated, unsure of how to respond to Red's words.
"Gary, don't give up easily. At least defeat one of his Pokémon, will you?"
At that moment, Ash unexpectedly shouted from the audience, choosing to cheer for Gary.
Seeing this, Gary's expression brightened. After adjusting his emotions, he reignited his fighting spirit.
"You two brothers really give me a headache!" Gary declared before immediately sending out his next Pokémon.
"This one definitely won't lose to your Kabutops!"
The white light faded, revealing Nidoking with a prominent, sharp horn atop its forehead.
"Roar!"
Nidoking locked eyes with Kabutops with fierce determination. It was the first time Nidoking saw such a well-developed Kabutops close in height.
Nidoking was also well-trained by Gary, reaching 1.7 meters tall. But Red's Kabutops had surpassed even that, reaching an astonishing 1.5 meters tall, a full half-meter taller than an average Kabutops.
"Nidoking, use Ice Beam!"
As the bell rang, Gary immediately ordered Nidoking to use Ice Beam, targeting Kabutops for super-effective double damage.
Nidoking opened its mouth and released a chilling Ice Beam that swept toward Kabutops. The cold air emanating faintly made Kabutops start to feel uncomfortable.
"Kabutops, use Flamethrower."
Red said calmly, as if he had already predicted Gary's move.
"What?!" Gary gasped.
Kabutops opened its mouth and unleashed a fiercely hot flame that instantly melted the incoming Ice Beam, creating a burst of steam.
"Kabutops, charge and use Bone Club Bash."
Red commanded. Kabutops roared and projected an overwhelming aura, moving rapidly toward Nidoking and swinging its bone club ferociously.
"Nidoking, use Mega Punch quickly!"
As Kabutops's bone club neared, Nidoking immediately struck back, releasing a gleaming right fist to block the attack, stopping Kabutops's onslaught.
"Well done, Nidoking. Now use Iron Tail while you have the chance."
Seeing Nidoking prepare to counterattack, Kabutops quickly withdrew its bone club to defend against Iron Tail, but unexpectedly, Nidoking tightly grasped the club, preventing Kabutops from pulling it back.
"Kabutops!"
Kabutops grit its teeth as Nidoking swung its silver tail to hit Kabutops's forehead fiercely, the impact forcing Kabutops to retreat.
"Kabutops!"
Kabutops frowned in frustration and rubbed the wound on its forehead. Then, it swung its bone club viciously towards Nidoking, launching a Bone Boomerang attack.
"That reckless guy is too impatient."
Red shook his head helplessly.
Blindly throwing your trusted weapon isn't a smart move.
"Nidoking, use Ice Beam now to freeze Kabutops's bone club!"
Gary cheered excitedly as this presented a perfect chance for attack.
Nidoking seemed to anticipate Gary's plan and eagerly released a powerful Ice Beam. The chilling beam froze the bone club swirling mid-air.
Clatter!
The frozen bone club crashed to the battlefield's center, making it impossible for Kabutops to retrieve.
Seeing its prized club frozen, Kabutops grew angry and glared at Nidoking fiercely.
"Roar!"
Although initially intimidated by Kabutops's fierce demeanor, Nidoking steeled its muscles and roared back gently.
(This Kabutops's aura somehow mingles with a deadly killing intent.)
Gary cautiously looked at Kabutops, seeming to sense something different brewing within.