In the conference reception hall, Makoto Ito's father, Sawakoshi Ito, spoke arrogantly, making it clear he didn't consider the Kanto families worth his attention.
After all, the Sinnoh and Kanto regions were separated by great distance — who among them could possibly threaten the Ito family?
Besides, he had no reason to fear for his safety. His son now possessed his strongest Pokémon, and as an official representative of the Sinnoh League, Sawakoshi had diplomatic immunity. In his eyes, this match was not only a battle — it was an opportunity to bring prestige to his region.
At the tournament venue, Makoto Ito sneered across the field at his opponent.
Makoto Ito: "So, you're Ash. I'll give you a chance — if you know what's good for you, you'll withdraw before the match even begins. And one more thing… stay away from Cynthia. She belongs to me."
His arrogance drew immediate boos from the crowd, but Makoto didn't care in the slightest.
Ash: "You? Don't make me laugh. You're nothing without your father's Pokémon."
Ash's words dripped with contempt. He had already decided that this was the end of Makoto Ito — he would defeat him so thoroughly that Sinnoh's arrogance would shatter here, in Kanto.
Makoto's face twisted in rage. The word "waste" — trash — struck a deep nerve. He'd heard it whispered countless times behind his back in Sinnoh. Though he strutted with pride, everyone knew his victories were borrowed from his family's strength. It was a wound he'd never been able to heal.
Makoto Ito: "You'll regret those words! I'll make you cry before this match is over!"
Ash: "Then let's raise the stakes. If you're so confident—how about a battle to the death?"
The room fell silent. Faces turned pale. Even the commentators were speechless.
In the Pokémon League, a life-and-death battle meant a match without mercy — where even the opponent's Pokémon could die. No one had ever dared suggest such a thing in a League-sanctioned match.
Nate Mugino: "Mr. Shiro, is Ash serious? A life-and-death battle?!"
Ferb Ignatius: "Yeah, that's too extreme! If something goes wrong, people or Pokémon could die!"
Jessica Blackstone: "I don't like it either. Even if Ash's Pokémon are champion-level, their battle experience is still limited. Makoto's father is a veteran — his team will be dangerous."
The spectators buzzed with tension. Most were against the idea. But Sawakoshi Ito, sitting smugly at the back, said nothing. Ash's words had already spread across the arena — refusing now would be seen as cowardice.
Even if it was reckless, Makoto couldn't back down without disgracing the Sinnoh League.
Skye Draconis: "Don't worry. Ash wouldn't joke about something like this."
Professor Samuel Oak: "Skye's right. You may not know Ash's team as well as I do, but I assure you — they can handle it."
Both Oak and Skye were calm, even pleased. They had long been dissatisfied with the Ito family's arrogance.
Makoto Ito: "Fine! I accept your challenge! But don't come crying when it's your turn to fall!"
His confidence returned instantly. After all, he was using his father's Pokémon — the strongest of the Ito family. Whatever Ash had shown so far, Makoto still believed he could crush him.
Commentator: "Unbelievable! The match between Ash and Makoto Ito has escalated into a life-and-death duel! This isn't just about the championship anymore — it's about the honor of two entire regions! Who will Lady Luck smile upon today?"
The crowd erupted in passionate shouts.
"Fight, Ash! Show them what Kanto's made of!"
"Teach that Sinnoh brat some respect!"
"Make them remember this day! For Kanto!"
As the noise thundered through the stadium, Ash stood silently at the center of the battlefield, eyes sharp and unwavering.
He wasn't fighting for glory — he was fighting for pride, for Kanto… and for everyone who believed in him.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric. The audience, still reeling from the earlier shock of Ash's challenge, now roared with fierce emotion.
For years, Kanto's championships had been dominated by challengers from other regions. Kanto had come to be mocked as the "weakest region."
And now, seeing Makoto Ito's arrogant smirk and the cruelty in his battles, the long-suppressed frustration of Kanto's people finally erupted.
The crowd's anger—years in the making—had found its outlet.
After heated discussion among League officials, the life-and-death battle was reluctantly approved.
To veto it now would have provoked public outrage, something the League could not afford.
Besides, many within the League quietly hoped Ash would become the champion Kanto so desperately needed—a true symbol of strength for the region.
Although Shiro Draconis currently held the title of Kanto Champion, everyone knew it was a temporary position.
The Elite Four were strong, yes, but Kanto lacked a figure of legend—someone whose very presence could inspire awe.
Commentator:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the League Congress has officially certified this match as a Life-and-Death Battle! The competition begins now!
Keep your eyes wide open—this kind of duel hasn't appeared in over twenty years! Miss it today, and who knows when you'll ever see another!"
Ash stood calmly at his end of the field. His hand closed around a Poké Ball—its surface gleaming under the lights.
He took a deep breath, his eyes sharp with determination.
Ash:
"You've been holding back all this time, haven't you? It's time to show them what you're truly capable of. Go, Venusaur! Let's make them remember your strength!"
He hurled the Poké Ball with a powerful motion.
Boom!
A burst of white light flashed across the field. In the next instant, a massive Venusaur landed heavily, its four thick legs shaking the battlefield.
The earth trembled beneath its weight, and the vines on its back swayed like living whips beneath the giant flower blooming on its back.
Narrator:
"The first to make a move is Ash Ketchum! His chosen Pokémon—Venusaur, one of the original Kanto starters!
What kind of strategy does Ash have in mind for this life-and-death battle? The audience waits with bated breath!"
...
TN:
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