In the center of the arena.
"Pika... Pika... Pikapikapika——!!!"
Pikachu let out an extremely passionate scream, and the thunder entwining it erupted completely at this moment!
Countless golden arcs of electricity burst forth from its tiny body, covering it entirely.
The density of that Thunder Light was astonishingly high. It almost solidified and transformed Pikachu into a dazzling golden sun!
An overwhelming catastrophic power poured from its body, causing the entire Gym to shake violently at this moment.
Inside the Pokeball, Mewtwo's expression changed slightly, again?!
She didn't hesitate to extend her hands from the Pokeball, channeling her Superpower without reservation into that transparent barrier.
The League-supplied barrier shattered instantly, dispersing into a sky full of light points.
At the moment of its shattering, a more solid and deeper azure barrier reformed around the battlefield, firmly sealing the entire battle area within.
The next moment, Pikachu's electricity-filled body charged fiercely towards the Meteor Shower descending from the sky.
"Rumble——!!!"
Golden Thunder Light fiercely collided with the crimson Meteor Shower in mid-air.
It was a clash between the power of bonds and the dignity of the Steel Dragon.
Blinding light instantly engulfed the entire Gym, even causing the azure barrier to shake violently, rippling endlessly with densely overlapping waves.
The entire crimson Meteor Shower was shattered and obliterated under the impact of the golden Thunder Light.
Yet Pikachu's golden lightning didn't halt for a moment; instead, it charged relentlessly through the Meteor Shower, striking directly towards Duraludon on the other side of the battlefield.
"Duraludon——!!"
Raihan's pupils shrank suddenly, but he was already too late to react.
"Boom——!!!!"
The golden Thunder Light, filled with the power of bonds, hit Duraludon's body solidly.
Terror filled the steel body, swallowing it whole.
The blinding electric light rampaged crazily in the center of the arena for more than ten seconds before gradually subsiding.
Once the golden electric light dissipated, the entire arena was completely altered beyond recognition.
A massive charred pit appeared in the center, with lingering electrical arcs flickering on the azure barrier.
And at the center of the pit, Duraludon's massive body lay heavily on the ground.
Its once snow-white steel armor was charred black, covered in dense burn marks from the electric currents.
Duraludon had its eyes tightly shut, without even a hint of struggle remaining, and completely lost its ability to fight.
The entire Gym fell into dead silence.
The referee stood dumbfounded for a long time before coming to his senses, tremblingly raising the flag in his hand.
"Duraludon is unable to battle!"
"All six Pokémon are unable to battle. The winner of this Gym battle is the challenger Ash——!"
Ash and Pikachu slumped to the ground, gasping for air.
The Pika Papow move consumed them both significantly.
Ash supported himself with one hand on the ground and raised his other hand, forming a fist towards Raihan on the other side of the field.
That meaning couldn't be clearer—we won.
From within the Pokeball, Mewtwo's voice slowly transmitted into Ash's mind through telepathy.
'You're as reckless as ever.'
Ash smiled helplessly, responding internally.
'Can't help it, Pika Papow's power is uncontrollable.'
'Once unleashed, it's the maximum power attack.'
'Since Gym Leader Raihan used his strongest move, we can't hold back on our side.'
Inside the Pokeball, Mewtwo shook her head helplessly.
'If I hadn't acted, the entire Gym, or even half of Blackthorn City, would be turned to ashes.'
'That move's aftermath isn't something the League's barrier could withstand.'
Ash grinned widely.
'I knew you'd intervene.'
'That's why I dared to let Pikachu go all out.'
Mewtwo paused, finally chuckling helplessly and withdrawing her consciousness back into the Pokeball.
Though her tone carried a hint of scolding, she ultimately indulged her reckless trainer.
After all, it's not the first day her trainer's been so reckless.
As Ash's Pokémon, what could she do but help cover for him continually? Indulge him.
On the other side of the field, Raihan hurriedly crossed over the battered arena and quickly approached Duraludon's side.
He crouched down, carefully inspecting Duraludon's condition.
Once he confirmed Duraludon was still breathing, he let out a long sigh of relief.
That scene just now was clear as day to him.
The League-supplied barrier was actually shattered directly by Pikachu's attack.
Without a doubt, Pikachu's Pika Papow far exceeded the range achievable by Champion Level.
It likely... touched the threshold of Divine Domain Level.
This possibility was absurd to the extreme.
A champion-advanced Pikachu whose attack could reach Divine Domain Level?
What kind of international joke is this?
Yet the facts lay bloodily before his eyes.
The League barrier's strength was without error; being shattered outright indicated the terror of that strike.
This is why Raihan was so worried about his Duraludon.
If it had taken that hit solidly, Duraludon might be meeting its maker!
Luckily, Duraludon just lost its battling capabilities, its life still hanging in there.
Just take it to the Pokemon Center for a good recovery, and in two to three days it'll be fine.
Meanwhile, Ash also got back on his feet.
He dusted off his clothes and hurried to the center of the field, looking worriedly at Raihan.
"Raihan Gym Leader, is Duraludon okay?"
The tired Pikachu that was lying on the ground just moments ago now trotted over, perched on Ash's shoulder, concerned.
"Pika?"
Raihan waved his hand.
"Don't worry, nothing serious, just lost battling ability."
"A couple days in the Pokemon Center and it'll be back on its feet."
Upon hearing this, Ash still wasn't completely relieved.
He knelt down and gently placed his hand on Duraludon's massive body.
In the next moment, a soothing Power of Viridian slowly flowed from his palm into Duraludon's body.
A moment later, Duraludon's shocking scorch marks and injuries visibly improved.
Raihan watched this scene with surprise, feeling a bit dazed.
"What...what kind of ability is this?"
At this moment, Raihan felt like Ash in front of him wasn't human, but a humanoid Pokemon!
A power that enhances Pokemon's combat abilities, a power that heals Pokemon's injuries, plus all sorts of bizarre, powerful Pokemon he carries...
Every aspect of Ash proves he's anything but a normal Trainer.
Even Pokemon don't have such a variety of abilities!
"Ash, I finally understand."
Raihan stood up, looking at Ash with a sense of realization.
"You're totally extraordinary, both you and your Pokemon!"
Ash's mouth twitched.
"Raihan Gym Leader, are you praising me or mocking me?"
Raihan laughed heartily.
"It's undoubtedly a compliment."
"But you're so exceptionally unique that normal praise is not enough."
"So I can only use such an alternative way to praise you."
With that, he took out a fine badge.
The badge had an imposing design, made entirely of metal with a dragon scale-like sheen.
Dragon Badge.
"This is the Dragon Badge, proof of success in Hammerlocke Gym challenge."
"Take it, Ash, you've earned it."
Ash accepted the Dragon Badge with both hands, a radiant smile instantly appearing on his face.
He raised the badge high, and Pikachu on his shoulder puffed out its tiny chest.
"I got the Dragon Badge!"
"Pika—Pikachu!"
Their signature pose, unique to their celebration.
After storing the badge, Raihan also returned Duraludon to the Pokeball.
The two walked toward the direction of the stands together.
The Charizard lying down also followed Ash back to the stands.
In the stands, Lance spoke first, his eyes filled with admiration.
"Truly an incredibly brilliant battle."
Clair beside him smiled ruefully, looking at Ash with helplessness.
"So... Ash, you held back so much when battling me."
She's come to terms with the reality.
Back in Blackthorn Gym, Ash's few Pokemon compared to today's battle were worlds apart.
If Ash had used the three Pokemon he battled Raihan with, she would have lost even more terribly!
Cynthia also wore a gentle smile.
"Ash, you've grown a lot."
"Since the Orange Archipelago, you and your Pokemon have become much stronger."
But Raihan interrupted Ash.
"What do you mean a brilliant match." He waved his hand hopelessly, "This was clearly just me being completely crushed."
"Six to zero... six to zero! This score, it's a first in my life."
Cynthia smiled to comfort him.
"Raihan, don't be too pessimistic."
"If you had started with Duraludon, or if your rules allowed switching Pokemon, it wouldn't be a six to zero result."
"Mainly Ash was hitting one-on-one."
"If Ash never switched Pokemon, with your ability, you could have exchanged two or three of his Pokemon."
"So don't take it to heart."
Raihan rolled his eyes.
"This comfort isn't comforting at all."
"When I battled Leon, I at least took down three to four of his Pokemon."
"But against Ash, I was wiped out completely."
Lance shook his head, speaking seriously.
"You can't say that, Raihan."
"Ash even brought out the God of Reversal this time."
"The fact you could face a Divine Domain Peak God of Reversal, and get a few rounds in, you should be happy."
"Throughout Galar, I doubt you'd find another Trainer with your privilege."
Raihan's eyes twinkled with mischief.
"Oh? Lance saying that..."
"Ash is still here."
"If you're interested, you could have Ash bring out the God of Reversal for a match!"
Lance's expression stiffened.
"Cough, no need, no need." He waved his hand hurriedly, an unusual panic crossing his composed face.
"I think observing the God of Reversal from afar suits me better than close combat…" That high-level battle is just your domain, Raihan!"
Battle Giratina? That's pure punishment!
He likes battling strong opponents, but not battles he knows he'll lose!
It's the Divine Domain Peak! The Divine Domain Peak!
Really think it's a roadside walk? Giratina alone can plow through his six Pokemon!
"Bah!" Raihan expressed direct disdain toward Lance.
Soon, the stands filled with laughter and cheer.
The tension from the thrilling duel vanished without a trace.
Misty cradled Togepi, happily approaching Ash.
"Ash, does that mean you've collected all eight badges now?"
Ash nodded solemnly, his face brimming with confidence.
With the Rising Dragon Badge from Blackthorn Gym and now the Dragon Badge from Hammerlocke Gym, he's finally gathered the badges necessary for the League Competition.
"That's right."
He put the Dragon Badge along with the other badges in the badge box, each badge sparkling in the sunlight.
"Now I... am qualified for the Silver Conference!"
The Pikachu on his shoulder waved its tiny fist, cheeks sparking joyously.
"Pika Pika!"
He's one step closer to becoming a Pokemon Master.
Next, he must help Serena collect all her badges and prepare for the Silver Conference!
This Silver Conference is filled with strong opponents, though labeled League Conference, many powerful Trainers will come to battle.
Just from the Gym's difficulty, and the Johto League's emphasis on this, it's clear.
After all, this Silver Conference decides who'll participate in the Eight Great Masters preliminaries!
He's got to be Champion for the Eight Great Masters contest!
Then, Cynthia beside asked: "Ash, where are you heading next?"
"Hmm... I'll look for weaker Gyms first, I want Serena to collect all eight badges too."
"Then... it'll be up to Dawn."
Ash: ?
Dawn: ?
What does that mean? Isn't Cynthia supposed to follow him? Why does she sound like leaving trust in his care?
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