"Next." Such speed is impossible to dodge, so it can only be taken head-on. Although the opponent's force is rather terrifying, if the Electivire is prepared, it's not impossible to withstand.
"Pika!" Pikachu moved its four limbs, its figure flickering in the field, so dazzlingly fast that it was impossible to tell from which direction it would launch its attack.
The next moment, Pikachu appeared behind Electivire without any warning, its small body slamming fiercely into it!
"Bang!!" The massive force struck Electivire's lower back, and even the prepared Electivire felt like its waist was about to break. Its body couldn't help but want to fly forward, but Electivire still relied on tremendous perseverance to hold it together. It then twisted its waist and swung both fists toward Pikachu!
"Pika!" Pikachu used the recoil from Quick Attack to hop back, dodging Electivire's first punch. But immediately after, Electivire swung another fist, pounding towards the airborne Pikachu that couldn't dodge!
Thunder crackled in the air, golden arcs flashing, and the shadow of Thunder Punch was reflected in Pikachu's eyes.
"Iron Tail!" Ash's voice rang out, and Pikachu's expression condensed. Its tail lit up with a metallic sheen. Then, it spun in the air, bringing its tail up to collide with Electivire's Thunder Punch!
"Bang!!" A muffled sound echoed in the air, and both parties flew out, sliding to stand in front of their trainers.
The clash was a stalemate, but Paul's face darkened even more. Pikachu's Iron Tail was not only used in the air, but the charging time was almost nonexistent. Under such circumstances, it matched evenly with Thunder Punch. How could Paul possibly feel happy?
"Continue the attack, use Brick Break."
"Still going? Pikachu, Iron Tail!" Seeing Paul continue to use Brick Break, Ash had no doubts. Just now, the direct collision between Brick Break and Iron Tail resulted in Iron Tail almost crushing through Brick Break. The result would be the same this time around.
Fighting Type energy gathered in Electivire's palm, while Pikachu's tail turned a metallic hue. Both sides charged at the same time, colliding in the blink of an eye!
"Bang!" As soon as Iron Tail and Brick Break met, Electivire's arm was already pushed back a bit, but at this moment, Electivire's right fist lit up with brilliant golden electric light.
"Now, Thunder Punch." Paul waved his arm high and shouted loudly.
Electivire's fist landed on Pikachu at this moment!
"Bang!!" The heavy and wide thunderous fist struck Pikachu's small body solidly. The fist was almost as big as half of Pikachu's body, and the massive force instantly sent Pikachu flying, tumbling dozens of times on the ground, and then crashing into the edge barrier with a loud thud.
"Two fists… I see, although Iron Tail can suppress Brick Break, it still takes a bit of time to suppress it. During that time, attacking with another fist can break the opponent's offense; this is Paul's method of breaking through," Professor Oak couldn't help but marvel.
Although this method looks simple, it's extremely difficult to execute, like drawing a circle with your left hand and a square with your right, or even harder.
The drawing circle, drawing square analogy is just used to describe using different skills with both hands, but in the situation where one hand is using a skill and confronting the opponent, wanting to use a skill with the other hand has its difficulty multiplied.
That Electivire must have undergone extraordinary training.
"But an attack of this magnitude can't defeat Pikachu," Brock spoke with extreme confidence in Pikachu, as it was Ash's signature Pokemon!
Ash's team has many unique Pokemon, but the most special one is Pikachu. Special to the point that whenever Ash brings out Pikachu for battle, it feels like a sure win.
Except for when battling Cynthia's Togekiss, Pikachu seems to be undefeated. Losing to Togekiss was only because of the huge level difference, challenging a Champion Advanced Level as a Gym Peak, and with Cynthia, famous for her tactics, as the trainer. Winning would be a miracle!
So Brock believes Pikachu will definitely win this battle!
...
"Are you okay, Pikachu?"
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu stood up from the ground, shook off the dust on its body, still looking radiant.
The Thunder Punch that hit just now only had strong impact force. As for the Electric Type energy, it was nothing more than a tickle to him, so he wasn't really hurt.
"Great, then let's decide it with the next move! We'll use this move!" Ash took off his hat and shouted towards Pikachu.
Pikachu understood and jumped, and Ash tossed his hat, flying it through the barrier and landing stably on Pikachu's head.
Paul saw Pikachu wearing the hat and was visibly stunned. This was the second time he'd seen Pikachu in this stance; the first was on the video of the battle against Koga.
From that battle against Koga, he knew that the hat on Pikachu's head wasn't just decoration but a tool to enhance power. In what aspect... due to limited research material, it was unclear.
But Ash choosing to have Pikachu wear this hat meant that Ash and Pikachu were preparing to go all out!
"It's coming, Electivire. The opponent will be stronger than before, so we must use all our power too."
"Mita!" Electivire's body flickered slightly with lightning in response to Paul.
"Pikachu, Pika Papow!" Ash crossed his arms in front of him, then raised one hand high, shouting loudly.
"Pika Pika Pika!!!" Pikachu gathered electricity, and the previously cloudless sky suddenly filled with dark clouds.
Seeing this, Paul was slightly taken aback. This stance… is it an Electric Type Move?
Pika Papow was a very unfamiliar move. It took Paul a moment to recall that this was the trump card Pikachu used during the battle against Koga.
Without a doubt, it was an Electric Type Move.
But… using an Electric Type Move on Electivire? Is there something wrong with the strategy here?
Previously, Pikachu never used Electric Type Moves except for defense. Ash should have guessed that Electivire had the Motor Drive ability, so using an Electric Type move now was confusing… is he holding back?
"If it's an Electric Type Move, then take it, Electivire." If the opponent wanted to boost Electivire's speed, Paul had no reason to refuse the gift. If you're that arrogant, don't blame me for taking it all!
"Get ready, Pikachu, go!!" Ash's voice resonated throughout the entire stadium; he wanted to use this move to finish!
"Pika Pika Pika—chu!!!" Pikachu leapt high, and bolts of golden lightning fell from the dark clouds above—not towards Electivire, but striking Pikachu!
The golden electric current enveloped Pikachu, making Pikachu shine so brightly it was hard to look straight at!
The next second, an immense Electric Type power exploded from Pikachu's body. Unmatched golden lightning flew towards Electivire at a speed that was hard to follow with the naked eye!
"Chirah!!" The golden thunder crashed towards Electivire like a surging dragon. At the moment of impact, Electivire's Motor Drive ability was instantly activated!
Electivire's muscles bulged rapidly, speed soaring. A contemptuous glint flashed in its eyes; lightning, to it, was merely nourishment!