"Pikachu, our turn."
Black Ash in the distance spoke, a hint of excitement in his voice.
He pointed his left hand at the opposing Houndoom.
"Pikachu, use Electro Ball!"
As his words fell, Pikachu used its tail to launch a massive sphere of crackling electricity.
The yellow Electro Ball spun and struck Houndoom.
Whether Houndoom wasn't fast enough or, like Pikachu, chose to tank the hit, it took the blow head-on and was sent flying.
After crashing to the floor, Houndoom rose, eyes flashing with anger—it wasn't down yet.
"Houndoom, now! Use Double-Edge!" Harrison shouted.
Houndoom charged forward with reckless abandon.
It knew this was its last stand. If it didn't give its all now, there'd be no next time.
Watching Houndoom charge, Ash commanded,
"Pikachu, rush in! Use Iron Tail!"
Pikachu's tail gleamed metallic. It kicked off, its body becoming a yellow bolt of lightning as it shot toward Houndoom.
The two collided mid-air.
Crash!
Houndoom struck with its head; Pikachu struck with its tail.
For a moment, silence.
Then Houndoom was flung backward, while Pikachu landed firmly.
The battle ended with Pikachu's brilliant victory.
By now, everyone was accustomed to this.
Such strength from anyone else would be shocking, but from Black Ash's Pikachu? It felt normal.
Seeing this, Harrison clenched his fists, but he didn't know what to do next.
An even match would excite him—a true battle where victory or defeat felt earned.
But this was a crush.
Under everyone's gaze, Harrison finally took out his third Poké Ball.
He released his third Pokémon: Drowzee.
As soon as it appeared, Drowzee used Hypnosis, aiming to put Pikachu to sleep.
Yet Pikachu stood motionless.
This surprised everyone.
[Caitlin]: Did Drowzee's Hypnosis work on Pikachu?
[Lorelei]: Impossible. How could Pikachu have such a weakness?
[Flint]: Another Trainer's Pikachu might, but not Black Ash's.
[Lance]: Then what's happening to Pikachu?
Everyone was confused.
In the Black World —
The audience buzzed with surprise, guessing what was happening.
Yet Ash's expression remained unchanged—clearly, he wasn't surprised.
Noticing this, others waited intently for the outcome.
Harrison clenched his fists, whispering with hope,
"Can you win? You have to win this time…"
"Drowzee, rush forward! Use Scratch!"
Drowzee charged at high speed toward the motionless Pikachu.
The audience gasped. With Pikachu still not moving, it seemed vulnerable.
How could Ash, known for his relentless training, leave such an obvious weakness?
Just as the attack was about to land, Pikachu's eyes snapped open.
A bright smile touched its lips.
The next instant, terrifying lightning erupted!
A piercing flash of electricity surged outward, striking Drowzee.
A sizzling sound filled the air as all eyes watched.
When the light faded, Drowzee stood stunned, then toppled.
Pikachu had achieved a one-against-three sweep.
The crowd was shocked into silence, then erupted in murmurs.
No one doubted Ash would win.
After all, Harrison was no ordinary opponent—he was championship material.
If Harrison had beaten Ash, he likely would have won the entire Silver Conference.
Yet Ash had crushed him utterly.
With this, Ash's path to first place seemed inevitable.
Flickering lights painted the darkening sky.
Harrison, across the field, clenched his fists. He knew he was losing.
Though he still had three Pokémon left, he knew they couldn't defeat Ash's full team of six.
He was Harrison, not Ash.
"Will you keep fighting?" Ash's calm voice cut through the noise.
His eyes held no mockery, only respect.
That was Ash—he would use every means to win, but he always honored his opponent.
Hearing this, Harrison slowly looked up and smiled.
"Why wouldn't I fight? Go, my next Pokémon!"
"This time, no matter what, I will battle you to the end."
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