Earlier, the crowd had only focused on Venusaur's disadvantage, completely forgetting where it was falling. That was why Ash's maneuver came as such a shock. The move itself was incredibly risky—against an opponent of equal strength, almost any trained Pokémon could have avoided it.
Unfortunately for Ito Makoto, his Tyrantrum lacked true consciousness. It was little more than a rampaging fossil revived through artificial means, incapable of following complex commands. That single flaw turned Ash's split-second tactic into an unexpected triumph.
"Rooaaarrr!!!"
When the dust finally cleared, both trainers—and the stunned audience—could see the aftermath. Venusaur stood tall on all fours, breathing heavily but still steady. It hadn't taken much damage—mainly because there was something massive cushioning its fall.
Tyrantrum.
The ancient Pokémon lay crushed beneath Venusaur's weight. Its rocky hide was fractured, bones shattered from the full impact of Venusaur's Mountain Press. Cracks spread across its scales, and several fragments of bone even protruded through its armor-like skin. After one final groan, the mighty fossil Pokémon's eyes went dim.
It was over.
Referee: "Tyrantrum is unable to battle! Venusaur wins! Trainer Ito, please send out your next Pokémon!"
Narrator: "And with that, the third match concludes—Ash's Venusaur claims another victory! The situation has turned grim for Trainer Ito. Three of his Pokémon have already fallen in this life-or-death battle. Such a one-sided match has never before been recorded in official League history!"
"Venusaur!"
Breathing heavily, Venusaur let out a deep, resonant cry before lumbering toward Ash. Its body was covered in dust and scratches, but its eyes gleamed with pride. For once, it wasn't the burden others saw it as—it had proven its might before thousands.
Unlike the cheerful and lively Bulbasaur it once was, Venusaur carried a calmer, more grounded presence. Yet in its gaze burned pure excitement—recognition from the crowd, from its trainer, and from its own long struggle to grow stronger.
Ash smiled faintly, watching as Venusaur basked in the roaring cheers. "Looks like you burned through a lot of your strength this round," he said softly. "It's fine—rest for now. Your next teammates can handle the rest."
Venusaur turned to him and nodded firmly. "Venusaur!"
Even knowing it would be recalled soon, it wasn't ready to bow out quietly. A fierce aura flared around its body—it wanted to show one last time just how strong it had become.
Across the field, Ito Makoto gritted his teeth. His hands trembled as he stared at his fallen Tyrantrum and then at Ash, who stood calm and confident amid the applause.
"Damn it... Why is he always one step ahead?" Ito muttered bitterly. "Just because he's from a powerful family... or is it really his own strength?"
The referee raised a hand.
Referee: "Trainer Ito, please release your next Pokémon. If you exceed the time limit, it will count as a forfeit."
In the viewing box, Sawakoshi Ito's expression shifted. If Ito were to forfeit now, it would bring shame upon the entire Ito family. Their standing in the Sinnoh League would plummet. But if he fought on—with two remaining Champion-level Pokémon and a few hidden strategies—there was still a chance to reclaim some honor.
And yet, watching Ash's unshakable composure on the opposite side of the battlefield, Ito couldn't help but feel the weight of pressure closing in.
Though forfeiting now would bring shame upon him and his lineage, Sawakoshi knew it was far better than losing everything. A strategic retreat might stain his name temporarily—but survival meant the chance to rebuild, to strike again another day.
As the patriarch of the Ito family, he still held secrets—techniques and resources hidden even from the League's eyes. The true test was whether his son, Ito Makoto, could perceive those subtleties. Unfortunately, Sawakoshi's hope shattered the moment his son opened his mouth.
"Stop nagging me—I know what I'm doing!" Ito Makoto snapped, his voice dripping with irritation as the referee reminded him to send out his next Pokémon.
The referee frowned but said nothing. Though he clearly disapproved of Ito's tone, he understood the power the Ito family still held in Kanto's political sphere. Offending them—especially during a live broadcast—could very well end his own career or worse.
Still, deep down, the referee couldn't help but feel grim satisfaction. Watching Ito Makoto's powerful Pokémon crumble one after another under Ash's command—it was hard not to admire the young trainer's skill.
"Go, Snorlax!" Ito roared, venting his frustration on the battlefield. He hurled the Poké Ball with force, and a burst of white light engulfed the arena.
When it faded, an enormous Snorlax materialized with a thunderous thud that made the ground tremble. The massive Pokémon yawned, scratching its belly lazily—but the moment its gaze met Venusaur's, its eyes sharpened.
The commentator's voice boomed across the stadium:
Commentator: "Ito's next Pokémon is Snorlax! A powerful Normal-type commonly seen in both the Kanto and Sinnoh regions. Its sheer endurance and physical strength make it one of the most difficult Pokémon to knock out!"
"Snorlax, huh?" Ash murmured with interest. "That's the first time I've seen one this close. System, show me Snorlax's data."
A soft electronic chime echoed in his mind.
Ding!
Pokémon: Snorlax
Level: Champion
Ability: Thick Fat, Immunity
Type: Normal
Potential: A+
Ash studied the data carefully. Snorlax—a dormant Pokémon species, famous for its immense defense and destructive power. Its dual abilities made it a nightmare to counter; Thick Fat reduced damage from Fire and Ice moves, while Immunity prevented poisoning entirely.
A smile crept across Ash's face. "So that's your ace, huh? A sleeping giant that doesn't fall easy. Not bad, Ito."
Venusaur shifted its stance, vines unfurling in preparation. It was weary from the earlier battle, but Ash could sense its resolve hadn't wavered.
Across the field, Ito Makoto's expression darkened. He knew Snorlax's strength—it had carried him through countless regional matches. Yet somehow, the moment he looked at Ash's calm expression, he felt unease gnawing at him.
This wasn't the same boy he'd once dismissed as an upstart. The aura Ash exuded now carried the unmistakable weight of a true Champion—one born not merely from talent or lineage, but from the relentless will of a warrior.
...
TN:
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