Chapter 47: Victory and Promotion
When a single Tauros charges, its momentum is significant, but when hundreds of Tauros thunder down the street together, the sheer power is overwhelming. This was not something the average Trainer—or tourist—could easily handle.
Initially, two to three hundred Trainers and spectators stood behind Ash, eager to take on the challenge of touching the Tauros' horns.
However, the sight of the massive herd charging forward intimidated most of them, and many retreated.
Only about twenty brave Trainers remained in the middle of the street, resolute in their determination.
Ash kept his eyes locked on his Tauros, which led the herd. The gap between them quickly closed; less than 100 meters separated them, and at full speed, Tauros would reach him in mere seconds.
Despite the power and speed of the charge, Ash was calm. He understood that these Tauros, being raised and trained by their Trainers, had shed much of their wild instincts. They wouldn't recklessly trample people, allowing Trainers like him to stand in their path and make their move at the right moment.
"Now!" Ash shouted as the distance shrank to less than ten meters. He stepped forward, reaching out with his left hand toward Tauros' horns.
With perfect timing, Ash's palm made contact with the horn, and he used the momentum to leap onto Tauros' back in one fluid motion.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Ash not only touched the horn but also mounted the charging Pokémon—a feat no one had ever accomplished during the Tauros Stampede!
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"This is unbelievable!" shouted a spectator, hands on their head in shock. "If Bruno had done it, I'd believe it, but this is Ash Ketchum—a twelve-year-old kid! It's incredible!"
Ash sat confidently on Tauros' back, raising his right hand high with a triumphant smile. Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, leapt forward to stand on Tauros' head, striking a heroic pose against the wind.
With the audience cheering his name, Ash and his Tauros led the herd through the streets and into the Stadium, which was already packed with 3,000 spectators.
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"Ladies and gentlemen, this is unprecedented!" the Stadium announcer exclaimed as Ash and Tauros entered.
"Ash Ketchum has achieved something no one else has done before in the Tauros Stampede—riding the lead Tauros all the way to the Stadium!"
The crowd's cheers grew even louder as Ash dismounted Tauros and waved to the audience.
The Tauros Conference officially began shortly after. The event lasted an hour and a half, during which Trainers and their Tauros competed in a defense-style tournament.
The goal was to defeat as many challengers as possible within the time limit. The rules were strict: Tauros could only use close-range moves, such as Horn Attack and Tackle, with long-range attacks strictly prohibited.
As the first Trainer to arrive at the Stadium, Ash was designated the initial defender, putting him in a tough spot.
To win, he and Tauros would have to face a grueling series of battles with minimal rest between rounds.
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The first challenger stepped onto the field. "Tauros, Horn Attack!" Ash commanded.
Tauros charged forward, its horns glowing with Normal-type energy. The two Tauros clashed fiercely, but Ash's Tauros quickly overpowered its opponent, locking horns before tossing the rival high into the air with a powerful twist.
"Tackle!" Ash called out, signaling for the finishing blow.
As the opponent's Tauros fell to the ground, Ash's Tauros surged forward, its body surrounded by a translucent aura of energy.
It struck the opposing Tauros in the abdomen, sending it flying over ten meters before it slid to a halt, unconscious.
"The challenger's Tauros is unable to battle! Ash wins!" declared the referee.
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The commentator's voice rang through the Stadium: "Incredible! Ash has been on a winning streak since the start of the conference, defeating twenty-four challengers in a row! With just three minutes remaining, he's on the verge of breaking the all-time record for consecutive victories in the Tauros Conference!"
The crowd erupted into chants of "Ash! Ash! Ash!" and "Tauros! Tauros! Tauros!"
Despite its remarkable performance, Ash's Tauros was visibly fatigued. Twenty-four consecutive battles had pushed it to its limits, but its eyes burned with determination.
For Tauros, this wasn't just a competition—it was the most exhilarating battle it had experienced in years.
As the clock ticked down, the commentator called out, "Is there anyone left to challenge Ash in these final moments?"
The crowd collectively held their breath. Most Trainers chose not to step forward, respecting Ash's achievement and the spirit of the competition.
"Ten... nine... eight..." The audience joined in the countdown, their voices filling the air with anticipation.
As the timer hit zero, the referee raised his hand. "The defense period is over! Ash Ketchum is the winner of this year's Tauros Conference and has set a new record for an undefeated defense streak!"
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"Thank you, Tauros. You were amazing!" Ash said, rubbing Tauros' head affectionately.
Tauros let out a happy bellow, though its exhaustion was evident. It stood tall, proud of its incredible performance.
The award ceremony was held shortly after. Ash received a year's supply of MooMoo Milk from the famous Goldenrod Ranch, along with additional prizes for his performance in the Stampede and the main event.
While accepting his award, Ash casually mentioned, "By the way, I've recently started a personal brand. Keep an eye out—it's coming soon!"
Though subtle, his comment caught the attention of many in the audience, sparking discussions among fans and reporters.
News of Ash's brand began spreading quickly, creating a buzz that would prove invaluable for its future success.
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As the day ended, Ash and Tauros stood in the glow of their victory. They had not only won the Tauros Conference but also created a moment that would be remembered for years to come.
For Ash, it wasn't just about the competition—it was about forging bonds, creating memories, and building a legacy that went far beyond Pokémon battles.
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