Chapter 65: "Do You Have a Nickname Called Silly Ash?"
Chapter 65: "Do You Have a Nickname Called Silly Ash?"
The quarterfinal match was about to begin.
All eyes were on the competitors.
For many, Hikaru had become a formidable boss-like figure in the tournament.
That Frogadier was simply too strong! Its speed alone left some Elite-level Pokémon utterly bewildered.
Fortunately, Hikaru seemed to rely heavily on Frogadier, giving his opponents a glimmer of hope.
Today's match.
Standing across from him was a boy wearing a red cap, his eyes brimming with pure battle intent.
But what shocked Hikaru wasn't just his opponent—it was his Pokémon.
It was a Champion-talent Pikachu!
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[Pokémon: Pikachu]
Ability: Lightning Rod
Gender: Male
Talent: Champion
Level: 33
Moves: Tackle, Thunder Shock, Thunder Wave, Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, Electroweb, Volt Tackle...
---
Talent was often linked to the rarity of a Pokémon species.
A common Pokémon like Rattata would rarely produce a Champion talent.
But a Pikachu with such talent? This kid was truly extraordinary!
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"Hi, friend! I'm Satoshi, but you can calls me Ash. I'm going to beat you!"
Hearing the name, Hikaru couldn't help but laugh.
"Do you, by any chance, have a nickname called Silly Ash?"
"What?"
"Nothing. Show me what you've got!"
It was surreal to meet someone so similar to the Ash of legend.
---
As the referee declared, "Match start!" the crowd erupted with excitement.
"Go, Frogadier!"
"Go, Pikachu!"
The murmurs began as soon as the match started.
Hikaru's previous matches had already established his preference for opening with Riolu.
But now, it was clear he had decided to lead with Frogadier for the remainder of the tournament.
This left the audience curious about his second Pokémon.
Meanwhile, Ash had similarly been secretive about his full roster.
So far, he had revealed only Pikachu and a formidable Pidgeotto with a three-meter wingspan and Gym-level strength.
---
"Electric Terrain!"
"Pika!"
With a crisp cry, Pikachu slapped its cheeks, releasing sparks into the air that electrified the entire lake.
Water Pokémon had a natural advantage on such a field, often hiding in the water and launching ranged attacks to limit their opponent's mobility.
Ash, understanding this, neutralized the field advantage immediately.
It was a smart strategy!
However, Hikaru had no intention of hiding Frogadier underwater.
"Double Team!"
Instantly, dozens of Frogadier clones appeared across the floating platforms.
"Water Shuriken!"
Numerous glowing shurikens materialized, blending illusions with reality.
"Electroweb into Iron Tail!"
Electricity countered water, and Ash wasn't about to let this opportunity slip.
In a flash, Pikachu launched itself into the air.
A massive electric web burst from its tail, spreading over the battlefield.
---
"Impressive!"
Hikaru's eyes gleamed with appreciation.
Pikachu's raw power and Ash's command precision deserved recognition.
The hastily constructed Electroweb was rough but effective, electrifying most of Frogadier's clones.
Then, with a burst of yellow light, Pikachu charged forward with Volt Tackle, its tail glowing with the steel sheen of Iron Tail.
A powerful two-move combo!
---
"Perfect timing! Meet it head-on!"
Hikaru wasn't about to back down.
Frogadier raised its enormous water shuriken, leaping forward.
---
Bang!
The collision of energy and steel sent sparks flying, and the screech of metal on metal filled the arena.
The clash was so intense that the crowd collectively held their breath.
This was the most evenly matched battle yet!
---
Under the pressure of their clash, the wooden platform beneath them shattered.
"Thunderbolt!"
A flash of yellow light from Pikachu's cheek traveled down its tail, surging toward Frogadier.
---
"Aerial Ace!"
Hikaru countered without hesitation.
As one of Frogadier's fastest moves, it allowed it to leap away from the Thunderbolt at breakneck speed.
Frogadier dove into the water, dodging the attack completely.
"Pika...!"
Ash's jaw dropped.
Frogadier's reaction speed was faster than anything he had ever seen.
"Good one!" Ash admitted.
Unlike Hikaru, Ash wasn't in the league through city tournaments.
He had traveled far and wide, earning his spot through Gym challenges and collecting eight badges.
To him, even Gym Leaders didn't possess reflexes like Hikaru's.
---
But Hikaru wasn't finished. With his Aura Power activated, his mind was fully immersed in the battle.
"Rasengan!"
In less than a second, Frogadier conjured a glowing orb and launched it at Pikachu.
"Pikachu, dodge it!"
Ash's voice was urgent. He knew Rasengan's destructive power all too well.
Pikachu panicked, pooling every ounce of energy into its limbs.
Electricity surged around it as it darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack.
Or so it thought.
As Pikachu landed, a shadow loomed over it.
From the water emerged another Frogadier, holding a Rasengan.
"Double Team!"
The crowd gasped in unison.
The first Frogadier was a clone. The real one had been hiding in the water all along!
The Rasengan struck Pikachu directly, sending it flying.
---
With a single blow, Pikachu fainted.
No matter how talented it was, Pikachu's inherent frailty remained its greatest weakness.
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"This round goes to Hikaru. Satoshi, please send out your second Pokémon," the referee announced.
From above, Takashi nodded approvingly.
---
"So strong…" Ash whispered as he recalled Pikachu. But his eyes burned brighter than ever.
"Pidgeotto, I'm counting on you!"
As the Gym-level Pidgeotto entered the field, Hikaru hesitated.
Another Champion-talent Pokémon?
Should he switch Pokémon now?
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