Chapter 199: Unwilling

Janine's Determination

Golbat

Type: Poison, Flying

Category: Bat Pokémon

Ability: Inner Focus (Prevents flinching)

Hidden Ability: Infiltrator (Ignores barriers and substitutes)

Strength: Elite

As soon as Golbat appeared, Ash felt a flash of surprise.

✔ Janine was only a little older than him, which meant she was technically not yet an official Pokémon Trainer.

✔ Yet, she already had an elite-level Pokémon.

But then again—

✔ She was Koga's daughter.

✔ Fuchsia City's ninja family was famous.

✔ Her father was one of the strongest Gym Leaders, closest to the Elite Four.

So, really, it wasn't too surprising that she had this level of strength.

Ash adjusted his cap slightly, then gave a small nod.

"Pikachu, you're up."

---

Pikachu's Entrance

"Pika!" Pikachu leaped off Ash's shoulder, landing gracefully on the battlefield.

✔ Its cheeks crackled with electricity.

✔ Golden sparks danced along its fur.

✔ It was eager to fight, especially since it hadn't battled in the Gym challenge earlier.

Seeing Pikachu take the field, Janine tensed slightly.

✔ She knew Electric-type moves had a strong advantage against her Golbat.

✔ But she had been in this position before—facing a type disadvantage.

Janine bit her lip, pushing away her nerves.

"This is nothing new," she reminded herself. "I believe in my strength!"

She clenched her fists, her mind focused.

✔ This wasn't just any battle.

✔ This was against someone her father had acknowledged.

She couldn't afford to be careless.

---

The Battle Begins!

"Battle—START!" Brock announced loudly, acting as referee.

Janine immediately took action.

✔ "Golbat, use Quick Attack!"

Golbat let out a sharp screech, its wings spreading wide.

✔ Its body became wrapped in translucent white energy.

✔ The power of Normal-type energy surged through it.

✔ It shot forward like a blur, slicing through the air toward Pikachu!

"Pikachu, Quick Attack!" Ash countered.

Pikachu nodded sharply, understanding the command.

✔ It burst forward, matching Golbat's speed with its own Quick Attack.

✔ Both Pokémon streaked across the battlefield, leaving faint energy trails behind them.

---

Clash of Speed!

The two Pokémon collided midair.

✔ BAM! Sparks flew from the impact.

✔ BAM! They clashed again, neither willing to back down.

✔ BAM! A third collision—

Then—

✔ One Pokémon was knocked back.

Golbat wobbled, its wings fluttering unsteadily.

✔ It hovered in midair, struggling to regain balance.

✔ The energy surrounding it flickered—then collapsed completely!

Janine's eyes widened in shock.

"No way!" she gasped.

She had expected Pikachu to be strong, but she hadn't anticipated Golbat losing the clash outright.

✔ Golbat had the advantage in physical strength.

✔ It had higher base stats than Pikachu.

✔ So how did it get overpowered so easily?!

Janine gritted her teeth, a mix of frustration and disbelief flooding through her.

---

Ash's Intentions

On the other side of the field, Ash remained calm.

✔ He had known from the start that Pikachu could have won with Thunderbolt immediately.

✔ But he had chosen Quick Attack instead.

Why?

✔ Because he didn't want the battle to end too quickly.

✔ He wanted Janine to fight at her full potential.

He wasn't underestimating her—quite the opposite.

✔ He wanted to challenge her, not crush her.

Pikachu, though slightly surprised at Ash's strategy, trusted him completely.

✔ It waited patiently for the next command.

---

Janine Refuses to Back Down!

Janine quickly recovered from her shock.

✔ She was Koga's daughter.

✔ She wasn't going to lose this easily!

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay focused.

✔ "Fine, so Pikachu is stronger than I expected."

✔ "But that doesn't mean I'll give up!"

She clenched her fists.

"Golbat, regain your momentum! Use Wing Attack!"

Golbat let out a sharp cry, shaking off the lingering impact from Quick Attack.

✔ Its wings glowed with a fierce white light.

✔ It swooped down, aiming a powerful wing strike at Pikachu!

"Pikachu, counter with Iron Tail!" Ash commanded.

Pikachu spun midair, its tail hardening into shining steel.

✔ CLANG! The two attacks collided with force.

✔ Shockwaves rippled across the battlefield.

✔ The impact sent both Pokémon flying backward!

The crowd watching the match held their breath.

"She's good," Ash thought to himself, impressed by how quickly Janine adjusted.

---

Koga Watches from the Shadows

Unbeknownst to Janine—

Her father, Koga, was watching silently from above, hidden in the shadows of the Gym's higher levels.

✔ His arms were crossed.

✔ His sharp eyes studied the battle carefully.

He wasn't just observing.

✔ He was evaluating.

"She's grown stronger," Koga murmured to himself.

✔ But was it enough?

He would let the battle continue—

✔ To see if Janine could prove herself.

---

The Next Move!

Janine wasn't done yet.

She narrowed her eyes, her mind racing.

✔ She needed a strategy to overcome Pikachu's speed.

✔ She had to turn this fight in her favor.

"Golbat, use Supersonic!"

✔ A piercing soundwave shot toward Pikachu!

✔ If it hit, Pikachu would become confused!

Ash's eyes sharpened.

"Dodge and use Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu leaped into the air, avoiding the soundwave.

✔ Its cheeks sparked fiercely.

✔ A bolt of lightning shot out—

CRACK!

The Thunderbolt raced toward Golbat at blinding speed!

Janine's eyes widened in alarm—

Would Golbat be able to avoid it?!

---

To Be Continued…