Chapter 204: Hydro Pump

Blastoise let out a deep, resonant growl in response to Ash's challenge. It understood the young Trainer's intent—to help Wartortle grow stronger through battle. A slight nod from Blastoise signified its agreement.

"Alright, Wartortle, let's do this!" Ash encouraged, his eyes burning with determination.

From the sidelines, Misty, who was holding a Pokémon egg, cheered loudly. "Come on, Wartortle! You can do it!"

Brock, standing beside her, smiled. "If Wartortle can handle this, it'll take a huge step forward in its training."

Hearing the encouragement, some of the passengers, who had been skeptical at first, began cheering as well.

"That kid's Wartortle is really brave!"

"Maybe it actually has a chance!"

Even the wild Squirtle and Wartortle on the island, moved by their smaller counterpart's resolve, let out enthusiastic cries, filling the air with encouragement.

But Wartortle didn't react to the noise around it. Its sharp gaze remained locked on Blastoise, studying its every movement. This wasn't just a battle—it was an opportunity to learn.

Blastoise understood this and gave a verbal warning before launching its attack.

"Hydro Pump!" Blastoise's deep voice rumbled, signaling the upcoming move.

Ash clenched his fists. "Alright, Wartortle, get ready!"

"Cami!" Wartortle responded, standing its ground.

Blastoise's cannons extended, and a deep blue glow formed around their nozzles as Water-type energy surged within. The process of gathering energy was noticeably slower than usual—a deliberate choice by Blastoise.

It wanted Wartortle to observe every detail of how Hydro Pump was formed.

Wartortle's eyes widened. This was its chance to fully understand the attack it had been struggling to master. It focused intently, absorbing every step of the process—how the energy gathered, how it stabilized, and how it condensed into raw, powerful force.

Then—

BOOM!

Two massive streams of pressurized water exploded from Blastoise's cannons, roaring forward with immense force. The sheer power of the attack was evident as the surrounding air rippled in response, forming visible shockwaves.

This was no ordinary Hydro Pump.

The crowd gasped.

"That's insane…"

"The force is enough to send most Pokémon flying!"

Even Ash's breath caught for a moment, but he quickly regained his focus.

"Wartortle, use Rapid Spin to block it!"

He had seen Blastoise deflect attacks with this technique before. If Wartortle could do the same, it might have a chance.

"Cami!" Wartortle responded immediately.

Its limbs and head retracted into its shell, and its entire body began spinning rapidly. Normal-type energy surged around it, forming a protective barrier of rotation.

The moment Hydro Pump made contact, part of the water was deflected by the spinning shell.

However—

The sheer force behind Blastoise's attack was too overwhelming. The deflected portion was minimal—most of the blast slammed directly into Wartortle's shell.

BOOM!

A loud impact echoed through the area as Wartortle was launched backward, spinning out of control before crashing into the sand nearly ten meters away.

The crowd gasped in shock.

"Wartortle!" Ash shouted, his eyes tracking his Pokémon's movement.

A few seconds passed before Wartortle finally emerged from its shell, shaking slightly.

Despite using Rapid Spin to minimize the damage and resisting Water-type moves, the sheer power behind Hydro Pump had still caused serious damage. Wartortle was breathing heavily, its stance a little unsteady.

But then—

Its eyes burned with newfound determination.

It had felt something.

It had understood something.

Its mind was racing. The energy flow. The gathering process. The release.

It could feel it—

It was on the verge of mastering Hydro Pump.

Ash could see it too. His initial concern was quickly replaced by excitement.

"Wartortle…" He took a step forward, watching closely.

Wartortle suddenly turned to Ash, its expression serious.

"Kami! Kami!" It let out a series of strong cries, trying to communicate.

Ash's eyes widened, then his face lit up.

"Wartortle… have you figured it out?"

Wartortle nodded sharply.

The crowd murmured in confusion.

"Wait, what's happening?"

"Is that Wartortle… trying to say something?"

The wild Squirtle and Wartortle on the island watched intently, sensing the shift in the battle's atmosphere.

Blastoise narrowed its eyes slightly.

It knew what was coming next.

Wartortle took a deep breath, focusing its Water-type energy. Just moments ago, it had been observing Blastoise's attack. Now—it was time to replicate it.

The energy within it surged, flowing to the cannons on its shell. A faint blue glow started to form.

Misty's eyes widened. "Wait… is it trying to use—"

"HYDRO PUMP!" Ash yelled.

Wartortle let out a loud cry of determination. The energy built up, struggling at first—but then, something clicked.

BOOM!

A sudden surge of water burst from Wartortle's cannons.

At first, it was unstable—not as refined as Blastoise's, but the core principle was there. The blast shot forward, slightly wobbly, but still powerful enough to stir the sand beneath it and send waves crashing against the shore.

The crowd erupted in shock.

"Did it just—?!"

"It actually pulled it off?!"

Misty clapped her hands together. "Wartortle just learned Hydro Pump!"

Even Brock, who had seen countless Pokémon battles, looked impressed. "Not just that… it learned it in the middle of battle."

The wild Squirtle and Wartortle cheered loudly, celebrating their fellow Pokémon's achievement.

Blastoise, watching from across the battlefield, let out a low chuckle.

It was impressed.

This little Wartortle had watched, analyzed, endured, and adapted—all within minutes. That was a true sign of growth.

Blastoise gave a small nod, silently acknowledging Wartortle's achievement.

Ash grinned widely, running forward. "Wartortle, that was amazing!"

Wartortle turned to him, panting but beaming with pride.

It had done it.

It had mastered Hydro Pump.

This battle wasn't about winning—it was about learning, growing, and pushing beyond limits.

And today, Wartortle had taken a massive step forward.

To be continued…

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Improvements in This Version:

Expanded Battle Descriptions: The energy buildup, attack sequences, and impacts are described in greater detail.

Stronger Emotional Build-Up: Wartortle's determination and thought process are emphasized.

Enhanced Audience Reactions: The passengers and wild Pokémon react more dynamically.