Chapter 221: The Power of Blastoise
The tension in the Viridian Gym was palpable as Ash prepared to face off against Giovanni, the final Gym Leader of Kanto.
The massive audience watched in anticipation, murmurs rippling through the crowd. Brock and Misty stood among them, both eager and nervous for Ash's battle.
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The Battle Begins
Ash adjusted his hat slightly downward, his expression sharpening with determination.
"Blastoise! It's up to you!"
With a vigorous throw, Ash sent his Poké Ball soaring into the air, releasing a blinding flash of white light onto the battlefield.
A massive figure materialized as the light faded—Blastoise!
The enormous Turtle Pokémon stood firmly in place, its expression calm and composed. Unlike many Pokémon that roared or flexed for the crowd, Blastoise remained stoic and focused, its gaze locked onto Giovanni.
The sight of Blastoise's immense physique drew murmurs from the audience.
"Wow… that Blastoise is huge!"
"It looks way bigger than normal!"
Indeed, Giovanni himself was slightly taken aback.
For someone of his experience and skill, he had seen countless Pokémon, but even he had to admit—this Blastoise was something special.
"Very impressive," Giovanni said smoothly, crossing his arms. "Your Blastoise is far stronger than the average. Most Blastoise are around 1.6 meters tall, but yours…"
His sharp gaze examined Blastoise's build.
Over two meters tall, with muscles that bulged subtly beneath its blue shell, its sheer presence exuded power and resilience.
"A true powerhouse," Giovanni continued, smirking slightly. "You've trained it well."
Ash said nothing in response—he knew Giovanni was testing him, just like before.
The referee stepped forward, raising his hand.
"Trainers ready?!"
Ash and Giovanni locked eyes.
"Begin!"
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Water Pulse vs. Stone Edge
Ash wasted no time.
"Blastoise, Water Pulse!"
A deep growl rumbled from Blastoise's throat. It quickly brought its hands together, channeling deep blue energy.
A swirling orb of compressed water formed between its palms, crackling with sheer force.
With a forceful slam, Blastoise hurled the Water Pulse forward.
The water sphere exploded upon impact with the ground, creating a towering wave of water that surged toward Giovanni's Pokémon.
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Giovanni's Counterattack
The Viridian Gym Leader didn't even flinch.
"Rhydon, Stone Edge!"
A haughty grin spread across Rhydon's face as it slammed its massive fist into the ground.
"Drilling—!"
The battlefield rumbled violently, and a surge of Rock-type energy erupted beneath Rhydon's feet.
From the cracked battlefield, massive jagged stone pillars shot upward, racing toward the oncoming Water Pulse.
The collision was explosive.
For a moment, it looked as though Water Pulse might push through, but Rhydon's Stone Edge attack was too focused.
The wave of water was sliced apart, splitting into harmless streams that crashed to the ground.
The audience gasped—Giovanni had nullified Ash's first attack effortlessly.
But Rhydon's Stone Edge didn't stop there.
The powerful stone spikes continued their relentless advance, aiming straight for Blastoise!
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Flash Cannon – A Counterattack!
Ash remained calm.
"Blastoise, use Flash Cannon!"
Blastoise planted its feet firmly, lowering its stance.
The cannons on its shell adjusted slightly, glowing with a brilliant silver light.
"Water Arrow—!"
A deep hum filled the air as Blastoise gathered steel-type energy.
In a blinding flash, a concentrated beam of silver energy shot out from both cannons, heading directly toward the advancing Stone Edge spikes.
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A Fierce Collision
The impact was devastating.
The Flash Cannon beam tore through the sharp stone pillars, reducing them to rubble. Dust and debris filled the battlefield as the two powerful attacks canceled each other out.
The crowd erupted into cheers at the spectacular display of power.
Even Giovanni's expression shifted slightly—this was turning into an interesting battle.
"Not bad," Giovanni admitted, his tone still controlled but now tinged with genuine interest.
"You're more than just a reckless trainer, aren't you?"
Ash clenched his fists.
"You'll see just how strong I've become!"
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The Battle Rages On
Both Blastoise and Rhydon remained standing, neither showing signs of weakness yet.
Giovanni smirked.
"Let's see how long you can keep up, Ash."
With a sharp motion, he snapped his fingers.
"Rhydon, Earthquake!"
Rhydon lifted its foot high, then slammed it down hard onto the battlefield.
The entire arena trembled violently, and massive shockwaves rippled outward.
The crowd staggered slightly, gripping the railings of the bleachers as the brutal tremors intensified.
Cracks splintered across the battlefield, heading straight for Blastoise.
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Can Blastoise Overcome the Challenge?
Ash's eyes narrowed.
He knew Earthquake was devastating for any Pokémon on the ground—even a bulky Pokémon like Blastoise would take heavy damage.
He had to act fast.
"Blastoise, Hydro Pump—jump!"
Blastoise immediately reacted, angling its back cannons downward.
With a massive burst of pressurized water, it launched itself into the air, narrowly avoiding the worst of the Earthquake's destruction.
The shockwaves ripped through the battlefield, leaving deep fissures where Blastoise had just been standing.
The audience gasped in awe—Ash had used Blastoise's own water pressure to evade an Earthquake!
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The Next Move?
As Blastoise hovered briefly in the air, Ash saw his chance.
Now was the time to strike back.
"Blastoise, Hydro Pump—direct hit!"
The powerful Turtle Pokémon adjusted its cannons once more, this time locking directly onto Rhydon.
"Water Arrow—!"
A massive torrent of water blasted forward at incredible speed, heading straight for Rhydon.
Giovanni's eyes narrowed slightly.
This Hydro Pump… was different.
It wasn't just a normal attack—the sheer force behind it was monstrous.
Would Rhydon be able to withstand it?
Or was this the turning point of the battle?