Chapter 223: The Sudden Interruption of the Battle
The battle inside Viridian Gym was reaching its climax.
The air was thick with tension, the roars of Pokémon echoing through the vast arena as Blastoise and Nidoqueen faced each other.
Both Pokémon had taken damage, but one was clearly in control.
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Blastoise's Dominance
"Boom!"
A powerful Hydro Pump tore through the remnants of the Water Pulse, its high-pressure jet blasting directly at Nidoqueen!
The Poison/Ground-type Pokémon barely had time to react before the force of the attack launched her backward.
Her massive frame crashed against the arena wall with a thunderous impact.
The Hydro Pump continued surging forward, relentlessly pinning her against the stone structure for a few more seconds before finally stopping.
When the attack ceased, Nidoqueen slumped to the ground, her breathing ragged, her body trembling from the sheer force of the blow.
Even though Blastoise hadn't been hit during the last exchange, the back-to-back powerful moves had drained its stamina.
Blastoise stood firm, but its slight panting showed that it had spent significant energy in executing the Hydro Pump.
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The Crowd's Reaction
A collective gasp rippled through the Viridian Gym audience.
Nobody had expected this battle to unfold this way.
This was Giovanni—the Gym Leader of Viridian City, the strongest Gym Leader in Kanto.
If anything, the crowd assumed he would dominate Ash with ease.
But instead…
Both Rhydon and now Nidoqueen were being completely overwhelmed!
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Spectators in Awe
"As expected of a challenger recognized by Mr. Giovanni! His strength is incredible!" A spectator murmured in amazement.
"Yeah! If he fights like this at the Indigo Plateau Conference, he might be the next champion!" Another agreed, nodding.
Sitting among the spectators, Misty felt her heart swell with pride.
Hearing others praise Ash made her happier than if they were praising her own skills.
"He's amazing," Misty whispered to herself, watching Ash command Blastoise with such confidence.
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The Finishing Blow
Ash, keeping his sharp focus, knew this was his moment to end it.
He pointed toward the battlefield.
"Blastoise, finish it—Water Pulse!"
The massive turtle Pokémon straightened its posture, regaining control of its breathing before charging another attack.
A swirling orb of water formed between Blastoise's powerful hands, glowing with a deep azure light.
The water pulsated with energy, and then—
"Whoosh!"
Blastoise slammed the orb onto the battlefield, sending a towering wave crashing forward.
The surging wave rushed toward Nidoqueen, who was barely able to lift her head.
Giovanni, seeing the attack rushing toward his Pokémon, spoke with a low, firm voice.
"Nidoqueen, get up! Push through it!"
But it was too late.
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Nidoqueen Falls
The massive surge of water slammed into Nidoqueen, engulfing her completely.
For a brief moment, she disappeared under the waves—and when the water finally settled, her body lay motionless on the battlefield.
Her eyes fluttered closed, her body limp from exhaustion.
She had fainted.
The referee, after a brief pause, raised his hand and made the call.
"Nidoqueen is unable to battle—Blastoise wins!"
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The Roar of the Audience
The moment the referee's words echoed, the entire Viridian Gym erupted into cheers!
"Blastoise did it!"
"Incredible! Ash has already defeated two of Giovanni's Pokémon!"
The loud applause and shouts of admiration filled the air, making it clear:
This battle wasn't just an ordinary Gym challenge anymore.
Ash was proving himself as a Trainer who could stand toe-to-toe with the strongest in Kanto.
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Giovanni's Thoughts
Giovanni, meanwhile, remained unmoved on the surface.
With an expressionless face, he silently recalled Nidoqueen into her Poké Ball.
Inside, however, his thoughts were racing.
"This kid… he's even stronger than I anticipated."
Even though Ash's victory made him look momentarily vulnerable, it only deepened his interest in the young Trainer.
"I want him in Team Rocket."
If Ash could be recruited, he wouldn't be just a regular member.
He had the potential to be one of Team Rocket's strongest assets.
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A Crucial Decision
As Giovanni considered his next move, he realized one thing:
This battle was too close for comfort.
Even if he still had one more Pokémon, it was highly possible that Ash could go for a clean sweep—defeating all three of his Pokémon with just Blastoise alone.
If that happened…
Would Ash begin to think Giovanni wasn't as powerful as his reputation suggested?
No. That couldn't happen.
If he wanted Ash to respect him, he had to make sure Ash saw the difference in their power.
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The Unexpected Turn
Giovanni narrowed his eyes, making a decision.
He reached for his final Poké Ball, his fingers tightening around it.
"If I have to use you… then so be it."
Just as he was about to throw it into the battlefield—
BANG!
The entire Viridian Gym trembled.
A loud explosion shook the ground, sending dust and debris flying from the ceiling.
The lights flickered, and an alarm siren suddenly blared throughout the building.
"WARNING! UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY DETECTED!"
Gasps and screams erupted from the audience as everyone turned toward the gym entrance—
Where a thick cloud of smoke was now billowing into the battlefield.
Ash took a step back, shielding his face from the dust.
"What the—?!"
From within the smoke, the silhouettes of several figures emerged.
And then—
A familiar cold, menacing voice rang out.
"Giovanni… We have unfinished business."
Giovanni's expression darkened.
He knew exactly who it was.
And this battle was no longer the most important thing in the room.