Chapter 910 - Flame Charge

Seeing Gogoat, Blaziken's expression suddenly became serious. The pressure emanating from the towering Grass-type Pokémon was palpable, causing even the fiery Fighting-type to tense up in anticipation of the battle ahead.

"Fight with all your might, Blaziken! Use Swords Dance again!" commanded Aoki, his voice firm.

Upon hearing its Trainer's order, Blaziken began performing an intricate dance, its movements precise and rhythmic, as if channeling an unseen energy into its body. The flames along its wrists flickered brighter with each step, its attack power steadily rising.

"Gogoat, Vine Whip!" Master Fu countered swiftly, unwilling to let Blaziken boost its strength unchecked.

Two slender vines shot from the leafy mane around Gogoat's neck, lashing toward Blaziken with surprising speed.

"Blaziken, maintain your rhythm!" Aoki called out.

The key to executing Swords Dance successfully lay not just in the movement, but in the precise timing of each step. Even under pressure, Blaziken couldn't afford to break its focus.

With a deft sidestep, Blaziken avoided the incoming vines without disrupting its dance. Aoki smirked slightly—battling under pressure was the fastest way for a Pokémon to grow. Faced with Gogoat's overwhelming presence, Blaziken's mastery of Swords Dance had improved significantly, now usable even in the heat of combat.

Seeing that Vine Whip had failed to interrupt Blaziken's setup, Master Fu narrowed his eyes and issued another command. "Gogoat, Leech Seed!"

A spray of tiny seeds scattered from Gogoat's back, landing at Blaziken's feet. The moment they touched the ground, they sprouted, tendrils creeping up Blaziken's legs and sapping its energy. Fortunately, Grass-type moves weren't particularly effective against Fire-types, but the gradual drain was still troublesome.

"Good! Now, Blaziken, charge with Flame Charge!"

With a fierce cry, Blaziken's body erupted in flames, incinerating most of the Leech Seeds clinging to it. Though a few remained, they were negligible now. Blaziken surged forward, a blazing comet streaking toward Gogoat.

"Tie it down with Grass Knot, then follow up with Bulldoze!" Master Fu remained composed.

Vines burst from the earth, coiling around Blaziken's legs mid-charge and yanking it off-balance. Though the flames burned away some of the restraints, the interruption was enough—Gogoat stomped the ground, sending a shockwave rippling through the battlefield. The Bulldoze struck hard, dealing significant damage to Blaziken.

"Blaziken, leap up and use Blaze Kick!" Aoki ordered, his brow furrowed.

Blaziken's legs ignited once more, burning away the remaining Grass Knot bindings. Despite the pain from Gogoat's attack, it pushed through, launching itself into the air. Spreading its arms like wings, it gathered all its fiery energy into one leg before driving a devastating kick straight into Gogoat's side.

BOOM!

Even Gogoat's impressive bulk couldn't fully withstand the super-effective hit. The force of the impact sent it skidding back, scorch marks seared into its fur. However, its natural endurance and recovery abilities kept it standing.

"Gogoat, Grassy Terrain! Then, Synthesis!" Master Fu called out.

Lush grass sprouted across the battlefield, glowing faintly as it revitalized Gogoat. The burns from Blaziken's kick faded rapidly under the combined effects of the terrain and sunlight absorption.

"Blaziken, don't let up! Keep attacking with Fire Punch!"

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Blaziken's fists became a blur, each strike wreathed in flames as it hammered Gogoat relentlessly. Yet despite the mounting damage, Gogoat's recovery abilities kept pace.

"Gogoat, Giga Drain!" Master Fu commanded.

A shimmering green energy siphoned from Blaziken into Gogoat, further offsetting the damage.

This battle was turning into a war of attrition—Gogoat's healing and defensive capabilities made it a formidable opponent. If this continued, Blaziken would eventually be worn down.

"Blaziken, Swords Dance again!"

Aoki had no choice. To overpower Gogoat's recovery, Blaziken needed another attack boost.

As Blaziken stepped back to perform its dance once more, Master Fu took the opportunity to further bolster Gogoat's defenses.

"Gogoat, Bulk Up!"

The Gogoat flexed, muscles tightening as its Attack and Defense rose.

Aoki's eyes narrowed. If they didn't break through now, the match would slip away.

"Blaziken, Flame Charge—full power!"

Fire erupted from Blaziken's crest, streaks of gold flickering within the blaze. Its Speed had already been maximized from previous boosts, and now it shot forward like a meteor.

BOOM!!

Before Gogoat could react, Blaziken collided with it at full force, the impact sending Gogoat crashing into the arena wall. Blaziken skidded to a stop, dropping to one knee as the recoil from its own attack rattled its body.

Dazed but determined, Blaziken forced itself up.

"Now—Blaze Kick!"

Gathering every last ounce of strength, Blaziken lunged forward, flames roaring around its foot as it delivered one final, crushing blow.

BANG!

The kick landed squarely, the force cracking the wall behind Gogoat.

Panting heavily, Blaziken staggered back, one eye clenched shut from exhaustion.

Gogoat slumped to the ground, unconscious.

"Gogoat is unable to battle! The winner is challenger Aoki!" the referee announced, waving his flag.

But victory was the last thing on Aoki's mind as Blaziken swayed, on the verge of collapse.

Before it could hit the ground, another Gogoat—Master Fu's ace—darted forward, catching Blaziken just in time. Without hesitation, it activated Grassy Terrain, the soothing energy washing over Blaziken to stabilize its condition.