After helping Jessie find a new path and bidding farewell to the emotional Team Rocket trio, Ash and his group resumed their journey through the Orange Archipelago. The ferry ride had been peaceful, but as they docked at the next island, Ash's PokéNav suddenly rang.
Professor Oak's face appeared on the screen, looking excited. "Ash! I heard you helped Jessie and gave her hope for a new future from daisy. Well done, my boy. But I have important news Bruno is waiting for you on Kinnow Island. He wants an official Elite Four challenge. This is your next step after Lorelei. Are you ready?"
Ash grinned confidently. "I'm always ready, Professor. Tell Bruno I'm on my way."
Misty, who had been walking beside him, suddenly stopped as a small Poliwag waddled up to her from the water's edge.
The little tadpole Pokémon looked up at her with big, sparkling eyes and rubbed affectionately against her leg.
Misty knelt down with a soft smile. "Hey, little guy… you're the one who helped us find the Salveyo Weed, aren't you?"
The Poliwag nodded happily. Misty laughed and gently tossed a Poké Ball. "Want to come with me?"
The ball clicked shut after one shake. Misty's new Poliwag was caught.
Ash smiled warmly. "Looks like you've got a new partner."
With everyone ready, the group released Lapras and Shiny Gyarados. Ash and his harem climbed onto Lapras's broad, comfortable back, while Tracey rode on Shiny Gyarados.
They set off toward Kinnow Island, the sea breeze refreshing as they sailed.
When they finally reached the island, Bruno was waiting for them on a wide, open grassy field near the shore no stadium, no crowd, just the vast natural battlefield under the open sky.
The massive Fighting-type specialist stood tall, arms crossed, a wide grin on his face.
"Ash Ketchum!" Bruno boomed, his voice carrying across the field. "Good to see you again. I brought some fresh fruits from the island help yourselves before we begin."
He tossed a basket filled with juicy berries, tropical fruits, and sweet Poké Puffs toward the group. Ash caught it with a laugh, and everyone enjoyed the refreshing snacks while sitting on the grass.
Bruno took a big bite of an Oran Berry and asked casually, "So, how's your Orange League challenge going? I heard you've already collected four badges."
Ash proudly opened his badge case, showing the Coral-Eye, Sea Ruby, Spike Shell, and the newly earned Jade star badge.
"Four down. One more and I'll be ready for the Orange League Championship."
Bruno laughed heartily. "Impressive! After our friendly match back in Kanto, I knew you had potential. Today, let's see how far you've come. 3 vs 3 no substitutions until a Pokémon is unable to battle. Are you ready?"
Ash stood up, his eyes sharp and confident.
"I'm ready. Let's do this."
Misty cheered from the sidelines. "Go get him, Ash!"
Sabrina smiled softly. "We believe in you."
Daisy clapped. "Show him your strength!"
Giselle nodded determinedly. "We're right here with you."
Tracey was already sketching. "This is going to be epic!"
Battle Start!
Bruno sent out his first Pokémon.
"Machamp, let's show him your power!"
The four-armed Fighting-type appeared, flexing all four muscular arms with a powerful roar, his body radiating raw strength and battle-hardened experience.
Ash responded confidently. "Snorlax, you're up!"
The massive Snorlax appeared with a heavy thud, yawning lazily but radiating raw Champion-level power.
His thick fur rippled as he settled into a relaxed but ready stance, eyes half-lidded yet sharp.
The open field felt alive with tension.
The grass swayed in the breeze, and the distant sound of ocean waves provided a natural soundtrack to the upcoming clash.
Bruno's Machamp pounded his fists together, creating small shockwaves, while Snorlax simply stood firm, his presence alone making the ground feel heavier.
Bruno grinned widely. "Machamp, start with Dynamic Punch!"
Machamp charged forward with blinding speed, one fist glowing with devastating energy as he aimed a powerful Dynamic Punch straight at Snorlax's midsection.
The air whistled with the force of the attack.
Ash remained completely calm. "Snorlax, take it and use Heavy Slam!"
Snorlax braced himself, his thick fat and Champion-level defense absorbing much of the impact.
The Dynamic Punch landed with a thunderous boom that echoed across the open field, sending a visible shockwave that flattened the grass for several meters around them.
The girls instinctively stepped back, but Snorlax endured the hit with barely a flinch.
Then, with surprising speed for his size, he countered with a massive Heavy Slam, crashing down on Machamp with his full weight and power.
The ground shook violently from the collision.
Machamp grunted in effort but powered through, using all four arms to push Snorlax back a few steps.
The two titans stood facing each other, breathing heavily, the air thick with the scent of crushed grass and raw power.
Misty cheered loudly from the sidelines, pumping her fist.
"That's it, Snorlax! Show him what real tank power looks like!"
Sabrina observed with focused violet eyes.
"Snorlax's endurance is on another level. He's turning Bruno's aggression into an advantage."
Daisy clapped excitedly. "Beautiful counter! Keep it up!"
Giselle watched with wide-eyed admiration. "He's so strong and steady… just like Ash."
Tracey sketched rapidly, his pencil flying across the page. "The impact! The raw power! This is going to be an unforgettable battle!"
Whole the battle was going pikachu and eevee were cheering for the big guy..
Piii pika piii ( Go pound him man)
Eebuiiiii( Slam that wannabe four arms into the ground)
Bruno laughed heartily, clearly enjoying the challenge. "Not bad at all! Machamp, use Bulk Up then Cross Chop!"
Machamp's muscles bulged dramatically as he powered up, his body glowing with increased strength and defense.
Then he unleashed a series of powerful Cross Chops with all four arms, each strike cutting through the air like a blade.
The attacks came like a storm, fast and relentless.
Ash's voice was steady and commanding. "Snorlax, Rest to recover, then Giga Impact!"
Snorlax took a quick nap right in the middle of the battlefield, restoring his energy instantly despite the incoming attacks.
As Machamp closed in with his Cross Chops, Snorlax woke up and charged forward with devastating Giga Impact, slamming into the Fighting-type with unstoppable momentum.
The collision created a massive dust cloud and a shockwave that flattened the grass even further.
When the dust cleared, Machamp was pushed back significantly, breathing heavily, while Snorlax stood firm, barely scratched.
The girls cheered wildly.
Misty jumped up and down. "Yes! Snorlax is a walking fortress!"
Sabrina smiled proudly. "His timing is perfect."
Daisy clapped with excitement. "He's dominating!"
Giselle's eyes shone. "Amazing…"
Tracey was sketching furiously. "The power difference is showing! Snorlax is built different!"
Bruno nodded with respect, clearly impressed. "You've trained him exceptionally well. But we're not done yet! Machamp, use Vital Throw!"
Machamp grabbed Snorlax with all four arms, attempting to slam him into the ground with tremendous force.
Snorlax resisted with sheer brute strength, then countered with a powerful Body Slam, crushing Machamp beneath his massive body.
The impact created a small crater in the field. Machamp struggled valiantly but eventually couldn't rise.
Snorlax wins the first round!
Bruno recalled Machamp with a proud grin.
"Good fight, old friend. Take a rest."
He sent out his next Pokémon. "Hitmonlee, let's show him your speed!"
The kicking specialist appeared, stretching its long legs and preparing for battle, eyes locked on Snorlax with intense focus.
Ash recalled Snorlax with genuine praise. "You did great out there. Rest up, big guy."
The open field fell into a brief, charged silence as both trainers prepared for the next round.
The girls cheered Ash on, their voices carrying across the battlefield, while Tracey continued capturing every moment in his sketches.
Bruno laughed. "This is getting fun! Hitmonlee, show him what you can do!"
The second round was about to begin, and the tension in the air was electric.