"Croconaw, use Aqua Tail." Seeing the Croconaw leap into the air, Siebold immediately issued her command. Suspended midair, Croconaw had limited mobility, making it the perfect opportunity to strike.
"Use Water Gun on the floating platform." As the incoming Aqua Tail swept toward him, Ash Ketchum's Sharingan glowed crimson. In response, Croconaw abandoned Ice Fang and fired a Water Gun at the floating platform on the sea.
"Vani!"
Boom!
The Water Gun struck the platform, and the recoil force propelled Croconaw even higher into the air. At the same time, Gyarados's Aqua Tail swept just beneath it, narrowly missing.
"What!" Siebold was stunned. It was not just Croconaw's maneuver that surprised her, but Ash's instantaneous reaction and Croconaw's flawless execution of the command.
Commentator: "Incredible! Ash's Croconaw used the recoil from its Water Gun to dodge Gyarados's Aqua Tail midair!"
Boom!
Gyarados's tail slammed into the sea, sending waves crashing outward. As Croconaw descended, it dashed forward, running along Gyarados's massive body.
"Now, use Slash!"
Croconaw's claws glowed white as it sprinted along Gyarados's midsection, then struck fiercely at its abdomen.
"That's bad, Gyarados, get away!" Siebold shouted in alarm, but it was too late. The attack had already landed before her command could be executed.
"ROAR!!!"
Gyarados let out a deafening cry. The middle of its body was a critical control point for its tail. A hit there not only caused heavy damage but could temporarily disrupt its movement.
"Gyarados, use Slam!"
Since evasion was no longer possible, Siebold chose a direct counterattack. Enraged, Gyarados twisted violently, smashing Croconaw away from its body.
Gyarados was known for its violent temperament. The more damage it sustained, the more furious it became, and that rage translated directly into increased attack power. This was the result of the immense stress it endured as a Magikarp before evolution. Once it evolved, that suppressed energy erupted uncontrollably.
This was why most Gyarados were extremely difficult to control, often attacking anything in sight, including humans and other Pokémon.
"Looks like its stamina is running out. As expected, using high-level techniques at its current level is still too much… but this is enough. Its battle experience has improved a lot. Croconaw, come back."
Croconaw was knocked into the sea. Fortunately, the water cushioned the impact. Otherwise, it might have completely lost its ability to battle.
"Vani…"
Hearing Ash's command, Croconaw glanced unwillingly at Gyarados before turning into a beam of red light and returning to its Poké Ball.
Even so, its performance was impressive. After all, Croconaw had only been caught in the Johto region not long ago. In just half a year, it had already reached a high level, and under Ash's training, its lack of experience was steadily being corrected.
Commentator: "Ash has recalled Croconaw. It seems that the previous exchange drained a lot of its stamina. Which Pokémon will he send out next?"
"This guy…" Siebold muttered, her expression growing more serious instead of relieved. "According to the information I have, his Water-type Pokémon are limited. If that's the case… then his next choice is most likely…"
After recalling Croconaw, Ash stood calmly, but that calm only made Siebold more uneasy. His limited roster made his choices predictable, yet at the same time, far more dangerous.
"And the one Pokémon capable of pushing him to the peak of the Champion level, possessing such overwhelming Water-type pressure… there is likely only one."
"Summoning Jutsu."
Ash bent his knees and pressed his right palm against the ground. Instantly, a complex summoning seal spread out from beneath his hand. With a loud bang, white smoke burst outward, covering the battlefield.
"Oh!"
As the audience strained to see through the smoke, a deep, wolf-like cry echoed across the arena. A powerful gust of wind followed, dispersing the mist in an instant.
Commentator: "Unbelievable! Ash's next Pokémon is one of the legendary beasts of Johto, the embodiment of the North Wind, Suicune!"
As the smoke cleared, Suicune's elegant and majestic figure stood revealed. Its flowing mane shimmered like the aurora, and its presence alone stirred the entire stadium into cheers and applause.
"So it really is Suicune…" Siebold said, her expression turning tense. "The supreme Water-type… the embodiment of the North Wind. Every Water-type master dreams of capturing a Legendary Pokémon like this… but no one has ever succeeded."
Except the one standing before her.
Siebold fixed her gaze on Suicune, her heart growing heavier. From its aura alone, she could sense the immense gap between them. This was not a battle on equal footing.
There was no need to guess. Suicune was far beyond the level of an ordinary Legendary Pokémon. It had already reached the late stage of high-tier Legendary strength, leaving most others of its kind far behind.
In the audience stands, within the VIP section, Lorelei watched intently, her eyes filled with undisguised envy. Beside her, Chie Aoyama and Bonni shared similar expressions as they stared at Suicune standing proudly in the water arena.
For any Water-type trainer, this was the ultimate dream.