Suicune's aqua-blue body shimmered under the light. Two flowing white ribbons trailed behind it like twin tails, while a thick, purple mane covered its back. On its forehead rested a hexagonal, sky-blue crest, resembling the horn of a unicorn. Its tall, graceful posture gave it the presence of a true king among Water-type Pokémon.
"It's been a long time, Suicune." Ash smiled faintly as he looked at Suicune. He could not help but recall his days challenging Gyms in Kanto. Those battles had often been one-sided, and Suicune had rarely needed to step in, but even so, they were memories he cherished deeply.
"Aooo."
Suicune responded with a soft, gentle cry, its tone filled with familiarity. This scene made Lorelei and the others even more envious. Not only did Ash possess a Legendary Pokémon, but he also shared such a close bond with it.
"Gyarados, the opponent is the supreme Water-type. Let's go all out and show our full strength!"
"ROAR!!!"
Hearing Siebold's command, Gyarados let out a furious roar. It was clear that it, too, recognized Suicune as its strongest opponent yet.
"Gyarados, use Hyper Beam!"
From between Gyarados's open jaws, an orange-red beam gathered rapidly before firing straight toward Suicune. The sheer destructive power of the attack distorted the air as it shot forward.
"Though it may be a bit unfair," Ash said calmly, "I only have these two Water-type Pokémon. And fairness is a rule decided by the strong. Right now, you are simply too weak."
Faced with the incoming Hyper Beam, neither Ash nor Suicune showed the slightest reaction. A translucent, water-blue barrier formed instantly around Suicune.
Boom!!!
Ding!
The Hyper Beam struck the barrier, sending ripples across its surface, but it failed to break through. The attack dissipated completely without leaving even a scratch.
"What!" Siebold's eyes widened in disbelief. Even such a powerful move could not penetrate Suicune's defense.
Commentator: "Incredible! That's a defensive technique unique to Legendary Pokémon. Even Hyper Beam cannot break through Suicune's barrier. If Siebold wants to win, she must first find a way to overcome that defense!"
"My Suicune is already at the late stage of high-tier Legendary strength," Ash said with a faint smile. "It has long surpassed ordinary Legendary Pokémon. With your Gyarados alone, being able to endure even a single attack would already be impressive."
With a casual wave of his hand, Ash signaled the end of the match. The moment Suicune entered the battlefield, the outcome had already been decided.
If Siebold's Gyarados had been at the Champion's peak, it might have lasted a few exchanges. But at its current level, the gap between them was simply too vast.
"Aooo!"
Suicune let out a resonant howl. Instantly, the surrounding seawater rose into the air, gathering around it. The water condensed and took the form of massive, shark-like constructs that surged forward toward Gyarados.
"Hydro Assault."
The water constructs crashed down, tearing into Gyarados from all directions. Under such relentless attacks, even Gyarados's powerful body could not endure for long.
Commentator: "What a spectacular technique! The visual impact is overwhelming. Very few Pokémon could withstand such an attack. It seems the outcome is already decided!"
"The Gyarados is unable to battle. Suicune wins! The final victor of this match is Ash Ketchum!"
As the referee's flag came down, the result was confirmed. Gyarados's body was covered in wounds, evidence of Suicune's overwhelming power. Had Suicune not held back, the damage would have been far more severe.
The stadium erupted into thunderous applause, celebrating Suicune's victory.
Suicune glanced once at Siebold and Gyarados, then turned gracefully and walked back toward Ash, its elegant figure embodying the dignity of a true Legendary Pokémon.
"You've worked hard, Gyarados… It seems our training still isn't enough. We'll have to push even harder next time."
Siebold let out a quiet sigh as she watched Suicune leave the battlefield. She had not expected the gap to be so overwhelming that Gyarados could not even land a single effective hit. After recalling it into its Poké Ball, she steadied her emotions, though the frustration still lingered in her heart.
Fireworks and celebratory blasts echoed through the sky, marking the conclusion of the tournament.
The Whirlpool Islands Competition had a unique rule. There were no runners-up or third place winners. Only one champion would be recognized.
And this time, that champion was Ash.
Commentator: "After three days of intense battles, the Whirlpool Islands Competition has officially concluded! The final victor is Ash Ketchum, who demonstrated overwhelming strength throughout the tournament! Now, we invite the High Priestess to present the award!"
Hearing this, Ash stepped onto the podium. His gaze briefly lingered on the staff held in the High Priestess's hand before shifting back to her.
"Congratulations," she said with a gentle smile. "May this Mystic Water help you grow even stronger."
She took the Mystic Water from the attendant beside her and handed it to Ash.
"Thank you."
Ash accepted the item calmly. Without lingering for the celebration, he turned and left the stage. Festivities held little interest for him. As for the staff in the High Priestess's hand, although he was curious about it, it was not something he could examine in front of so many people.
Looking down at the Mystic Water in his hand, Ash's Sharingan activated, allowing him to clearly perceive the dense concentration of Water-type energy surrounding it.
"This Mystic Water is far purer than usual… It's almost completely composed of condensed Water energy. Compared to ordinary ones, this is on an entirely different level."
Mystic Water enhanced a Pokémon's affinity with Water-type energy. The greater the affinity, the stronger the power of their moves.
With this particular Mystic Water, the strength of Water-type Pokémon could increase by at least fifty percent.
Its value was undeniable.