Amid the roaring cheers of the audience, Ash, Clarissa, and their opponents—the famous Thunderstorm Brothers—walked onto the battlefield and took their positions at the trainers' command zones along the edge of the arena.
Listening to the overwhelming cheers directed toward Ash, the normally arrogant Thunderstorm Brothers did something unusual.
For once, they didn't start the match with their usual trash talk.
But through his Aura Perception, as well as the subtle exchange of glances between the twin brothers, Ash could clearly sense their thoughts.
They were burning with one desire—
To defeat him.
If they could beat the rising star of the City Arena, they would instantly gain tremendous fame.
However, Ash didn't feel the slightest bit intimidated.
On the contrary—
His heart was filled with boiling battle spirit.
The Thunderstorm Brothers specialize in Electric-type Pokémon…
Perfect.
This is a great chance to test Frogadier's resistance to electricity.
Ash's eyes flashed with anticipation.
…
"At this moment, the upcoming battle will be between the contestants Ash, Clarissa, Raimei, and Raibao!"
"The battle format is 2 vs 1!"
"Both sides, please send out your Pokémon!"
At the center line of the arena, the referee raised the green signal flag, signaling the start of the preparation phase.
On both sides of the battlefield, all four trainers acted without hesitation.
Poké Balls flew into the air almost simultaneously.
"Ash: Frogadier, I choose you!"
"Clarissa: Happiny, get ready to battle!"
"Thunderstorm Brothers: Raichu! / Magneton! Show them the fury of thunder!"
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
With four sharp flashes of light, four Pokémon appeared on the battlefield at the same time.
Since everyone had thrown their Poké Balls simultaneously, neither side knew beforehand what Pokémon their opponents would send out.
Of course, the Thunderstorm Brothers specialized in Electric-type Pokémon, so Ash wasn't surprised at all when they sent out two Electric-types.
Meanwhile, Clarissa had only Happiny as her partner Pokémon during these matches.
The Thunderstorm Brothers already knew that as well.
However—
The moment Ash's Pokémon appeared on the battlefield, both the Thunderstorm Brothers and Clarissa were visibly stunned.
Ash's core frontline Pokémon consisted of Pikachu, Frogadier, Pidgeotto, and Fearow.
Since Water-type and Flying-type Pokémon are weak against Electric-type attacks, both Clarissa and the Thunderstorm Brothers had assumed Ash would send out Pikachu.
But instead—
He had chosen Frogadier, a Pokémon at a clear type disadvantage.
"This… is incredible luck."
The Thunderstorm Brothers exchanged glances.
Their expressions quickly shifted from surprise to delighted excitement.
…
The arena commentator's astonished voice echoed throughout the stadium.
"Wow! What's going on here?!"
"For the past few days, Ash has been competing in the No. 8 Sub-Arena!"
"And the Thunderstorm Brothers are the undisputed kings of double battles here!"
"Both brothers specialize in Electric-type Pokémon!"
"With such basic information available, there's no way Ash wouldn't know this."
"So was this a mistake?"
"Why would he send out a Water-type Pokémon like Frogadier when he knows his opponents are using Electric-types?"
"Although type advantages don't completely determine victory in Pokémon battles, fighting at a disadvantage makes winning much more difficult!"
…
As the commentator voiced his doubts, the mood among the audience began to shift.
Many spectators who had been passionately cheering for Ash moments earlier now wore disappointed expressions.
To them, it almost felt as if the boy they admired had suddenly said:
"Heh, I'm just messing around."
This attitude made some fans feel frustrated and disappointed.
But Ash didn't offer any explanation.
Because sometimes—
Words are powerless.
Only actions could prove the true strength of Frogadier.
…
The referee ignored the murmurs of the audience.
Seeing that both sides were ready, he brought his raised flag down sharply.
"Battle—Begin!"
"Raimei: Raichu, use Thunder Shock!"
"Raibao: Magneton, use Electric Terrain!"
The moment the battle began, the Thunderstorm Brothers immediately launched a fierce opening assault.
"Raichu!!"
"Magneton!!"
The two Electric-type Pokémon responded instantly to their trainers' commands.
But Ash and Clarissa reacted just as quickly.
Almost the exact moment the referee signaled the start, they issued their own commands.
"Frogadier—focus on your positioning! Use Haze!"
"Happiny, use Sweet Kiss continuously!"
Clarissa's sweet voice rang out as she issued her command, remembering her role as the team's support trainer.
On the battlefield, both Pokémon sprang into action.
Happiny placed one tiny hand against its cheek and began firing floating pink hearts toward Raichu and Magneton.
Meanwhile—
Despite being at a type disadvantage, Frogadier charged forward fearlessly.
Its long tongue-scarf fluttered behind it while its arms moved like a warrior swinging blades.
Within seconds, the battlefield became engulfed in thick black mist.
The dark fog rolled across the arena like a rising tide.
Raichu had already gathered electricity for its attack—
But suddenly it had no idea where to fire.
Magneton, on the other hand, wasn't affected much.
Its Electric Terrain activated successfully, filling the battlefield with active electrical particles.
However—
Although Electric Terrain enhanced the environment for Electric-type Pokémon, the overwhelming effect of Haze completely neutralized any stat changes or buffs.
Raichu received no benefit from the battlefield advantage.
Not only that—
The dense fog blocked their vision.
Raichu, which had originally prepared to launch the first attack, now had no idea where the opponent was.
An arrow had been placed on the bowstring—
But there was no target.
Raichu was stunned.
And the Thunderstorm Brothers, who had confidently believed they could end the match within five turns, suddenly found themselves completely at a loss.
With just one move—Haze—
Ash had instantly neutralized their opening advantage.
"Haha!"
The commentator burst into excited laughter.
"I knew it!"
"Ash is the kind of trainer who always surprises people—someone who loves creating miracles!"
"When he sent out Frogadier earlier, I'll admit I was worried."
"But I also hoped he would once again amaze us!"
"And he didn't disappoint!"
"Facing the Thunderstorm Brothers' aggressive opening attack, Ash used just one move—Haze—and completely shut them down!"
"Ash!!"
"Ash!!!"
"Ash!!!!"
The audience erupted into cheers once again.
The spectators who had doubted him moments earlier now shouted his name with renewed excitement.
But Ash himself remained calm and focused.
Because the battle—
Had only just begun.
The Thunderstorm Brothers' first wave of attacks had ended.
But his and Clarissa's first offensive wave…
Was about to begin.
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T/N:
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