As Ash stepped onto the field, the Shimoya Brothers entered from the opposite side as well.
"…That popularity… yeah, I knew it," the two exchanged a glance and sighed quietly as the entire stadium erupted in cheers for Ash.
Still, they had nothing but respect for him—his strength, his character… everything. It was just hard not to feel a little discouraged sometimes.
After all, Ash was only six years old.
"ASH!!"
"ASH!!"
The roar of the crowd didn't fade for a long time, but standing at the center line, the referee remained completely unfazed. Raising the green signal flag, he announced in a firm voice:
"The next match is between the 'Shimoya Brothers' and the 'Ash & Clarissa Duo'! The format is a '2-on-2' double battle. When both Pokémon on one side are defeated, or a trainer concedes, the match will end."
"Now—please send out your Pokémon!"
"Go, Onix!"
"Crobat, get ready to battle!"
The moment the signal was given, the Shimoya Brothers threw their Poké Balls without hesitation.
On Ash's side, there was no need for that. He and Clarissa simply crouched down and gently placed their partners onto the battlefield.
"Pikachu, let's give this a real fight."
"Happiny, do your best!"
"Pika~ Pika! (/^v^)/"
"Fu-da Fu-da (^A^)"
The two small, adorable Pokémon marched onto the field full of spirit. It was a slightly comical sight—but no one dared to underestimate them, especially that yellow electric mouse.
"ROOOAR—!"
"SHREEEE—!"
Across the field, the massive Onix let out a thunderous roar, while Crobat hovered above, emitting sharp, piercing cries.
Their trainers looked serious and cautious—but their Pokémon radiated raw confidence and dominance.
"System, scan their data."
Taking advantage of the brief moment before the battle began, Ash quickly analyzed his opponents.
[Pokémon: Onix]
Level: LV.38
Type: Rock / Ground
Nature: Calm
Ability: Sturdy
Potential: Red+ (Elite)
Moves (Copyable):
Proficient: Rock Throw, Tackle, Harden, Bind, Dragon Breath
Skilled: Smack Down, Rock Polish, Curse, Rock Slide, Screech, Sand Tomb
Novice: Stealth Rock
[Pokémon: Crobat]
Level: LV.37
Type: Poison / Flying
Nature: Impatient
Ability: Infiltrator
Potential: Red (Elite)
Moves (Copyable):
Proficient: Cross Poison, Air Cutter
Skilled: Tailwind, Toxic, Screech, Absorb, Supersonic, Astonish, Mean Look, Poison Fang, Bite
Novice: Quick Guard
In Battlefield No. 6, most competitors hovered between LV.30 (Advanced Tier) and LV.40 (Elite Tier). As one of the top double teams here, the Shimoya Brothers' Pokémon were already close to elite-level strength.
From their stats and move mastery, it was clear—these Pokémon were very well trained.
This would be a tough fight.
"Battle—start!"
The referee's flag slashed downward.
The crowd exploded.
"Ash, go!!"
"Shimoya Brothers!!"
"Clarissa!!"
The deafening cheers filled the stadium, but on the battlefield, both sides were already locked into combat focus.
"Onix, use Sand Tomb across the field!"
"Crobat, target Happiny with Toxic!"
Right from the start, the Shimoya Brothers launched a relentless offensive.
Neither Pikachu nor Happiny could fly—their movement was restricted to the ground. A wide-area Sand Tomb meant there was nowhere to dodge.
At the same time, Crobat targeted Happiny with Toxic, exploiting its high HP by applying steady damage over time.
A perfect, layered attack.
This was why they were the kings of Battlefield No. 6.
Against most trainers, this kind of pressure would break them in just a few turns.
But Ash wasn't most trainers.
"If we can't dodge… then we won't dodge."
His eyes sharpened instantly.
"Pikachu—lift Happiny, and use Surf on Onix!"
Clarissa reacted just as fast.
"Happiny—use Minimize!"
Minimize would greatly increase evasion, reducing the chance of Toxic landing. At the same time, it made Happiny lighter—easier for Pikachu to carry.
"WOOOOOSH—!!"
As the sandstorm churned violently, a sudden surge of water erupted from beneath the battlefield.
A roaring wave rose into the air.
Pikachu, carrying a now-tiny Happiny, rode the crest of the wave like a surfer charging forward.
The entire stadium froze.
This was supposed to be a situation where Pikachu would struggle helplessly in the Sand Tomb.
No one—neither the Shimoya Brothers nor the audience—had expected Ash to break the situation like this.
And even more shocking—
Pikachu… knew Surf?!
Onix's Sand Tomb vs Pikachu's Surf.
The tide had turned in an instant.
Facing the massive wave crashing toward it, the once-dominant Onix faltered—its arrogance replaced by instinctive fear.
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T/N:
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