The long-awaited clash between Infernape and Emboar had finally begun.
"EMBOAR!"
Emboar's rugged body surged forward like a massive wild boar as it let out a thunderous roar.
Blazing flames ignited around its hand and wrapped tightly around its fist.
Fire Punch!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Emboar charged toward Infernape with heavy, earth-shaking strides.
The scorching Fire Punch on its right fist burned so hot that it vaporized moisture in the air, sending wisps of steam rising around it.
That was how intense the heat was.
Aaron's eyes narrowed slightly.
As expected of a Mastery-level Fire Punch.
Its power could not be underestimated.
The corner of Aaron's mouth lifted into a faint smile as he said slowly,
"Infernape... we'll use Fire Punch too."
"Infer!"
Infernape nodded at his words.
Red-gold light surged from its body, then gathered around its hand.
A golden blaze coiled around Infernape's fist and enveloped it.
Fire Punch!
"Infer... nape!"
Infernape let out a low growl. Its body turned into a streak of golden light as it rushed toward Emboar.
The difference in speed between the two Pokémon was obvious at a glance.
Infernape was much faster than Emboar.
"Infer!"
"EMBOAR!"
At the center of the ring, the two Pokémon finally met.
Infernape's and Emboar's Fire Punches collided violently.
BOOOOM!
A massive explosion echoed through the entire Fighting Arena.
Thick black smoke surged from the center of the blast, while sparks scattered through the air like burning embers.
The rolling smoke swallowed both Pokémon, making it impossible to see what was happening inside.
"Oh my goodness! Infernape and Emboar's Fire Punch clash produced that much power! These two are far too strong!"
"But the smoke is too thick right now. We can't see what's happening inside the ring at all! Which Pokémon came out on top?"
"Activate the arena's smoke extraction system and clear the ring!"
At the commentary booth, Kenny shouted into the microphone, his voice brimming with excitement.
Then he activated the arena's smoke extraction system.
In an instant, the thick smoke over the ring quickly dispersed, revealing two figures.
They were Infernape and Emboar.
At that moment, the two Pokémon were facing each other.
Infernape showed no signs of injury, while Emboar's right arm was trembling slightly, with visible wounds across its fist.
"There they are!"
"Infernape and Emboar!"
"Huh!?"
"What's going on? Judging from that clash, Emboar seems to be at a disadvantage!"
"This is unbelievable!"
"Infernape is only at Gym Early Stage, while Emboar is at Gym Mid Stage. Yet in a Fire Punch collision, Emboar was the one injured!?"
At the commentary booth, Kenny held the microphone and stared at the wounded Emboar before crying out in shock.
"This... how is this possible!?"
Titan's pupils shrank sharply.
Shock appeared on his face.
This Infernape could actually overpower his Emboar head-on!?
Aaron, however, smiled faintly.
His Infernape's Shiny effect and nature both boosted physical Attack.
On top of that, it had the Super Saiyan Monkey Ability and the Super Saiyan bloodline, and its Fire Punch was at Perfect level.
Crossing one small level was perfectly normal.
"What's wrong?"
"Didn't you just say you were going to beat my Pokémon flat?"
"Why so quiet now?"
Aaron smiled faintly as he spoke to Titan.
"Tch..."
"Don't get cocky, brat. I'm just getting started."
Titan instantly flew into a rage and shouted angrily at Aaron.
Then he yelled at Emboar,
"Emboar... use Flame Charge!"
"EMBOAR!"
Emboar let out a great roar, a flicker of fire flashing through its eyes.
Scorching flames surged from its entire body and wrapped around it, making Emboar look like a whole roasted pig...
No.
A flaming boar.
BOOM!
Flames surged upward as it charged toward Infernape with terrifying heat and power.
Flame Charge: a Fire-type physical skill with 50 power.
After use, it raises Speed by one stage.
It was an excellent skill that could both damage the enemy and boost the user.
"Infernape... one more punch."
"Thunder Punch."
Aaron still wore a faint smile, as if everything remained within his control, as he spoke to Infernape.
What made Infernape terrifying?
Its fists, of course.
Though its attitude hit almost as hard.