"Infer..."
Infernape let out a low growl, lightning crackling around its right fist.
CRACKLE! CRACKLE!
Countless arcs of electricity gathered around its fist, the yellow flashes snapping sharply through the air.
Thunder Punch!
"Infer-nape!"
Infernape raised its lightning-wrapped fist and swung hard at Emboar, who was charging straight toward it, wreathed in roaring flames.
BOOOOM!
CRACKLE!
A thunderous impact rang out, mixed with the sharp crackle of electricity.
"EMBOAR!"
Emboar's charge was stopped dead by Infernape's Thunder Punch.
It could not force its way forward even one more step.
"Infernape... now!"
"One more punch. Mach Punch!"
Aaron seized the opportunity and immediately called out to Infernape.
"Infer!"
A glint flashed through Infernape's eyes.
Its fist lit up with a brilliant white glow, and it struck Emboar in the stomach with a lightning-fast Mach Punch.
Infernape's Mach Punch was simply too fast.
No one present could see it clearly.
Emboar did not have time to react at all.
It only felt a sharp pain in its stomach before its rugged body was sent flying several meters away.
It crashed heavily onto the cold ring, clutching its stomach as it groaned.
"What happened!?"
"Why did Emboar suddenly go down clutching its stomach!?"
"Did it eat something bad before the match!?"
"Why is it groaning like that?"
Kenny's eyes widened as he cried out in shock from the host platform, shouting at the top of his voice.
"Emboar!?"
Titan's expression changed.
He shouted worriedly toward Emboar.
"Damn it... something's off about this kid."
By now, Titan had realized that the brat across from him had been hiding his strength the whole time.
...
"What's wrong... old man?"
"You don't look so good."
"Your Pokémon is kind of weak!"
Aaron wore a look of fake concern as he asked Titan.
"You..."
Titan was so furious at Aaron that he nearly lost his mind on the spot. His eyes bulged wide, filled entirely with rage.
He looked like he wanted to rush over and beat Aaron up himself.
"Hmph... don't celebrate too soon!"
"Emboar... get up!"
"Use Earthquake!"
Titan snorted coldly, then shouted loudly at Emboar.
"EMBOAR!"
Emboar endured the pain in its stomach, its brows tightly furrowed, and forced itself back to its feet.
It raised its head and let out an enraged roar as yellow energy surged from its body.
Earthquake was a 100-power move, and it was super effective against Infernape.
If Infernape got hit, it definitely would not feel good.
Aaron's lips lifted slightly as he said calmly,
"No choice, then."
"I'll just have to beat you into submission today."
"Infernape... give it another punch!"
"Mach Punch!"
His mission was to give Titan's Pokémon a proper beating.
Otherwise, he could have ended this directly with a single Kaio-ken.
"Infer!"
Infernape grinned.
A piercing white glow lit up around its right fist again, and its body turned into a streak of light.
It rushed straight toward Emboar, who had just finished gathering energy.
Fast.
Clean.
Brutal.
That was Mach Punch.
BANG!
Infernape's Mach Punch slammed hard into Emboar's stomach once again.
Emboar spat out a mouthful of saliva, its eyes bulging wide.
Its massive body flew backward again.
"EMBOOOAR!"
Clutching its stomach, it rolled across the ring and let out a miserable cry.
"This... this is incredible!"
"Emboar has been knocked down by Infernape again!"
"What an unbelievable Infernape! Its Mach Punch actually has this much power!?"
"As expected of the youngest genius!"
"Maybe contestant Aaron is the biggest dark horse of this entire tournament!"
Kenny watched as Infernape completely dominated Emboar, his expression full of excitement as he roared into the microphone.
The surrounding audience erupted.
They screamed at the top of their lungs.
The wealthy ladies in particular kept casting flirtatious glances at Aaron, looking as though they wanted to eat him alive.
"Damn it..."
"I'm so pissed!"
"Standing back there and giving orders while your Pokémon does all the work... you think that makes you tough!?"
"If you've got the guts, step into the ring yourself and fight me!"
Titan's expression turned ugly as he roared furiously at Aaron.
"Hm?"
"Since you asked so sincerely, I suppose I can't refuse."
The corner of Aaron's mouth lifted slightly, and a strange look appeared in his eyes as he spoke to Titan.
If someone was kind enough to put his face right in front of Aaron and ask to be hit, refusing would just be rude.
And Aaron was nothing if not polite.
...