"Use Water Gun on the ground." Seeing the rock assault from the Steelix about to break through, Ash Ketchum immediately issued a command.
"Gaa!" Upon hearing Ash's order, the Totodile fired a Water Gun straight at the ground. At such close range, the recoil force instantly propelled its body upward, launching it into the air.
"Boom!"
At that exact moment, the rocks shattered the position where Totodile had been standing, crushing the ground and sending debris flying.
"That's impressive. Using Water Gun for evasion… an unexpected tactic." Shirō, watching from the sidelines, immediately noted the maneuver. Even though he specialized in combat, understanding different battle styles was essential.
"It can't move freely in the air. Steelix, use Bite!"
Taking advantage of the opening, Jasmine gave her command. Steelix roared, opening its massive jaws as it lunged toward Totodile midair.
"Use Screech."
As if anticipating the move, Ash's command followed without delay.
"SKREEEE!"
Totodile let out a piercing cry. The harsh sound instantly disrupted Steelix's attack, causing it to recoil and shake its head in discomfort.
Screech had no direct damage, but its effect was immediate. The violent vibration of sound waves interfered with the opponent's senses, slowing movement and disrupting coordination. It was a highly effective support move.
Unlike offensive techniques, moves like Screech were not limited by level gaps. As long as the opponent could hear, the effect would take hold, though some Pokémon with strong willpower could push through it.
Ash had already noticed that many trainers in this world focused purely on powerful attacks, often neglecting support techniques. They chased overwhelming force while ignoring tactical versatility.
That was a mistake.
"Bang!"
Steelix slammed into the ground, cracking the terrain around it. At the very instant of impact, Totodile landed and leapt onto Steelix's head.
"Water Gun!"
Seizing the opportunity, Ash gave the command. Totodile fired at point-blank range, the stream striking Steelix directly.
"ROOOAR!!!"
Steelix bellowed in pain. The Water-type attack exploited its weakness, forcing it back despite its durability.
However, the level difference still mattered. The damage, while effective, was not enough to overwhelm it.
Enduring the hit, Steelix's tail gleamed with metallic luster as it swung upward—
"Boom!"
"Gaaah!"
Totodile was struck head-on by Iron Tail and sent flying. Fresh wounds appeared across its body, and its speed dropped noticeably. Even so, it remained standing, its fighting spirit unbroken.
This resilience was the result of Ash's training.
"I was maintaining Water Gun, so dodging wasn't possible… That Steelix's autonomous response is impressive," Ash thought, analyzing the exchange.
From high-level battles onward, Pokémon could not rely solely on commands. They needed independent judgment. In intense combat, even a moment's delay from the trainer could be fatal.
Jasmine's Steelix clearly possessed that level of discipline.
"That's enough. Totodile… release your power and evolve."
Through his perception, Ash had already confirmed that Totodile had reached the threshold.
There was no need to hold back any longer.
"GAAAH!"
A brilliant blue light enveloped Totodile's body. Its form began to expand, muscles tightening as its shape shifted.
When the light faded, a larger, more ferocious Pokémon stood in its place—
Croconaw.
Its body had grown significantly, its blue hide gleaming under the light. Red spikes protruded from its back, and its jaws looked far more powerful than before. The presence it exuded was on an entirely different level.
"What…?!"
Jasmine's expression changed drastically as she sensed the surge in power.
"You can actually make your Pokémon grow stronger the moment they evolve…"
"That's why I said this battle isn't decided yet. The real fight starts now. Croconaw, show them your evolved power… use Hydro Cannon!"
Ash smiled as he spoke, his tone calm but filled with confidence.
"GRAAAH!"
"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"
From Croconaw's mouth, three massive spheres of compressed water were fired in rapid succession, roaring through the air like artillery shells as they shot toward Steelix.
The move resembled the large-scale water techniques used by Gamabunta in battle, though Croconaw had yet to reach that level of mastery.
"Be careful, Steelix, use Dig!"
Seeing the sheer force behind the attack, Jasmine reacted instantly.
"ROAR!"
"BOOM!"
Steelix slammed into the ground, its massive body burrowing beneath the surface in an instant. Dust and debris erupted outward, and when the smoke cleared, only a large hole remained.
The Hydro Cannon barrage struck nothing but empty space.
"You just made Steelix an easier target," Ash said, already anticipating the outcome. "Croconaw, aim at the hole. Use Water Gun!"
The moment those words left his mouth, Jasmine's expression changed.
She immediately understood what Ash meant.
(End of Chapter)
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