Infernape, one of Ash's Pokémon that left a deep impression on countless people at the Indigo League. This Pokémon is not the strongest in Ash's team, but it is definitely the one with the most interesting story and the fastest growth.
Initially, Infernape wasn't even Ash's Pokémon. It was in the hands of a trainer named Paul, who was also one of the favorites to win the Indigo League. However, the Infernape he used suffered repeated defeats and was quite weak.
It's fair to say that in a competition like the Indigo League, that little Chimchar wouldn't even qualify for the preliminary rounds, let alone get a chance to compete in the main tournament.
However, later, for some unknown reason, Chimchar ended up in Ash's hands. The Chimchar in Ash's hands was completely different from the one in Paul's hands; not only...
Their strength has greatly increased, and they can unleash power far exceeding their own level.
In just a few days, Chimchar made great strides, evolving from its initial Chimchar form into Infernape!
The speed at which a Pokémon evolves from its initial stage to its final stage in just a few days is simply unbelievable, especially considering that this improvement occurred during actual combat. The amount of training time given to Chimchar could probably be counted on one hand.
After evolving into Infernape, Ash even used Infernape to fight against a Gym Leader-level Fire-type Pokémon and ultimately won. Since then, Infernape's name has resounded throughout the world.
Perhaps he wasn't Ash's strongest Pokémon, or even one of the weakest in Ash's Pokémon roster, but his terrifying growth rate and never-give-up spirit have etched his image into everyone's hearts.
"It's been a long time since we've seen Infernape! Let's battle together again!" Ash shouted, pumping his fist with excitement.
"Ho-choo!" Infernape gave Ash a thumbs-up, and then the flames on its head burned even hotter, unleashing its power—Advanced Pro!
This revelation of its level caused Drake's pupils to constrict. Because of his deep impression of Infernape, Drake remembered that while Infernape was powerful, it was only a mid-to-high-level elite. How long had it been since that match? Less than a month?
Infernape has suddenly leveled up by a whole tier! What kind of freak is this?
If it's a leap from Normal to Advanced, or Advanced to Elite, that's somewhat understandable. But from Elite to Professional... do you really think Professional is some common, run-of-the-mill rank?
This level of skill is essential for becoming the main force of Gym masters in various regions. In each region, apart from a few Gym masters, most other Gym masters are only at the professional level.
A professional-level Pokémon surpasses the Pokémon owned by 80% of trainers worldwide. Normally, it might take a trainer a year, or even two or three years, to reach this level.
For some trainers, reaching the professional level might be a level they could only achieve in a lifetime.
But Ash's Infernape only took a month to level up! What kind of incredible speed is that?!
"Thunder!!" As if in response to Infernape, Electivire in front of Drake also roared, revealing its imposing aura—a true Gym Leader!
This is one of Drake's true main Pokémon, and it's on a completely different level from the Pokémon he sent out before. It spans from beginner-level Pokémon to advanced-level Gym Leader Pokémon.
If those previous Pokémon were considered Drake's true main force, then this leap is a bit too big.
"Drake's Electivire and Ash's Infernape roared on the field, their auras reaching their peak at this moment!"
"Anyone who knows Ash will have a deep impression of his Infernape. In just a few days, it evolved from a tiny creature to its final form. In battle, it is like an unkillable cockroach. No matter what, it will not fall down until it defeats the enemy."
"But Drake's Electabuzz is relatively unfamiliar to us, because Drake used Electabuzz back then. However, after using Electabuzz a few times in the initial battles, Drake never used that Pokémon again. Let me tell you a little secret: this Pokémon is Drake's true main Pokémon!"
"Now both sides seem to have ended their probing and are preparing to..."
They've shown their true skills; let's wait and see what the next battle brings!
Alex shouted excitedly on the stage, as if he were the one fighting on the field.
Few people have actually seen Drake's Electabuzz. Although it was Drake's main Pokémon, he hadn't used it for a long time.
Because recently, trainers who have challenged Drake have been unable to even get past Ditto, let alone force out Drake's true main Pokémon.
As a result, when the long-absent Electabuzz reappeared, it had evolved into Electivire.
This means that this Pokémon's strength has reached a new level. In the past, Electabuzz was able to wreak havoc, but now that it's Electivire, most trainers would probably be so scared that they would collapse on the ground before they even have a chance to fight it.
However, Ash is no ordinary trainer.
Judging from the aura emanating from that Infernape, it was no ordinary opponent. In addition, Infernape had previously defeated a Gym Leader-level Pokémon. Although the victory was hard-fought and even suspected of being cheated, a win is a win, and that is an indisputable fact.
Therefore, in this battle... the outcome is still uncertain.
"Get ready Infernape! Aura... reside in my heart!" Ash made a strange gesture in front of him, and the Aura power within him instantly surged into Infernape's body.
At the beginning, Ash went all out, raising Infernape's strength to its current peak.
Even though Infernape's strength is vastly different from what it was during the Indigo League, it still needed to use Aura Fusion to barely have the power to fight against Magmortar in that battle.
Furthermore, at that time, Infernape had a desire To overcome Paul's obsession, the combination of Super Blaze and Infernape's will will allow Infernape to retain a sliver of stamina under any circumstances. Therefore, even if it uses a desperate fighting style, the opponent will be the one to fall first.
But things are different now. Putting aside whether that kind of fighting style, which hurts the enemy a thousand while also hurting yourself a thousand, is even viable, just look at Infernape fighting Drake. It's clear that it won't have the same obsession as it did when fighting Paul.
To enter that state, besides Super Blaze, Infernape's own willpower is also essential. Without the determination to win even at the cost of its life, it is impossible to enter that desperate state.
But that's not necessary now...
"Boom!!" As Ash channeled his Aura, Infernape's aura surged, and the terrifying aura blew the sand and dirt off the ground. For a moment, the entire area was filled with sand and dust, making it difficult to see.
"What's going on? It seems to have gotten stronger again... The Crystal Onix from earlier gave me the same feeling. In fact, I wasn't wrong. That Crystal Onix was clearly only at the peak of the advanced stage, but for some reason, it was able to unleash the strength of the peak elite stage. This Infernape..."
Infernape's aura is clearly only at the high-level of its class, but Drake has a feeling that if they clashed head-on, Infernape wouldn't lose to Electivire. That's just too damn strange!
What kind of method could allow a single Pokémon to jump so many levels?
"Infernape, use Mach Punch!" Just as Drake was still thinking, Ash had already commanded Infernape to launch the first attack.
"Whoa!" Infernape stomped its feet hard on the ground, its body turning into a crimson afterimage. Its fist was wrapped in a strong wind, and the sonic punch, with a sharp sound of wind breaking, was aimed straight at Electabuzz's face.
"Electivire, Thunder Punch, charge in!" Drake commanded in a deep voice, his reaction swift and decisive.
Electivire let out a deafening roar, and its thick right fist was instantly enveloped in crackling golden lightning. The power of lightning surged through its arm, and its heavy fist, carrying the force of a thousand pounds, collided fiercely with Infernape's fist!
The moment their fists collided, flames and lightning exploded, scorching air currents and blinding sparks spraying wildly in all directions, and the ground was shaken apart by the shockwaves of the two forces, sending up countless pieces of mud and sand.
Their arms trembled slightly as they locked in a brief stalemate, clearly indicating that this first clash had resulted in a draw.
After taking a half step back, both leaned forward again. Infernape's eyes grew even sharper, and it threw another punch, this time with a speed half a step faster than before!
Electivire was not to be outdone. The lightning on its hands flashed even brighter. It swung its fist, which was as big as a casserole dish, and smashed it hard at Infernape. The two fists collided again, bursting out a deafening roar and a shockwave that could be seen with the naked eye.
The two engaged in a frenzied exchange of blows in the center of the arena. Sonic punches, accompanied by the sound of tearing through the air, collided repeatedly in mid-air with lightning-fast punches, producing a series of muffled "bangs".
With each collision, Infernape would be marked with an electric shock or shaken to the point of bleeding, but its punches became faster and harder, as if the more severe its injuries became, the more turbulent its fighting spirit became.
Electivire wasn't faring much better. The impact of the collision was mutual; while Infernape was struck by the lightning, it was also penetrated by the force of the Mach Punch. Although it appeared unharmed on the outside, its internal organs were constantly being damaged by Infernape's attacks.
As time went by, Electivire could barely keep up at first, but gradually, the speed at which it threw Thunder Punch began to slow down, and the light flashing on its fists became much dimmer.
On the other hand, Infernape's punches were like a storm, so fast that Electivire began to have difficulty predicting them, and each punch was even more powerful than the last.
"What kind of monster is this? How come its strength and speed are still increasing?!" Electivire grew increasingly alarmed as the fight progressed.
Of course, it knew about the Mach Punch skill, but surely this skill didn't have a special effect where the strength and speed increased with each hit?
But why is this guy's attack speed getting faster and his strength getting greater?
"Now!" Ash's eyes flashed, and he shouted in a deep voice.
Infernape understood immediately, seizing the moment when Electivire threw a punch, it suddenly ducked low, barely avoiding the lightning bolt.
The thunder punch delivered a direct impact. Simultaneously, its right fist shot out like lightning, striking the Electrified Beast's wrist joint with pinpoint accuracy!
"Crack!"
With a soft sound, the electric monster's arm suddenly went numb, and the condensed lightning power instantly dissipated, its Thunder Punch being broken!
"Close combat!!" Ash's voice rang out again. Infernape's arms bulged with veins, and its fists were thrown out like a storm. Not only its fists, but also its feet, knees, elbows, every part of its body that could be used to attack was used by Infernape, just like a never-ending killing machine!
"Bang bang bang!!" All sorts of attacks rained down on Electivire, each punch carrying a strong Fighting-type power. Close Combat, as a Fighting-type ultimate move, is not only several times stronger than Mach Punch, but also carries a significantly increased amount of Fighting-type energy.
Even though the Electric Monster is thick-skinned and tough, it withstood the intense heat...
Even after such a ferocious attack, the flamingo's internal organs were still shaken to pieces and shattered.
"Roar!" With Infernape's final double punch, Electivire let out a painful roar, its massive body staggering as it crashed into the ground, raising a cloud of dust.
Infernape was panting heavily, but quickly calmed down.
In contrast, Electivire was covered in wounds. Although it had not yet lost its ability to fight, the damage from those attacks was still too severe.
Now he has great difficulty even standing up.
After Infernape gained the upper hand, the surrounding audience began to discuss it animatedly.
"What a powerful Infernape! Not only was it able to clash head-on with Mach Punch and Thunder Punch, but it even found an opening in Thunder Punch and shattered it. Its close-combat power is terrifying. Chief Drake is probably in grave danger this time!"
"Wow, if I'm not mistaken, this Infernape is only a high-level professional-grade one, right? What the hell is this?! How can a high-level professional-grade one be on par with a high-level gym leader?!"
"Hey, you guys don't know this, it's a unique feature of Ash's Pokémon. Ash seems to have a magical way of allowing his Pokémon to fight opponents a whole level higher. Don't let Infernape's high-level status fool you, its actual strength is enough to overwhelm even high-level gym leaders!"
"No way, this is too overpowered! It's like it just gained a whole level! No wonder this Infernape is so weird; it turns out the weird one isn't Infernape, it's its trainer!"
"Thanks for the invitation. This is my first time seeing Ash Ketchum. Is he really that freakish?"