The battle on the field was fierce.
Gyarados and Ninetales clashed head-on, neither willing to yield.
Although Gyarados held a type advantage, its lower level prevented it from capitalizing on it—its attacks pressed forward, but the gap refused to widen.
Ninetales, on the other hand, fought in growing frustration.
Despite having both higher level and more favorable terrain, she was being completely suppressed by the crimson Gyarados in front of her. The feeling was suffocating.
"Gyarados, use Dragon Rage!"
"Ninetales, use Quick Attack!"
The two Pokémon collided violently, Gyarados' red scales flashing as they crashed together before springing apart.
Panting hard, Ninetales had lost all of her earlier grace—her breath came ragged, her eyes weary, her form ragged and battered.
Gyarados, by contrast, still stood strong.
Though its jaw had been scorched earlier by Ninetales' Flame Wheel, the injury was barely visible against its natural red coloration. The majestic sea dragon remained as imposing as ever.
This won't do… at this rate, Ninetales will lose!
Blaine frowned deeply.
This battle was far fiercer than any standard Gym match. He couldn't stand the thought of losing it.
Before, he'd been prepared to concede quickly—there had seemed no hope of victory.
But now that a sliver of hope had appeared, the thought of defeat made his whole body ache.
"Ninetales, use Fire Blast!"
Unable to restrain himself any longer, Blaine gave the order.
If standard tactics wouldn't work, then he would gamble everything on a desperate strike!
A blazing Fire Blast erupted from Ninetales' mouth.
Almost simultaneously, Blaine barked another command: "Ninetales, use Overheat, and charge in!"
Overheat—one of the most powerful Fire-type moves—superheats the body to unleash all one's strength in a single devastating burst.
But its weakness is equally obvious: once the attack ends, the user's Special Attack sharply drops.
Blaine had chosen this move knowing exactly what it meant—he was prepared to stake everything on this one blow!
If even this failed, then so be it.
The flaming kanji of Fire Blast surged forward, and Ninetales charged close behind, both rushing toward Gyarados in a brilliant inferno.
Given Gyarados' immense body, there was almost no room to evade.
"So, you're going all in, huh? Looks like you've got no other choice!"
Nozomi immediately saw through Blaine's intent—this was his final gambit, proof that the veteran Gym Leader had exhausted every option.
"Gyarados, use Protect!"
At his command, a faint red aura shimmered across Gyarados' body, blocking the incoming Fire Blast.
"Huh? Protect can look like that?"
Nozomi blinked in surprise.
Normally, Protect should glow blue—but his Shiny Gyarados' shield glimmered crimson instead.
He didn't have time to ponder the reason. Seeing Ninetales lunge closer, he shouted, "Gyarados, use Outrage!"
If it's a fight to the finish—then let's see who stands last!
Gyarados' scales flared an even deeper red, rage blazing from its eyes.
The ferocity of its aura startled Ninetales, triggering Gyarados' Intimidate ability. Her body stiffened mid-charge for a fraction of a second.
That was all the opening Gyarados needed.
It lunged forward, tail sweeping violently at Ninetales.
Ninetales recovered quickly and threw herself at Gyarados—soon the two were locked in a brutal melee, their massive bodies colliding again and again in a violent struggle.
Blaine frowned; this was not the battle he had envisioned.
The clash devolved into raw physical combat—and in that arena, the larger Gyarados held an undeniable advantage.
This is bad… Blaine thought grimly.
Ninetales had already taken significant damage earlier. If this continued, she would be the first to fall.
But knowing this didn't help—there was nothing he could do.
The ferocity of their movements left even the old Gym Leader struggling to follow.
Several times, he opened his mouth to order Ninetales to retreat—but each time, the opportunity slipped away.
Forcing her back now would only make her more vulnerable.
Seconds dragged on painfully. Ninetales' injuries worsened, her movements slowing bit by bit.
Overheat's recoil had kicked in—her Special Attack dropped, leaving her barely able to fend off Gyarados' onslaught.
I can't let this continue! Blaine gritted his teeth.
He still had one last chance—to wait for Outrage to end.
Outrage lasted longer than Overheat, but its backlash was far greater.
When it ended, Gyarados would become confused—his opening to strike back.
"Ninetales! Use Quick Attack and create distance!" he shouted.
But that was easier said than done.
Even if Ninetales wanted to flee, Gyarados might not let her.
As soon as she tried to dash away, Gyarados' jaws snapped shut around one of her tails.
Ninetales screamed. Already weakened, her body went limp, collapsing to the ground.
Gyarados did not relent—it whipped its head, slamming Ninetales brutally into the floor!
"Yes! That's it, Gyarados!"
Nozomi's lips curled into a faint smile. The match was already decided.
Blaine knew it too. With Gyarados' crushing bite strength, there was no path left to victory.
Unable to watch his partner suffer further, Blaine raised his hand. "I forfeit. Come back, Ninetales."
The Poké Ball's light engulfed her form, leaving only Gyarados roaring triumphantly on the battlefield.
"As expected of you, Nozomi," Blaine said with a weary smile. "You're far stronger than the rumors say."
Rumor had it Nozomi's fame came purely from his powerful Pokémon—but after this battle, Blaine realized his command was just as formidable.