The essence of Taijiquan is using strength against itself. When a force attacks, skilled practitioners can redirect it; when two forces attack simultaneously, they can adjust their trajectories to collide and cancel each other out.
This is why, even though Monferno couldn't dodge those two attacks, it still used Detect, relying on its ability to employ that technique to evade all attacks.
Otherwise, given Monferno's current level, it couldn't possibly dodge Flamethrower, not even with Detect. And using Protect would still be penetrated by the Flamethrower.
When the disparity in combat power is too great, so-called absolute defense is nothing but a joke.
Since the opponent uses softness to overcome strength, then let's increase the steel's hardness, leaving no room for them to use any gentle force: "Magmortar, use Flare Blitz."
Magmortar is particularly skilled at Special Attack moves, but Paul constantly using Flare Blitz is to ensure it accurately hits Monferno, just like before.
If it used Flamethrower and Fire Blast, Monferno would have avoided them with its unique technique, then found the opportunity to counterattack. Paul is not about to give Ash that chance.
"Fire!!" Magmortar's entire body was once again engulfed in scorching red flames. Its body shot forward like an arrow, blazing like a gigantic meteor aimed to smash the small stone that was Monferno!
"Monferno, use Flame Charge!" Ash's voice reverberated across the battlefield, surprising the surrounding audience.
Flame Charge? This move is like a super weakened version of Flare Blitz, both being charging moves with significantly lower power but benefits in boosting speed and having no side effects.
Using just this move would be fine, but Magmortar is using Flare Blitz while Ash still has Monferno use Flame Charge, which seems like a suicidal move, doesn't it?
Even though the flames on Monferno look fierce, the level gap is a daunting barrier. Does Ash truly think that relying solely on Blaze Ability can let Monferno overcome such a vast level difference?
Two blazing red flames rapidly approached each other. Just as they were about to collide, Monferno sidestepped, dodging past Magmortar with a ground touch. Wrapped in Flame Charge, Monferno was not burned by the Flare Blitz flames.
This dodge caught Magmortar off guard, but it quickly reacted, detonating the force of Flare Blitz, just like its earlier attack.
Paul had Magmortar use Flare Blitz to ensure it hit Monferno accurately, for even with impressive movement technique, Monferno couldn't dodge Magmortar's exploding Flare Blitz at such close proximity.
This was practically using Flare Blitz as if it were a massive self-detonation.
The Flare Blitz explosion spread out, but Monferno's speed had climbed due to Flame Charge. Monferno had already anticipated this, concentrating all its fiery power behind itself, so not only did the Flare Blitz explosion not harm Monferno, but it also propelled Monferno to a further distance.
"Now, Flamethrower!" Ash had clearly foreseen this scenario, coordinating his command with the explosion's blast.
Precisely, from the beginning, he didn't intend for Monferno to clash head-on with Magmortar, far from reckless. Even activating Super Blaze, Ash wouldn't have done it.
So Ash planned to win with speed. Super Blaze increases Monferno's firepower, but its overall enhancement on strength and speed isn't zero, albeit limited.
Compared to Ash's comprehensive upgrade through Aura Power, there's still a gap. Ash intended to boost Monferno's speed, enabling it to spar with Magmortar.
Now, Monferno not only avoided damage once but also sped up, turning to spray flames at the opponent, achieving the goal thrice over!
Monferno puffed out its cheeks and unleashed blistering flames, their temperature rivals Magmar, though energy-wise, there's a disparity with Magmortar, even Super Blaze can't bridge.
"Boom!!" The fire hit Magmortar squarely. After dispersing Flare Blitz, Magmortar lacked any defense, taking Flamethrower full on.
"Flamethrower." Having been outsmarted by Monferno, Paul remained emotionless, instructing Magmortar to use a move. Magmortar turned, while enduring its opponent's Flamethrower, showing no pain, aiming its cannons at Monferno.
"Stop Flamethrower, use Flame Charge!"
"Scary Face." Upon Paul's command, Magmortar's face twisted frighteningly, emitting mysterious energy. Monferno, executing Flame Charge, met Magmortar's gaze, freezing midway as fear prompted a momentary pause.
Scary Face drastically reduces the opponent's speed, causing a momentary fright-induced pause. That's what happened with Monferno.
Seizing the chance, Magmortar aimed its cannons at Monferno, launching twin fire pillars directly at Monferno!
When Monferno came to, the Flamethrower was already upon it.
"Boom!!" The searing flames swallowed Monferno, the dazzling firelight reflecting on Ash and Paul's faces. The latter remained expressionless, while Ash showed a mix of solemnity and some pain.
As the flames receded, Monferno's figure re-emerged, looking more battered than before, every inch of it covered in soot.
Despite being a Fire-type Pokemon, it suffered severely from fire damage, showing the ferocity of the opponent's flame.
The good news is, Monferno hadn't lost its ability to fight, but the bad news is, it likely didn't have the strength to lift its arms. Merely standing was its limit.
"A butterfly cannot cross the sea; who can blame it? Monferno standing now has performed admirably to incite audience cheers and applause, but alas, it's at its limit!" The commentator's spirited voice declared Monferno's fate.
Being a professional host with countless matches under his belt, he knew Monferno had no chance of overturning the situation; even a miracle-seeker like Ash couldn't change that.
With flickering endurance, against an opponent two major levels stronger, it seemed impossible to turn things around, regardless of Ash's reputation.
"Give the final blow." Paul narrowed his eyes, showing some emotion as he decisively commanded Magmortar to deliver the finishing strike on Monferno.
"Monferno, transform the fire into strength, completely make that fire your own!!" While everyone else despaired over Monferno's fate, Ash refused to give up. His voice rang with vigor.
His words puzzled everyone; what did he mean by transforming fire into strength? Was Monferno not using its full power?
The next moment, the initially silent Monferno suddenly raised its head, eyes blazing with fire. Flames began flickering over its body, culminating in a fiery surge that engulfed the entire arena!!
The radiant red light forced everyone to close their eyes. Paul furrowed his brow; did Monferno possess such power? Was its strength limitless?
When the blaze cleared, a vastly different silhouette stood in the arena. This was not just a transformed Monferno, but now should be called—Infernape!