But the Venusaur ahead showed no panic at all. Instead, it calmly used Growth, causing its body to expand instantly and boosting both its Attack and Special Attack.
Because it was under harsh sunlight, the effects of Growth were doubled, raising Venusaur's Attack by two stages and its Special Attack by two stages.
Under the astonished gazes of Ash's group of three, Venusaur once again absorbed sunlight. The gathered solar energy converged on the flower on its back and, in an instant, was fired from the stamen, forming a Solar Beam that collided head-on with the incoming Dragon Pulse.
The two immensely powerful moves clashed at the center of the battlefield, each trying to devour the other with sheer force. The aftermath of the explosion nearly shook the ground of Turtle Island, and even the distant mountain ranges trembled faintly from the impact.
Ash and his companions, along with many Pokémon watching the battle, grabbed onto nearby vegetation in fear of being blown away by the shockwave.
But Venusaur's offensive didn't stop there. With a forceful stomp, it used Frenzy Plant. Thorny vines as thick as trees erupted from underground, rapidly extending to Blastoise's feet.
Finally, the clash between Solar Beam and Dragon Pulse resulted in a massive explosion at the center of the field. The sheer power even knocked over nearby Squirtle and Wartortle who were watching.
They weren't knocked down due to damage, but rather awkwardly toppled by the shockwave. Because their shells hit the ground, they struggled to flip back over.
Fortunately, Ash and the others quickly rushed over and carefully helped the Squirtle and Wartortle back onto their feet. One Squirtle who was helping nearby was reminded of the past by the scene.
Back then, it had experienced something similar, nearly being harmed by a bomb discarded by Team Rocket. Thankfully, Ash had risked himself to protect it, and because of that, Ash earned its recognition.
"Blastoise!"
Blastoise crossed its arms and used Iron Defense, hardening its skin like steel and greatly increasing its Defense to withstand the residual Solar Beam.
Confident, Blastoise prepared to launch another attack, but suddenly noticed that the Frenzy Plant at its feet had become unusually violent. The vines began slicing at its body like chainsaws. Even with its sturdy shell and reinforced defenses, it found it difficult to endure.
"My proud move isn't as simple as you think," Venusaur said calmly. Though it couldn't move due to the move's recoil, it still stood firm like an immovable mountain.
Before Blastoise's shocked eyes, the rapidly growing vines completely bound its body, restricting its already limited mobility.
"The battle's about to be decided," Red said leisurely. His words stunned Ash and the others for a moment before they fixed their eyes on the decisive battle ahead.
In Red's view, the outcome of the battle between Venusaur and Blastoise was already clear—Venusaur would win. The gap between them wasn't just raw strength, but also other battle factors.
Venusaur not only possessed the support of three Abilities, but as a king capable of controlling the power of nature, it excelled in endurance battles. Any stamina it consumed could be restored through photosynthesis.
If Venusaur had wanted to fight shamelessly, it could have relied on its terrifying recovery ability to slowly exhaust Blastoise to death.
However, Venusaur understood that relying solely on such an annoying attrition strategy wouldn't earn Blastoise's recognition. Instead, it would only worsen their relationship.
So Venusaur chose to make use of the Chlorophyll Ability under harsh sunlight, using overwhelming speed and offense to completely crush Blastoise's pride.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Venusaur shook its body, unleashing countless sharp leaves that formed a raging storm. The Leaf Storm rapidly advanced toward Blastoise.
Seeing this, Blastoise struggled to use Rapid Spin to break free from the Frenzy Plant's restraints. It fired three Aura Spheres toward the approaching Leaf Storm, attempting to weaken its power as much as possible.
Unfortunately, Blastoise was still too naive. Under continuous boosts, Venusaur was unstoppable. In just moments, Blastoise's movements were sealed once again.
"Blastoise!"
After taking the full force of Leaf Storm head-on, Blastoise collapsed to the ground, completely drained of strength.
"Squirtle~"
"Wartortle~"
Seeing their king defeated, the other Squirtle and Wartortle felt deeply unsettled. They glared angrily at Venusaur, but under the pressure of its kingly aura, they instinctively lowered their heads, not daring to meet its gaze.
"You've noticed that your subjects are gradually growing weaker, haven't you? That's the result of overindulgence," Venusaur scolded, though a faint trace of smugness appeared on its face.
After all, these words were originally used by Aerodactyl to scold Venusaur. Now Venusaur had shamelessly borrowed them, lecturing Blastoise with a straight face.
"Yes… I realized that as well. That's why I stopped you. Because I also want to follow a strong trainer I acknowledge—just like you."
Blastoise, having regained consciousness, slowly stood up from the ground. Due to its exhaustion, its Mega Evolution faded, returning it to its normal form. The Mega Stone on its body fell into its hand.
"Blastoise, welcome to the team."
After locking eyes with Blastoise, Red understood its determination to grow stronger. Without hesitation, he threw the Poké Ball he had prepared in advance, while Blastoise tossed the Mega Stone into Red's hand.
The Poké Ball struck Blastoise, turning it into a red light and drawing it inside.
Because it fully acknowledged Red, Blastoise offered no resistance and was successfully captured.
"Come out, Blastoise."
Red excitedly threw the Poké Ball again, releasing the newly captured Blastoise.
[Ding! Successfully stacked the Ability Rain Dish onto Blastoise!]
(Rain Dish: Restores 1/16 of HP at the end of each turn during rainy weather.)
"Pokémon: Blastoise
Type: Water
First Ability: Torrent
Second Ability: Rain Dish
Moves: Flash Cannon, Withdraw, Rapid Spin, Water Pulse, Aqua Tail, Iron Defense, Hydro Pump, Skull Bash, Ice Punch, Aura Sphere, Dark Pulse, Dragon Pulse…
Nature: Gentle, but harbors a strong desire for battle; possesses outstanding leadership ability
Background: The natural king of Turtle Island, it evolved into its final form through its own efforts. Its gentle nature and great strength have earned the love of its subjects. It boasts both powerful offense and defense.
By chance and fate, Blastoise obtained a Mega Stone from a rock while searching for food. After a period of training, it mastered independent Mega Evolution and developed highly precise bombardment capabilities."
After the Ability stacking was complete, Blastoise's eyes lit up. It seemed to sense that its strength had increased again. Half-understanding, it glanced at Venusaur, as if implying,
"So this is how you beat me."
"What are you thinking? Even without that, I'm still stronger than you," Venusaur said smugly, perfectly reenacting its past conversation with Aerodactyl.
Blastoise, however, stared blankly at Venusaur, who was grinning foolishly, wondering if something might be wrong with its head.