"Pikachu, you come back too!"
Ash called Pikachu back into its Poké Ball. Even though the earlier battle had a favorable type advantage, Pikachu performed exceptionally well—completely dominating that hoothoot.
But honestly, with both the type and level advantage, Pikachu had every reason to win. The result was only natural.
"Huh? Ash called Pikachu back?" Misty was puzzled by Ash's move. "Isn't this the perfect time to press the attack?"
If it were the old Ash, of course he'd push forward—he might've even tried to steamroll all three of the opponent's Flying-types with Pikachu alone.
But the Ash of today was no longer the same Ash from before!
"I'm not sure," Brock replied. "But Misty, Ash has grown so much. He's not who he used to be."
Brock was beginning to feel that the two of them—Gym Leaders themselves—were already struggling to keep up with Ash's progress.
"He called it back?" Even Falkner didn't quite understand Ash's reasoning. But he made up his mind. "Alright, in that case, it's your turn next!"
"Let them see the true power of Flying-type Pokémon!"
The next Pokémon that leapt out of Falkner's Poké Ball was a large, three-headed ostrich-like creature.
Dodrio!
A Pokémon that couldn't fly!
All three spectators were caught off guard. But Falkner quickly explained without waiting to be asked, "To me, Dodrio represents the origin of Flying-types. One day, it will take to the skies. That dream… matches mine perfectly!"
Hearing that, Ash couldn't help but purse his lips.
Bro, that's a bit of a stretch, don't you think?
Dodrio evolved like this—it gave up flying for powerful legs built for running. This whole "someday it'll fly" thing? Kinda overdramatic.
"Alright then, I choose you—Snorlax!"
With a thunderous crash, Snorlax appeared from its Poké Ball. Its massive body hit the ground like a falling boulder. The whole rooftop seemed to shake, and the reinforced battlefield cracked under the weight of its feet.
"What?!"
Falkner clenched his teeth. Snorlax was a tough opponent—his Dodrio mainly relied on physical moves, which barely scratched a Pokémon like that.
"In that case—Dodrio, use Agility!"
Dodrio's silhouette blurred in an instant. Falkner had trained it well—it was built for speed, and he'd maximized that strength.
However, Ash's Snorlax was no ordinary heavyweight—it was a nimble and flexible big guy!
"Spin in place!"
Right as Dodrio lunged forward, Ash gave the command with perfect timing.
Snorlax's massive body rotated in a swift, heavy sweep. Dodrio's attack veered off, caught by the sheer momentum and force of the spin—and was smacked aside.
"The weight difference is way too much!" Brock smiled. The moment Snorlax took the field, this match was all about massive pressure—literally!
"Darn it! Dodrio, use Tri-Peck!"
Dodrio's signature move—high damage, a synchronized strike from all three heads.
But Ash wasn't worried in the slightest. "Tri-Peck isn't flexible enough. Snorlax—grab it!"
Snorlax, as if picking up a fruit from the ground, reached out and hugged the charging Dodrio.
"Uh-oh!"
Falkner's face changed instantly.
Sure enough, Dodrio let out a shrill cry. Snorlax hadn't even used an actual move, but its massive frame alone—just hugging Dodrio—was enough to make the bird's bones creak and groan under the pressure.
"I surrender! Ash, quick, make it let go!"
Falkner immediately chose to concede. Upon hearing that, Ash ordered Snorlax to release Dodrio.
"Return, Dodrio!"
Snorlax had won, and it turned back to Ash with a delighted grin.
"Alright, I'll give it to you after the match—come back for now!"
Ash had spent almost all his system exchange points on system-exclusive Snorlax feed.
But the results were undeniable. After all, it was system-made. Each feeding session slightly increased Snorlax's bond value.
At this point, Snorlax's bond was up to 150/255.
Ash felt every single point was worth it!
Seeing this, Brock and Misty finally understood—Ash was doing a one-on-one battle series against Falkner today.
That meant he had absolute confidence in his Pokémon—and it was a clear and honorable way to fight!
"Next up... it's gotta be Charizard!" Brock said.
And sure enough—the final round began!
Ash and Falkner threw out their Poké Balls at nearly the same time.
"Ash, you're definitely strong—but my last one won't be easy to beat! Fly, Pidgeot!"
"I'm only going to get stronger—stronger and stronger! Let's go, Charizard!"
Pidgeot soared into the sky—this species could reportedly fly at Mach 2 when going all out.
The original ace bird of the Kanto region was no joke!
But Charizard wasn't about to be outdone. It took off with a powerful flap of its wings, facing Pidgeot in mid-air.
"Charizard, show Pidgeot the results of your special training!"
Charizard had made major improvements in speed since then.
Hearing Ash's command, Charizard smirked with confidence.
After evolving, it used to look down on the old Ash—believing the rookie trainer could never give it the power it desired.
But during their journey through the Orange Islands, it was moved by the sincerity of Ash's past self, finally choosing to follow orders.
And now, Charizard had fully accepted Ash—even admired him. This trainer would lead it to power!
Craving strength, Charizard looked at Pidgeot, and with a flap of its wings, it shot forward like a rocket.
"You're challenging Pidgeot in a speed contest?!" Falkner was shocked. "Pidgeot, don't lose!"
Pidgeot's figure blurred, vanishing as it easily dodged Charizard's dive.
But Ash had already locked onto it with his Aura.
"Charizard—flamethrower, behind you!"
Without hesitation, Charizard blasted fire over its shoulder—the moment Pidgeot reappeared, it was engulfed in a blazing inferno!
"What the—?!"
Falkner couldn't believe his eyes. Pidgeot, the speedster, had been heavily injured in a single exchange!
But that was the truth. Pidgeot was hurt badly—its speed dropped sharply.
"Charizard—use Dragon Claw!"
Charizard had long since mastered this move. In a flash, it closed the distance and slashed down at Pidgeot, swatting it toward the ground with a crushing blow!
"Pidgeot is unable to battle! The winner is the challenger from Pallet Town—Ash!"
….
Snorlax Bond Level: 155/255
Charizard Bond Level: 200/255