This is why Raihan was so worried about his Duraludon.
If it had taken that hit solidly, Duraludon might be meeting its maker!
Luckily, Duraludon just lost its battling capabilities, its life still hanging in there.
Just take it to the Pokemon Center for a good recovery, and in two to three days it'll be fine.
Meanwhile, Ash also got back on his feet.
He dusted off his clothes and hurried to the center of the field, looking worriedly at Raihan.
"Raihan Gym Leader, is Duraludon okay?"
The tired Pikachu that was lying on the ground just moments ago now trotted over, perched on Ash's shoulder, concerned.
"Pika?"
Raihan waved his hand.
"Don't worry, nothing serious, just lost battling ability."
"A couple days in the Pokemon Center and it'll be back on its feet."
Upon hearing this, Ash still wasn't completely relieved.
He knelt down and gently placed his hand on Duraludon's massive body.
In the next moment, a soothing Power of Viridian slowly flowed from his palm into Duraludon's body.
A moment later, Duraludon's shocking scorch marks and injuries visibly improved.
Raihan watched this scene with surprise, feeling a bit dazed.
"What...what kind of ability is this?"
At this moment, Raihan felt like Ash in front of him wasn't human, but a humanoid Pokemon!
A power that enhances Pokemon's combat abilities, a power that heals Pokemon's injuries, plus all sorts of bizarre, powerful Pokemon he carries...
Every aspect of Ash proves he's anything but a normal Trainer.
Even Pokemon don't have such a variety of abilities!
"Ash, I finally understand."
Raihan stood up, looking at Ash with a sense of realization.
"You're totally extraordinary, both you and your Pokemon!"
Ash's mouth twitched.
"Raihan Gym Leader, are you praising me or mocking me?"
Raihan laughed heartily.
"It's undoubtedly a compliment."
"But you're so exceptionally unique that normal praise is not enough."
"So I can only use such an alternative way to praise you."
With that, he took out a fine badge.
The badge had an imposing design, made entirely of metal with a dragon scale-like sheen.
Dragon Badge.
"This is the Dragon Badge, proof of success in Hammerlocke Gym challenge."
"Take it, Ash, you've earned it."
Ash accepted the Dragon Badge with both hands, a radiant smile instantly appearing on his face.
He raised the badge high, and Pikachu on his shoulder puffed out its tiny chest.
"I got the Dragon Badge!"
"Pika—Pikachu!"
Their signature pose, unique to their celebration.
After storing the badge, Raihan also returned Duraludon to the Pokeball.
The two walked toward the direction of the stands together.
The Charizard lying down also followed Ash back to the stands.
In the stands, Lance spoke first, his eyes filled with admiration.
"Truly an incredibly brilliant battle."
Clair beside him smiled ruefully, looking at Ash with helplessness.
"So... Ash, you held back so much when battling me."
She's come to terms with the reality.
Back in Blackthorn Gym, Ash's few Pokemon compared to today's battle were worlds apart.
If Ash had used the three Pokemon he battled Raihan with, she would have lost even more terribly!
Cynthia also wore a gentle smile.
"Ash, you've grown a lot."
"Since the Orange Archipelago, you and your Pokemon have become much stronger."
But Raihan interrupted Ash.
"What do you mean a brilliant match." He waved his hand hopelessly, "This was clearly just me being completely crushed."
"Six to zero... six to zero! This score, it's a first in my life."
Cynthia smiled to comfort him.
"Raihan, don't be too pessimistic."
"If you had started with Duraludon, or if your rules allowed switching Pokemon, it wouldn't be a six to zero result."
"Mainly Ash was hitting one-on-one."
"If Ash never switched Pokemon, with your ability, you could have exchanged two or three of his Pokemon."
"So don't take it to heart."
Raihan rolled his eyes.
"This comfort isn't comforting at all."
"When I battled Leon, I at least took down three to four of his Pokemon."
"But against Ash, I was wiped out completely."
Lance shook his head, speaking seriously.
"You can't say that, Raihan."
"Ash even brought out the God of Reversal this time."
"The fact you could face a Divine Domain Peak God of Reversal, and get a few rounds in, you should be happy."
"Throughout Galar, I doubt you'd find another Trainer with your privilege."
Raihan's eyes twinkled with mischief.
"Oh? Lance saying that..."
"Ash is still here."
"If you're interested, you could have Ash bring out the God of Reversal for a match!"
Lance's expression stiffened.
"Cough, no need, no need." He waved his hand hurriedly, an unusual panic crossing his composed face.
"I think observing the God of Reversal from afar suits me better than close combat…" That high-level battle is just your domain, Raihan!"
Battle Giratina? That's pure punishment!
He likes battling strong opponents, but not battles he knows he'll lose!
It's the Divine Domain Peak! The Divine Domain Peak!
Really think it's a roadside walk? Giratina alone can plow through his six Pokemon!
"Bah!" Raihan expressed direct disdain toward Lance.
Soon, the stands filled with laughter and cheer.
The tension from the thrilling duel vanished without a trace.
Misty cradled Togepi, happily approaching Ash.
"Ash, does that mean you've collected all eight badges now?"
Ash nodded solemnly, his face brimming with confidence.
With the Rising Dragon Badge from Blackthorn Gym and now the Dragon Badge from Hammerlocke Gym, he's finally gathered the badges necessary for the League Competition.
"That's right."
He put the Dragon Badge along with the other badges in the badge box, each badge sparkling in the sunlight.
"Now I... am qualified for the Silver Conference!"
The Pikachu on his shoulder waved its tiny fist, cheeks sparking joyously.
"Pika Pika!"
He's one step closer to becoming a Pokemon Master.
Next, he must help Serena collect all her badges and prepare for the Silver Conference!
This Silver Conference is filled with strong opponents, though labeled League Conference, many powerful Trainers will come to battle.
Just from the Gym's difficulty, and the Johto League's emphasis on this, it's clear.
After all, this Silver Conference decides who'll participate in the Eight Great Masters preliminaries!
He's got to be Champion for the Eight Great Masters contest!
Then, Cynthia beside asked: "Ash, where are you heading next?"
"Hmm... I'll look for weaker Gyms first, I want Serena to collect all eight badges too."
"Then... it'll be up to Dawn."
Ash: ?
Dawn: ?
What does that mean? Isn't Cynthia supposed to follow him? Why does she sound like leaving trust in his care?