Originally, they thought the three sisters might know some secrets about the throne inheritance, which drove them to risk entering the place where the previous king lived. Now it seems they were completely overthinking it.
These three just heard that Growlithe had the potential to become the New King, so they impulsively decided to bring Growlithe to the former king's place, force it to evolve, and then have the newly crowned Arcanine do their bidding.
Based on their previous actions, there was no need to guess. It was nothing more than robbing and stealing, and if anyone dared to stop them, they'd have King Arcanine come out and fight.
"A stroke of genius…"
Ash couldn't help but sigh, and Pikachu nodded in agreement.
Dragging someone to Firespit Island and having a Gengar block them, all while the three shout at Growlithe to evolve. If this method really works, Trainers wouldn't have to painstakingly nurture their Pokemon anymore; they could just corner them and shout "evolve" to get the job done.
What's even more absurd is that, even if Growlithe evolved into Arcanine in such circumstances, why would it obey these three?
Cynthia glanced at the Growlithe, whose fur was bristling in anger from the antics of Miss Fortunes. If this child were to evolve now, Arcanine would probably want to deal with these three first.
"Their thought process... really does resemble that of Team Rocket."
Cynthia felt helpless; since coming to Hisui, she has encountered fewer situations that require her to seriously analyze for long.
Even Kamado, who was considered somewhat cunning, proved far from complex in her view.
Yet, these three sisters, whose logic is entirely off the rails, left her bewildered.
"Sis, what should we do now? Just take them out directly?"
"Yes, since they have already revealed their intentions, there's nothing more to investigate. First, let's bring Growlithe back."
Upon receiving Cynthia's response, Ash stepped forward, and Pikachu straightened up on his shoulder.
"You three, let Growlithe go!"
"Pika!"
Charm was initially stunned, then burst into laughter.
"Last time it was that woman with Samurott who beat us, and now you, little kid, really think you matter?"
"Moreover, we were unprepared last time. These past few days, our Pokemon have gotten stronger, and we've stocked up on more healing items. This time, you're definitely the one who'll lose!"
Ash blinked in confusion, not understanding why these three were so confident.
How does stocking healing items make sense? Recovering instantly when injured? What kind of battle logic is that?
Charm waved her hand, and Gengar floated over to block Growlithe again, while Coin and Clover simultaneously opened their Pokeballs.
A Rhydon and a snow-white hairy Abomasnow landed on the black volcanic ground.
Seeing Abomasnow sent Ash into disbelief.
"Are you serious? This place is a volcano!"
At Firespit Island's center, even Samurott would be uncomfortable staying long-term, let alone Abomasnow with both Grass and Ice Attributes.
Fresh out of the Pokeball, Abomasnow's breathing became noticeably heavy, its ice energy fluctuating intensely under the high heat.
"Mind your own business. Though it's hot here, the battle will end soon. Abomasnow, we're counting on you!"
"Aboma!"
Suffering from the persistent high temperatures, Abomasnow raised its arms and patted its chest, signaling that it was still ready to fight.
Ash's urge to ridicule subsided.
The Trainer's thought process was somewhat flawed, but the Pokemon truly trusted their Trainer.
Given this, he couldn't prolong the battle and make Abomasnow suffer; it was better to directly incapacitate it so Clover could swiftly return it to the Pokeball.
"Pikachu, deal with them in an instant."
"Pika!"
Pikachu leapt off Ash's shoulder, deliberately landing on a rock shielded from the direct heat.
Looking cool is one thing, but hot feet are a no-go!
"Arrogant little brat—Gengar, Shadow Ball!"
"Abomasnow, Blizzard!"
"Rhydon, Stone Edge!"
The three orders rang out almost simultaneously, with a black Shadow Ball flying from Gengar's hands first, Abomasnow releasing a sweeping icy Blizzard, and Rhydon stomping the ground, causing sharp rocks to surge toward Pikachu.
Faced with the converging trio of attacks, Ash had no intention to dodge.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!!"
"Pika—Chuuuuu!!!"
Boom!!!
Blinding gold light suddenly illuminated Firespit Island, a violent lightning burst from Pikachu's small body, and the huge golden current turned the surrounding air bleakly pale!!!
The massive thunderbolt collided head-on with the incoming Shadow Ball, Blizzard, and Stone Edge!
Bang!!
The Shadow Ball released by Gengar exploded upon contact with the thunder, overwhelmed by the massive energy discrepancy!
The sweeping Blizzard was similarly pierced by the golden current, and its numerous ice crystals melted instantly in the terrifying heat generated by the lightning, evaporating into white vapor in moments!