Towering flames shot into the sky.
From within the blazing pillar strode a figure—an Infernape wreathed in fire, gripping a staff forged entirely from flames. It walked forward boldly, eyes burning as it fixed its gaze upon Mega Blaziken.
Across the battlefield, the two stood opposed.
Mega Evolution versus Bond Evolution.
The clash began.
"What… what Pokémon is that?"
"What is Bond Evolution? The more I watch Aiden battle, the less I understand Pokémon!"
"Mega Evolution… Bond Evolution… what kind of level do you need to reach something like that?"
Confusion and awe spread throughout the stadium.
Unfortunately, the only person who truly knew the answers—
Was currently in the middle of the battle.
"Bond Evolution… another new evolution method?"
Tyson muttered to himself. But trusting his partner, he immediately commanded:
"Mega Blaziken, Blaze Kick!"
After Mega Evolution, Blaziken's level had risen to 68—its strength formidable.
But Bond Infernape stood at Level 72.
Rare evolution methods often represented greater power.
"Infernape, Fire Punch!"
With three Abilities unified within it, Infernape's combat power erupted explosively. Its fist, wreathed in blazing intent, swung forward with unstoppable force.
Boom!
A pillar of fire detonated between them.
Infernape excelled in fist techniques.
Blaziken prided itself on leg combat.
Both Fire-type regional starters. Identical typing.
Their competitive instincts ignited to the extreme.
Yet—
A difference in raw power still existed.
After only ten seconds of direct collision, Mega Blaziken could clearly feel Infernape's strength surging further.
A slight misstep—
And Infernape's strike connected cleanly.
The impact sent Mega Blaziken flying backward.
In pure strength, it had lost.
However, Speed Boost was already amplifying Blaziken's agility. It regained balance swiftly and lunged forward again.
For a moment, two crimson figures collided dozens of times in rapid succession.
"Mega Blaziken—Blast Burn!"
"Competing in Fire power? As you wish. Infernape—Flamethrower!"
Scorching fire-type energy gathered simultaneously.
The clash of flames caused the temperature of the entire stadium to spike dramatically.
Standing close to the field, Tyson was drenched in sweat.
Aiden, shielded by psychic energy that blocked the heat, remained calm and composed.
The contrast between trainers was obvious.
"What an exhilarating battle!" the commentator shouted. "Infernape and Blaziken are demonstrating astonishing combat power! The battlefield itself seems ready to melt from the heat!"
The intensity escalated further.
"Infernape—Flare Blitz!"
"Mega Blaziken, Flare Blitz!"
Both Pokémon erupted in blazing fire and charged head-on.
Though Mega Blaziken was slightly inferior in raw strength, Speed Boost granted it tremendous maneuverability.
Even against the stronger Bond Infernape, it could still continue fighting.
"Infernape—grab it!"
Blaziken grew faster the longer the battle dragged on.
To truly counter Speed Boost—
One decisive strike was needed.
If Mega Blaziken had continued kiting around the field, Aiden might not have finished it quickly.
But Tyson chose close combat.
That decision sealed the outcome.
The moment the two collided again, Blaziken attempted to retreat—
Only to find powerful arms locking tightly around its waist.
Infernape roared.
Fire Punch.
Mach Punch.
Drain Punch.
Thunder Punch.
A barrage of fists hammered into Mega Blaziken relentlessly.
Unable to escape, it could only feel its stamina plummeting.
"Finish it—Close Combat!"
Seeing Blaziken's strength nearing its limit, Infernape's lips curled upward—mirroring Aiden's own faint smile.
Then—
A rain of devastating blows descended.
Ding! Bond Infernape defeated Mega Blaziken. Gained 1,637 experience points. Level up. Current level: Lv.73. Infernape's normal state level: Lv.67.
"Blaziken is unable to battle! Infernape wins! As all six of Tyson's Pokémon have lost the ability to battle—"
"The winner of this semifinal match, advancing to the finals—is Aiden Flint!"
The stadium exploded with cheers.
Even in the semifinals—
After revealing his full strength, Aiden had defeated Tyson's six main Pokémon with only two of his own.
Such overwhelming dominance.
Even so, Bond Infernape breathed slightly heavier.
Since attaining power capable of contending with ordinary Legendary Pokémon, very few opponents could push it this far.
Mega Blaziken had earned its pride.
Watching from the stands, Tetsuya sighed.
The gap between him and Aiden… was vast.
Even Tyson, now armed with a Mega Stone for Blaziken, had surpassed him.
Ash, however, felt something entirely different.
His fighting spirit burned brighter than ever.
"Pikachu… tomorrow, we're going to win."
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