The raging blizzard and bone-chilling cold made it impossible for Ash and Pikachu to even open their eyes!
They could only grit their teeth and endure the freezing assault!
Even the spectators watching from behind Ash felt as if they were being struck by the icy winds!
…
"Wow! As expected of a Legendary Pokémon! Regice is insanely strong!"
"It tanked Thunderbolt without a scratch? That's ridiculous!"
"I mean, its body is made of Ice Age ice—how could a mere Thunderbolt hurt it?"
"But that Pikachu is definitely well-trained. That Thunderbolt… if it hit another Pokémon, it would've at least dealt serious damage!"
"Yeah… it's just that Pikachu's opponent is on a completely different level. Winning in this situation is basically impossible!"
"Forget that—this round is basically free points, right? The only downside is the low odds. 1 to 1.5… at best we earn 100 points."
"Stop complaining! Something is better than nothing! Even a mosquito is still meat! Besides, 10 points can already get you an evolution stone—what more do you want?"
Everyone nodded.
That was true.
100 points wasn't much—
But the "ordinary" items in the shop weren't that expensive either.
Thinking about it that way, everyone felt much better.
Nice.
After this, they could start planning how to spend their winnings!
…
Sinnoh Region—
Cynthia's expression turned serious as she looked at the completely unharmed Regice.
"Regice… it's incredibly strong."
"My Garchomp… might not be able to defeat it."
With a quadruple type disadvantage—
And Regice's terrifying defensive power—
A spark of battle intent ignited in Cynthia's eyes.
If she could face such a powerful opponent…
"Garchomp, you're looking forward to it too, aren't you?"
"Garchomp!"
Garchomp nodded firmly, its gaze locked onto Regice, eager to fight.
…
Back on the screen—
Ash hadn't given up.
"We can't lose!"
"Pikachu, use Iron Tail!"
He punched forward into the air, his voice firm and determined.
"Pika!"
Pikachu shot forward like an arrow released from a bow, its tail glowing with a silver-white light as it charged straight at Regice!
Iron Tail!
A Steel-type move!
If it landed on the Ice-type Regice—
It would definitely deal significant damage!
Seeing this—
Many people clenched their fists nervously!
Don't let it hit!
That's their 100 points on the line!
"Go!"
"Pikachu is the strongest!"
"God-slaying Pikachu, meow!"
Unlike everyone else—
Team Rocket cheered wildly for Pikachu!
Go, Pikachu!
Show the same power you used to blast us away!
Jessie, James, and Meowth were so hyped they looked ready to jump into the screen and cheer in person!
They had bet everything on Pikachu!
Right now—
Pikachu was their god!
…
Sinnoh Region—Veilstone City—
Inside an unremarkable Day Care—
Reiji stood there in an apron, his eyes fixed on the screen.
Once—
Reiji had been a Trainer.
He had traveled across regions.
Battled powerful Gym Leaders and Trainers.
He had earned eight badges in Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh.
Back then—
That was the peak of his life.
Until one day—
He was invited to challenge the Battle Frontier.
At first, he was full of excitement, believing it would be no different from his previous battles.
And indeed—
He defeated six Frontier Brains with ease.
He even earned all six symbols.
Then—
He faced Brandon.
The strongest Trainer of the Battle Frontier.
And there—
Reiji suffered a crushing defeat.
Not just defeat—
Brandon pointed out his flaws.
Too focused on flashy techniques.
Lacking true strength.
All of it combined—
Shattered Reiji's confidence as a Trainer.
He gave up that path—
And became a breeder instead.
Years had passed—
But he had never forgotten that battle.
Regirock.
Registeel.
They were like two mountains weighing down on his heart.
And now—
Regice had appeared as well.
Reiji let out a bitter smile.
"Defeating Brandon… isn't something that can be done with just a Pikachu, Ash."
He looked at the determined, unyielding Ash on the screen.
His gaze was complicated.
Because once—
He had been just like him.