"Pika! Pika!"
The Pikachu on Ash's shoulder nodded firmly.
That's right!
It wasn't over yet!
Brock and Misty were doubtful.
But looking at Ash's expression—
Then at the battle unfolding on the screen…
"…Maybe?"
"Hasn't Ash created miracles before?"
Brock said with a faint smile, his eyes still half-closed.
If it were anyone else—
He wouldn't believe it.
But if it was Ash…
Like always—
Maybe.
After all—
Ash was someone who could create miracles.
…
On the screen—
Fragments of memories flashed by.
Ash and Pikachu's journey together—
From their first meeting in Pallet Town—
To collecting eight Gym Badges—
To competing in the League—
Even though the scenes were brief and scattered—
Everyone could see it clearly.
Just how difficult their journey had been.
No one knew—
Were these Ash's memories?
Or Pikachu's?
Just as the referee was about to announce the winner—
He suddenly heard something unusual.
He turned sharply toward Pikachu.
And then—
Inside the massive block of ice—
Lightning flickered!
This—
Brandon's brows furrowed.
The audience watching widened their eyes in shock.
This—this is—!
"PIKA—PIKA—CHUUUU!!!"
A massive surge of brilliant yellow lightning erupted from Pikachu's body!
BOOM!
With a deafening explosion—
The enormous ice pillar shattered into countless fragments!
Pikachu—
Broke free!
"It worked!"
Ash clenched his fists, overjoyed!
But what Pikachu did—
Was far more than just breaking out.
Thunderbolt—
And this time, its power was even more terrifying than before!
After shattering the ice—
It struck Regice directly!
"Giiii!"
Regice let out a cry of unbearable pain!
…
Viridian Gym—
"That Pikachu… that level of power… this is absolutely not a normal Pikachu!"
Giovanni's eyes lit up once more.
Incredible.
Truly incredible!
The power Pikachu displayed had far exceeded his expectations!
"I'm even more curious now… what exactly makes this Pikachu so special?"
"And if I can figure that out…"
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Mewtwo… my strongest Pokémon… you will return to me."
Giovanni glanced at the Mewtwo option in the item shop—
Then shifted his gaze to another item.
One that others might consider useless—
But to him was priceless.
An item capable of retrieving a specific Pokémon he once possessed.
A confident smile spread across his face.
Five hundred points.
After this round—
He would already have half of that.
Soon…
Very soon, Mewtwo would be his again.
…
Kalos Region—
"As expected of Ash… he's still amazing."
"It feels like as long as Ash is there, there's nothing to worry about."
The girl cupped her face with both hands, her eyes shining as she watched Ash and Pikachu.
A soft, almost lovestruck smile appeared on her lips.
…
Back on the screen—
Regice was paralyzed again by Thunderbolt!
And this time—
It was clearly in worse condition than before!
Brandon was stirred by Ash's fighting spirit.
He shouted loudly to Regice—
"Show everyone your true power!"
"Use Focus Punch!"
With the entire battlefield covered in ice—
Regice moved at incredible speed!
No need to charge—
One punch sent Pikachu flying several meters away!
As expected of Regice!
The audience jumped to their feet in excitement!
That's it!
Keep the momentum going!
Finish it!
When Pikachu seemed on the verge of defeat—
Everyone felt regret.
But when it rose again—
Panic spread instantly.
No no no no no—!
They had bet everything!
Regice must not lose!
Otherwise, they'd lose everything!
Come on, Regice!
Show the dignity and might of a Legendary Pokémon!
Pikachu was sent flying—
Bouncing across the ground several times—
Before slamming into a wall!
But then—
Using that impact—
Pikachu pushed off again and launched another attack!
Just like Ash—
Pikachu would never give up until the very last moment!
"Use that momentum—Iron Tail, continuously!"
Ash seized the opportunity and shouted!
"Chu—Pika!"
From above—
Pikachu brought its glowing tail down hard on Regice!
Regice staggered back a step!
"What is that?!"
Even Brandon was shocked!
But it wasn't over yet!
Before Regice could react—
Another Iron Tail struck!
"Chu—Pika!"
Ice fragments burst off Regice's body!