BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The arms of Haxorus and Machamp collided with tremendous force. The ground beneath their feet couldn't bear the weight of their combined strength.
As their power spread outward, the surrounding turf was torn away, exposing the mud below. A powerful gust of wind rippled across the battlefield.
"How is this possible? Haxorus can't gain the upper hand? Is Machamp actually stronger than Haxorus?" Misty watched the field in surprise.
"No... it's not that Machamp's power is greater. With three Dragon Dance boosts, Haxorus's strength shouldn't be easily surpassed."
"However, Haxorus's stamina has been depleted. And Machamp's natural strength is exceptional. Even with just one Bulk Up, the effect is significant because of Machamp's innate power."
"Given Haxorus's poor condition, Machamp can definitely compete!" Brock said seriously, arms crossed over his chest.
Clearly, Giselle had figured out a strategy to counter Haxorus during the battle.
In the field, Haxorus seemed unwilling to give up. It roared defiantly, slowly raising its arms. Under Giselle's surprised gaze, Haxorus took a step forward, forcing Machamp's body to step back involuntarily.
"Such incredible power! But... Machamp, use Dynamic Punch!"
Even facing this situation, Giselle remained composed. Even if Machamp's strength was slightly inferior, it still had other advantages.
Machamp roared. Its rear fists, as large as sandbags, suddenly clenched and then thrust forward, releasing a burst of orange energy.
Haxorus's arms were locked by Machamp's front hands and couldn't move. But Machamp had four arms. Taking advantage of their cautious standoff, Machamp delivered a devastating punch to Haxorus.
Roar!
Haxorus took the solid hit directly to its face. The tremendous force sent Haxorus flying backward, its body skidding across the ground.
"Machamp, use Cross Chop!"
Seizing the moment as Haxorus retreated, Giselle immediately followed up. After hearing the command, Machamp crossed its arms in front, white light forming an X-shape as it sprinted forward.
Haxorus stabilized itself, turning its head to look ahead. As Machamp rushed closer, Haxorus's eyes sharpened with determination.
"Haxorus, use Draco Meteor!"
Ash called out his command at the same moment. Upon hearing it, Haxorus immediately gathered energy. Orange light surged in its core and erupted from its mouth, shooting straight into the sky.
With a thunderous explosion, the energy blast detonated like fireworks, scattering into dozens of meteors that rained down from above.
"Machamp, use Protect!"
Giselle frowned slightly. While her Machamp was powerful, it excelled at close combat. She had to be cautious when dealing with such unpredictable moves.
Machamp abandoned its attack, stopping in place. It stretched all four arms upward with open palms. Green energy suddenly materialized around its body, forming a protective barrier.
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
The Draco Meteor energy fell indiscriminately across the field, striking at random. Machamp's protective shield endured repeated impacts as explosions erupted around it.
Within moments, the entire arena was engulfed in smoke from the explosions, both Pokémon disappearing into the haze.
"Draco Meteor has exploded! The entire field is covered in smoke!" The commentator couldn't determine what was happening inside the obscured battlefield.
Everyone focused intently on the field as the smoke gradually began to clear. Through the haze, two overlapping figures emerged. Ash's eyes widened slightly at what he saw.
Machamp was standing behind Haxorus. Its front two arms passed through Haxorus's armpits, locking it tightly in place.
The rear two arms were positioned behind Haxorus's head, applying a submission hold that completely restricted Haxorus's movements.
Machamp wasn't just powerful—its fighting technique was among the best of all Pokémon. This position completely neutralized Haxorus's ability to counter.
"Oh no! The situation looks bad! Machamp used its superior grappling skills to lock down Haxorus!"
"This is terrible! Haxorus can't attack from this position!" Yellow said worriedly.
"But Machamp shouldn't be able to move either!" Misty added. All four of Machamp's arms were currently occupied.
Haxorus was so strong that if Machamp tried to attack, Haxorus would surely break free.
"No! Machamp's fighting techniques rival Ash's Primeape, and it has other methods of attack!" Brock sensed something was wrong and spoke quickly.
"Machamp, use Submission!"
The moment Brock finished speaking, Giselle made her move. Following her order, Machamp immediately sprang into action.
The arms holding Haxorus's neck suddenly released, pushing Haxorus's head downward. At the same time, Machamp raised one leg and hooked it around Haxorus's leg, wrapping around its body to throw it forward.
Rolling forward with Haxorus's body entangled with its own, Machamp executed a rolling throw. The momentum built with each rotation, and with maximum force, it launched Haxorus through the air.
BOOM!
Haxorus crashed into the ground with devastating force, kicking up a massive cloud of dust.
"I'll win this match, Ash! Machamp, use Dynamic Punch!"
Seeing Haxorus on the ground, Giselle seized the opportunity. Upon hearing the command, Machamp suddenly leaped into the air, clenching all four fists simultaneously.
Orange light erupted from each fist as it descended from above, preparing to strike Haxorus with full force.
"Machamp launches its final attack! Is this the end for Haxorus?"
Watching the scene unfold, the commentator couldn't help but feel sympathetic. Giselle's performance had been impressive—it wouldn't be unusual if Ash couldn't pull off his usual comeback this time.
"It's far from over!" Ash said, his eyes gleaming with confidence.
In the crater it had created, Haxorus suddenly opened its eyes.