Beedrill initiated the attack this time.
Its sudden charge was within Da Ye's expectations, but he didn't anticipate it would be so extreme.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
...
Repeated forward pressure with the Direct Charge Drill, not giving Flareon a chance to dash forward again.
The strength gap between Beedrill and Flareon was significant, but after multiple boosts, its attacking ability was already on par with Flareon, making each of its attacks a substantial threat to Flareon.
In case.
In case of a critical hit, activating the Sniper trait along with the Direct Charge Drill's attribute suppression, Flareon would also suffer a heavy blow.
If it were another opponent.
They might choose to temporarily retreat, slowly wearing down Beedrill, which Flareon would eventually overpower.
But Natsuhiko's opponent is Da Ye!
In his dictionary, there's no word for "retreat" or "avoidance."
There is.
Only confrontation!
Clearly, in such a confrontation, even though Flareon would suffer from this, the most adverse situation would be for Beedrill.
Its body gradually became weaker, and its injuries increased with each charge forward.
Unchanging, however, were its eyes.
And the increasingly vast fluctuations in its aura.
This kind of battle, despite lacking sophisticated strategic arrangements and clever technique skills, ignited the passion of the entire audience.
Who doesn't love the romance of fists meeting flesh?
...
"It's rare to see this side of Senior Natsuhiko." Kona watched the battle on the screen, feeling herself become fired up.
Lance said nothing, his fists clenched, eyes glued intensely to the screen.
At this moment, he wished he could be standing opposite Natsuhiko instead of Da Ye.
Starlight flickered in Hilona's lovely eyes.
So this is your true self, Natsuhiko.
Flint had let go of the elegant posture he usually maintained, silently cheering on Natsuhiko and Beedrill.
...
Bang!!
As the battle continued, Beedrill's condition worsened, its body appearing blotchy and charred, looking truly battered.
Although Flareon on the opposite side also suffered some injuries, compared to Beedrill, it was far better off.
However, its breathing rapidly increased, not just because of the battle but also to inhale more air to stimulate its Fire Sac, enabling it to unleash more powerful flames.
In Flareon's tightly focused gaze on Beedrill was recognition.
For this Beedrill of Natsuhiko's, Flareon deeply acknowledged it.
"Hiss-pee..."
Beedrill landed on the ground, supporting itself with its Double Needle.
If not for the drive within its heart, it would have fallen long ago.
On the opposite side.
After Flareon knocked Beedrill away, regaining movement space, it once again launched the Flashing Flame Charge, as its final respected attack on Beedrill.
Natsuhiko, his brow tightly knitted, felt his heartbeat pounding like a bell toll in twilight echoing in his ears.
Thud-thud—Thud-thud—
Two sounds?
Looking towards Beedrill, exactly meeting Beedrill's gaze.
At this final moment, Natsuhiko and Beedrill achieved a connection in affinity, their minds connecting.
Words were unnecessary.
This battle, just hinges on this last moment.
Bzz—
Beedrill gritted its teeth and flapped its wings again, its momentum rapidly ascending as it shakily flew, surpassing all previous heights.
Moreover, it showed no sign of stopping.
Threads of earthen-colored energy spiraled and gathered around its Long Needle.
Throughout this battle, its understanding and mastery of the Direct Charge Drill technique also greatly improved.
But most importantly!
As Beedrill charged at Flareon again, its momentum suddenly solidified at a peak.
Without any earth-shattering noise, not even dramatic fluctuations in energy.
Just naturally, Beedrill successfully broke through its shackles, taking a small step forward.
And this small step resulted in a qualitative leap.
Gym Leader Level!
Achieved!
Beedrill's change at this moment went unnoticed by some, yet others caught sight of it. But as the two Pokémon were about to collide again, everyone unanimously clenched their fists.
Boom!!!
The impact surpassed all previous collisions, stirring the hearts of those watching.
The next moment.
Beedrill's form was the first to fly backward from the smoke, and at this moment, its eyes had turned into spirals.
Beedrill has lost its ability to battle!
No one was surprised by this outcome, although Beedrill managing to fight to this point had already exceeded their expectations.
It's over.
Once it's over, it can have a well-earned rest.
It has already brought us an exhilarating match.
However.
Is it really over?
Half a second later.
Flareon's figure also flew out backward from the smoke.
In an astonishing turn, Flareon's eyes had completely closed, showing no signs of struggle in its backward flight.
Meaning...
Flareon has also lost the ability to battle?!
Bang!
Bang!
Beedrill and Flareon landed in succession, laying still on the ground.
Wow—
The audience erupted.
Beedrill succeeded!
It truly achieved it!
This tale of the weak triumphing over the strong resonated deeply with everyone's hearts.
Then.
Thunderous applause.
Not only for Beedrill but also for Flareon, and for Natsuhiko and Da Ye in the arena.
Thanking them for presenting such a brilliant battle.
Many still didn't understand what occurred in those final moments.