Bonus chapter
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"Ash, be careful. Umbreon is a Dark-type Pokémon," Brock reminded quickly, worried that Ash didn't know enough about it.
Traveling with Ash probably kept Brock constantly on edge.
"Don't worry, Brock. I understand," Ash said confidently, looking completely in control.
Brock still felt uneasy. Did he really understand?
"My opponent is using Umbreon, so of course I'll choose Pikachu. Go, Pikachu!"
[Pokémon]: Pikachu
[Attribute]: Electric
[Strength]: Elite High Level
[Potential]: Champion
After checking Pikachu's strength, Sam couldn't help but nod. Ash had indeed made progress during their journey. At the very least, Pikachu's strength had improved rapidly. Ash had finally broken away from being a "450 rookie" and was becoming a true Trainer.
"Sam, who do you think will win this match?" Misty walked over and asked curiously.
She had witnessed Ash's growth as well. Compared to when they first began traveling, both Ash and Pikachu had undergone tremendous changes. Still, when facing Gary, she couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Sam didn't answer immediately. Instead, he checked Gary's Umbreon first.
[Pokémon]: Umbreon
[Attribute]: Dark
[Strength]: Gym-Level Beginner
[Potential]: Elite
It has already reached Gym Level...
Looking at Gary's Umbreon, Sam grew thoughtful.
"I think Gary has a higher chance of winning," Sam replied calmly.
The gap between Elite Level and Gym Level was still significant. Moreover, Gary's Umbreon had been raised exceptionally well. Sam couldn't see how Ash could win—unless the "Skin God" decided to cheat again.
As the battle began, things unfolded just as Sam predicted. Facing a top-tier Umbreon, Pikachu had no easy solution.
Ash opened with Quick Attack.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack! Target Umbreon!"
In terms of momentum, Ash refused to lose to anyone. Watching him battle, you could clearly feel his burning fighting spirit.
Pikachu adjusted its footing, found the perfect angle, and launched forward. With a powerful push of its limbs, it transformed into a streak of yellow lightning and rushed toward Umbreon.
Gary hadn't expected Pikachu to be this fast. He was surprised—but not flustered.
Quick Attack wasn't actually ideal for a Pokémon like Pikachu. Pikachu was too light. No matter how fast it moved, it couldn't unleash the move's full impact.
Gary didn't order Umbreon to dodge.
Instead, he told it to take the hit.
The golden flash slammed directly into Umbreon.
"Great!" Ash cheered, excited to land the first blow.
But he celebrated too soon.
Umbreon wasn't seriously injured. It slid back several steps before regaining its balance. Meanwhile, energy had already gathered in its mouth.
Under the moonlight, a dark orb glowed ominously.
Ash hadn't expected that Gary had allowed Pikachu to attack on purpose—just to set up this moment.
Shadow Ball shot forward instantly, striking Pikachu midair before it could react.
"Pikachu!"
Pikachu was blasted backward and rolled across the ground before finally coming to a stop.
Its condition looked terrible. Umbreon's Shadow Ball had clearly been prepared in advance, and its power was astonishing.
From Sam's perspective, Pikachu shouldn't even be able to continue fighting. If his judgment was correct, Pikachu was only standing through sheer willpower.
Sam shook his head. "It's over. Pikachu should be unable to battle."
However, his conclusion was premature.
If this were an ordinary Pikachu, it would indeed be finished.
But this was not an ordinary Pikachu.
"Come on, Pikachu! Let Gary see our willpower!"
Ash's simple words triggered something explosive.
Unwilling to embarrass its Trainer in front of Gary, Pikachu erupted with boundless energy.
"Ding. Pikachu has entered an Explosive State. Its strength has temporarily increased. Current level: Mid-Gym Level."
The system notification rang in Sam's mind.
He hadn't expected to be proven wrong so quickly. He had just declared Pikachu finished—and now it was powering up.
Sam gave Misty an awkward smile. "Seems like I judged too early."
Pikachu had changed completely.
There was no trace of cuteness left. It now looked like a beast born from thunder itself.
Lightning crackled around its body, sparks flashing brilliantly, filling the battlefield with a sharp, electric roar.
Even Gary inhaled sharply. He knew Ash's Pikachu was special—but he hadn't realized it was this special.
He couldn't help but resent his grandfather a little. Why hadn't Professor Oak given him this Pikachu instead?
Unlike Ash, who remained unaware, Gary knew that Pikachu was the special Pokémon Professor Oak had prepared specifically for Ash from the beginning.
With Pikachu entering its "Skin God" state, the situation reversed instantly.
"Alright, Pikachu! Let's win this!" Ash shouted, not paying much attention to the transformation. Maybe he was simply used to it—or maybe he thought all Pikachu were like this.
"Use Thunderbolt!!!!"
Facing this empowered Pikachu, Gary dared not underestimate his opponent.
"Umbreon, use Protect!"
He had no better option. He could only hope that Protect's barrier would allow Umbreon to withstand Pikachu's Thunderbolt.
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