But Ash isn't just any ordinary Trainer.
Judging by the aura exuded by that Infernape, he is no ordinary figure. In addition, previously Infernape also had a record of defeating Gym Level Pokemon. Although the victory was quite narrow, and some even suspect it as cheating, a win is a win, and that's an indisputable fact.
So, in this battle... who is stronger is yet to be known.
"It's time, Infernape, Aura... resides in my heart!" Ash made a peculiar gesture in front of him, and the Aura Power within him instantly surged into Infernape's body.
At the beginning, Ash went all out, pushing Infernape's strength to the highest point it can currently reach.
Even though Infernape's strength is worlds apart from what it was during the Quartz Conference, in that battle, Infernape also barely had the power to confront Magmortar by consuming Aura Fusion.
Furthermore, at that time, Infernape possessed a strong desire to defeat Paul, with Super Blaze combined with Infernape's willpower, ensuring it retained a sliver of physical strength under any circumstances. So even using a desperate fighting style, the first to fall would undoubtedly be its opponent.
But now, it's different. Not to mention whether such a style of 'injure a thousand, harm a thousand' could even be executed, when battling Yuji, Infernape obviously wouldn't have the same determination as when fighting Paul.
To enter such a state, Infernape's own will is essential in addition to Super Blaze. Without the determination to win at all costs, it is impossible to enter such a desperate state.
But now, that's no longer necessary...
"Boom!!" As Ash injected his Aura Power, Infernape's presence soared, with its terrifying aura blowing away the sand and grit on the ground, sending the entire arena into a whirlwind of sand and stone, obscuring the eyes.
"What's going on, why does it feel even stronger... just like that Crystal Onix earlier gave such an impression too. In fact, I wasn't mistaken; that Crystal Onix was clearly only at the Advanced Peak, but somehow wielded Elite Peak Level strength. This Infernape is the same..."
The aura emanating from Infernape was clearly just at the Professional Senior Level, but Yuji felt that if they were to face off head-on, Infernape wouldn't lose to Electivire. Isn't this damn strange?!
What kind of method is this, allowing a Pokemon to cross so many levels?
"Infernape, use Mach Punch!" While Yuji was still pondering, Ash had already commanded Infernape to launch the first attack.
"Ho-cha!" Infernape suddenly kicked off from the ground, its figure turning into a crimson afterimage, its fist wrapped in a strong gust, the Mach Punch with a sharp, wind-breaking sound, surged straight for Electivire's face.
"Electivire, meet it with Thunder Punch!" Yuji commanded in a deep voice, responding without delay.
Electivire let out an ear-splitting roar, its sturdy right fist instantly crackling with golden lightning, Thunder Power surging along its arm, the heavy fist colliding forcefully with Infernape's fist!
"Boom!"
At the moment of collision, flames and lightning exploded, the fiery shockwave and glaring electric light splattering madly in all directions, disturbing countless sand and gravel on the ground with the shockwaves from the two forces.
Their arms resisted each other for a moment, both trembling slightly, indicating that this first bout of strength ended in a draw.
Both took half a step back before leaning forward again. Infernape's gaze grew sharper, its clenched fist striking out once more, faster than before!
Electivire wasn't one to be outdone, the lightning flashing brighter on its fist resembling a casserole, fiercely smashing towards Infernape, the two fists colliding once more, erupting in thunderous roars and visible shockwaves.
The two engaged in a ferocious exchange at the center of the arena, with Mach Punches carrying a sound of breaking air and dazzling golden lightning of Thunder Punch clashing in mid-air, resulting in a succession of loud thuds.
With each collision, an electric trace would be added to Infernape, or a shock would leave a slight scratch, but its punching speed only grew faster, the force heavier, as if the more it was hurt, the more its fighting spirit surged.
Electivire on the other hand was not having it easy—the impact force was mutual. While Infernape was subjected to the lightning shock, Electivire also endured the Mach Punch's force penetrating into its body, and although externally it seemed fine, its internal organs were constantly vibrating under Infernape's attacks.
As time passed, Electivire initially managed to keep pace, but gradually, its speed in throwing Thunder Punches slowed, the brilliance on its punches dimmed, whereas Infernape's punches, akin to a storm, became unpredictably fast, each punch stronger than the last.
'What kind of monster is this?! How are its strength and speed still increasing?!' Electivire grew more uneasy the more it fought. It certainly knew Mach Punch, but this technique didn't have the special effect of increasing strength and speed with more hits, right?
But why was this opponent attacking faster and hitting harder with each strike?
"It's now!" Ash's eyes flashed with a sharp glint, giving a low command.
Infernape understood, seizing the momentary gap when Electivire was retracting its punch, its stance suddenly lowering, narrowly avoiding the frontal impact of Thunder Punch. Simultaneously, its right fist shot out like lightning, hitting precisely at Electivire's wrist joint!
"Crunch!"
A faint crack sounded, Electivire's arm went numb, the gathered Thunder Power instantly dissipating, and Thunder Punch was unexpectedly broken through!
"Close Combat!!" Ash's voice sounded once more, veins bulging on Infernape's arms, fists pouring down like a violent storm, not just fists, but utilizing every part of its body capable of attack—including feet, knees, and elbows—as if an unstoppable killing machine!
"Bang bang bang!!" A barrage of diverse attacks rained down on Electivire, each punch laden with intense Fighting Type energy. Close Combat, as a powerful Fighting Type ultimate move, not only surpassed Mach Punch in force by multiple times but was also imbued with amplified Fighting Energy.
Even with Electivire's thick skin, enduring such ferocious attacks from Infernape had its internal organs battered, bruised, and in disarray.
"Roar—!" In Infernape's concluding decisive punches, Electivire let out a pained groan, its massive body staggering towards the ground, raising a cloud of dust.
Infernape panted heavily but soon calmed down, whereas Electivire was battered all over. Although it hadn't lost its ability to fight, the damage inflicted by the recent barrage was indeed severe.
Now, even standing up proved to be extremely difficult for it.
With Infernape gaining the upper hand, spectators around started to discuss animatedly.
"What a powerful Infernape, not only could it engage Thunder Punch head-on with Mach Punch, but it even detected Thunder Punch's flaw, shattering it, and the force of Close Combat is downright terrifying. It seems Yuji might really be in trouble this time!"
"Holy smokes, if I'm not mistaken, isn't this Infernape just at the Professional Senior Level? How in the world can it stand toe-to-toe with a Gym Advanced Level? What's the deal?!"
"Hey, you might not know this, but this is a unique trait of Ash's Pokemon. Ash seems to have a miraculous method that lets Pokemon leap a whole level to fight opponents. Don't be fooled by Infernape being just Professional Senior Level; in truth, it can dominate at a Gym Advanced Level!"
"Nah, that's too overpowered! What kind of sorcery allows gaining a whole level? No wonder this Infernape is so eccentric. Turns out it's not the Infernape that's bizarre, but its Trainer!"
"Thanks for the invite. First time learning about Ash—who knew that guy is such a monster!"
"..."