Infernape, one of the Pokemon that left a lasting impression on countless people at the Quartz Conference, is not the most outstanding in Ash's team, but it's certainly the most storied and the fastest growing.
Initially, Infernape wasn't even Ash's Pokemon; it was in the hands of a Trainer named Paul, who was also one of the favorites to win the Quartz Conference. However, the Chimchar used by Paul repeatedly lost, and its power was quite mediocre.
It could be said that in a competition like the Quartz Conference, that Chimchar couldn't even register in the preliminaries, not to mention appearing in the main event later.
Yet somehow, Chimchar later ended up with Ash, where it became completely different from when it was with Paul—not only did its power increase significantly, it could also unleash power far beyond its own Level.
In a matter of days, Chimchar triumphantly evolved from its initial Chimchar stage into Infernape!
This kind of rapid evolution from the initial stage to the final stage within a few days is simply astonishing, especially since it happened in actual combat, and if you count the training time given to Chimchar, it couldn't even fill two hands.
After evolving into Infernape, Ash even had Infernape face off against Gym Level Fire-type Pokemon and ultimately claimed victory. Since then, Infernape's name has resonated throughout the world.
It may not be Ash's strongest Pokemon, perhaps even ranking poorly in Level among Ash's Pokemon, but its terrifying growth speed and indomitable spirit inscribed its image into everyone's hearts.
"It's been a while, Infernape! Let's fight together once more!" Ash waved his fist, shouting excitedly.
"Hocha!" Infernape gave Ash a thumbs-up, and then the flames on its head burned even hotter, while it also unleashed its momentum—Professional Senior Level!
This Level reveal caused Yuji's pupils to constrict. He clearly remembered that Infernape, though powerful, was only Elite Middle and High Level back then. How much time has passed since that match? A month, maybe?
Now Infernape had directly elevated to a major Level. What kind of monster is this?
If we're talking about a span from Ordinary Level to Advanced Level, Advanced Level to Elite Level, that might be understandable, but from Elite Level to Professional Level... Do you really think Professional Level is just an everyday Level?
This Level, placed in various regions' Gyms, is enough to become the absolute mainstay of the Gym Leader, and in each region, aside from a few Gym Leaders, most Gym Leaders largely have a mainstay only at Professional Level.
Professional Level Pokemon have already surpassed 80 percent of the Pokemon held by Trainers worldwide. Normally, achieving this Level might take a Trainer a year, or even two or three years.
To some Trainers, Professional Level might be a realm they spend a lifetime striving to reach.
But Ash's Infernape used only a month's time. What kind of bizarrely fast improvement speed is this!
"Thunder!" To respond to Infernape, Electivire in front of Yuji also let out a battle cry, while its momentum became unmistakably Gym Advanced Level!
This was indeed one of Yuji's true main Pokemon, completely different from those previously dispatched. The span from Professional Junior Level to Gym Advanced Level—if those previous Pokemon were considered Yuji's true mains, then this span is just too significant.
"Yuji's Electivire and Ash's Infernape both let out roars in the arena, their auras reaching their peak at this moment!"
"Anyone familiar with Ash knows Infernape leaves a very strong impression. In just a few days, it evolved from a Chimchar to its final form, and in combat it's akin to an undying cockroach, not falling until the enemy is defeated, no matter what."
"On the other hand, Yuji's Electivire is relatively unfamiliar to us, because back then Yuji used Electabuzz initially, but after using it a few times in the first battles, Yuji stopped using this Pokemon anymore. Let me tell you a little secret: this Pokemon is actually Yuji's true main Pokemon!"
"Now both sides seem to have ended their probing and are ready to bring out their true skills. Let's anticipate the upcoming battle!"
Ah Ming excitedly shouted from the commentator's booth, almost as if he were the one battling on the field.
Few people have actually seen Yuji's Electabuzz, although it's a main Pokemon for Yuji, he's hardly used it for a long time.
Because lately, the Trainers who challenged Yuji couldn't even get past the Ditto stage, let alone force out Yuji's true main Pokemon.
The result was that after the long unseen Electabuzz reappeared, it had already evolved into Electivire.
This signifies that this Pokemon's power has risen a level again, and in the past, Electabuzz could dominate everywhere. Now with Electivire, probably even before the average Trainer fights, they've already been scared stiff and collapsed on the ground.