In a Black World —
With Infernape's downward Cross Chop, the frail Ditto lost its ability to battle and reverted to its original form.
In most capabilities, Ditto can mimic to a certain degree, but not stamina! If heaven opens a door for you, it surely closes all the windows. Ditto's stamina is notoriously fragile—unless it undergoes miraculous training, it remains a glass cannon!
Therefore, it fell to Infernape's two moves, struck down in an instant!
...
[Bruno: Very satisfying! It looks like Infernape is even more skilled than before!]
[Lance: Indeed, as Black Ash said, even if Ditto can completely transform into an Infernape and copy its base stats and moves, how effectively it can execute them still depends on the Trainer's commands and the Pokémon itself!]
[Steven: And Ditto can't copy the techniques Infernape has trained. That's indeed its Achilles' heel!]
The Ultimate Freedom Style move is the key to Infernape's overwhelming power! Although it's somewhat stamina-intensive and less suitable for prolonged battles, in a one-on-one matchup, not only is it unbeatable at the same level, but crossing levels is like drinking water! In layman's terms: invincible at my level, and crossing levels is a breeze!
[Koga: Actually, I feel… this move isn't very suitable for Infernape, right?]
[Ash: Huh? No way? I see that Infernape is quite proficient! And it's very powerful in actual combat!]
At this time, Ash had finished talking with his Infernape and returned to the Pokémon Center. He had specifically released his Infernape to see if it could learn a thing or two from Black Ash's Infernape. Of course, he didn't expect to master the Ultimate Freedom Style; even Black Ash's Infernape had required Aura power and Aura Fusion guidance to learn it in a short time.
Now, facing Koga's question, Ash was puzzled. His Infernape was gradually perfecting the Ultimate Freedom Style—why would it be said that Infernape isn't suited for it?
[Bruno: I actually realized this a long time ago, which is why I admire Black Ash so much!]
[Bruno: Being able to create this technique is a miracle, and for an Infernape to learn it is a miracle within a miracle!]
[Bruno: The reason I say this is because I've also been trying to practice the Ultimate Freedom Style created by Black Ash recently. I believe Koga has been practicing it too, which is how we concluded that Infernape isn't suited for it!]
[Koga: Mhm.]
[Korrina: No way! You thick-browed guys have been secretly training this? That's sneaky, so sneaky!!]
[Steven: You all just started rolling without saying a word, huh? Good thing I'm ready to resign as Champion—great not having to roll with you guys!]
[Steven: Once I resign as Champion, I'll travel the world to find my Diancie! It must be the most beautiful Pokémon destined for me!]
Everyone: ...
Is that Pokémon, Diancie, really that beautiful? Steven is ready to resign as Champion to search for it? That's outrageous!
[Wallace: You guy, after resigning you just dump the mess on me… But now's not the time for that. Bruno, elaborate on why Infernape isn't suited for the Ultimate Freedom Style?]
[Bruno: Over the past few days, I've realized that the primary condition for the Ultimate Freedom Style is to achieve an extremely calm state of mind! A heart as still as water, like an ancient well without ripples, is the fundamental requirement to begin learning it!]
With Bruno saying this, everyone understood without further explanation.
[Cynthia: I see. Infernape is a Pokémon that remains in a state of anger year-round, and that rage is even its source of power. But to combine such a Pokémon with a move that requires a heart of stillness… it's a complete paradox!]
[Bruno: Exactly. That's why I said… Black Ash's Infernape isn't suited for this move. If a Pokémon like Lucario or Gallade learned this technique, they'd definitely achieve twice the result with half the effort!]
[Bruno: That said, being able to make Infernape learn the Ultimate Freedom Style, Black Ash is quite outrageous—and so is that Infernape!]
Who has ever seen an Infernape with a heart as still as water? They certainly haven't—except for the one in Black Ash's stream.
Seeing this, Ash's inner confusion turned to determination. If Black Ash's Infernape could learn it, then his definitely could! However… the key to learning it depends on him as the Trainer. He doesn't have Black Ash's Aura power. Who knows how long it will take him to learn to manipulate Aura from scratch…
...
In a Black World —
Infernape easily defeated the opponent's Ditto. The so-called most difficult hurdle was crossed by Ash with ease. Even Drake hadn't expected his defeat to come so quickly.
The cheers for Drake at the scene grew louder. After all, this was Kumquat Island, Drake's home turf, and most spectators were his fans, so of course they cheered for him.
After Drake recalled his Ditto, he sent out his next Pokémon—Onix!
"An Onix, as expected… Return, Infernape!"
The Fighting-type had an advantage over Rock-type, and Infernape hadn't expended much stamina. It could continue fighting, but Ash wanted to field a new partner! This would be its first battle!
"It's decided—it's you, Crystal Onix!"
As the white light flashed, a serpentine Pokémon made entirely of crystal appeared on the field! This was the Crystal Onix Ash had caught in the Orange Archipelago!
Some time ago, Ash had sent it to Professor Oak's research lab. Seeing this variant for the first time, Professor Oak was instantly shocked and studied the Crystal Onix for days without sleep, almost passing out in the lab!
It was precisely because of this that Professor Oak analyzed the Crystal Onix's attributes. Unlike a regular Onix, its attributes matched its icy exterior—it was an Ice-type!
The Ice-type was super effective against the normal Onix, but was also weak to it! However, who would have thought the Crystal Onix would be Ice-type!?
Drake and his Onix were stunned. One had never seen an Onix made of crystal; the other had never seen such a beautiful kind—so beautiful it couldn't tell if it was male or female!
"Onix, don't be fooled! The opponent is male!"
Drake, seeming to notice his Onix was enchanted, quickly reminded it. But before Onix could regain its senses, Ash commanded.
"Ice Beam!"
Instantly, an extremely cold beam shot from the Crystal Onix's mouth. The icy-blue light swept through the air, striking the still-dazed Onix!
Drake: !!
What the—Onix can use Ice-type moves?! Your Onix isn't playing by the rules! Wait… looking at its crystal body, it seems it really isn't…
"Onix, use Dig!"
Drake wanted Onix to use Dig to evade the Ice Beam, but the Crystal Onix's Ice-type power was overwhelming! Onix not only lacked the strength to dodge but even began to be coated in a layer of icy-blue light. It was frozen solid!
A few seconds later, a huge block of ice stood on the field. The Crystal Onix's Ice Beam had actually triggered the freeze effect! This was adding insult to injury for Onix.
"Great, now use Scald!"
Drake: ???
You have Scald too?! I could tolerate Ice, but what the heck is Scald?!
The next second, boiling hot water spewed from the Crystal Onix's mouth! The moment it hit Onix, the ice melted away like snow, but at the same time, Onix took massive damage! It was weak to Ice twice over, and Water was quadruple effective! Under the dual assault, Onix didn't even get another look at the Crystal Onix before fainting, losing its ability to battle!
...
[Lance: Holy—! It's a beauty trap! Black Ash used a beauty trap!]
[Steven: Well, its charm is indeed irresistible. After all, even I, a Champion, was captivated by the Crystal Onix before I obtained the Diancie crystal!]
[Wallace: I'm coming to see you—I want to see what's so fascinating.]
A mere crystal made Steven give up on the Crystal Onix and declare Diancie his true destined partner. If he saw the actual Pokémon, wouldn't he prostrate himself? Wallace couldn't imagine what existence could enchant Champion Steven to such a degree!
[Steven: Look but don't touch! I've put it in my best display case!]
[Wallace: …]
Point taken! You obsessive!
...
In a Black World —
Drake's Onix was defeated by the beauty trap. The biggest issue was that it wasn't even clear if the beauty was male or female! Who could tell an Onix's gender, let alone a mutated one? An Onix with Water- and Ice-type moves—never heard of it! Combined with the earlier Infernape that could dodge unseen movements, although this challenger was young, he was stronger than any who had come before!
"In that case… I'll have to get serious too! The third one is you—go, Gengar!"
"Genga!"
A purple Gengar appeared in mid-air. Ash also recalled the Crystal Onix.
"To deal with a flier, naturally use a flier! It's your turn, Pidgeot!"
"Pii—"
The large brown-feathered bird faced off against Gengar. Perhaps due to a winning streak, Drake had never changed his six Pokémon and didn't hesitate to publicize his lineup online. This allowed Ash to target them systematically. To deal with Gengar, Ash naturally thought of using Pidgeot, a Normal/Flying-type! Ghost-type moves couldn't affect Normal-types, and Pidgeot had a significant speed advantage over Gengar. It countered Gengar perfectly!
Drake was beginning to break out in a cold sweat. Tough opponents weren't scary, but a tough and cautious opponent was truly troublesome! The opponent's strength was outrageous, and he'd clearly researched Drake's lineup! Whether it was Ditto, Onix, or Gengar, the opponent had brought the perfect counter each time! He had to admit he was now at an extreme disadvantage!
"As a Head Trainer, you won't mind this type disadvantage! Gengar, use Confuse Ray!"
Confuse Ray could confuse the opponent upon hit. Although a Ghost-type move, it still worked on Normal-types! Gengar's red eyes glowed as a strange wave of light swept toward Pidgeot! However, Pidgeot merely beat its wings and vanished!
Seeing this, Ash showed a confident smile.
"My Pidgeot… has been burning with fighting spirit from the start!"
"Now use Wing Attack!"
"Whoosh—"
The moment Ash's command rang out, Pidgeot appeared behind Gengar. By the time Gengar reacted, it already felt a hard impact on its back! The entire ghost was sent crashing to the ground like a meteor!
"Boom!"
Dust billowed as Gengar was slapped away without even seeing Pidgeot's shadow!
Misty, watching the battle, looked at Pidgeot with sudden realization.
"Ash's Pidgeot isn't wearing weights this time! In the past, for some battles, Ash would have Pidgeot fight with a load. It seems he takes this battle with Drake very seriously!"
Tracey nodded in agreement, sketching quickly.
"Of course, the opponent is an undefeated Trainer… But I thought even Ash would have to fight hard. I didn't expect it to be much easier than anticipated!"
On the field, Pidgeot had completely suppressed Gengar! Countless white blades of light resembling slashes flew continuously from Pidgeot's body, bombarding the ground repeatedly! The Flying-type move—Air Slash! The dust grew thicker but didn't hinder Pidgeot's attacks in the slightest. For ranged attacks, who needed to know where the opponent was? Just blast that area!
With Drake looking nervous, Pidgeot finally stopped attacking, and Gengar… emerged from the ground!
"Great! Now, Gengar, use Dark Pulse!"
Using its Levitate ability, Gengar had hidden underground, avoiding the Air Slash damage. Now, Pidgeot had just used a move and should be in a respite state—the perfect time for Gengar to counterattack!
"Genga!"
Dark, pitch-black waves coalesced in Gengar's hands before erupting! Interlocking rings of dark energy combined into a black beam shooting toward Pidgeot!
"Double Team!"
Ash commanded unhurriedly. Pidgeot in the sky beat its massive wings, and its figure began to shift. Before Dark Pulse arrived, over a dozen copies appeared in the sky!
"Whoosh—"
The dark beam pierced one Pidgeot image—needless to say, it was an afterimage created by Double Team! Drake hadn't expected Ash's Pidgeot to use Double Team to dodge even in this situation.
"It's over—Brave Bird!"
"Pii—"
With Ash's command, every Pidgeot in the sky emitted a dazzling golden glow! Immense energy gathered on all their bodies, dyeing the sky gold!
Drake: …
Do you have to go that big?!
With all the Pidgeots diving downward, it was like a giant meteorite falling!
"Boom!!"
In Brave Bird state, Pidgeot's speed surpassed even before. Gengar had no way to dodge and was struck by all the Brave Birds! Although only one was real, the impact truly shook the earth! The entire arena trembled from Pidgeot's assault!
Sky-high dust spread. Under Drake's nervous gaze, Pidgeot flew out of the smoke, its body bearing more scars, but Gengar… had completely lost its ability to battle, lying weakly in a large crater in the ground!
At this point, Drake had lost three Pokémon! He was at an absolute disadvantage!
...
Note: In the real world, physical states stagnate; exercise cannot increase stamina. But the Ultimate Freedom Style isn't about the body—it's a realm skill. It doesn't affect workouts (Blind boasting).
PS :
Infernape : Primeape
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