"Machamp, charge forward!"
At Brawly's command, Machamp launched itself across the battlefield, dashing between the jagged rocks, closing in rapidly on Bagon.
"Avoid direct confrontation, Bagon! Use Flamethrower again!"
Bagon inhaled deeply before releasing a powerful stream of searing flames. The fiery vortex roared, engulfing the field in a wave of heat so intense that even Aoki, standing at the edge of the arena, could feel the temperature spike. Over the past few weeks, Bagon had undergone rigorous training, significantly improving the strength of his attacks.
"Machamp, don't flinch! Dodge and keep closing in! Ice Punch!"
Machamp darted across the battlefield, weaving through the flames with remarkable agility. Though Bagon's Flamethrower was fast and intense, Machamp's superior footwork and battle experience allowed it to evade the attack.
In the blink of an eye, Machamp was within striking range, raising its massive right hand, which shimmered with an eerie blue glow. Freezing mist coiled around its fist as it swung down at Bagon.
"Bagon, get out of there!"
Bagon leaped to the side, but it wasn't fast enough—Machamp's Ice Punch slammed into his shoulder. Frost spread instantly over Bagon's scales, encasing part of his shoulder in a thin layer of ice.
"Tooooh!" Bagon winced in pain. Though the attack had only landed on his shoulder, Ice Punch's type advantage against Dragon-types made it particularly effective.
"Nice one! Machamp, don't let up! Keep the pressure on—another Ice Punch!"
Brawly's strategy was clear—capitalize on Machamp's superior strength and the ice-type attack to take down Bagon quickly.
Machamp surged forward, stepping lightly across the battlefield with surprising speed for its size. Within moments, it had once again closed the distance, raising its icy fist for another decisive strike.
"Aoki, Bagon's in trouble," thought Aoki, quickly adjusting his strategy. "I can't let Machamp land another direct hit, or this match is over."
"Bagon, use Flamethrower to create a smokescreen! Then find cover and activate Dragon Dance!"
Bagon opened his mouth wide, unleashing another Flamethrower—this time, he didn't aim directly at Machamp. Instead, the fire spiraled outward in all directions, covering the lower half of the battlefield in a sea of flames. Thick smoke and heat waves distorted the air, obscuring Bagon from view.
"Machamp, stay alert!" Brawly called.
Despite his confident tone, Brawly was starting to feel uneasy. With so much fire obstructing their view, Machamp would have trouble tracking Bagon. If Bagon found an opening, the momentum of the battle could shift.
Machamp let out a low growl, scanning the battlefield carefully for any movement.
Behind a large rock, safely hidden from view, Bagon obeyed Aoki's command. He closed his eyes and began performing Dragon Dance—his body moving rhythmically as a faint purple aura surrounded him.
"No! Machamp, don't let him finish that move! Ice Punch, now!"
Brawly recognized the danger immediately. Dragon Dance was a rare and powerful move that significantly increased both speed and attack power. If Bagon managed to pull it off, his fighting ability would rise dramatically.
The flames began to die down, revealing a faint purple glow flickering behind one of the rocks. Machamp's sharp eyes caught the movement.
"There! Machamp, charge in and finish it!"
Machamp let out a battle cry, stepping on a boulder and launching itself into the air. With a single powerful leap, it soared toward Bagon's position, fists crackling with freezing energy.
"Bagon, dodge!"
But this time, Bagon was ready. With Dragon Dance boosting his speed, he sidestepped Machamp's attack effortlessly.
"What?! That was way too fast!" Brawly's eyes widened in shock.
Aoki smirked. "Now, Bagon—Dragon Rush!"
Bagon let out a fierce roar, his body surrounded by swirling purple energy. With his newly enhanced speed, he dashed forward like a meteor, closing the gap between him and Machamp in an instant. The ground beneath him trembled from the sheer force of his charge.
"Machamp, brace yourself! Ice Punch and counterattack!"
Both Pokémon lunged at each other with full force.
Machamp swung his Ice Punch just as Bagon lowered his head and charged forward. The icy fist struck Bagon's forehead, frost rapidly spreading across his scales. But at the same time, Bagon's powerful Dragon Rush made direct contact with Machamp's chest.
For a moment, everything was still.
Then—
BOOM!
A massive shockwave erupted from the impact. The sheer force sent both Pokémon flying backward.
Bagon crashed onto the battlefield, his body skidding across the ground before coming to a halt. He struggled to his feet, his legs trembling. The ice from Ice Punch had left visible marks on his body, but his eyes still burned with determination.
"Bagon, get up! I'll treat you to your favorite food if you win this fight!" Aoki called out.
Bagon's ears perked up at the promise of food, and with one final burst of willpower, he let out a battle cry and forced himself forward—slamming his head directly into Machamp's chest.
Machamp staggered backward, then collapsed with a heavy thud.
At the same time, Bagon's legs gave out, and he fell to the ground, unconscious.
Silence filled the battlefield.
After a brief pause, the referee raised his hand.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle!"
Aoki sighed. "Bagon still isn't at the Superior level yet. Against a battle-hardened Pokémon like Machamp, he was at a disadvantage from the start. Even with Dragon Dance, he was just a bit short."
On the other side, Machamp groaned weakly, barely managing to push itself up despite its injuries. Unlike Bagon, it was still conscious, but it was clearly in terrible shape. It panted heavily, struggling to even stay on its feet.
Though Machamp had won by endurance, it was in no condition to continue battling effectively.
Aoki recalled Bagon into his Poké Ball. "You did great, buddy. Take a good rest."
With Bagon out of the fight, Aoki already knew who his next Pokémon would be. He smirked and reached for his next Poké Ball.
"Alright then… it's your turn."
With a flick of his wrist, he sent out his next Pokémon.
A blue blur emerged from the Poké Ball, landing gracefully on the battlefield.
"Go, Frogadier!"
The sleek Water-type ninja Pokémon crouched low, its gaze sharp as it assessed Machamp.
Aoki's plan was simple: let Frogadier finish the fight and gain more experience. He also had a bigger goal in mind—he wanted to evolve Frogadier into Greninja and eventually awaken the Bond Phenomenon, unlocking Ash-Greninja.
Brawly grinned. "A Water-type, huh? Let's see if Machamp has one last fight in him."
The battle wasn't over yet.
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