The moment Psyduck waddled onto the battlefield, Ash lit up like a Christmas tree.
It was like a free win had fallen into his lap. Not wanting to give Misty a chance to reconsider, he immediately shouted, "Kingler, attack!"
Kingler surged across the water, claws clicking ominously. Psyduck, still traumatized from his earlier near-drowning, had huddled up on a stone pillar, trembling like a wet loaf of bread. His big, round head hung forward like he'd already given up.
Ash wasn't about to pass up that easy target.
As Kingler reached him, Ash ordered a grab and without hesitation, Kingler clamped its massive claw down right on Psyduck's head and hoisted him up like a plush toy.
Psyduck wriggled helplessly, limbs flailing as the pressure built. His pitiful groans had the audience torn between sympathy and laughter.
"Is this… animal cruelty or slapstick?" one confused spectator asked.
Most of the crowd thought Misty had goofed badly who sends in a Water-type that can't swim and looks like it's already surrendered?
But not everyone was laughing.
From the VIP seats, Brock rubbed his forehead with a groan. And back in the rest area, Kai sighed deeply.
"Seriously, Ash… the head? Of all places?"
Anyone who knew Psyduck's track record understood the mistake: the more his head hurts, the stronger his psychic powers get.
And Ash? He'd just given him a massive headache on a silver platter.
Right on cue, a faint blue aura shimmered around Psyduck's body. His eyes slowly lit up. His trembling stopped.
Ash blinked. "Wait a minute…"
A very unpleasant memory came rushing back.
"Kingler, drop him! Drop him now!"
A pulse of raw psychic energy exploded outward from Psyduck like a shockwave. Kingler was sent flying across the arena and slammed directly into Ash, knocking them both into a tangled heap.
By the time Ash scrambled to his feet, Kingler was out cold. Spiral eyes and all.
The ref raised the flag.
"Kingler is unable to battle! The winner is Misty and Psyduck!"
Psyduck? That Psyduck?
Even Erika blinked in disbelief.
"...She actually won?"
On the field, Ash slumped in defeat while Misty twirled joyfully with Psyduck in her arms, his little legs kicking happily.
The contrast couldn't have been sharper.
Kai closed the stream and stood up. His match was next and unlike the chaos of the previous round, he didn't intend to leave anything to chance.
Thanks to the expanded rules allowing two Pokémon, he'd arranged for his Red Gyarados yes, the massive, terrifying one from Cerise Park to be transferred in advance. Just in case.
He didn't plan on using it unless things got dire. Blastoise was more than enough for most opponents. But it never hurt to be prepared.
As he walked the tunnel to the arena, he recalled the video call from last night when he'd asked for Gyarados.
Chloe's jaw had practically hit the floor.
"You're bringing that thing to a Cup match?!"
Considering Gyarados hadn't even moved and still managed to intimidate everyone in the park, including Professor Cerise, her shock was understandable. His assistants didn't even dare approach the tank while it was there.
Only Chloe, trusting Kai and his bond with his Pokémon, had ever gotten close to it.
She was tough like that.
Still, even she couldn't help but feel bad for whoever would be facing that monster in battle.
Kai stepped onto the battlefield to roaring applause. His performance the past two days had already made him a fan favorite.
Even Maya, seated in the VIP box, turned her attention toward him. Oddly, Kai noticed her security had doubled Officer Jenny at her side, flanked by nearly a dozen guards.
"Something must've happened…" Kai thought briefly but had no time to dwell.
He stepped into the command zone.
His opponent was already waiting for a hunched old man with white hair, a cane, and a permanent slouch. But his eyes sparkled with clarity and cunning. He wasn't here to waste time.
The two Trainers nodded. The judge signaled the match.
Kai released Blastoise. The elder released a massive Tentacruel.
"Here we go," Kai murmured.
He'd done his homework. This Tentacruel was no joke. It was the veteran's ace and a tactical menace fast, fluid, and deadly with status effects.
Their clash started immediately with Blastoise versus Tentacruel. Hydro Pump met Sludge Bomb. Aqua Tail danced with Poison Jab.
The battle was fierce. Even.
But only for a while.
With Kai's calm guidance, Blastoise steadily adjusted, adapted, and finally, overpowered Tentacruel with a decisive [Skull Bash] that sent it crashing into the arena wall.
"Tentacruel is unable to battle! Blastoise wins! Kai advances to the Top 8!"
The crowd roared. Maya clapped softly from the stands.
He remained cool as ever, adjusting his jacket as he left the field.
No flukes. No comedy. Just clean, professional domination.
Don't forget to drop some PowerStones!💎💎💎
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