"Ninetales, Fire Spin!" Blaine clenched his five fingers, as if he had seen Wartortle surrounded by Fire Spin and engulfed in flames.
"Nine!" Fire-type energy condensed rapidly, and Ninetales spewed flames from its mouth, spreading out and forming a massive Fire Spin that surged upwards.
Witnessing the power of Fire Spin, Ash's pupils contracted. With Wartortle's speed, it couldn't escape the Fire Spin's attack range. His eyes focused, and he decided to face it head-on, "Wartortle, use Hydro Pump!"
"War!" Water-type energy began to condense, but Wartortle's grasp of Hydro Pump wasn't proficient enough, and the environment hindered its condensation.
When the Fire Spin was less than ten meters away from Wartortle, it had barely condensed enough energy, but it was sufficient!
"Boom!" A powerful Hydro Pump erupted from Wartortle's mouth, the water flow growing larger and forming a thick column aimed at the Fire Spin!
Wartortle knew it was difficult to completely annihilate the Fire Spin with its current strength, so it targeted the base of the Fire Spin, its weakest point.
Fire Spin isn't a particularly powerful move; its main effect is to trap the target in a burning vortex. To increase its accuracy, its range is widened, which also disperses its power.
The Hydro Pump was very powerful. Although it only had a short acceleration distance of ten meters, its power was fully unleashed. Upon impacting the tip of the Fire Spin, the fusion of water and flame caused a massive eruption, filling the battlefield with steam!
"Success!" Although he had confidence in the power of Hydro Pump, Ash couldn't help but sigh in relief after seeing it overcome Fire Spin. Had Wartortle been entangled, it would have been in a very disadvantageous position.
"I'm really more and more interested in you!" Blaine wasn't bothered by Fire Spin's failure, but rather intrigued by Ash and Wartortle's performance.
"Then let's see how far you can resist. Ninetales, use Fire Blast!" Blaine unleashed his full power, commanding Ninetales to use its most powerful Fire-type move, Fire Blast!
"Nine!" A fiery glint flashed in Ninetales' eyes as it gathered Fire-type energy to its maximum, condensing it in its mouth and firing a concentrated fireball!
After traveling a certain distance, the fireball expanded suddenly, forming a massive fiery blast. This was the overwhelming power of Fire Blast!
"No, Hydro Pump alone can't resist it!" Ash saw at a glance that Fire Blast's power was beyond Wartortle's current capabilities. He had to think of a way to counter it.
Fire Blast moved swiftly. While faster Pokémon might be able to dodge it, Wartortle, being an Bronze-level Pokémon not known for its speed, would struggle to evade.
"I have no choice but to reduce the power of Fire Blast to the minimum and minimize the damage!" Ash clenched his fists, unable to think of any other solution.
"Wartortle, use Hydro Pump! Then immediately use Rapid Spin!" Ash yelled, hoping to encourage Wartortle.
"War!" Wartortle's eyes showed no fear, and it immediately launched a Hydro Pump attack upon receiving the command!
Water-type energy condensed and sprayed from Wartortle's mouth, but it quickly cut off the energy flow, making the Hydro Pump resemble a solid projectile, hurtling towards Fire Blast!
Simultaneously, Wartortle activated Normal-type energy to initiate Rapid Spin!
"Boom!" Fire Blast and Hydro Pump collided, their immense power causing a shockwave that rippled outwards!
However, the unsupported Hydro Pump rapidly evaporated under Fire Blast's intense heat, leaving no trace of steam.
Although its power had diminished, it wasn't by much. Fire Blast continued its relentless advance towards Wartortle, scorching the ground in its path.
Wartortle, spinning rapidly, tilted its body slightly, using the momentum of Rapid Spin to deflect the attack.
But Fire Blast reached Wartortle. Despite its efforts, Wartortle was grazed by the edge of the fiery blast!
"War!"
Wartortle, struck by the corner of Fire Blast, felt the searing pain. It flew a short distance before losing its momentum and collapsing.
After flying a certain distance, Wartortle could no longer maintain Rapid Spin and fell to the ground. The impact scorched a part of its shell, leaving it blackened.
"Such terrifying power! Ninetales's strength surpasses Wartortle's by a whole level, and this hot environment strengthens Fire-type moves. If this continues, even with the type advantage, Wartortle will lose." Brock gravely analyzed the situation.
"How could this happen? You have to try harder, Wartortle. Ash!" Misty, understanding the dire situation, could only offer prayers.
Togepi, held by Misty, observed the battle with wide eyes. This was its first experience of such a fierce confrontation, having just been born. Although it didn't fully comprehend the situation, it mimicked Misty, cheering for Wartortle.
"Hang in there, Wartortle!" Ash shouted, his voice filled with determination. Despite Wartortle's exhaustion, it still had the will to fight.
"War..." Ash's encouragement, coupled with Togepi's silent support, seemed to have an effect. Wartortle, after a brief struggle, managed to stand up. Though its face was etched with pain, a determined smile graced its lips—it wasn't defeated yet!
"Press the attack, Ninetales! Quick Attack!" Blaine, unmoved by Wartortle's display of resilience, recognized its exhaustion. He ordered Ninetales to launch a Quick Attack, aiming to end the battle swiftly.
Ninetales sprang into action, its body infused with Normal-type energy. Propelled by this power, it charged towards Wartortle with lightning speed!
"Withdraw! Then use Rapid Spin!" Ash reacted instantly, issuing a command to Wartortle.
"War!" With a determined roar, Wartortle channeled Water-type energy, simultaneously withdrawing into its shell and merging the energy with itself, bolstering its defense.
Maintaining this fortified state, Wartortle executed Rapid Spin, rotating rapidly to meet the oncoming Ninetales.
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