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The blazing flames on the battlefield made it unbearable for the spectators at the edges. Many retreated due to the overwhelming heat and the thick, choking smoke emanating from the arena.
However, this unusual sight caught the attention of spectators from other battlefields, who turned their heads to see what was happening. As a result, the crowd watching this match grew even larger.
To avoid being burned by the flames, Heracross followed Taro's command and used its insect wings to lift itself into the air. The wingbeats also created gusts of wind to dispel the rising smoke below.
"Kite him with Ember. This time, don't engage him head-on—let it deplete itself," Sato instructed calmly.
After Growlithe completed its tasks of encircling Heracross and turning the grassy terrain into a fiery battlefield, Sato shifted to a strategy of ranged attacks.
As soon as Sato finished speaking, Growlithe dismissed its Double Team clones and began spitting out small fireballs, each roughly half the size of a basketball.
Infused with the dense fire-type energy of the burning terrain, these fireballs rapidly expanded into basketball-sized flames. However, the enhanced energy also made them highly unstable, as fire energy is inherently volatile.
Many fireballs exploded prematurely before reaching Heracross, scattering fiery rain across the battlefield. These chain reactions further destabilized the remaining fireballs, causing a series of consecutive explosions.
Although the embers didn't make direct contact with Heracross, the explosions' area-of-effect damage still reached it. The resulting waves of heat resembled an improvised Heat Wave attack, intensifying Heracross's discomfort.
"Use Aerial Ace! Cough... cough..."
Taro Otoya, drenched in sweat and struggling with the heat and smoke, coughed heavily as he shrugged off his blazer. Despite his condition, he managed to issue a command to Heracross.
The fiery battlefield wasn't just a test for the Pokémon—it also pushed the endurance of the trainers on either side. So far, Sato seemed far better adapted to the harsh conditions than Taro.
Realizing that remaining passive would guarantee its defeat, Heracross promptly obeyed Taro's command. It gathered Flying-type energy, forming streaks of white air currents around its body.
Using Aerial Ace, Heracross carved a path through the sea of flames, charging toward Growlithe like a jet fighter.
Simultaneously, its long horn began to glow with blinding white light as it prepared a Horn Attack, managing to execute both moves at once.
"Don't face him head-on. Evade and try using the hit-and-run tactics your father used against a Pinsir," Sato instructed, his tone unwavering.
Seeing Heracross's reckless attack, Sato shook his head slightly and spoke to the eager Growlithe, who looked ready for a direct confrontation.
Hearing the first part of Sato's words, Growlithe, being a Fire-type Pokémon, showed a hint of disappointment. But upon hearing the second part, his spirits immediately lifted.
In an instant, flames engulfed Growlithe's body as he used Flame Charge to increase his speed, deftly avoiding Heracross's attack. At the same time, he launched several small fireballs at his opponent.
Heracross, reacting quickly, flapped its wings furiously to accelerate and dodge the incoming Ember attack.
Throughout the battle, Sato continued to direct Growlithe to avoid direct clashes with Heracross, employing a hit-and-run strategy. This kiting tactic left Heracross struggling to keep up.
As the fight dragged on, the prolonged exposure to the fiery battlefield began to wear Heracross down.
Maintaining flight consumed a significant amount of its stamina, and its movements and reactions slowed, giving Growlithe opportunities for consecutive successful strikes.
Growlithe executed Sato's strategy flawlessly, replicating the tactics used by its father in a previous battle against a Pinsir.
However, unlike its father, Growlithe didn't have to hold back to preserve its surroundings. It could fully unleash its abilities, slowly dragging Heracross into a losing battle with near-perfect precision.
Sato's decision to have Growlithe avoid direct confrontations drew disdain from many spectators, with some even booing to express their dissatisfaction.
However, a small minority recognized Sato's tactical brilliance, including his opponent, Taro Otoya. Shirtless and drenched in sweat, Taro wore a grim expression.
"Damn it! How can I force them into a direct confrontation? This Growlithe is too fast. Heracross can't keep up. At this rate, even if Growlithe doesn't attack, the constant exposure to the heat of the fire will make Heracross lose its ability to fight," Taro muttered in frustration, scratching his head for a solution.
As Heracross's injuries accumulated, his anxiety grew, and his mind blanked further.
"Hmph. These idiots. Pokémon battles aren't child's play. Rushing into direct confrontations is a fool's move. Letting Growlithe clash head-on with the powerful Heracross would only hand the advantage to the opponent. Sato is too calm—fighting against him means you can't let him control the pace," Anna thought with disdain, hearing the displeased jeers from the surrounding trainers.
While recording the match on her laptop, she sneered at the crowd but gazed at Sato with a solemn expression.
After nearly ten minutes, the flames on the battlefield gradually subsided. Despite Heracross's Guts ability and unyielding determination, it couldn't withstand the relentless heat and the occasional sneak attacks from Growlithe.
Finally, scorched and battered, Heracross was hit by another Ember attack. With a reluctant cry, it collapsed into the fading embers, unable to continue the battle.
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