**Kanto Region, Team Rocket Headquarters**
"Pikachu vs. the legendary Pokémon Regice? What is he thinking?" Archer said coldly.
"Has that little brat become arrogant? Does he think he can defeat legendary Pokémon just because he managed to beat Articuno?" Ariana said, her tone laced with annoyance.
"Charizard's victory was the result of rigorous training in the Charicific Valley, combined with its high stats and type advantage," she added.
"But Pikachu... A Pokémon as common as stray dogs on the roadside can challenge a rare legendary Pokémon?"
"What a joke," Proton sneered. "If Pikachu wins, I'll write my name backward."
In the Kanto Region, Pikachu were as common as stars, second only to Caterpie, Weedle, Spearow, and Pidgey.
While Proton begrudgingly admitted Ash's Pikachu was exceptional and had defeated many powerful foes, he remained doubtful.
But those "strong enemies" couldn't possibly compare to the legendary Pokémon Regice.
Pikachu's potential, in Proton's eyes, was limited. Low-level Pokémon remained low-level Pokémon.
There was no way Pikachu could win.
---
**Palace Gate Stadium Champion Guest Seat**
"Why didn't he send Charizard?"
To President Damaranch, Charizard was clearly the better option. Its chance of winning was significantly higher.
Why had Ash chosen Pikachu, a Pokémon with almost zero chance of success, to bear such a heavy responsibility?
"Could it be... he has some hidden strategy?" Diantha mused.
"Pikachu's moves are far less powerful than Raichu's. While there are Gigantamax Pikachu in the Galar Region, the Kanto Region doesn't have the necessary Dynamax energy," Chibana pointed out.
In the Galar Region, Pokémon could only Dynamax with a Dynamax Band near an energy point. Dynamax energy distorted the surrounding space, making Pokémon appear much larger and stronger.
If this were a Dynamaxed Pikachu, enhanced by Ash's unique training, it might stand a chance. Combined with its powerful electrical attacks, it could potentially land a critical blow on Regice and create an opening for victory.
But...
Where would Dynamax energy come from in the Kanto Region?
Without that boost, how could Pikachu win?
---
After a lengthy discussion, the consensus was clear:
This battle did not look promising.
Ash's Greninja and Charizard had previously inspired hope in the audience, proving that high-potential Pokémon could overcome legendary ones.
However, Pikachu...
A first-stage Pokémon with limited power...
Sending Pikachu into battle was equivalent to sending out a Charmander against Articuno.
It was a reckless move.
No one doubted Ash's determination, but his decision-making was baffling.
Why choose a Pokémon like Pikachu as the trump card against a legendary opponent?
It defied logic.
---
Despite the skepticism of audiences worldwide...
Three familiar figures on Cinnabar Island had a different reaction.
"Pikachu! It's Pikachu! That little brat actually sent out Pikachu!" Jessie exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
"Yes! But... can Pikachu really handle a Pokémon like Regice?" James asked nervously.
"It'll be fine, meow~! There's no way the Pikachu we've been after could lose so easily!" Meowth reassured them.
"If Pikachu defeats Regice and we capture it for the boss, he might say this, meow," Meowth added, slipping into a dramatic impression:
"'I didn't expect you to deliver the Pikachu that defeated the legendary Pokémon Regice. Well done!'"
Jessie and James joined Meowth in daydreaming about their glorious moment.
"What a great feeling!" they cheered in unison, their eyes glued to the screen.
They began to cheer with enthusiasm:
"Come on, Pikachu!"
"Defeat that big ice block!"
"You can do it, meow~!"
To the Team Rocket trio, Pikachu was the most powerful Pokémon in the world. Its strength far exceeded that of Greninja, Charizard, Dragonite, and even Metagross.
In their eyes, no Pokémon—legendary or not—could match this extraordinary Pikachu.
Their faith in Pikachu was unwavering.
---
**As time passed...**
The confrontation between Pikachu and Regice intensified.
On the green screen, the following text appeared:
[The referee waved the flag, signaling both sides to begin the battle!]
[This was Ash's third attempt to challenge Mr. Brandon.]
[Ash felt no pressure, despite having faced Mr. Brandon's Regirock and Registeel in their previous battles.]
[On the contrary, he had grown more determined. He trained relentlessly and earned another chance to face Mr. Brandon.]
[This time, Mr. Brandon sent out Regice instead of Regirock or Registeel.]
[Although each of the three giants was equally powerful, defeating the Ice Giant Regice would be proof of Ash's growth and resolve.]
No matter the odds, Ash was determined not to give up this battle!
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