Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the battle between Pikachu and the legendary Pokémon Regice officially began.
**On the screen:**
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt."
"Regice, release Freezing Ray."
[Golden sparks flash.]
[A violent electric charge surges toward the opponent at lightning speed.]
[At the same time, Regice responds by unleashing an ice-blue, twisting Freezing Ray.]
[When the attacks meet mid-air...]
[The icy Freezing Ray rapidly lowers the surrounding temperature, but Pikachu's Thunderbolt breaks through and hits Regice.]
---
**Palace Gate Stadium Audience Seats**
"What?! Thunderbolt dispersed Regice's Freezing Ray?"
The audience was stunned.
In the first round of the battle, it turned out that Ash's Pikachu... had the advantage.
The crowd was left in awe.
---
**The battle continues:**
[Although Thunderbolt successfully hit Regice...]
[Regice's body, made of ice from the Theon era, is extremely hard.]
[Even after taking a direct hit, its ice-coated body gleams under the sun.]
---
**Sinnoh Region, Veilstone City**
"So, the legendary giant Pokémon really do have such incredible defenses," Reggie remarked, clicking his tongue.
He remembered his own experience battling Mr. Brandon. Regirock and Registeel's bodies, composed of solid rock and mysterious metal ore, were similarly impenetrable.
No matter how hard Reggie's six Pokémon tried, their strongest moves couldn't break through those defenses.
At the time, Reggie had been overwhelmed with despair.
But in the video, Ash and Pikachu showed no sign of discouragement.
Their fighting spirit only grew stronger.
This was Ash's way — no matter the challenge, he always sought a way to defeat his opponent, never losing hope or giving up!
---
**On the screen:**
"Regice, use Blizzard!"
[The yellow patterns on Regice's face flicker rapidly.]
[The temperature around it drops sharply.]
[A freezing cold wind howls as snowflakes swirl in a relentless storm.]
[The icy assault inflicts varying degrees of damage on both Ash and the referee standing in the arena.]
[In the bitterly cold environment, half of the battlefield becomes coated in ice. On this slippery surface, Regice's movement speed increases slightly.]
"Ash, use Iron Tail!"
"Pikachu!"
[Following Ash's command, Pikachu dashes forward. As it runs, its tail begins to glow with a metallic sheen.]
"Pikachu!!"
[Pikachu leaps into the air, and its tail, now resembling solid metal, swings down toward Regice's icy body.]
---
"Wait... something's off. Steven, are you sure that's Iron Tail?"
Chibana froze, his expression puzzled.
"I... I'm not sure," Steven Stone replied, sweat dripping from his brow.
Something was definitely strange.
The standard Steel-type move, Iron Tail, involves covering the tail in a layer of solid metal to enhance its strength for attacks or defense.
But Ash's Pikachu...
Its tail wasn't just covered in metal — it had extended to more than twice its usual length!
The proportions were oddly similar to those of a Gigantamax Pikachu's tail.
Steven Stone's thoughts raced. If this Iron Tail were to strike his trump card, Metagross, even it might not withstand the blow.
---
**On the screen:**
"Bang!!!"
[Pikachu's metallic tail crashes down on Regice's hardened body.]
[Instantly, shards of ice scatter in all directions.]
[Regice is forced to retreat several steps.]
---
"Did it break Regice's defense?"
Shinji, watching from Veilstone City, was visibly astonished.
Could this truly be possible... with just Pikachu?
---
**The screen continues:**
[After the hit, Mr. Brandon's expression shifts to one of mild surprise.]
[Regice has sustained significant damage.]
[This Iron Tail is extraordinary!]
[Regice's once-impenetrable defense has been compromised.]
"Regice, hold steady! Use Freeze Beam!"
"Pikachu, dodge with Quick Attack!"
[Brandon swiftly commands Regice to continue the fight.]
[Ice-blue beams shoot out in zigzag patterns.]
[Pikachu, now a streak of white light, darts across the battlefield, evading the Freeze Beam with ease.]
[However...]
[Brandon's true strategy wasn't to land a direct hit on Pikachu but to manipulate the battlefield itself!]
[The continuous Freeze Beams create a layer of frost, turning the entire arena into an ice battlefield.]
---
**Kanto Region, Indigo League Headquarters**
"By freezing the venue, Mr. Brandon is creating an environment that gives him the upper hand. He's mastered the art of using Ice-type Pokémon strategically," Lorelei, the Ice Elite, remarked, adjusting her glasses.
For Ice Pokémon, icy terrain offers significant advantages.
While Ice Pokémon gain speed and agility on frozen surfaces, most other Pokémon are hindered.
The difference in movement speed can be game-changing.
Although this tactic isn't as effective against Flying Pokémon, Ice types naturally counter them anyway.
Turning the arena into an ice field is always a win for Ice trainers.
Pikachu's speed was undeniably impressive, but with this icy terrain, its movements might be slowed.
Without its usual agility, Pikachu's Iron Tail — or whatever that technique truly was — might lose its effectiveness.
Brandon's strategy was clear. He aimed to control the battlefield and exploit every possible advantage.
More episodes are available on patreon
https://www.patreon.com/Atoki_29