**The scene continues:**
"Use Focus Punch!"
[After freezing the entire ground, Regice rapidly approached Pikachu.]
[While moving, its icy arm emitted a dazzling white glow.]
Focus Punch is a powerful Fighting-type move.
It can be executed perfectly as long as the user isn't interrupted during the Stockpile phase.
"Pikapi~~~"
[Pikachu, about to make a move, suddenly slipped and fell on the icy surface.]
[In an instant, it was in grave danger.]
[At this critical moment, Ash quickly reacted and shouted:]
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
[A blinding saffron-colored light enveloped the entire stadium.]
[Sparks surged toward Regice.]
[Although Thunderbolt's effect on Regice, with its exceptional special defense, was minimal, it triggered the secondary effect of paralysis.]
---
**Palace Gate Stadium – Champion Guest Seats**
"Chitaro played that well," said Alder, his relaxed demeanor showing approval.
"While Thunderbolt isn't particularly effective against Regice's incredible special defense, it successfully interrupted the concentration required for Focus Punch," he explained.
"And the paralysis effect will halve Regice's speed," added Steven Stone.
"This means Mr. Brandon's tactic of using the icy surface to boost Regice's speed won't be as impactful."
Diantha nodded in agreement. "I didn't expect Ash and Pikachu to create a temporary advantage like this."
At the start, few had high expectations for this battle.
However, the rounds so far had showcased Ash and Pikachu's seamless teamwork.
Despite Regice's overwhelming power, it hadn't inflicted much damage on Pikachu.
Conversely, Pikachu's…
Well, that colossal Iron Tail…
Had already inflicted substantial damage on the legendary Pokémon.
If the battle continued this way, there was perhaps...
A faint glimmer of hope.
Maybe Ash and Pikachu could actually defeat the legendary Regice and Mr. Pyramid King Brandon.
But realistically, Diantha didn't believe Mr. Brandon could be overcome so easily.
---
**The scene continues:**
[The momentum was shifting in favor of the nimble Ash and Pikachu.]
[If they maintained steady performance, their chances of victory could increase significantly.]
[However, Mr. Brandon wasn't one to sit idly by.]
"Regice, use Hail and Blizzard!"
"Regice~~~"
[Mechanical sounds echoed as the sky darkened.]
[Pure white hail began falling, covering the battlefield.]
[Immediately after, Regice unleashed a powerful cold wind.]
[A dense snowstorm swept through the arena, leaving Pikachu with no room to evade.]
[Simultaneously, the frost on the icy surface thickened and spread, freezing Pikachu's limbs and immobilizing it.]
"Regice, use Rest!"
"Regice~~~"
[A mechanical voice announced the move as Regice gradually fell asleep.]
---
**Palace Gate Stadium – Audience Seats**
"Unbelievable! What a cheat move!!"
"Rest not only restores full health but also clears Status Conditions like paralysis. That's ridiculous!"
"And sleep only lasts a short while—Regice will wake up soon enough."
"Meanwhile, Pikachu's frozen limbs mean it can't even retaliate properly!"
All of Pikachu's earlier successful attacks seemed meaningless now.
With the continuous hits from Blizzard, Pikachu's endurance was bound to be pushed to its limits.
While Pikachu was known for its weak defense, much like Bug-type Pokémon, the crowd underestimated its resilience.
Ash's Pikachu wasn't out of the fight just yet.
---
**On the screen:**
"Pikachu, break free with Iron Tail!"
"Pika!!!"
[Realizing the dire situation, Pikachu stopped hesitating.]
[Its tail shone with a metallic luster as it slashed through the frost encasing its limbs.]
[With Quick Attack, it turned into a streak of white light, racing toward Regice at incredible speed.]
[However...]
[It was a fraction too late.]
[Regice woke up just as Pikachu arrived.]
"Focus Punch!"
[The icy energy concentrated on Regice's arm as it swung with immense force.]
[Pikachu was unable to withstand the impact and was sent flying, crashing through several ice pillars before coming to a halt.]
---
**Palace Gate Stadium – Champion Guest Seats**
"Ash, this is your biggest challenge yet. Can you truly defeat Mr. Brandon?"
Professor Oak watched intently, his expression serious.
The match had taken a drastic turn.
Ash's initial advantage had quickly slipped away, leaving him at a clear disadvantage.
The question now was whether Ash could withstand the next wave of attacks and find an opportunity to strike back.
Regice had regained full strength.
Meanwhile, Pikachu's durability was being pushed to the limit.
---
**The scene continues:**
"Regice, use Ice Beam!"
[Regice, fully recovered, rapidly gathered icy energy.]
[Before Pikachu could react, a freezing ray struck it directly.]
[The overwhelming cold engulfed Pikachu, spreading frost from its limbs to its entire body.]
[This time, it wasn't just its limbs that were frozen.]
[Pikachu was entirely encased in ice.]
Pikachu…
Was now completely immobilized in a frozen state!
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