Pokémon: Starting with a Volcarona

Shrugging, Nathan raised his right hand high into the air.

There were no visible phenomena, yet in the blink of an eye, Zeraora was enveloped in a brilliant white light of evolution.

When the light faded, the upright golden feline had vanished—replaced by a warrior!

Surrounded by golden lightning matching its hair color, Zeraora's Bonded Form underwent a qualitative leap in speed!

In comparison, Incineroar's flaming fangs couldn't even land a hit, and Zeraora instantly closed in from the side.

Thunder Claws!

Golden electricity crackled fiercely along Zeraora's sharp claws. Though not as solidified as Chidori, it was far more suited to Zeraora's swift and agile strikes.

Right after its evolution, Zeraora landed a punishing blow on Incineroar.

Though it wasn't a one-hit KO, three glaring claw marks couldn't be avoided.

"This is Zeraora's evolution? Predictably powerful."

"But compared to that Pokémon… it's still a bit green."

Watching Zeraora's dazzling entrance, Griffin couldn't help but mutter.

In terms of raw power, Zeraora faintly surpassed Mewtwo.

However, when compared directly, Zeraora seemed… immature.

Even with its excellent development, it was like a high school student trying to match a battle-hardened soldier—clearly impossible.

No one knew what Mewtwo had been through.

Only the scars covering its body hinted at the brutal, savage experiences it had endured.

And without that kind of history, Zeraora would never measure up to Mewtwo.

So, Griffin genuinely felt a sense of confidence.

"Incineroar, Blazing Charge at full speed!"

Wearing a grin that screamed "I'm back in the game," Griffin gave the command.

Combining high-speed movement and Flame Charge, Incineroar's powerful body ignited in raging flames once again!

Even more absurdly, its speed had increased significantly!

Though still not on par with Zeraora, it had clearly reached extreme speeds!

Put it on a highway, crank a sports car up to 300 km/h, and it still wouldn't outrun this Incineroar!

"Guess it's a good thing Zeraora's speed is its natural strength."

"But Zeraora—no need to dodge. Counterattack!"

Watching Incineroar leave a fiery afterimage as it charged, Nathan's expression turned serious.

Thus began a prolonged speed battle, with both Pokémon relying on their Trainers' commands.

It seemed like Incineroar had the upper hand, but thanks to its superior speed, Zeraora actually held a clear advantage.

Throughout the match, the two Pokémon became streaks of gold and orange, crisscrossing the battlefield.

The cheers from the audience were loud and unrelenting, like a tidal wave of excitement.

After about three minutes of this intense standoff, both Nathan and Zeraora were gasping for breath.

But Griffin and Incineroar weren't doing any better.

Incineroar aside, Griffin had been struggling to keep up with Nathan's tempo, pushing his brain to its limits.

The result? His stamina seemed to be draining at an alarming rate—

Though perhaps it was just the tension and pressure taking a toll.

"Incineroar, Flamethrower!"

"Zeraora, Thunderbolt!"

After a few seconds to catch their breath, Griffin and Nathan issued their commands almost simultaneously, like they were in sync.

It made many watching online light up in amazement.

[These two guys are totally giving off couple vibes. I'm loving it!]

[They're more in sync than me and my childhood sweetheart. Jealous!]

[Hey, hey, hey! Don't change the mood! Focus on the battle—it's making my blood boil!]

[Right?! Both the Trainers and the Pokémon are just too cool!]

Thanks to advanced HD camera technology,

To viewers, the battle between Nathan and Griffin looked no less thrilling than a blockbuster movie.

But for the two Trainers, this wasn't enough.

They wanted to win.

"Zeraora, final strike!"

"Incineroar, don't lose!"

The full-powered clash of a Level 53 and a Level 51 Pokémon felt like a true Elite-level showdown.

At least, Griffin honestly felt the pressure bearing down on him.

Damn it!

How is this guy who didn't even get into college so strong!?

But Nathan was thinking the exact same thing.

This year's National Tournament actually had a monster like this!

…

"Huff… huff…"

"Huff… huff…"

Griffin and Nathan stood as if mirroring each other, eyes locked onto the battlefield.

As the dust from the two powerful finishing moves settled, Zeraora was seen exiting its Bonded Form, half-kneeling on the ground.

Meanwhile, Incineroar had completely collapsed—unable to get up.

Without a doubt, Nathan had claimed another victory.

But seeing Zeraora panting, everyone could tell it had no strength left to keep fighting.

Next came the fourth and fifth rounds.

Faced with Griffin's back-to-back powerhouse Pokémon—both Level 54—Nathan's Pangoro and Metagross were unable to continue the battle.

Meanwhile, Flygon re-entered the fray and managed to take down Griffin's fifth Pokémon.

Nathan felt a mix of novelty and complexity—it was his first time being pushed this far.

Griffin was feeling even more conflicted.

After launching five consecutive offensives with five different Pokémon, Nathan still hadn't brought out his overpowered Volcarona!

"Tch. Nathan, I know this is kinda redundant now, but I've gotta say it—

Show me your strongest trump card!"

With determination and unyielding spirit in his eyes, Griffin pulled out his final Poké Ball.

Even though he might collapse from despair after seeing that Volcarona again, he still wanted to witness it firsthand—

To see the strength of a younger Trainer who had completely surpassed him!

"Alright. Volcarona, come on out!"

Nodding, Nathan summoned his final Pokémon for the National Tournament.

Surrounded by pure white flames, Volcarona soared gracefully like a divine being!

Majestic. Mysterious. Mighty.

It didn't radiate the same overwhelming aura as Mewtwo, but a subtle pressure still weighed on everyone who gazed at it.

"We're not done yet. Go, Gyarados!"

With unwavering resolve in his voice, Griffin sent out his final Pokémon.

A Level 58 Gyarados—Elite-tier!

In terms of level, this Gyarados was even stronger than the ones owned by some veteran Champions!

But beyond its intimidating presence, what caught Nathan's attention was the uniquely intense aura it exuded—

A pressure exclusive to Pokémon that had stepped into the realm of Champions!

Though not quite on par with a full-fledged Elite member, it was close.

And Griffin wasn't even thirty years old yet!

"Heh~ So this is what it's like to face a true Elite-level opponent?"

"Man, this is exciting!"

The crimson glow in Nathan's right eye gleamed with intensity. He couldn't hide the look of pure excitement on his face.

Unlike The Tiger's underhanded methods or Tina's trickery,

This time, Nathan was finally going to face the true power of the world—

A true Champion's Domain, using only the strength he personally raised!

Even though Volcarona had reached Champion level, Gyarados still held a massive type advantage.

If Nathan had to guess, this Gyarados was likely Griffin's very first—and strongest—Pokémon.

"OHHHH, it's the ultimate showdown!"

"Is that really Volcarona? It looks like an actual fire god!"

"Let's go, Volcarona! I'm your biggest fan!"

"Wait, weren't you saying the same thing about Gyarados yesterday?"

As fire and water prepared to collide, the audience's excitement reached its peak—even before the battle began.

"Gyarados, Hydro Pump!"

Looking at Volcarona's majestic and dreamlike appearance, Griffin gave the command without hesitation.

The ferocious Gyarados launched a blast of compressed Hydro Pump—

So concentrated, it resembled a high-pressure water cannon!

"Volcarona, dodge!"

Even though Volcarona's flames were incredibly powerful, Nathan still gave the command to evade.

Evaporating water with fire was just too wasteful and foolish—no reason to even try.

But then—

"Now! Gyarados, Hurricane!"

Seeing Volcarona flying gracefully to dodge the Hydro Pump, Griffin smirked and gave the next command.

For airborne opponents, Hurricane was especially deadly—

Not just because it was a flying-type move, but also due to its disruptive, violent winds that could knock any flying target off balance!

"As expected… Hurricane! Volcarona, use this chance—

Solar Storm!"

(End of Chapter)