Chapter 1452

It's come to this!

"Pikachu! Use this move against it!"

Ash shouted, tossing his baseball cap into the field while crossing his hands, causing the Z-ring to release a brilliant golden-yellow glow.

A massive Electric-type pattern lit up before him.

"Pika!"

Pikachu caught the baseball cap and put it on, its eyes filled with determination and excitement.

Clap!

This soul-bonded pair lightly bumped fists in midair, then turned solemnly toward the distant Super Blastoise and threw a punch.

The host shouted: "Ash has activated his third system! Z-move!!"

Countless spectators stared intently at the field, everyone knowing what was coming was the most crucial moment of this match.

In the distant Alola region, Professor Kukui and Ash's friends and family were extremely nervous, glued to the TV without blinking, while Lilia, who had come to the match site with her family, couldn't help but lower her head, praying for Ash and Pikachu.

Hum!

In the empty arena, the natural Z-power surged wildly, golden light continuously flowing from Ash's body into Pikachu, the mysterious Z-power totem flashing briefly before it.

"More powerful than 100,000 volts— a million volts..."

"No! It's even stronger, our ultimate full power!!"

"Pika pika!"

As light flashed, Pikachu felt Ash's intent, its body instantly bursting with dazzling golden-yellow light, the electric sacs on its cheeks spinning wildly, massive amounts of lightning energy surging out from within!

Rumble rumble rumble——!!

The earth trembled, the air screamed.

At this moment, the thunderstorm's power could be called ancient and unmatched, chaotic currents flying wildly in all directions, countless golden lightning bolts coiling and gathering around Pikachu, forming a massive torrent of lightning.

Finally, it came!

Baimu had been waiting for this, he and Super Blastoise gazing at the opponent who had reached the limit of their power buildup.

"Ready! Get past this hurdle!"

"Guh..."

Facing Pikachu's relentless torrent of lightning, Super Blastoise showed no fear, only taking a deep breath.

"Roar——!!"

The furious roar shook heaven and earth, even matching the thunder's roar.

The lake-blue eyes, once calm, now held only intense expectation and absolute confidence.

Having waited countless days and nights, endured countless trials of steel and fire, forged themselves with all their strength, all for this moment!

The overwhelming aura made this metal fortress stand out even without moving to attack, forming a stark contrast with Pikachu, who had piled lightning to its peak.

"Come on!"

"I'm right here!"

"Use your strongest attack—crush me!!"

Steel-type energy light gradually gathered, flashing a piercing metallic sheen across Super Blastoise's body.

In an instant, its form was completely wrapped in silver light.

The furious roar mixed with thunder's rumble, never ceasing to echo across the arena, heralding the opening of what might be the final attack!

The baseball-cap-wearing Pikachu surrounded by lightning, suspended in midair, eyes blazing as it locked onto the opponent, power pushed to the extreme.

"Pika pika pika pika——"

The next moment, Ash swung his fist hard: "Pikachu!! Ten Million Volts!!"

Boom——!!

Seven-colored heavenly lightning blazed dazzlingly, instantly illuminating the entire arena, the crackling of thunder piercing heaven and earth, overwhelming pressure covering the field, as seven differently colored lightning dragons collided head-on with Super Blastoise!

In an instant.

The deafening thunderclap echoed for ten li!

In the "Guh..."

The flashing lightning blinded all spectators instantly, though the time was extremely brief.

When vision returned, everyone immediately noticed everything seen with the naked eye was violently trembling, the arena occupied by a violent lightning pillar shooting straight into the sky, the already damaged field now seeming on the verge of total destruction, covered in massive cracks!

【Ten Million Volts】, the exclusive Z-move of Pikachu and Ash, its power can be called maximum level, and it possesses extremely strong vital-point striking effect, meaning damage will keep rising!

It represents this pair's inseparable soul, containing their deep bond and unyielding fighting spirit.

At the same time, it is the only hope to break the current deadlock.

Ash raised his hand to block the incoming strong wind, gritted his teeth, and waited for the result of this strike.

Countless friends and family were similarly praying, either on-site or in front of the TV, hoping Pikachu could perform a miracle.

Please, please!

The vision gathered from people's hearts was so intense that even the Queen Leiguanwang watching the match in the sky sensed it.

It couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

"Too bad..."

When the storm covering the field contracted, gradually revealing the scorched, pitted battlefield and the panting Pikachu, a terrifying figure was exposed before the audience's eyes.

"Guh... roar..."

It looked like a twisted, blurred silver sun.

Chaotic lightning continuously coiled around it, yet was also absorbed within, forming seven-colored light waves tightly locking the surface, surging together with the silver glow.

The host gasped: "Blastoise! Blastoise didn't fall!"

When he shouted, the silver "sun" began to stride toward the weary Pikachu.

Thud!

Thud! Thud!

Each step was extremely heavy, as if bearing the weight of mountains and rivers, yet with every step forward, the light it emitted grew stronger, accompanied by a deep, unsettling hum.

The rubble shaken from the cracks in the ground vanished instantly, as if it had never existed.

There was no time to regret that the ten million volts had failed to defeat the opponent; tens of thousands of spectators unconsciously breathed rapidly, their pupils dilated, as if they had tasted the breath of death, their heartbeats began to quicken, and the muscles in their legs trembled slightly.

It's coming!

This thought appeared in everyone's mind.

Then...

Boom!

Iridescent, flowing brilliant light radiated from the silver sun as its center, spreading in an irregular semicircle in all directions.

"Pikachu—"

The spectators had no time to speak, only hearing Ash's piercing shout before the incoming light swallowed everything.

The entire arena was instantly engulfed; silent destruction descended upon the Pallet Arena, protective devices damaged the moment they appeared, shockwaves spreading outward to shatter walls, pillars, and even the blue stone tiles on the ground in unison.

The sudden change frightened countless passersby and Pokémon into fleeing in all directions.

The clear tremors were faintly felt even in the residential areas; all live broadcast feeds cut out simultaneously, showing only white snow to viewers worldwide.

A dazed expression appeared on the faces of all viewers who had not reached the venue.

The staff in the backstage broadcast room were all terrified, but fortunately, the familiar yet unfamiliar light wall appeared in time to replace the shattered protective devices, firmly standing before the audience seats and absorbing most of the destructive force.

Shanren's forehead was beaded with sweat, Olivia's face stern; compared to the immense momentum unleashed by the ten million volts, this move could be called quiet.

Deathly quiet!

The atmosphere at the scene was the same: spectators not only had their vision deprived, but also felt as if their ears were ringing, making it difficult to hear surrounding sounds.

Only after tens of seconds did vision and hearing fully return; the wide audience seats quickly became noisy, as they all turned toward the smoke-filled arena, awaiting the result.

"How terrifying the power!"

"Does the effect of metal explosion depend on the damage taken? This level of destructive power... Bossgoda actually held on!"

"Too strong! Is this the trump card of the Ore League Champion?"

Those who had just witnessed the scene felt a shiver in their hearts, while also savoring the refreshing feeling that comes after surviving a catastrophe.

What they now cared most about was, nothing else but the match result.

"Plop..."

The Bagon shaken loose by the shockwave climbed back onto the railing; the cheering outfits designed by Xiao Guang were already torn to shreds.

The remaining cheering Pokémon either huddled in their trainers' arms, shivering, or felt dizzy and unable to stand for a long time; the impact of the metal explosion affected not only the Pikachu on the battlefield, but also those in the front row railing, who bore the brunt.

Serena's eyes were full of worry; after the ten million volts were amplified, the feedback it received had already reached a level beyond comparison—could Pikachu's endurance rival that of a Super Bossgoda?

Even if they had more faith in Ash, they knew it would be difficult.

Amid the noise, the smoke inside the arena had already cleared.

The figure of Super Bossgoda appeared in everyone's eyes and the restored cameras, its gleaming silver chest and abdominal armor covered in fine cracks, obviously the focal point of the ten million volts' attack.

Burn marks were clearly visible on the head and arms, while the back and tail bore blackened remnants from electrical scorch and fire.

Yet its eyes remained bright and calm, the lake-blue pupils as still as an ancient well.

"Guh..."

Compared to its exaggerated physical defense capable of withstanding a snow spear head-on, Super Bossgoda's special defense was undoubtedly relatively weak.

But years of training, combined with the boost from its ultra-high level, were enough to let it withstand this move, which had landed a critical hit from the ten million volts!

—If Super Gigalith can do it, what reason does it have not to?

Moreover, it must not only achieve this, but also ensure it retains sufficient stamina!

Super Bossgoda looked toward not far away, where the Pikachu that had tasted the power of the metal explosion lay prone.

Compared to it, the opponent's condition was obviously much worse.

Covered in wounds, not to mention, it was panting, unable to stop for a long time, its stamina clearly nearing its limit.

"Pi... pi..."

Thud.

A soft sound.

Around them came wave after wave of gasps; Dengpei flew out from somewhere, making a move to enter the arena.

Super Bossgoda's gaze shifted toward Ash; on the familiar boy's face, an expression of disbelief appeared.

"Pikachu..."

He whispered softly.

It seems it's about to end.

As Super Bossgoda thought this, a soft voice from its trainer came to mind.

"Not yet!"

Not yet?

As the giant beast stared in shock, a sudden crackling of electricity came from beside its ear.

—

Electricity flew scattered, silver light surged forward.

When the power of the metal explosion spread through its body, intense pain nearly made Pikachu faint on the spot.

It struggled to stabilize its center of gravity, preventing the shockwave from blowing it away.

"Pi... Pika..."

Can't lose.

The ground beneath his feet carries Satoshi's dream, carries the sweat his companions have shed — can't lose! Absolutely cannot lose!

Pikachu struggles to rally its spirit, but its body at the limit simply won't obey its will; having barely endured the Flash Cannon's light waves, its vision inevitably begins to blur.

Stamina drains away bit by bit; it pants in great gulps, no longer caring about the foul air, only wanting to stabilize its condition as much as possible.

Since the opponent can counterattack, that means Thunderbolt didn't achieve the desired result.

Must keep fighting!

"Pi..."

Pikachu grits its teeth, but a fatal wave of dizziness suddenly surges up, and its limbs turn weak and limp.

Its body inevitably topples, thoughts growing fuzzy.

Is it over?

Is this the end?

Even though its heart is utterly unwilling, Pikachu's body urges it to accept reality; its soul feels stripped away, a light floating sensation replacing the pain of wounds.

In a trance.

A reverberating call rings out beside its ear.

"Pikachu——!!"

When did it start liking Satoshi?

Pikachu inexplicably produces this thought; its vision shifts from blurry to clear, and a face laughing in excitement fills its sight.

"Pikachu? So cute! Isn't this the best? Please take care of me!"

It suddenly feels displeased, unleashing electricity to attack the boy before it.

Eyes blink slightly.

The scene shifts along with it.

That is a desolate wilderness shrouded in continuous dark clouds, lightning flashing and thunder roaring; flocks of Spearow circle in the high sky, emitting spine-chilling sharp shrieks.

The mud-covered youth disregards his own safety, spreading his arms to shield the battered Pikachu before him, facing the tigerishly watching Spearow flock and letting out a shout that shakes heaven and earth:

"Who do you think I am!? I'm Satoshi from Masara Town! The one who'll become a Pokemon Master!"

Blink again.

Inside the wooden cabin, its cheeks taped with wires and adhesive tape; the youth outside frantically pedals the water wheel, whispering words of hope to it: "Hang in there, Pikachu! Next time we'll absolutely win!"

Blink once more.

On the hospital bed in Kuchiba City, it refuses the Thunder Stone the youth places before it, determined to defeat its evolved form while staying as it is.

Keep blinking.

In the Shi Ying Conference arena, declared defeated because Lizardon refused to battle, it watches the youth kneel with a heart full of worry, crystal tears spilling from the corners of its eyes.

Eyes repeatedly closing and opening, past scenes emerge one by one on the wind: the joy of obtaining the first Badge; the delight of witnessing new companions join; the unwillingness of the first tournament defeat; one grand adventure after another.

"I'll become a Pokemon Master!"

Satoshi's voice has never been this clear.

Eight regions, forty-eight Gyms, companions who joined one by one, rivals who matched them stride for stride, countless opponents and battles brilliant as stars.

Yeah.

All of this is what they've experienced, and also the cornerstone that has supported them to this step.

Pikachu's powerless eyelids close once more, as if to fall into a deep sleep entirely.

"Dainai dainai?"

"Zenigame Zenigame!"

"Owoo~"

Sudden familiar cries once again prompt Pikachu to open its eyes; sounding again, in its bewildered gaze, the companions far away in Masara Town...

No, it's all the companions who ever traveled together — right now they all appear before its eyes.

"Pika?"

Fushigidane, Zenigame, Lizardon, Butterfree, Pidgeot, Primeape...

Their voices are so clear, as if they're truly right before its eyes, continuously telling it:

"Do your best!"

"Stand up!"

"You can definitely do it!"

Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola.

Companions of all shapes stand before it, encouraging it in the ways they're best at, continuously giving it strength.

Even Negigaknight and Kairyu, just defeated a moment ago, now appear before it one by one.

Everyone...

Pikachu's pupils tremble slightly.

And at the very last, it's that most beloved, most impossible-to-let-go figure.

He strides up before it, tone as confident and firm as ever, speaking in the voice it knows best:

"Don't give up! Pikachu! Everyone's right here beside us!"

The youth clenches his fist; that light brimming with trust looks just like the expression when he speaks of his dream.

That's right.

Everyone's right here beside us!

"Pika!"

Having already reached its limit, its withered-well of a body surged forth with a power anew — named friendship, named bonds, named the conviction carrying the will and dreams of Trainer and partners.

Pikachu stood up trembling, supporting a body that might collapse at any moment, drawing out all the power within its electric sacs to stimulate, to awaken its own will!

It's not over yet!

"Pika——!!!"

A deafening cry accompanied by earth-shaking thunder and lightning broke the silence of the stands, and also forced the approaching Deng Pei back.

Zzt!!

Rampaging electricity lit up the sky, drawing the shock and excitement of countless people.

"Pikachu! Pikachu stood up!!" The announcer could not suppress the emotion in his heart and shouted wildly.

Ash's expression swiftly turned from worry to joy, his eyes shimmering with light: "Great, Pikachu! You held on!"

In the stands Serena and the others likewise showed joyful expressions; the dejected Boman quickly grew excited, wildly waving the pom-pom in his hand, "Bopipipi!"

Even the Team Rocket trio "defected" at this moment; facing the target they had pursued to this day, seeing it rise and explode with power, they unconsciously shed tears and joined the ranks cheering for Ash and Pikachu.

At the final juncture of despair, will and friendship successfully brought Pikachu out of the encirclement, and granted it a power that would move even Super Aggron and Queen Leiguanwang.

"Hahaha! As expected, I wasn't wrong!"

Baimu seemed to hear music suddenly ringing beside his ears — those various heart-stirring tunes from the Pokémon series.

The corners of his mouth curved into a smile, the first expression he had shown since the finals began.

"That's right, this is you! This is Ash and Pikachu!"

The most dazzling dream of childhood!

The former him guarded the television, guarded the computer, traveling alongside Ash and Pikachu, adventuring ceaselessly in the magnificent Pokémon world.

Joying in his victories, regretting his defeats, and always keeping anticipation alive.

And now.

Baimu stands on the field of the Masters Eight finals; across from him is his childhood, the dream he once yearned for yet could not reach.

"Aggron!"

He shouted without restraint, his eyes filled with soaring fighting spirit, "Don't lose to them! Go meet the victory that belongs to us!"

Powerful conviction instantly touched Super Aggron's heart; intense emotions never before felt surged continuously from the Trainer's side, making its blood boil hotly, facing straight ahead the Pikachu brewing thunder no less than ten million volts, even far exceeding that might.

"Gurou!!"

Dream on about turning defeat into victory!

Victory is ours for the taking!

Twisted metallic luster coiled around Super Aggron's whole body; conviction born of resonance between Trainer and Pokémon transformed into matching power, and the surging air waves that shook forth instantly crushed the rubble-strewn ground, making it once more become a shining silver sun!

And this scene naturally fell into the eyes of Pikachu and Ash as well.

But on their faces there was not a trace of fear, only the resolve to stake everything for victory.

"Here we go, Pikachu! Decide the match with this one strike!"

"Pika——"

Thunderbolts ten thousand jun clad its body, seven-colored streamers coiled around it.

The Trainer's hopes, the partners' encouragement, moving memories, and all the conviction accumulated along the journey — all gathered into the lightning.

Pikachu left not the slightest margin for itself!

When the two Pokémon's states reached the utmost peak, Ash and Baimu simultaneously let out wild roars:

"Thunderbolt!" "Heavy Slam!!"

"Pika——jiu!" "Gu——rou!!"

Pikachu straightened its body, violent golden-yellow lightning releasing in an instant, destroying all around it.

Super Aggron roared in anger, twisted metallic luster surging and rumbling, grinding nearby sand and stone into fine powder.

The next moment.

They tacitly drove energy waves to charge at each other; vast might crushed the ground, carving deep traces, overbearing and unmatched impact force violently compressed the air, forming ring after ring of visible air waves!

Despite the enormous size difference between the two, the radiance released at this moment was surprisingly neck and neck, like two planets colliding with a boom in the center of the field, exploding with a deafening roar!

【Friendship Thunderbolt】 VS 【Sure-Win Heavy Slam】!

The stands were like the humans in EVA, already prepared to welcome the Second Impact.

But unexpectedly, the ultra-strong powers the two Pokémon brewed did not "leak" much; although the aftershocks were still grand in momentum, one could see both sides concentrated all their energy as much as possible at the apex — the center of the head-on clash.

Therefore, what they could see was two energies clearly dividing the field into two halves: one side belonging to rampaging thunder, the other to twisted silver light.

Continuous rumbling came from within, mixed with the all-out shouts of the two Pokémon and two Trainers.

Sound turned into power in this instant, letting the Super Aggron and Pikachu, separated by less than half a meter, stare straight at each other, releasing their own conviction and will.

Neither willing to admit defeat, both wanting to stand to the very last moment.

Both sides bore the expectations of countless people, transformed into unending momentum, supporting them to continue forward.

"Pika——!!"

"Gurou——!!"

No one knows clearly how long this clash lasted; everyone simply didn't have the mind to time it, eyes unblinking as they stared at the field, afraid a moment's carelessness would miss the critical instant.

And what finally presented before everyone's eyes was the ending where thunder and silver radiance exhausted each other completely, not a shred remaining.

The two Pokémon, released from the clash posture, gazed at each other, panting incessantly, behind each a Trainer silent and with determined eyes.

The vast field was so quiet a pin drop could be heard; not a single person spoke, including the announcer and the waiting Deng Pei.

Time passed minute by minute, second by second.

Suddenly, Super Aggron lowered its head, drawing gasps from the stands.

Could it be—

Before they could make an accurate judgment, the Pikachu on the other side struggled to close its eyes, its delicate and petite body falling backward.

Instead, the drooping head lifted high, letting out a earth-shattering, colossal roar!

"Guhou—!!"

The arena fell suddenly silent, then cheers and applause shook the universe!