At that moment, the scattered droplets suddenly converged, merging into countless extremely thin water needles that gleamed with a sharp, piercing light. Just from their appearance, it was obvious their penetrating power was no joke.
"What?! Is that even possible? To what extent has his Croconaw mastered water control?" Diantha stared in shock at the countless water needles suspended in the air under Croconaw's command.
"Fire!" Ash gave the order.
In an instant, the sky filled with streaks of water as the needles rained down toward the Steel Cannon Arm Shrimp.
"Boo babble!"
"There are too many to dodge completely, and it can't move freely on the platform… no choice, Steel Cannon Arm Shrimp, dive into the sea!" Diantha reacted quickly, though the pressure was mounting.
"Here!"
Hearing the command, the Steel Cannon Arm Shrimp leapt into the sea just as the barrage of water needles struck the floating platform.
The next moment left the audience stunned.
The needles pierced straight through the platform as if it were paper, leaving behind countless tiny holes. In mere seconds, the entire board was riddled with dense perforations, a sight that made one's scalp tingle.
"That was close… If those had landed, even a crustacean Pokémon like it would have been completely penetrated. As expected of a self-developed technique. He's elevated physical attack applications to another level."
Looking at the devastated platform, Diantha wiped the sweat from her forehead. Without realizing it, the tempo of the battle had already shifted entirely into Ash's control. Despite initiating the first attack, she had gained no advantage whatsoever.
Although Ash was a Champion-level trainer, his Croconaw was only at the peak of the Elite Four tier, just like her own Pokémon. In terms of level, neither side held a clear edge.
"If I stay cautious of his custom techniques, I still have a chance," she thought, taking a deep breath and steadying herself.
This was something every trainer had to master, maintaining composure under pressure. Some could only calm down once the outcome was already decided, but Diantha managed to regain control of her mindset mid-battle, even under constant assault.
"It's now! Steel Cannon Arm Shrimp, use Crabhammer!"
The moment she spotted a faint shadow near Croconaw, Diantha locked onto its position and immediately issued the command.
"Give it!"
The Steel Cannon Arm Shrimp burst out of the water, its massive right claw glowing with white light, radiating a terrifying aura. However, Diantha could track its position, and so could Ash, whose perception far exceeded normal limits.
"Water Tail."
Just as Crabhammer was about to land, Ash's calm voice rang out.
Croconaw's tail was instantly enveloped in a spiraling current of water. With a swift turn, it slammed directly into the incoming claw.
Boom!
The collision sent waves crashing outward, water exploding in all directions. But in the next instant, Croconaw suddenly withdrew its Water Tail, leapt over the Steel Cannon Arm Shrimp, and its right claw glowed with a sharp white light as it slashed down fiercely across its opponent's body.
"Steel Cannon Arm Shrimp!"
Diantha's expression changed drastically. She hadn't expected Croconaw to act independently without a direct command and execute such a precise counterattack.
But this wasn't instinct.
This was training.
Ash's Pokémon always remembered his words:
"During battle, I will give commands, but don't forget, we are partners. You should think for yourselves as well. If my command gets interrupted, your first instinct should be to decide your next move, whether to attack or defend."
Ash never suppresses his Pokémon's thoughts. To him, they are living beings with souls, not mere tools for battle. In combat, he gives precise commands at the right moments, but when unexpected situations arise beyond his immediate awareness, it is up to the Pokémon's own judgment to respond.
"It's incredible. Ash's Croconaw actually seized that opening on its own. That level of autonomy is astonishing. The trust between Ash and his Pokémon is as vast as the ocean itself."
"Exactly. Their coordination feels like they're a single entity. Croconaw follows Ash's commands, but it also actively searches for opportunities to strike. Is this the gap between us and a Champion?"
Watching the Steel Cannon Arm Shrimp pant heavily, Diantha felt a mounting pressure. It wasn't that she had never battled Champions before, but this time felt different. Ash's rhythm was unpredictable, impossible to read, and completely outside her expectations.
"If this continues, its stamina will be completely depleted. There's no choice… I have to use a finishing move."
"Steel Cannon Arm Shrimp, use Dragon Pulse!"
The longer the battle dragged on, the less the injured Steel Cannon Arm Shrimp could endure. Even the power of its moves would begin to decline.
"Here!"
Its massive right claw snapped open, releasing a powerful stream of water toward Croconaw. As the stream surged forward, it gradually took shape, forming the outline of a roaring dragon.
This was Dragon Pulse, a powerful Dragon-type move.
Some Pokémon can use moves outside their primary typing. For example, Charizard is a Fire and Flying-type Pokémon, yet it can still learn and unleash Dragon-type techniques like Dragon Pulse despite not being a Dragon-type itself.
(End of Chapter)
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