Chapter 0845: Master of Reverse Type, Ash(Two-in-One)

"Roooar!!"

Infernape, clad in golden armor, its flaming crown ablaze, crouched low—sharp golden eyes narrowed with intensity.

Most fans watching the livestream were baffled.

"This matchup’s terrible for Ash on type!"

"Ash, do you even know Pokémon?"

"Been a fan for ten years—there’s no way he wins this!"

Up in the stands, Professor Oak folded his arms and smiled:

"Ash’s Infernape is always pretty lively in the gardens."

"That’s right." Blue Oak replied calmly, "I helped breed it."

He looked up, focusing on the burning gaze between Infernape and Ash.

Natsume relaxed with a smile.

The so-called ‘Master of Reverse Type’—maybe it was just Ash’s way of pushing himself. That fighting spirit he unleashes in tough battles… it’s always been what sets Ash’s style apart.

"Battle begin!" The referee’s flag dropped.

Natsume was steady, testing the waters:

"Rotom, Hydro Pump!"

Rumble—!

A torrent of water blasted across the field, surging with tremendous force.

Ash pumped his fist, yelling, "Infernape, use Dig!"

"Infernape!!"

Infernape plunged both fists into the soil, vanishing underground—a clever dodge to avoid the roaring downpour of Hydro Pump.

The water crashed, splashing and shattering rock as the surging dirt mound raced ahead beneath the surface.

Dig wouldn’t hit a Levitate ability Wash Rotom, but it was Infernape’s way to slip past danger.

Natsume barked,

"Rotom, Electric Terrain!"

Szzzzz—

Wash Rotom’s body glowed, several arcs of yellow electricity sparking outwards in a ring—blanketing the battlefield with energy.

The Electric Terrain lit up Professor Oak’s startled face, and made Blue Oak’s eyes shine.

Electric Terrain powers up all Electric-type moves on the field, and blocks the Sleep status condition.

A great boon for Ash’s Pikachu down the line.

But clearly, by choosing Infernape, Ash was determined to go for broke!

"Infernape, Mach Punch!" Ash bellowed.

"Infernape!"

Wrapped in a sonic boom of white light, Infernape burst out from underground and drove a heavy fist into Wash Rotom, knocking it back!

Wash Rotom quickly regained altitude, its body starting to crackle with electric light.

Landing lightly, Infernape eyed the flickering electric currents all around, a hint of worry on his face.

The next instant, Natsume clenched his fist and announced:

"Rising Voltage!!"

Professor Kukui’s eyes widened.

On Electric Terrain, if the opponent is a grounded Pokémon, Rising Voltage deals double damage!

In Sinnoh League, Flint cried out:

"That’s Volkner’s signature strat!"

"Impressive?" Aaron tilted his head.

"Duh! My poor Infernape’s been one-shot so many times—even hiding underground won’t save you!"

Szzzzt!

Wash Rotom charged up more electricity, channeling it into the grid pattern of the Electric Terrain. Shards of rock vibrated, then hovered up with the energy. Currents surged upward, forming a domed cage of lightning around Infernape—which then exploded with blinding force!

"Infernape!!"

Infernape howled, struggling to withstand the rising bolts, but the moment he gripped a pillar of light, the current exploded in his grasp—turning the whole arena into a flash of white!

"Infernape!!" Ash shouted.

The field erupted, black smoke rolling out.

Infernape knelt, body scorched, armor hissing with steam as the electric cage faded away.

"Once more, Rotom—Rising Voltage!!" Natsume ordered, fist tight.

Crackle! The grid lit up again, Rotom’s power surging directly into the terrain—thick electric snakes erupting all around, converging on Infernape!

"Jump, Infernape!" Ash roared, "Flamethrower at the ground!"

Natsume watched approvingly.

Sure enough—if your opponent’s in the air, Rising Voltage doesn’t get its double power.

Still, the buff from Electric Terrain was real!

With a crack and a burst of speed, Infernape soared high, right as six thick lightning bolts leapt from the ground, like arrows aimed straight at him!

"Infernape!!"

Infernape’s flames rose, eyes narrowed in focus, body tensed—then he spat a roaring fireball downward!

Wham!!

The flamethrower’s recoil propelled Infernape above the snaking electricity, launching him high into the arena sky.

Flamethrower and the lightning met midair, exploding in a wave of black smoke and pressure!

"Target Infernape’s landing—"

Natsume called sharply, "Hydro Pump!"

"Rotom!!"

Wash Rotom’s lid popped open, blasting a powerful water jet at Infernape’s falling trajectory.

Infernape’s pupils contracted—dodging was impossible now!

"Flare Blitz—push through!" Ash shouted, "Go, Infernape!"

Blue Oak’s eyes lit up.

What a reckless play, what a ferocious will to fight!

The moment he landed, Hydro Pump slammed into Infernape.

"Infernape!!"

Infernape braced, arms crossed, eyes shifting gold to red. Steam burst all around, the ground beneath cracking as flames roared sky-high—orange fire surging across his form!

"That's..." Granny Bertha whispered in awe.

"Yeah, it's his special ability."

Flint’s eyes sparkled, grinning wide, "Infernape’s Blaze!"

Roaring—

The Hydro Pump sizzled, vanishing in clouds of vapor, as Infernape stormed right through the blast, wreathed in fire, breaking the wave to charge Wash Rotom!

The livestream chat blew up with question marks.

"???"

"How is he still burning, nearly fainted!?"

"That’s wild!!"

Hydro Pump was boiled away.

Wham!!

Infernape skidded to a stop, shoulders rising and falling, his crown of fire blazing even hotter.

Rotom tumbled backward, rolling twice before hovering shakily.

"Use Rising Voltage straight up!"

But instead of channeling into the field, Rotom focused three thick electric currents, forming crackling serpents racing toward Infernape.

Crash!!

Already on his last legs, Infernape gritted his teeth, bent his head—and dropped to one knee, armor wreathed in smoke from the burning fatigue.

"He’s fighting on pure guts now."

Natsume murmured, and raised his arm:

"Rotom, Volt Switch!"

Not only does Volt Switch finish up the round—it swaps weakened Rotom out for a fresh teammate.

The glowing Electric Terrain pulsed as Rotom became a ball of sparking energy—charging straight ahead.

But Ash didn’t give any orders—he just closed his eyes quietly, slowing his breathing in sync with his kneeling Infernape.

Suddenly—

Ash’s eyes snapped open. He twisted his cap. "We can go even further…"

"Let’s do this, Infernape!"

Ash roared, "Mach Punch!!"

"Infernape!!"

Infernape’s golden eyes turned red. He ripped his arms wide, roaring to the skies, his crown of flame leaping higher still—radiating with pure fury. His will exploded outward, shaking the whole field with heat!

I’ll get stronger—together with Ash!!!

Blaze flared around his arms—Infernape flashed forward, smashing aside electric bolts with a crucible punch!

The impossible to dodge electricity was beaten back by willpower alone.

Wash Rotom collapsed—spinning out on the battlefield, swirling eyes KO’d.

"Beep… System Overload, Rotom!>_<"

Honestly, I can’t even explain it.

But that’s just Ash’s style.

Natsume smiled wryly: ‘Thank you, Rotom!’

In the hush that followed, the only sound was Ash and Infernape’s heavy breathing.

Heat shivered in the air—sweat dripped from Ash’s cheek, spattering onto the dirt.

And then, the crowd erupted!

"Infernape!!"

"Holy crap, he actually won?!"

"Now I get it—Infernape must be holding a Focus Band, just barely hanging on!"

Up in the seats, Kiawe gasped, "He did it! Ash won!"

"A little lucky, and Natsume pulled some punches," Kukui smiled, "But Ash really has improved."

Down on the field, Natsume nodded approvingly,

"Pretty respectable spirit, Ash. You and Infernape both."

"Heheh." Ash wiped sweat from his forehead, grinning wide.

"But from here—the real battle begins."

Natsume’s eyes narrowed. He recalled Rotom, and threw a Dusk Ball:

"Go—Tyranitar!!"

A monstrous figure took shape amidst the swirl of sandstorm.

A howling wind rose, clouds darkening over the arena as the field was swallowed by the sand.

Armor of dusty green, spikes along the back, purple belly scales and fierce determination in its eyes—

The king of the storm, Tyranitar!!

"Tyranitar!!"

Tyranitar lifted its head in a mighty roar—the hole in its chest swirling with flying sand.

That overwhelming presence drove the crowd wild.

"Tyranitar is so cool!"

"No way—Natsume-sensei’s Tyranitar is only two years old?"

"That’s a toddler?!"

Ash grew serious.

He quickly returned his hanging-on-by-1HP Infernape so the Sandstorm wouldn’t claim it.

Then he tossed another Poké Ball: "I’m counting on you—Lycanroc!"

A flash of white—Lycanroc landed nimbly, green eyes glaring, orange mane shining, tail and limbs bright white.

"Lycanroc!!" Lycanroc reared, howling into the storm.

Olivia gasped:

"That’s Ash’s special form Lycanroc."

On the ground, Kahuna Nanu crouched with hands on his knees:

"I recall it’s a master of Counter—perfect to mess with Tyranitar."

Ash’s Dusk Form Lycanroc excels at counterattacks—‘quadruple return’ became a meme for a reason.

And it really was the ace that led Ash to victory over Gladion in the Alola league.

Even engulfed by the raging Sandstorm, Rock-type Lycanroc moved as if the sun was shining.

Natsume carefully eyed the wolf.

Much like the Blaze Master, Ash’s Lycanroc had a special talent—when it’s angry, its blue eyes turn fiery red, borrowing that rage for strength.

And its ability, Tough Claws, powers up all contact moves.

No way I’m letting it get close!

"Tyranitar!" Natsume barked, "Earthquake!"

The stands erupted.

Tyranitar’s signature move: Earthquake!

"Tyranitar!!"

Sand swirling, Tyranitar stomped the ground, shattering stone and sending cracks spidering out—chunks of rock rising all around!

Crack-crash-crash!

The ground caved in beneath Tyranitar’s feet, rocky fissures splintered through the arena—every step a new disaster, Lycanroc teetering on waves of stone.

"Accelerock! Leap onto the rocks!" Ash called.

"Lycanroc!!"

Lycanroc ducked low—white light flashing as it powered forward, bounding across the surging platforms toward Tyranitar!

Natsume squinted. That approach lit his body in a pale glow.

Is he baiting me for a close-range Counter?

"Ignore it—"

Natsume announced coldly, "Dragon Dance!"

The chat instantly blew up.

"There it is—Dragon Dance!!"

"That’s so greedy!"

"Accelerock won’t even hurt Tyranitar!"

Ash gritted his teeth as the glow faded away from Lycanroc.

Counter only works if you absorb a melee attack.

That’s why Ash tried to bait it with a leaping attack—leaving himself open on purpose.

But Natsume saw right through it. No Counter this round!

"Lycanroc!" Lycanroc’s tackle glanced harmlessly off Tyranitar’s armor.

In turn, Tyranitar whipped up an even wilder Sandstorm—a tornado of dust coiling around the two Pokémon!

"BAN-GI!!"

Tyranitar’s eyes glowed red, looking down on Lycanroc, body sparkling with crimson energy as its aura reached another peak!

"Use Stone Edge!" Ash yelled.

Furious at being ignored, Lycanroc’s eyes turned from green to red—his fighting spirit ignited, paws slamming the earth!

"Lycanroc!!"

A row of stone pillars burst from the ground, sharpened edges glinting, aimed for vital spots!

Natsume countered with the same move.

"Tyranitar—Stone Edge!!"

"BAN-GI!!"

Tyranitar hammered the ground, conjuring thicker, sharper pillars in the swirling storm, smashing through Lycanroc’s Stone Edge with raw power!

"Lycanroc?!"

Lycanroc’s red eyes fixed on the shuddering dirt below his paws.

Something big rumbled underground—stone spires about to erupt right beneath him!

"Get outta there!" Ash shouted, "Use Accelerock!"

With priority on his side and Ash’s preference for high-speed tactics, Lycanroc quickly darted away.

"Earthquake!" Natsume called out in pursuit.

"BAN-GI!!"

Tyranitar hammered the ground again, shattering all the newly made pillars—turning them to a rain of stone chunks!

RUMBLE!

A spire sprouted beneath Lycanroc’s paws—he barely dodged, rolling aside as more fell.

A split second later, one buckled and the top caved in, slamming down hard on Lycanroc!

KRUNK!!

The furious Earthquake shook the entire arena. When the dust settled, the dog was pinned beneath the rubble.

The Sandstorm began to die down.

With visibility restored, they saw the field—now a true wasteland.

The crowd held their breath, shaking with the aftermath of the shock.

"Lycanroc unable to battle!"

Hala waved his flag high.

The audience snapped back to life, bursting into cheers!

"Tyranitar is just too dominant!"

"Natsume-sensei is amazing—but he’s a menace to these arenas!"

"Too bad—if that Counter had landed, Tyranitar could’ve gone down in one shot!"

The score moved to 2:1, and with Infernape barely hanging on, things looked grim for Ash.

Yet, among the millions watching the livestream, no one would disrespect either Champion.

Natsume-sensei’s strategic calls were airtight, while Ash’s style burned with something all his own—

The indomitable drive to press forward! (The Reverse Type Battle!)

Buzz—

The ruined field was swapped out, a fresh standard one rising in its place.

Ash bowed his head, deep in thought. Next to his leg, Pikachu piped up, "Pikachu?"

"I’m good," Ash answered softly.

He quickly smiled, gripping his Poké Ball, resolve shining in his eyes.

"I want to beat Natsume-sensei again—so please, lend me your strength one more time."

Drawing a deep breath, Ash flung his Poké Ball:

"I choose you—Charizard!!"

Natsume’s eyes sparkled.

There was a mighty whoosh of wings—Charizard crashed down onto the field, eyes blazing.

There was no hint of arrogance now, no wild ego—only the calm certainty of a seasoned veteran.

Years ago, this Charizard was a stubborn genius. Now it carried scars from Legendary battles, wisdom from Charicific Valley, and even a family of its own.

Some things, though, never change.

Charizard’s tail blazed, and it spat a ball of fire at Ash—then grinned at Tyranitar.

You can always count on Ash’s Charizard!

Blue Oak smiled faintly, Professor Oak folded his arms in approval.

Neither had bred Ash’s Charizard—a Pokémon whose real strength came from hard choices and struggle in Charicific Valley.

The stream chat filled with exclamation marks.

"Charizard’s four times weak to Rock—and you’re sending him against Tyranitar?!"

"After that Infernape match, I don’t get it anymore."

"Shocking! Alola Champion turns on ‘Reverse Battle’ cheat mode!"

Natsume gazed at Ash’s Charizard, honestly moved:

"It’s been a long time, Charizard."

"Charizard."

Charizard dipped its head slightly, gaze unwavering.

Compared to Pikachu or Greninja, Natsume-sensei liked Charizard the most.

It had battled alongside Ash the longest, worthy of championship—yet never claimed a league trophy.

It never did get to wear its own Champion’s medal.

But no matter what, when Ash faced trouble, it was always Charizard who came running from Charicific Valley—even now that it had a family of its own.

Now, as a Champion’s starter, it was time for Charizard to claim the glory it deserved!

"Charizard!!"

Charizard unfurled its wings, launching a Flamethrower into the sky.

Battle—BATTLE!!

The Power of One resonated with Charizard’s fiery spirit.

Natsume let out a long breath, eyes suddenly sharp.

Charizard—four times weak to Rock. Tyranitar—buffed by Dragon Dance.

No point recalling now.

Giving it your all is the greatest show of respect!

"Tyranitar—"

Natsume’s fist tightened as he called:

"Thunder Punch!!"

"Tyranitar!!"

Tyranitar’s fist glowed as electricity from the field surged up, gathering at its knuckles until it burned with thunderous light!

The livestream chat went wild.

"What kind of sadistic moveset is this?!"

"And there’s still Electric Terrain on the field!"

"Leon, you’ve corrupted the metagame for everyone!"