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"Okay, next is the second match of the semi-finals between Ash and the Giant!"
"Previously, the Giant breezed through the competition with Hitmonlee's effortless victories. He's considered a strong contender for the championship in this conference."
"As for Ash, he's the ultimate dark horse in this tournament. Participating for the first time, he advanced to the semi-finals, showcasing impressive skills with his Primeape!"
"Who will emerge victorious in this game?"
The commentator's enthusiastic voice signaled the official start of the match. Ash stepped forward to the edge of the ring, while the opposing Giant player approached from the other side. If one looked closely, they'd notice the slight trembling in his stature.
But all eyes were on the battlefield. As Ash reached the field's edge, Pikachu leapt off his shoulder, landing nimbly on the ground.
At that moment, Ash retrieved a Poké Ball and hurled it into the arena without hesitation.
"Go, Primeape!"
Boom!!
"Primeape!" The pokémon appeared with a burst of energy, beating its chest and roaring with excitement. Despite its earlier battles, Primeape exuded unyielding vigor.
The Giant remained silent, giving off an air of stoicism as he released Hitmonlee.
Ding!!!
"And the battle begins!" The bell chimed, accompanied by the commentator's animated announcement.
A tense hush fell over the arena. Hitmonlee stood firm, unmoving, while Primeape mirrored its opponent's stance, the two Pokémon locked in an intense stare-down.
Primeape obeyed Ash's instructions and maintained composure, carefully observing Hitmonlee's movements without acting recklessly. Meanwhile, Hitmonlee appeared slightly anxious, as its Trainer had yet to give any commands.
Unbeknownst to most, these "giants" were none other than Jessie and James of Team Rocket. They had faced Ash countless times and knew how formidable he could be. Moreover, they intended to give Meowth more time to set up traps beneath the ring.
As the match began, Pikachu, who had been standing at Ash's feet, took advantage of the momentary lack of attention. Quietly, it slipped under the ring by lifting the curtain, unseen by the crowd.
"Uh... neither competitor has made a move yet. Both seem to be waiting for the right moment to act," the commentator announced, attempting to keep the audience engaged.
"The Giant player, known for their aggressive tactics in previous matches, seems to be holding back. Perhaps Player Ash is putting some serious pressure on them."
Team Rocket, unfamiliar with commanding Hitmonlee, had mostly relied on its instincts during earlier matches. Despite this, Hitmonlee's sheer strength and agility had allowed it to dominate, easily defeating previous opponents with its aggressive fighting style.
However, now, in the semi-finals, it appeared hesitant. This wasn't entirely surprising, as the competition had become significantly tougher, and caution was warranted.
"What's that blasted commentator yammering about? Afraid of that twerp? Me?! Hitmonlee, finish it now!" Jessie's temper flared upon hearing the commentary, and she could no longer hold back. Shouting furiously, she commanded Hitmonlee to act.
Responding instantly, Hitmonlee charged forward and leaped high into the air with impressive agility. Its powerful legs propelled it upward, momentarily eclipsing the arena lights. From above, it descended rapidly, aiming a signature barrage of chain kicks directly at Primeape.
As the attack neared, Primeape raised its head, its sharp eyes narrowing as it focused on its foe.
"Stay calm! Catch it!" Ash's voice rang out.
Primeape quickly sidestepped the incoming assault, positioning itself strategically. As Hitmonlee landed, Primeape extended its arms and firmly grasped Hitmonlee's ankle mid-motion, throwing it off balance. A look of shock crossed Hitmonlee's face as it realized the counter-move.
"Now throw it!" Ash instructed decisively.
With a burst of strength, Primeape swung Hitmonlee through the air and hurled it across the battlefield.
"Leeeee!" Hitmonlee tumbled, its flight ending with a heavy crash onto the ground.
After being hurled through the air, Hitmonlee let out a strained cry, its body spiraling uncontrollably backward. Sensing an opportunity, Ash pressed the attack.
"Follow up and use Mach Punch!" Ash commanded.
Primeape bolted forward, leaping high into the air. Its fists shimmered with an intense orange glow as it unleashed a flurry of lightning-fast punches. The rapid blows left trails of light, each strike no less powerful than those from the strongest opponents.
The air seemed to crackle with energy as the barrage of punches rained down on Hitmonlee mid-descent, each blow connecting with devastating force.
Boom!!!
As the two approached the ground, a final, decisive punch landed squarely on Hitmonlee's midsection. The impact resonated through the arena, followed by a thunderous crash as Hitmonlee was driven into the ring. Primeape's fist remained firmly pressed against its opponent for a moment before it pulled back and retreated.
Hitmonlee lay sprawled on the ground, its eyes closed, unable to respond.
"Unbelievable! Ash's Primeape executed a relentless series of strikes, overwhelming the Giant player's Hitmonlee without giving it a chance to counterattack!" the commentator exclaimed, igniting cheers from the audience. The atmosphere grew electrifying as spectators roared their approval.
"What are you doing, Hitmonlee? Get up already!" Jessie fumed, her frustration boiling over. "And where's that cursed Meowth with the trap?!"
Beneath the ring, Meowth emerged from behind the curtain, brushing off dust.
"Did you call me, Meowth?" he asked nonchalantly.
Jessie leaned over the edge, glaring. "What's the deal with the trap? You said it was ready!"
"It is ready, Meowth! The moment that Primeape steps on it, it'll be triggered!" Meowth reassured her. He added in a quieter tone, "We couldn't cover the whole field, or Hitmonlee would've been caught too."
Jessie clenched her fists, barely containing her rage. "Fine! Hitmonlee, get up now!" she bellowed toward the battlefield.
Hearing Jessie's voice, Hitmonlee's eyes fluttered open. Slowly, it pushed itself off the ground, wobbling as it rose. Despite enduring Primeape's devastating combination, it remained standing, refusing to concede as easily as its earlier opponents.