The flame atop Infernape's head, swaying amid the wind and rain, flared with the heat of a volcanic eruption. The towering blaze nearly pierced the clouds, threatening to burn away the rain covering the entire Spikemuth Arena.
The firelight illuminated every astonished face in the stands. Everyone stared wide-eyed, dumbfounded by the sight.
Holy shit, it powered up!?
In one corner of the stands, Musashi, Kojiro, and Meowth, disguised as vendors selling boxed meals and drinks, did not even care about making money anymore. They rushed to an excellent viewing spot and began cheering with all their hearts.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!"
"Flame child who can do anything as long as he works hard, GO! GO! Infernape GO!!"
Inside the lounge.
Lance and Steven also stared in surprise at Infernape's sudden eruption after being suppressed for the entire match. Fortunately, Cynthia, who understood the situation very well, explained it to them.
Those bewildered spectators, however, did not receive the same treatment.
Looking at the flames filling the sky and endlessly evaporating the rain, Cynthia wore a nostalgic expression.
"I never expected them to have grown to the point where they can control this ability at will."
She spoke slowly, word by word.
"That is Blaze."
"You're saying... that's Blaze!?"
Lance was the first to frown and voice his doubts.
His Charizard had the "Blaze" Ability too.
When it activated, it did not have such terrifying visuals, nor such an explosive increase in power that could be seen at a glance.
And you're telling me this thing is Blaze!?
The curve of Cynthia's lips was faint as she said softly, "That is a special Blaze formed from the bond between Ash and Infernape, as well as Infernape's own talent."
"The boost it provides for this period is probably no weaker than Mega