A Step Ahead

"Bai Shi's Pokémon really are strong!"

"But I'm not going to give up!"

"Pikachu, I'm counting on you!"

Driven into a corner, Ash sent out Pikachu.

He hoped Pikachu could turn the battle around.

"Pika!"

Pikachu leaped onto the field, electricity crackling from his cheeks, eager to fight.

"Come back, Buneary. You're up, Dunsparce!"

Even with the lead, Bai Shi had no intention of letting up.

He recalled Buneary and sent out Dunsparce, who knew several Ground-type moves.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"

The moment the battle resumed, Ash went on the offensive.

A powerful yellow bolt shot toward Dunsparce.

"Dunsparce, use Dig!"

At Bai Shi's command, Dunsparce burrowed underground, dodging Pikachu's Thunderbolt.

He surfaced silently, right beneath his opponent.

"Dunsparce, use Drill Run!"

A smile tugged at Bai Shi's lips as he gave his next command.

Spinning like a drill, Dunsparce launched an attack from below.

"Oh no! Pikachu, jump!"

Seeing the danger, Ash shouted to Pikachu.

Pikachu sprang upward to dodge.

Even so, Dunsparce's Drill Run struck him.

The blow sent Pikachu flying even higher.

That jump had kept the attack from hitting a vital spot, saving him from an instant knockout.

"Dunsparce, use Flamethrower!"

Bai Shi showed no mercy, ordering Dunsparce to keep attacking.

Dunsparce opened his mouth and sent a blazing jet of fire toward Pikachu.

"Pikachu, use Iron Tail as you fall!"

With Flamethrower about to hit, Ash seized on an idea.

Still in midair, Pikachu swung his glowing white tail.

Using the force of his descent, he split the oncoming flames.

His tail kept going and struck Dunsparce on the head.

The blow left Dunsparce's head ringing.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"

One more Thunderbolt finished Dunsparce off.

Ash took a point, bringing the score to two to one.

"Pikachu's clearly stronger than your other Pokémon."

"Even with