As one of the Johto Region's starter Pokémon, the pure Grass-type Bayleef was utterly countered by the Bug/Steel-type Scizor in terms of both offense and defense.
And in this battle, although Ash excelled at fighting against type disadvantages, he failed to create any miracles against Xia You.
Neither Razor Leaf nor Magical Leaf did much more than tickle Scizor, and even Normal-type moves like Tackle and Body Slam only dealt half damage when they hit.
Scizor, meanwhile, relentlessly pursued Bayleef, taking advantage of his slightly greater speed and pair of small wings as he swung his enormous pincers at Bayleef again and again.
Bayleef was helpless against this, unable to win a direct fight or shake him off.
With no other choice, Ash took out a Poké Ball and recalled Bayleef before it could be knocked out.
Now he had only one last Pokémon left. He glanced down at his feet, and the yellow mouse Pikachu immediately understood, setting off on all fours toward the center of the field.
"Huh?" Unfamiliar with Pikachu, the commentator couldn't help exclaiming in surprise, "At this critical moment, Ash has actually sent out a Pikachu? I really don't understand. Compared to Charizard or his other Pokémon, this Pikachu looks unremarkable, and it's so small. Why save it for last? Is there something special about it?"
But that was merely the fixed impression outsiders had of Pikachu.
Anyone who knew Ash knew that Pikachu was his most trusted companion-and his strongest!
On the other hand, Pikachu's performance fluctuated wildly. After all, as the Pikachu who could go fifty-fifty with anyone, it could battle Legendary Pokémon yet lose to a beginner's starter. Nobody, Ash included, could say how it would perform.
Pikachu ran to the center of the field and gave Xia You two clear cries,