Ash was clearly brimming with confidence and even turned back to give them a thumbs-up.
Seeing him charge ahead so rashly, Xia You couldn't help warning him, "Ash, Blaine specializes in Fire-type Pokémon, and he has the home-field advantage. Don't let your guard down!"
"I know!"
Meanwhile, Blaine had already sent out his first Pokémon.
It was a pale yellow, foxlike Pokémon-Ninetales!
True to its name, Ninetales swished nine long, sleek tails. Cream-colored fur covered its body, and it had vivid red eyes and a well-proportioned figure, giving it a noble, elegant appearance.
Against Ninetales, Ash sent out Squirtle.
Yet once the match began, something surprising happened. After only a few exchanges, as Fire Spin clashed with Water Gun, Fire Spin pierced through Squirtle's body, inflicting burns one after another. In the end, Squirtle actually collapsed to the ground, unable to battle.
At this, not only was Ash incredulous, but Xia You also knitted his brows.
To defeat Squirtle so easily despite the type disadvantage was impressive indeed!
"Damn it!"
Although he was unwilling to accept it, Ash could only recall Squirtle and send out his second Pokémon.
When the Poké Ball opened, what appeared before everyone was a Pokémon flapping its wings, stretching its long neck, with a fierce flame burning on its tail-Charizard!
At the sight, Xia You instinctively raised his eyebrows.
So Ash's Charmander had already evolved into Charizard in such a short time! That really was rapid progress!
At that moment, Blaine also recalled Ninetales and sent out his second Pokémon.
"Then this fellow will be my second contestant! Come on out, Rhydon!"
A moment later, a Pokémon with a sharp drill on its forehead, a somewhat dinosaur-like build, and armorlike skin protecting its entire body appeared on the field.
But unexpectedly, Charizard seemed to have