The open-air hot spring was neither particularly large nor particularly small, just big enough for the five people and one Pokémon to play around to their hearts' content.
They stood facing each other, with a protruding rock marking the dividing line and about two meters between them.
Holding the water ball, Xia You scanned the three people opposite him before finally settling his gaze on Ash.
Since they were competing, he naturally had to break through the strongest member of the opposing team!
"Take my power spike!"
He tossed the water ball high into the air, then jumped up and slammed it toward Ash.
But Ash's reflexes and physical abilities were clearly exceptional. Although Xia You's spike was fast and accurate, he still reacted in time, lunging through the water to catch the ball before sending it straight back.
It had to be said that Ash had chosen a very tricky angle.
At that moment, Xia You had yet to land, leaving only May in the ball's path. But May clearly failed to react and merely stared blankly as it sailed past her.
It worked!
Ash felt a burst of delight, and a smile instinctively spread across his face.
But before that smile could fully form, it froze.
A small yellow blur flashed past. Pikachu leaped up at that very moment and batted the water ball back with his tail, sending it into the water beside Ash.
"One-zero!" Xia You laughed at the sight. "Nice work, Pikachu!"
"Pika!"
In contrast, seeing Pikachu block his attack, Ash immediately cried out in protest.
"Pikachu! How dare you block my shot!"
"Pika!" Pikachu haughtily lifted his chin, refusing even to look at him.
"Darn it! Take this!"
Picking up the water ball floating on the hot spring, Ash refused to back down and