Chapter 75: Fierce Battle Under Sidney

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Facing Arcanine, who had swiftly moved behind Shiftry, Sidney was prepared. As soon as Arcanine appeared, he immediately issued a command.

"Shiftry, use Petal Blizzard!"

Countless pink petals swirled around Shiftry and shot toward Arcanine. Gary remained calm, a slight smirk forming on his face.

"I've been waiting for this! Arcanine, use Extreme Speed!"

With lightning speed, Arcanine vanished from its spot, dodging the Petal Blizzard effortlessly. In the blink of an eye, Arcanine reappeared in front of Shiftry, striking before it could react.

"Flamethrower!" Gary commanded.

Arcanine opened its mouth, releasing a torrent of flames. At such close range, the Flamethrower struck Shiftry directly, engulfing the Grass-type in searing heat.

Shiftry let out a pained cry as the flames licked at its body.

"Well done, Gary!" Rosa, watching the battle from the sidelines, cheered excitedly after seeing Arcanine's powerful attack.

"Hang in there, Shiftry! Use Payback!" Sidney commanded.

Despite the damage from the flames, Shiftry gritted its teeth and counterattacked. Payback hit Arcanine, knocking it back a few steps, allowing Shiftry a brief reprieve from the onslaught. However, after battling multiple rounds, Shiftry was visibly fatigued.

"Don't give it a chance to recover! Arcanine, use Flame Charge!" Gary ordered.

Still full of energy, Arcanine ignited flames around its body and rushed toward Shiftry like a blazing meteor.

"Shiftry, use Dark Pulse!" Sidney responded.

Shiftry forced itself to summon a black wave of energy, sending it toward the charging Arcanine. But Gary wasn't about to let Arcanine take the hit head-on.

"Dodge it!"

Following Gary's command, Arcanine swiftly turned and dodged the Dark Pulse, continuing its charge toward Shiftry.

With a loud crash, Arcanine's Flame Charge connected with Shiftry, sending it flying.

"Finish it off, Arcanine! Use Flare Blitz!" Gary shouted.

Without hesitation, Arcanine reignited, flames erupting around its body. The heat from the field was so intense that both Rosa and Hilda, who were watching from the sidelines, began to sweat.

"Go, Arcanine!" Gary shouted, urging his Pokémon on as it charged toward the fallen Shiftry.

"Go, Arcanine!" Rosa and Hilda joined in, cheering loudly.

With the hopes of Gary, Rosa, Hilda, and all those watching, Arcanine rushed toward the struggling Shiftry, determined to end the battle. Shiftry had just managed to stand when Arcanine's Flare Blitz hit it head-on.

The impact sent Shiftry flying once again, crashing down in front of Sidney, defeated and unable to continue the fight.

Sidney recalled his Shiftry, smiling as he accepted defeat. "Well done, Gary. You won."

Gary, still excited from the victory, walked over to Arcanine and hugged it in a warm embrace. Arcanine, understanding Gary's feelings, whimpered softly and gently rested its head against his.

Under the bright sunlight, Gary and Arcanine shared a heartwarming moment of joy.

Rosa and Hilda, who were about to walk over, paused as they noticed the scene, both smiling at the bond between Gary and his Pokémon.

As the opponent, Sidney returned Shiftry to its Poké Ball and smiled at the display of affection.

"Not bad!"

Once Gary calmed down, he recalled the exhausted Arcanine and stood up again. At that moment, Rosa quietly approached Gary, holding his hand and looking at him with gentle eyes, her feelings evident without words.

Hilda, standing nearby, showed the same expression, Gary's figure becoming clearer and clearer in her mind as she watched him.

Sidney, however, walked over to Gary, giving him a thumbs up and praising him. "Well done, Gary. You earned this win!"

Despite his joy, Gary shook his head. "You fought with one Pokémon against three of mine. In my mind, I lost!"

Though happy with the battle's outcome, Gary remained humble. "Next time, I'll defeat you in a fair battle."

Gary looked at Sidney seriously.

"Alright, I'll wait for that day," Sidney replied, initially surprised but then agreeing with a smile.

After accepting Gary's challenge, Sidney looked at him with newfound admiration. "I've heard from Steven that you're an excellent trainer. I wasn't sure at first, but now it's clear Steven's eyes are as sharp as ever. Gary, you're very talented."

"Thank you, but I still have a long way to go," Gary responded modestly, smiling.

"Whether it's true or not, we both know deep down," Sidney waved a hand dismissively in response to Gary's modesty.

"I…" Gary started, but Sidney interrupted.

"It's getting late. I should be heading out. We'll battle again next time."

Sidney glanced at Gary before adding, "And next time, I'll give it everything I've got."

"I wouldn't want it any other way," Gary replied, smiling.

"I look forward to it!" Sidney said as he waved goodbye and walked away.

Gary, watching Sidney leave, made up his mind silently. "Next time, I'll win for sure!"