Machamp's sudden Low Sweep truly caught Hitmonchan off guard, nearly delivering full damage.
Fortunately, Hitmonchan tensed its muscles just in time, managing to withstand Machamp's Low Sweep assault.
In the brief exchange, Hitmonchan seized the moment to swing a devastating punch, using Mega Punch to knock Machamp's entire body backward, forcing it to retreat several steps and create distance.
Although Hitmonchan had previously boosted its defense through Bulk Up, Low Sweep's power still dealt considerable damage. The faint pain in its leg kept stimulating Hitmonchan's consciousness.
But this stinging sensation immediately transformed into fighting spirit, making Hitmonchan even more determined to defeat Machamp.
"Machamp, use Dynamic Punch!"
Witnessing Hitmonchan's expression grow increasingly serious, Ryosuke realized he couldn't afford delays. He commanded Machamp to attack aggressively, no longer concealing his devastating techniques.
Dynamic Punch—a move with terrifying power and 100% confusion chance, but plagued by a pitiful 50% accuracy rate.
Under normal circumstances, any Pokémon using Dynamic Punch only achieved 50% accuracy, but with the No Guard ability's influence, this half-accuracy attack became guaranteed to connect.
"This is problematic! Dynamic Punch could cause Hitmonchan to fall into confusion. The situation might not be as favorable as anticipated!" Brock worried, feeling anxious about Red's predicament.
"Don't worry. That's Red from Pallet Town—the strongest among us four. How could a mere Machamp's Dynamic Punch bring down Hitmonchan?" Gary stated confidently, harboring no concerns whatsoever. This represented Gary's ultimate acknowledgment of Red's capabilities.
"Exactly. With Red's abilities, he'll definitely withstand Dynamic Punch's assault," Leaf agreed, sharing Gary's assessment.
"Right! My Big Brother won't lose!" Ash shouted enthusiastically, cheering Red on.
Machamp suddenly erupted with tremendous momentum before charging at fierce velocity toward Hitmonchan, raising its fists to strike at Hitmonchan's head with Dynamic Punch.
"Hitmonchan, stay calm. Charge forward and use Mach Punch. I trust your attack speed!"
Red commanded decisively, employing an "offense as defense" strategy to counter Machamp's Dynamic Punch.
As long as they attacked before Machamp could execute its move, they could definitely interrupt Dynamic Punch.
Hitmonchan—originally stationary—suddenly blurred before approaching Machamp at lightning velocity. From Machamp's perspective, Hitmonchan materialized from the side, swinging its right fist first to strike Machamp's body heavily.
Hitmonchan's supersonic iron fist connected directly with Machamp's head, forcing it to abort Dynamic Punch mid-swing. Then, following Red's directive, Hitmonchan immediately unleashed both fists continuously, deploying Comet Punch on the stunned Machamp.
Hitmonchan's fists moved like meteors, relentlessly pummeling Machamp's body. Temporarily, Machamp could only abandon offensive plans, extending all four arms as shields to block Hitmonchan's devastating Comet Punch barrage.
"Remarkable tactical brilliance from Lord Red! Unlike most trainers who'd choose defensive positioning to weather Machamp's Dynamic Punch, Lord Red decisively commanded Hitmonchan to strike first with Mach Punch, exploiting its priority to forcibly interrupt Dynamic Punch! Not only perfectly neutralizing Machamp's assault but also commanding Hitmonchan to inflict continuous damage with Comet Punch!" the announcer proclaimed enthusiastically, gripping the microphone tightly, clearly astounded by Red's tactical mastery.
Red's fan club erupted with excitement, raising banners emblazoned with his photograph while shouting enthusiastic support toward Red's command platform.
"I really envy Red's fan club," Ash thought jealously. "When will I have my own dedicated supporters?"
Among the four rookie trainers from Pallet Town, only Ash still lacked a dedicated fan base—mostly attracting casual spectators, which troubled him considerably.
"Hitmonchan, use Thunder Punch."
Following Red's command, Hitmonchan delivered the final Comet Punch before pivoting to execute Thunder Punch, its electricity-charged right fist striking Machamp heavily. Paralyzing current instantly coursed through every corner of Machamp's body.
"Machamp, don't surrender! Use Seismic Toss now!" Ryosuke shouted, encouraging his disadvantaged partner.
Machamp—absorbing Thunder Punch's full damage—endured the stinging electrical sensation while gripping Hitmonchan's arm tightly, preparing to hurl the Punching Pokémon onto the ice surface forcefully.
"Use Bulk Up now," Red commanded.
Hitmonchan—firmly held by Machamp—tensed its muscles once more. The continuously battling muscles expanded noticeably. Steam visibly emanated from Hitmonchan's form.
Machamp slammed Hitmonchan heavily onto the ice surface, but Hitmonchan—fortified by multiple Bulk Up boosts—had gained sufficient defensive capabilities. After breaking free from Machamp's grip, it immediately executed Sky Uppercut.
Hitmonchan's eyes blazed with intensity as it rose, channeling all its strength into an uppercut aimed at Machamp's chin.
Machamp's features visibly contorted before being launched airborne by Hitmonchan's devastating Sky Uppercut.
Mid-air, Machamp's vision blurred, consciousness fading as its limbs gradually went limp.
"Machamp, I believe in you! Don't faint like this!" Ryosuke shouted desperately, attempting to revive Machamp's consciousness as it descended.
Under Ryosuke's frantic calls, Machamp successfully awakened from its stupor. Noticing Hitmonchan waiting below, it resolved to deploy its final technique.
"Machamp, use Cross Chop!" Ryosuke exclaimed passionately. Regardless of the outcome, both trainer and Pokémon would remember this moment forever.
"Hitmonchan, use Close Combat," Red stated calmly, silently adjusting his cap while awaiting the battle's conclusion.
Hitmonchan abandoned all defensive measures, clenching its fists while awaiting Machamp's descent.
Machamp crossed all four arms together mid-air, releasing a white glow as it deployed Cross Chop, swinging forcefully toward Hitmonchan.
Hitmonchan immediately countered with its fists, meeting Machamp's Cross Chop head-on.
In front of countless spectators, both Fighting-types unleashed their respective powers to suppress each other. Surrounding ice pillars shattered from the intense shockwaves.
Even the thick ice surface could barely withstand the dual onslaught, displaying visible fractures.
Just fall already! Hitmonchan roared internally, swinging one final devastating punch.
The violent impact echoed throughout every corner of the Ice venue. Under everyone's observation, Machamp collapsed, covered in wounds, on the ice surface with its eyes rolled back and body completely limp.
"Machamp is unable to battle! Therefore, the winner of this match is Red from Pallet Town!"
The referee raised the red flag high, announcing the match's final conclusion.