"Of course, the most important highlight of this year's competition is the participation of a mysterious guest—none other than the youngest Champion-level trainer in history, Mr. Masaki Oak! It seems this year's outcome will be harder to predict than ever!"
At the starting line, the contestants were stunned when they saw Ash riding on his Arcanine. The youngest Champion-tier trainer appearing here? That was a rare sight indeed!
"Damn it, it's the Oak family!" Dario scowled at the other end of the starting line. Yet when he remembered the special helper his father had invited yesterday, his expression quickly shifted back to confidence.
The Laramie family members erupted into cheers when they heard Ash's name announced. This year's race was crucial to their future, and Ash's appearance at such a pivotal moment was no coincidence.
"Feng Yan, you're really something. I didn't expect you to bring in the Oak family as support. But so what? The youngest Champion? Hmph!"
A middle-aged man sneered from the sidelines. He had long been a rival for the Laramie patriarch's position. Still, he had prepared a backup plan in advance. Ash's appearance wouldn't derail his schemes.
The field was crowded with riders mounted on all sorts of Pokémon. Even Ash's Pikachu had joined the race, riding atop a massive Steelix. Suicune, however, was nowhere to be seen—its presence would have drawn far too much attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the countdown begins! Three… two… one!" The announcer's voice boomed, and in an instant, the racers surged forward.
"Arcanine, keep up with that Rapidash, but don't get too close!" Ash urged, scanning the course carefully.
"Pika!!" Pikachu cried, holding tight as Steelix thundered down the straight path.
"What an incredible sight! Ash's Pikachu is riding a Steelix at full speed! As expected of a Champion's Pokémon—what a display!" the crowd roared, enchanted by the combination of Pikachu's cuteness and Steelix's imposing form.
Though Steelix wasn't built for speed, its raw strength bulldozed through the course with unstoppable momentum, ensuring it wouldn't fall behind even against swifter Pokémon.
Boom!
"Huh?"
"Mooo!"
Suddenly, chaos erupted. A hidden steel pillar slammed into a Tauros's head, sending it into a frenzy. The panicked Pokémon bucked wildly, its trainer clinging on for dear life as others nearby were thrown into disorder.
Ash was the only one to notice the source. If not for his razor-sharp focus, he might not have seen it: a steel ball had rolled out, and following its path with his eyes, he spotted three figures lurking in the tall grass ahead.
"So that's it… sabotage. Pathetic." Ash narrowed his eyes.
"Moo!"
Crash!Crash!
The frenzied Tauros charged recklessly, slamming into anything nearby—trainers and Pokémon alike fell into disarray.
"Arcanine! Flamethrower—three o'clock, now!" Ash ordered.
"Arcanine!"
A blazing torrent of fire shot into the grass where the culprits hid.
"What is this?! Contestants are forbidden from using moves during the race!" the announcer exclaimed in shock.
BOOM!
"Waaaah, it burns!"
"Hot! Too hot!"
"Help!"
Three frantic cries echoed as the flames forced out two people and a Meowth: a blue-haired man, a red-haired woman, and their talking companion, flailing as they tried to put out the fire on their clothes.
Team Rocket had been exposed. Beside them lay scattered trap devices, confirming their sabotage.
The crowd erupted with realization—Tauros's earlier madness had been caused by these tricks.
"I didn't expect this! Ladies and gentlemen, it seems there were those who sought to disrupt the fairness of the competition!" the announcer declared, his voice echoing the outrage of the spectators.
The tourists may not have fully understood the stakes, but the Laramie family certainly did. Everyone knew the outcome of this race would decide their future.
The appearance of such foul play could only mean one thing: Dario's father—or perhaps another rival—had resorted to dirty tricks.
"Damn it, those three fools got exposed so quickly!" Dario snarled, riding close behind Pikachu and Steelix, his face dark with frustration.
"It really was you," Ash's voice cut in sharply. "I didn't expect you and your father to resort to such cheap tricks. Truly disappointing!"
Before Dario could respond, Ash and Mr. Laramie suddenly closed in on him, Ash riding his Arcanine with effortless speed.
"H–how is this possible?! How did you catch up so fast?!" Dario exclaimed, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Hmph. In a race like this, winning is child's play for my Arcanine," Ash replied coldly. "The only reason I've held back is to see just what kind of dirty tricks you and your father would use to steal the Laramie family's place. But honestly… it's laughable."
"...Ash!" Lara called out, pulling up alongside them on her Rapidash.
The Pokémon was panting, its pace faltering—while Rapidash excelled at sprinting, the long-distance race was clearly taking its toll.
"Damn it! The patriarch's position belongs to me and my father!" Dario snapped.
As if to punctuate his words, his Dodrio lashed out, kicking at Lara's Rapidash. The startled Pokémon cried out, stumbling as its speed dropped sharply.
"Hmph. I already have all the evidence I need," Ash said icily, pulling a small device from his pocket. He switched off the recorder, satisfied.
"So if you're wondering who exposed your little scheme—don't bother. You and your father handed me everything yourselves."
...
TN:
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