On screen—
Pikachu's Thunderbolt struck the Gigantamaxed Drednaw, yet it didn't cause the slightest bit of damage.
Seeing this, Ash couldn't help but doubt life itself.
Was Pikachu's Thunderbolt too weak? Or was the opponent simply too strong?
Could it be that Pikachu's self-adjusting level had kicked in again here in Galar?
No… that couldn't be it!
That Thunderbolt had been plenty powerful.
If it wasn't Pikachu's fault, then the problem lay with this Pokémon.
Ash quickly caught on to the real issue.
"Koharu, when a Pokémon Dynamaxes, do all its stats get boosted—like with Mega Evolution?"
Koharu froze at the sudden question.
Then she quickly nodded.
"Yes. When a Pokémon enters Dynamax, its HP grows in proportion to its body size, and all its moves are converted into Max Moves."
She shared everything she knew about Dynamax.
Luckily, she studied at a Trainer's school and had solid theory knowledge.
Otherwise, Ash's sudden question might've stumped her.
But… in this situation, what could Ash possibly do?
Koharu's face betrayed her worry.
After listening, Ash immediately understood the key point.
A huge increase in HP. Moves converted into Max Moves.
That meant ordinary attacks were nearly useless against a Dynamax Pokémon.
Even Pikachu's Thunderbolt.
If that was the case, then he had to find a way to Dynamax Pikachu too.
Ash remembered that just before Drednaw appeared, a strange purple light had risen from the ground.
It looked exactly like what he'd seen from the plane yesterday.
There was no time to think!
"Pikachu! Use Iron Tail on the ground!" Ash commanded.
Koharu: ??
Weren't we supposed to be fighting the raging Gigantamax Drednaw? Why Iron Tail on the ground?
Could it be that Ash wanted Pikachu to smash a pit into the earth, trapping Drednaw's movement?
It sounded absurd—but it was just the kind of absurd that Ash would try!
In the next instant, Pikachu leapt high.
Its lightning-shaped tail gleamed with metallic light.
And with a mighty swing, it slammed into the ground!
The spectators who hadn't understood Ash's intent gasped when purple light surged from the cracks in the earth.
Countless streams of Dynamax energy poured into Pikachu's body.
As the energy flooded in, Pikachu began to change.
From a small, cute mouse—into a… chunky, adorable giant!
[Leon: As expected of Ash. Just one attack, and he figured it out. Ordinary moves barely scratch Dynamax Pokémon.]
[Bea: The only way to beat Dynamax… is with an even stronger Dynamax!]
[Professor Magnolia: Strange… why is there Dynamax energy beneath Wyndon?]
[Raihan: Uh oh! If Dynamax energy isn't purified through a Dynamax Band, the Pokémon will go berserk. If Pikachu loses control, this could be a disaster!]
His words silenced Champions and Elite Four alike.
Ash's Pikachu was already incredibly powerful.
If it went berserk while Gigantamaxed—
The consequences were unthinkable.
[Ash: Pikachu will never go berserk!]
No matter how dire things became, Ash believed in their bond.
As long as he was there, Pikachu would always be Pikachu!
[Cynthia: I believe you.]
Among all the voices, Cynthia was the first to side with Ash.
On screen—
Gigantic Pikachu looked hilariously round.
It had a strange kind of awkward charm.
But this wasn't just ordinary Dynamax—Pikachu had achieved Gigantamax!
Seeing this new form, Ash could hardly contain his excitement.
Another new form for Pikachu, alongside his cap-wearing ones—Gigantamax Pikachu!
And just as Ash had declared—
Their bond held firm. Pikachu didn't go berserk.
Instead, it curiously stared at its transformed body.
Clearly, this was its first time Gigantamaxing.
Drednaw, however, glared with blood-red eyes.
It stomped its feet with a roar.
Max Quake!
The ground beneath Pikachu cracked and shook.
"Avoid it, Pikachu! Jump!" Ash shouted.
"Pika…?"
Pikachu rolled its eyes.
Seriously, Ash? Look at me now—do I look like I can jump?!
There was no time for debate.
Ash had to rely on his "external brain."
"Koharu, what kind of moves do Dynamax Pokémon get?"
Koharu quickly recalled her studies.
"Moves of each type become Max Moves of the same type. For example, in Leon vs. Lance's battle, Gyarados's Aqua Tail became Max Geyser."
She simplified her explanation as much as possible. There was no time for lectures now.
"I see… I get it!"
Ash's eyes lit up with understanding.
Koharu: You get it? Really? I'm not convinced…
But Ash ignored her doubt, running up to the high platform of the stadium.
After carefully observing Gigantamax Pikachu's body, he made his decision.
This—was the tactical genius of Alola's first Champion!
"Pikachu! Swing your tail, use the Iron Tail to attack!"
Ash's voice brimmed with confidence.
Sharing his intent, Pikachu immediately moved.
Max Steelspike—activate!
The giant Pikachu swung its gleaming tail with full force toward Drednaw.
The metallic flash alone made Drednaw's head ache.
It might be enraged, but it wasn't stupid!
Drednaw quickly countered with Max Geyser, summoning a colossal column of water.
But Pikachu's steel-coated tail swatted the water aside—
And slammed down hard on Drednaw's massive head!
The impact left Drednaw reeling, unable to regain its focus.
Just then, Leon arrived beside Koharu, breathless.
He turned to ask her something—but his eyes followed hers.
And there he saw it: Gigantamax Pikachu mercilessly thrashing Gigantamax Drednaw.
Most would've been left speechless at the sight.
But Leon was Leon.
"So Iron Tail can be used like that in Gigantamax? Incredible… I've learned something new."
To read 30+ future chapters, head over to patreon:
patreon.com/ToastWizard