The unexpected intervention of Nawaki and the sudden appearance of Mew set the stage for the ultimate showdown in this philosophical battle between originals and clones.
This time, a ninja from another world would change the course of the fight with his unique combat style.
Inside the New Island Castle arena, the cold metallic walls reflected an eerie gleam. Rows of machinery hummed continuously, filling the air with a sharp electric charge and an acrid chemical odor that made it hard to breathe.
Mewtwo floated in midair, its eyes radiating a chilling light as it observed the original Pokémon below, being relentlessly overwhelmed and pushed back by their cloned counterparts.
Bang! Boom!
A deafening explosion shattered the rhythm of the battle.
A cloning machine in the corner of the arena suddenly erupted, sending shards of metal flying and thick, dark smoke billowing into the air.
"Unforgivable! I will never forgive you!"
Ash's voice cut through the smoke, firm and angry.
As the dust settled, his tall figure became visible. His clothes were torn, his face scratched, yet his eyes burned with unyielding determination.
Behind him, a group of Pokémon recently freed from their cloning tanks filed out. Confusion lingered in their eyes, but it was outweighed by the resolve of newfound freedom.
Mewtwo's crimson eyes narrowed slightly, its levitating form descending a little.
"Did you release them?"
Its voice echoed directly into the minds of all present, calm but tinged with subtle surprise.
Ash did not reply immediately. He raised his arm toward Mewtwo, his voice unwavering. "I will personally protect Pokémon and my friends!"
Then, to everyone's shock, he acted. Alone, relying only on his own body, he charged straight at Mewtwo.
"Ash, no!" Misty screamed from the sidelines, her voice trembling.
Pikachu released electricity in a frantic surge, yet it had no effect on Mewtwo's powerful psychic barrier.
Mewtwo remained still, watching the boy rush forward, a flicker of complex emotion in its gaze: contempt, confusion, and perhaps a touch of respect for his reckless courage.
Just as Ash was about to reach Mewtwo, an invisible force hurled him backward.
He flew like a kite cut from its string, crashing toward the distant, hard metal wall.
"Body Flash Technique!"
A figure streaked from the shadows at lightning speed, leaving only an afterimage.
Nawaki caught Ash just in time, skillfully kicking off the vertical wall. Chakra attached to the surface, absorbing the impact, and he landed lightly.
When will he stop being so reckless?
Nawaki set Ash down, his tone scolding but his eyes never leaving Mewtwo.
Ash coughed a few times, regaining his balance. "I had to. They're my partners…"
Nawaki said nothing. He pulled all his Poké Balls from his belt and threw them into the air.
"Everyone, get out! Help the Pokémon who need it, stop those clones!"
In a flash of light, Nawaki's Pokémon joined the fray, scattering throughout the arena.
Finally, a spark of interest appeared in Mewtwo's gaze.
"So you finally dare to face me?"
Nawaki took a deep breath, letting chakra flow steadily through his body. "Sorry. I would like to face you one-on-one, but today I am not the main player."
Mewtwo tilted its head, seemingly unable to understand.
Then, in the next moment, it raised a hand, forming a Shadow Ball that shrieked through the air, hurtling toward Nawaki.
At the last moment, a small pink figure appeared out of nowhere, blocking Nawaki's path.
It was Mew!
A translucent protective shield shimmered around it. The Shadow Ball struck, exploding in a brilliant flash, but the barrier held firm.
"A worthy opponent finally appears."
For the first time, emotion touched Mewtwo's voice a complex blend of anticipation and anger.
Mew's soft, bell-like laughter echoed through the arena, touching every heart with pure joy.
It circled Mewtwo once, finally stopping directly in front of it.
Two powerful psychic forces clashed in midair, creating visible ripples of energy. Every Pokémon present froze in awe, halting their own battles.
"Our connection must be severed completely."
Mewtwo slowly rose, condensing psychic energy into a blade of light.
Mew remained as playful and innocent as ever, yet the energy field surrounding it intensified steadily.
"Everyone, fall back!"
Nawaki shouted, grabbing Ash before he could charge forward. "You have no business interfering at this level of battle!"
Misty and Brock commanded their Pokémon to retreat as well. Every living being instinctively withdrew from the energy fields radiating from the two legendary Pokémon.
Mewtwo struck first!
Its light-infused psychic sword slashed downward, sending a wave of energy tearing through the air.
Mewnimbly dodged, leaving a deep crack where it had stood moments before.
But Mew's evasion was more than just movement. Eyes glowing blue mid-air, it twisted the arena's upper metal structure. Dozens of steel beams shot toward Mew like spears.
Mewtwo neither dodged nor flinched. A hemispherical barrier formed in front of it, intercepting the incoming steel beams.
The metal crumpled and shattered into powder on contact.
"Is this… the power of a legendary Pokémon?"
Brock's voice was hoarse as he looked up at the surreal battle.
Nawaki observed the fight, thinking quickly.
Although Mewtwo's barrier was strong, each successful defense left a brief window of energy reorganization.
He began forming hand seals. "Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
A strong gust erupted from his mouth. Though it could not harm Mewtwo directly, it disrupted the surrounding airflow, momentarily destabilizing Mewtwo's hover.
Mew glanced at Nawaki, surprised that a human could wield such a technique.
Seizing the opportunity, Mew's eyes sparkled, unleashing a powerful Psychic attack that struck Mewtwo directly!
Mewtwo raised an arm to block, yet was pushed several meters back, a flash of annoyance in its eyes.
"Annoying insect."
Mewtwo formed a Shadow Ball targeting Nawaki.
"Earth Release: Earthen Wall!"
Nawaki quickly formed seals, raising a wall of earth to shield himself.
The Shadow Ball struck with a deafening roar, collapsing the wall, but Nawaki had already moved to a safer position.
His strategy was clear: avoid direct confrontation with Mewtwo while harassing and distracting it, creating openings for Mew's attacks.