At the critical moment, Hala displayed the fighting instincts befitting an Island Kahuna. He issued his command with perfect timing.
The Hariyama planted its right foot firmly, halting its forward momentum and pulling back from the incoming attack. It then clenched its massive right fist and slammed it heavily toward the approaching Haxorus.
"Thud, thud..." The instant their attacks collided, Hariyama was immediately pushed back several steps.
Their strength wasn't even in the same league!
While Hariyama's power was undeniably impressive, it paled in comparison to Haxorus, a Pokemon whose offensive capabilities had led countless trainers to mistake it for a pseudo-legendary dragon!
"Dragon Rush!" John immediately followed up.
Haxorus's eyes flashed with cold determination as dark green Dragon-type energy engulfed its entire body like a blazing jacket. It charged toward the Hariyama, which hadn't yet regained its footing!
This time, even if Hala issued new orders, it wouldn't help.
The heavyweight Hariyama hadn't stabilized its stance, leaving no opportunity to unleash its Fighting-type moves.
"WHAM!" Haxorus slammed into Hariyama without resistance.
The Fighting-type Pokemon went airborne before sliding a full three meters across the ground.
When it finally came to a stop, its eyes were already spinning in defeat. That mountainous physique had crumpled beneath Haxorus's terrifying attack power.
"RAAWR!" Haxorus roared triumphantly. This was its first time being commanded by John in an official battle, and its excitement was palpable.
There's a special pride in training diligently for years, developing your strength day after day, and finally showing what you're made of!
"It seems our island has an extraordinary visitor today," Hala said appreciatively, already launching another Pokeball.
Hala's second Pokemon was Crabominable LV63.
This was a large crab covered in white fluff, with two crab claws shaped not like pincers but like a pair of massive fists, like boxing gloves made of shellfish!
"Wonder how that would taste," John muttered, licking his lips. Being from the South, his first thought upon seeing those crab claws was: there must be loads of meat in there, probably delicious even if just steamed without sauce.
Crabominable's typing was Ice plus Fighting, indeed a smart choice against a pure Dragon-type like Haxorus.
A Fighting-type move was ordered, but not by Hala, by John.
Focus Blast was one of the TMs John had purchased from the Lilycove Department Store. Since Haxorus could learn it, John had taught it the move as a countermeasure against Ice-types!
Better yet, Crabominable's Ice/Fighting dual typing meant it was vulnerable to its own Fighting type.
The double-axed dragon opened its crimson mouth, condensing Focus Blast energy at the tip of its axes before launching it forward!
A blue arc streaked across the battlefield, heading straight for Crabominable's face!
"Protect!" Hala shouted.
Crabominable immediately crossed its slender boxing arms, constructing an invisible barrier that blocked the Focus Blast.
But just as Crabominable dispersed the energy attack, Haxorus had already ghosted its way into close range.
That Focus Blast wasn't meant as an attack, it was a distraction to give Haxorus an opportunity to close in!
Haxorus raised its razor-sharp claws high, emanating a brilliant white light. Instead of using a Dragon-type move, it opted for the Normal-type "Slash."
The instantaneous power flashed like a dazzling aurora, piercing Crabominable's vision!
"Protect!" Hala could only continue with defensive moves. He had considered using Ice Punch to counter-attack and trade damage for damage.
As a pure Dragon-type, Haxorus would take double damage from Ice Punch, while Crabominable wasn't vulnerable to Normal-type attacks. Under normal circumstances, withstanding a Slash wouldn't be difficult—a favorable exchange.
But Hala quickly realized that with the strength displayed by this Haxorus, his Crabominable might get knocked out before it could even channel its Ice-type energy!
Defense was the only option! Nothing but defense!
Crabominable crossed its arms once more. It was fortunate to successfully use Protect consecutively; a rare occurrence given the move's diminishing success rate.
But in the next instant, a resounding "CRACK" echoed across the battlefield as the invisible barrier constructed by Protect was effortlessly pierced by Haxorus!
Slash connected with Crabominable's body.
Haxorus gracefully jumped backward.
Crabominable collapsed where it stood.
Not only had Haxorus broken through Protect, but it had also overcome a six-level difference and delivered enough raw power to knock out Crabominable in a single strike.
The entire audience, including Hala, couldn't help but stare in shock.
"Lucky shot," John said, rubbing his chin. He'd been surprised himself, but after a moment's reflection, it made sense.
It wasn't entirely shocking that Haxorus had blasted through Crabominable's Protect. The technique it had just used wasn't simply Slash, it had incorporated elements of the "Focus Blast + Force Palm" technique.
Drawing inspiration from Hariyama's fighting style, it had enhanced its Slash with explosive power!
But to break through Protect and instantly KO a non-vulnerable Crabominable? That could only mean one thing: the critical hit chance of Slash had activated at the perfect moment.
Crabominable had been lucky enough to use Protect consecutively without failing, but Haxorus had enjoyed even better fortune with its perfectly timed critical hit.
Whether it was luck or raw strength, Haxorus had utterly demolished Crabominable.
Even Hala's Elite-level command abilities couldn't turn the tide.
"Luck is indeed a crucial factor in battles," Hala had to concede.
He recalled Crabominable to its Pokeball, then looked up at John with newfound respect. "Congratulations! Traveler from afar, you have successfully completed the grand trial of Melemele Island's Kahuna!"
The battle scene shimmered and dissolved, returning John to normal reality.
Hala's conversation continued on John's Gameboy:
[Hala: I didn't expect such power from you. It seems that next time we battle, I should use my full strength!]
[Hala: This is a Z-Ring I crafted myself. I present it to you now. With it, you can use Z-Moves in battle, provided you possess the corresponding Z-Crystal!]
[Hala: What? You already have a Mega Ring? Then allow me to upgrade it for you! This way, you can use both Z-Moves and Mega Evolution simultaneously!]
[Hala: Additionally, here are some Z-Crystals from my personal collection. Consider them your reward for completing Melemele Island's grand trial!]
[Obtained important item: Z-Power Ring]
[Item obtained: Fightinium Z]
[Item obtained: Icium Z]