>>51466933>This retardedAsh Vs. Paul succeeds from a writing standpoint purely because it has more depth than any other final. It's not merely about being the strongest, it's an ideological final stand, where Ash pits his compassionate bonding versus Paul's calculated optimization. Paul is an antagonist, but he's not necessarily evil, he's simply a person that takes a different approach, which is why the battle is so personal for Ash. His previous defeats are, in a way, a direct blow against everything he stands for, because to lose against someone so opposed to him in battle is to admit to being wrong. Ash wants to be a pokémon master, but he wants to do it on his own terms. Should he sacrifice his kindness for his goal? That's the question posed during the battle.
And naturally, that's why he uses the same team. To prove to Paul he's wrong. And that's why Infernape is so central to everything: The Chimchar that was rejected despite having immense potential closing the battle is indisputable proof that Ash was right. Paul refused to pick up the slack and train him to prime form, whereas Ash could tame him with his kindness.
Really, this is all blatantly put forward, I can't tell why you would pretend to not pick up on it. If young me could, then surely so can you.
