Pokemon: The Legendary Trainer

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"Bang!"

The clash between Nidoran's Poison Jab and Corphish's Crabhammer created a resounding explosion. The resulting shockwave sent both Pokémon flying a short distance backward.

From the extent of their injuries, it was clear that Corphish had fared slightly better by using its other hardened pincer to absorb part of the impact from Nidoran's Poison Jab.

"Thunderbolt!"

"Bubble Beam!"

As the two Pokémon were thrown back, Sato and AJ simultaneously issued new commands.

In an instant, a golden bolt of lightning shot from the glowing horn on Nidoran's forehead, while Corphish opened its pincers to unleash two streams of Bubble Beam that merged into one and collided head-on with the Thunderbolt.

Despite the type disadvantage, Corphish's Bubble Beam held its ground against Thunderbolt thanks to its Adaptability ability.

To the surprise of onlookers, it didn't falter immediately but instead entered into a deadlock with the electric attack.

However, type advantages are absolute. In the end, Thunderbolt overwhelmed the Bubble Beam, and the weakened electricity struck Corphish, leaving its charred body even more battered.

"Don't give up! While it can't use Thunderbolt for now, use Aqua Jet as propulsion and strike with Crabhammer!"

Seeing his Corphish injured and staggering, AJ clenched his teeth and shouted encouragement.

Hearing its trainer's words, Corphish's previously dazed expression sharpened.

Its eyes gleamed fiercely, and a powerful jet of water erupted from behind it, propelling its battered body toward the equally exhausted and panting Nidoran.

As it charged, Corphish's right pincer became enveloped in a shimmering blue aura, forming a water-imbued Crabhammer aimed directly at Nidoran.

AJ's insight surprised Sato. After unleashing a full-power Thunderbolt, Nidoran indeed needed about a minute to regenerate its Electric-type energy—a limitation of non-Electric Pokémon using Electric-type moves.

"Interesting. Use Double Kick combined with Poison Jab to counter head-on!"

Sato initially considered having Nidoran avoid the attack. But seeing the eager gleam in Nidoran's eyes, he quickly changed his mind.

As Nidoran grew stronger, Sato had come to understand its preference for direct confrontations.

From the moment it had stubbornly insisted on using its horn as the focus for Poison Jab back in Viridian Forest, Sato had recognized this trait.

When it came to nurturing Pokémon, the best approach was to align with their instincts. Suppressing their nature would stifle their spirit, effectively ruining them.

For Nidoran, Sato knew he had to guide it gradually, not forcefully.

"Nido!"

Hearing Sato's command, Nidoran's excitement surged. With a loud cry, its hind legs glowed white as Double Kick charged up.

At the same time, its horn shone with a brilliant purple light, doubling in length as Poison Jab activated.

With a powerful leap, Nidoran left deep imprints in the ground, transforming into a purple blur as it dashed toward the oncoming Corphish.

The crowd watched in anticipation as the two Pokémon collided once more, their respective attacks meeting in a thunderous clash—Corphish's Crabhammer against Nidoran's Poison Jab.

"Come on, Corphish!"

"Beat them, Corphish!"

"Don't give up, Nidoran!"

The spectators' cheers filled the air as the intense battle reached its peak.

At this point, some of the spectators at the edge of the battlefield began cheering for their favorite Pokémon.

Naturally, AJ had the home-field advantage—many people in the audience knew him and his Corphish, so they naturally sided with him.

However, as the two Pokémon's attacks once again locked in a stalemate, some knowledgeable spectators believed Corphish's attack was about to be overpowered.

"How can this be? My Corphish is actually being beaten in a head-on clash! How is this Nidoran's move so powerful?"

Seeing Corphish's attack start to lose ground after a few seconds of deadlock with Nidoran's Poison Jab, AJ's face showed disbelief.

Since obtaining Corphish, he had never seen another Pokémon outmatch it in direct combat.

"I see now. This Nidoran's ability is likely Hustle. No wonder AJ's Corphish with its Adaptability lost the earlier clash. This Nidoran's potential is incredible."

The blonde woman watched as Corphish fell back under the overwhelming power of Nidoran's move and was eventually sent flying.

A look of realization crossed her eyes, and she gazed at Nidoran with renewed interest.

(Note: With the Hustle ability and STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), Nidoran's Poison Jab reaches a power of 80 × 1.5 × 1.5 = 180, while Corphish's Crabhammer, boosted by Adaptability, achieves a power of 75 × 2 = 150.)

(Note: Adaptability increases STAB from 1.5× to 2×.)

"Thud!"

Corphish's body hit the ground heavily, and this time, it was completely knocked out. No matter how much AJ called out to it, Corphish was unable to rise again in this battle.

"Nido!"

On the other side, the victorious Nidoran proudly lifted its head and let out an excited cry.

Sparks of electricity flickered once more on its horn as it kept a sharp eye on the fallen opponent, ready to unleash Thunderbolt at the slightest movement.

"Corphish is unable to battle. The winner of this match is Nidoran!"

Although reluctant, AJ's friend adhered to standard Pokémon battle rules. After silently counting ten seconds and confirming that Corphish couldn't get back up, he declared the result of the battle.

"Come back, Corphish. You fought bravely—well done."

Hearing the outcome, AJ's face fell, visibly dejected. Still, he put on a brave front, jogging over to Corphish, comforting it with a few kind words before recalling it into its PokéBall.

"What an excellent battle. AJ, you're already so strong at such a young age. If you keep working hard, you'll undoubtedly become an outstanding trainer."

As the victor, Sato approached AJ with Nidoran and Growlithe by his side. Showing sportsmanship, he extended his hand with a kind smile.

Growlithe joined in, playfully pinning AJ down and licking his face.

"Yes! I'll keep working hard! My dream is to become a Water-type Pokémon Master, just like Master Juan! Haha—hey, that tickles!"

AJ's earlier gloom vanished as he stroked Growlithe's fluffy fur, grinning while responding to Sato.

"Clap, clap, clap~~"

The crowd erupted into applause at the friendly post-match exchange. The battle had been incredibly exciting and thoroughly entertaining for the spectators.

"Hmph. Stop bragging! A lazy brat like you, who's always late, thinks he can become a Water-type Master like Juan? What a joke!"

At that moment, an angry voice suddenly interrupted. Upon hearing it, AJ, who had been playing with Growlithe, froze and visibly shuddered.

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