POKEMON : THE WAY OF PERCEPTION

Seaking

Type: Water

Category: Goldfish Pokémon

Abilities: Swift Swim or Water Veil; Hidden Ability: Lightning Rod

Swift Swim: Doubles speed in rainy conditions.

Lightning Rod: Absorbs Electric-type moves, boosts special attack, and eliminates a significant weakness.

The Seaking used by Sakura wasn't one trained at the Cerulean Gym but rather provided by the Pokémon League for Gym Leaders to face novice trainers. Despite being at the elite level, Ash wasn't concerned—it lacked the crucial Lightning Rod ability, making it vulnerable to Electric-type attacks.

"Alright, Pikachu, it's your turn!" Ash said, signaling his loyal partner. Pikachu, perched at his feet, eagerly sprang onto a floating platform in the water arena.

"Pika-pika!" Pikachu's eyes sparkled with determination as it positioned itself for battle.

The battlefield was the same as the one used for the Cerulean Gym's famous water ballet. It spanned 100 meters long and 50 meters wide, resembling a massive pool. Floating platforms dotted the surface, offering Pokémon without aquatic abilities a place to stand.

"Of course, it's Pikachu," Sakura muttered, biting her lip. Although she couldn't gauge Pikachu's exact strength, she knew the electric-type advantage was dangerous.

"Battle—begin!" the referee announced loudly, signaling the start of the challenge.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash commanded confidently.

Pikachu wasted no time. Its cheeks crackled with golden electricity, sending a massive bolt of lightning toward Seaking.

A Shocking Strike

"Pika-pika-chuuuu!" Pikachu unleashed its full power. The thick arc of electricity illuminated the battlefield as it shot across the water, targeting Seaking with pinpoint accuracy.

"What...?!" Sakura gasped, stunned. Pikachu hadn't even moved and yet unleashed such a long-range attack. That level of precision and power was rare, even among elite-level Pokémon.

The lightning bolt struck Seaking head-on, sending electrical currents rippling through the water. The entire area within a ten-meter radius around Seaking was consumed by the electric surge.

When the smoke cleared, Seaking was floating lifelessly on its side, faint trails of smoke rising from its body.

"Seaking has fainted! Pikachu wins!" the referee declared, barely able to keep up with the lightning-fast result.

A Swift Victory

Sakura and her sisters stood speechless. The battle had barely begun, and Seaking was already defeated. They had never witnessed such overwhelming strength before.

Sakura quickly withdrew Seaking, her mind racing. She couldn't let the match end so easily, even if she suspected the outcome. Taking out another Poké Ball, she called upon her second Pokémon.

"Cloyster, let's go!"

Cloyster materialized, its sturdy shell and sharp spikes gleaming under the bright lights. Unlike Seaking, Cloyster had a secondary Ice typing, giving it a slight edge.

However, even Cloyster's impressive defense was no match for Pikachu's devastating Thunderbolt. Cloyster's low special defense made it an easy target.

"Pikachu, finish it with another Thunderbolt!" Ash ordered.

With another electrifying attack, Pikachu sent Cloyster crashing. The referee promptly announced the result.

"Cloyster has fainted! Pikachu wins! The challenger Ash is the winner of this Gym Battle!"

Aftermath

The entire battle had lasted less than three minutes, including introductions and setup. It was one of the shortest Gym challenges in Cerulean Gym history.

"Are we really that weak?" Sakura muttered, feeling the sting of defeat. Though she was aware of her Pokémon's limitations, such a one-sided loss was disheartening.

Misty, standing on the sidelines with Brock and her sisters, looked at Ash and Pikachu with pride. She had seen their strength firsthand, but witnessing it again reaffirmed their bond.

"It's not that you're weak," Ash said reassuringly. "It's just that Pikachu is exceptionally strong."

Ash's explanation didn't delve into the full truth. Pikachu wasn't an ordinary Pokémon anymore. With its power gradually evolving, it was approaching legendary status. Ash was confident that one day, Pikachu could surpass even the strongest Electric-type Pokémon like Zekrom or Tapu Koko.

Recognition

Sakura adjusted her perspective, acknowledging Ash's overwhelming strength. She retrieved the Cascade Badge and handed it to him solemnly.

"With strength like yours, we can trust Misty to travel with you," Sakura said, giving Ash a nod of approval.

Misty's face turned red. "Sister! Don't say weird things!" she stammered, flustered.

"Oh, isn't it true?" Violet teased, winking at her younger sister.

"Xiaolong thinks it's very reasonable," Brock chimed in, his comment earning collective groans.

"Absolutely not!" the three sisters shouted in unison, their reactions exaggerated enough to make everyone laugh.

Ash smiled, letting Pikachu climb back onto his shoulder. Misty's embarrassed expression lingered in his mind, but he decided not to comment further.

As the group left the Gym, Ash felt a renewed sense of purpose. With Pikachu by his side, he was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.

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