Pokémon: Trainer Paul

Chapter 59: Chapter 59: Skill Development



A question: Can the Turtwig line learn Power Whip?

Most people would say no. To learn this move, a Pokémon typically needs a whip-like tail, vines, or tendrils.

But the Turtwig line? They have none of these. Yet no one has considered the roots of Grass-type Pokémon.

Once a Pokémon masters Ingrain, it's not just about absorbing nutrients anymore. The roots can also act like vine whips to attack.

This was an idea Paul derived from memories of the Pokémon anime.

In the show, a Sunflora uses Ingrain to grow numerous green root-like structures from its body, resembling multiple vine whips.

Similarly, Snover was shown using Ingrain while its eyes glowed faint green, its body surrounded by an emerald aura. Thick, light-brown root-like vines emerged from the ground, binding Brock, Ash, Dawn, Piplup, and Pikachu lifting them all into the air.

These examples proved that Ingrain isn't just a minor support move.

With enough effort, Ingrain could evolve into something greater: enabling moves like Giga Drain, Power Whip, or even Frenzy Plant—and potentially without the usual drawbacks of Frenzy Plant!

"Ingrain isn't the only move you need to master. What about Growth? Do you think training Growth is just about standing still and passively getting stronger?"

"My goal for you is to elevate Growth to its peak potential. If it takes you five seconds to use Growth now, I want you to reduce that time to under three seconds."

"Eventually, you'll use the Growth Training Method in battle—passively boosting your strength without needing to consciously activate it."

"Twig?!"

Turtwig's wide eyes were filled with awe. When it snapped out of its shock, its expression transformed into one of determination.

Paul's vision painted a future Turtwig yearned for—a battlefield completely under its control. Any Pokémon grounded on the field would struggle to defeat it.

"Good. Now retract your roots and move to a spot where the water flows more violently. Continue your growth there."

With Paul's expectations resting on its shell, Turtwig resolutely stepped to the base of the roaring waterfall, planting itself firmly as the rushing water cascaded over its body. The torrent could soak its body, but not the flames of determination burning in its eyes.

Watching Turtwig's progress, Paul kept one thought to himself:

For Growth, I've only explained what hard work and talent can achieve. But what if moves aren't limited to their existing power?

In the anime, Pikachu had refined Iron Tail into "beast-slaying slash." Could Turtwig through the perfection of the Growth Training Method, break the boundaries of the move itself and develop an entirely new variant of Growth?

For instance, a move that doesn't just boost Attack and Special Attack but raises Defense, Special Defense, Speed, and even HP—enhancing every stat?

Paul believed it was theoretically possible, but it was a hypothesis he preferred to keep unspoken. The day such a feat achieved would serve as proof enough of his theory.

Imagine a battle between two equally matched Pokémon. What determines victory?

Is it the trainer's strategy, tactics, or command? The Pokémon's skillset, Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, Dynamax, or even their bond?

All these factors matter.

But what if a Pokémon could develop abilities that pushed beyond known limits, achieving an unprecedented level of strength? Such an edge would naturally tilt any battle in its favor.

On the other side, an exhausted Elekid collapsed on the riverbank, sprawled out like a fainted warrior. It blankly watched Paul and Turtwig from a distance.

"Here, Berries."

After taking a glance, Paul shoved two berries into Elekid's mouth.

As its stamina rapidly recovered, Elekid's expression shifted, a spark of energy returning to its eyes.

"Bzzt~!"

Springing up with a dramatic flip, Elekid shot Paul a glare full of exaggerated resentment—resembling a scorned noblewoman in a tragic romance.

Paul remained unfazed.

"Your focus is on power and electricity. For now, work on improving your raw strength and skill mastery. When you can fly under gravity using Magnet Rise, we'll talk about advanced training."

Paul had tailored unique regimens for each Pokémon. Turtwig's specialized training wasn't something just any Pokémon could replicate—it was a plan built specifically for its strengths.

For Elekid, the focus was Magnet Rise and speed.

Magnet Rise creates a magnetic force that allows a Pokémon to float. But what if that force could be harnessed for acceleration?

Take Zeraora as an example: this Mythical Pokémon uses electricity from its paws to propel itself through the air. The principle isn't far removed from Magnet Rise.

While Elekid couldn't match Zeraora's raw power, its evolution Electivire had something unique—Motor Drive, a natural speed amplifier.

For now, Elekid could only manage a few meters of float under gravity and couldn't sustain it for long. But Paul believed persistence would lead to breakthroughs.

"Bzzt~!"

Elekid groaned in frustration. Its current electrical output limited its magnetic force, making true flight impossible.

"Don't forget, you have a move called Charge."

Paul's casual remark left Elekid stunned.

"Bzzzt?!"

Its eyes lit up with realization.

Charge boosts Special Defense and doubles the power of the next Electric-type move. But why?

The move enhances electrical energy, that energy didn't have to be limited to attacks.

"Why not use it to strengthen the magnetic field instead?"

Excited by the idea, Elekid felt as though a new door had opened.

Meanwhile, Paul equipped Vulpix with a forced training device to enhance its regimen.

"Continue training. That warm-up should've made you more familiar with your tail. I'll increase the power, angle, distance, and number of incoming targets. Be ready."

Paul began tossing stones, each more challenging than the last.

Now burdened by the training gear, Vulpix had to actively dodge and strike moving targets. What was once a simple stationary exercise became a rigorous trial of precision and endurance.

Exhausted but determined, Vulpix cast a glance at Paul's remaining pile of stones, realizing he had no intention of stopping anytime soon.

For a moment, the brave little Vulpix looked as though it was on the verge of tears.

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