Pokemon:God Level Player

Maybe it was because Satoshi was watching, but the argument between Gary and Ash subsided not long after.

"Ahem, so, how about it? Do you want to have a Pokémon duel?"

Gary coughed to mask his embarrassment and repeated his challenge to Satoshi. His earlier confidence had dimmed slightly after their squabble.

"Gary, your Charmander just finished a battle. Don't you think you should let it heal first?"

Satoshi wasn't opposed to battling Gary. After all, defeating a future powerhouse would likely yield substantial rewards. However, Charmander had just fought Ash's Pokémon and was visibly injured. How could it battle again so soon?

"It's fine. Charmander's only a little injured. I've got Potions," Gary replied nonchalantly, taking out a Potion and spraying it on Charmander. Within moments, the Pokémon's injuries were healed.

"Can I ask why? I mean, I'd like to battle you too, but I don't understand why you're so eager to fight me," Satoshi asked, genuinely curious.

Gary didn't hesitate. "Grandpa told me your starter Pokémon is also a Charmander. I want to see whose Charmander is stronger."

"So that's it," Satoshi said, narrowing his eyes as he realized Gary's intentions.

Gary considered himself a skilled Pokémon Trainer and wasn't interested in comparing his Charmander to those of average Trainers. But since Satoshi was also a Pokédex owner, Gary saw him as a worthy rival.

"Alright, I get it. A one-on-one Charmander battle it is," Satoshi agreed, stepping back to create some space for the duel.

Seeing this, Gary recalled his Charmander into its Poké Ball, preparing for the match. Meanwhile, Satoshi was silently cursing in his head.

"You self-proclaimed 'breeder'… Not only did you get your Charmander earlier than I did, but it's also better in potential. And now you want to challenge me? Shameless!"

"If I didn't have the advantage of a different game version, wouldn't I be crushed by you today?"

"But the situation is different now, Gary. Times have changed. Today, I'm going to make you regret this challenge!"

On the surface, Satoshi remained calm and composed, his serious demeanor masking the gleeful laughter in his heart.

"3…"

"2…"

"1…"

Ash, acting as referee, counted down. The moment he reached "1," both Trainers threw their Poké Balls.

"Gawa!"

"Roar!"

As soon as Charmander and Charmeleon appeared on the battlefield, they wasted no time, immediately spitting flames at each other. However, it was clear that Charmeleon had the upper hand. Its Flamethrower easily overpowered Charmander's attack.

"Wait, didn't you say this was supposed to be a one-on-one Charmander match? Satoshi, that's not a Charmander!" Ash exclaimed, pointing at Charmeleon.

For a moment, Satoshi could see imaginary "well" characters floating above Gary's head as he glared at Ash.

"Ash, shut up! Are your eyes and Pokédex just for decoration? That's clearly the evolved form of Charmander—Charmeleon!" Gary snapped, before pulling out his Pokédex to confirm.

[Pokédex Entry

Name: Charmeleon

Type: Fire

Ability: Blaze

Level: 25 (Intermediate)]

"Charmander, get out of the way! Use Smokescreen!" Gary commanded after glancing at Charmeleon's level. He knew his Charmander was outmatched, but Pokémon battles weren't solely determined by levels.

"Charmeleon, use Double Team," Satoshi countered, his tone calm but confident.

Gary's heart sank. His tactic was simple: use Smokescreen to obscure Charmander's position, then wait for an opening to strike. It was a classic underdog strategy for facing stronger opponents. However, Charmeleon's Double Team nullified his plan, creating multiple illusory clones to confuse Charmander.

"Gary, Smokescreen is a solid tactic, but it's easy to counter if the opponent knows what they're doing. I've used this strategy myself, so I know how to deal with it."

"Charmeleon can't see where Charmander is, but Charmander can't tell which clone is real. The Smokescreen will dissipate eventually, but Charmeleon's Double Team won't. How are you planning to crack this?"

Satoshi's smile wasn't mocking, but the confidence behind it was enough to unsettle Gary.

Gary sighed, his mind racing. "It seems that at this stage, my Charmander doesn't stand a chance against your Charmeleon."

Ash's eyes widened in shock. "Gary! What are you saying? The battle just started, and you're already giving up?"

Ash couldn't believe his ears. The Gary he knew was arrogant and stubborn. For him to admit defeat so quickly was unthinkable.

Satoshi, too, was momentarily taken aback. However, upon seeing the determined glint in Gary's eyes, he realized Gary wasn't one to back down so easily.

"…You're not actually giving up, are you? You've already thought of a plan, haven't you?" Satoshi asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Gary smirked. "Satoshi, your observation skills are sharp. That's why you're different from the hotheaded idiot standing next to me."

Gary's gaze remained fixed on Satoshi, his tone calm yet resolute. "Here's the truth: Charmander can't beat Charmeleon in a head-on fight. I've already tried the most suitable tactic for Charmander, but you saw through it immediately. That's why I said Charmander can't win."

"Then what's your plan?"

"If Charmander can't beat Charmeleon… then it's time to evolve! Charmeleon versus Charmeleon. That way, I'll have a chance!"

Gary's declaration sent a ripple through the battlefield.

Outside the Smokescreen, Charmander seemed to understand Gary's words. Letting out a fierce roar, it began to glow with a brilliant white light.

Satoshi stood frozen in place, speechless.

End of Chapter