Chapter 16: Battle Against Brock

Chapter 16: Battle Against Brock

As soon as Onix appeared, its massive body and the cold, disdainful gaze it cast upon the small Pokémon gave Pikachu a sudden fright.

"Pika! Pika!"

Pikachu scurried back to Ash's side, lifted his clothes, and attempted to press the buttons on the other Poké Balls, wanting to swap with Ash's other Pokémon for a battle!

"Hey, hey!" Ash lifted Pikachu up by the scruff, saying irritably, "Pikachu! Don't take matters into your own hands and swap with Pidgeotto. Go back and battle!"

Under Ash's pushing and urging, Pikachu reluctantly returned to the battlefield.

Using an Electric-type against a Ground-type...

In the spectator stands, Xia You smiled silently. Not understanding type advantages and battling haphazardly was both Ash's weakness and his strength; it was precisely because of this that he could repeatedly defeat many powerful foes with creative tactics.

However, his experience was still far too shallow at this stage...

Shaking his head, Xia You took out his Pokédex and aimed it at Pikachu.

In appearance, Ash's Pikachu was no different from the common Pikachu.

Its entire body was covered in smooth, golden-yellow fur, its ears were long, it had two red circular electric sacs on its cheeks, and its tail was a jagged lightning bolt. Its pair of shiny black eyes made it look incredibly cute.

Pokédex: "Beep. Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon. Electric type. Also known as the Electric Mouse. The electric sacs on its cheeks can store electricity. When angry, it releases all its stored power at once to deliver an electric shock."

Xia You then pointed the Pokédex at Onix.

Onix had a long rocky horn on its head and a massive body composed of many huge gray rocks. Shaped like a serpent, it looked incredibly fierce and domineering.

Pokédex: "Beep. Onix, the Rock Snake Pokémon. Rock and Ground type. Its body, formed by a chain of giant boulders, resembles a massive serpent. It can swallow earth to create long tunnels, moving underground at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour."

With Brock's command, the battle began.

"Onix! Use Tackle!"

In the arena, hearing the command, Onix's massive body lunged forward, slamming its huge head hard toward Pikachu.

Pikachu jumped around frantically, terrified by Onix's intimidating aura. It only knew how to run away and had no intention of counterattacking. Soon, Onix seized the opportunity and tightly coiled its tail around it.

"Very good, Onix! Use Bind!"

Seeing Pikachu unable to move and struggling in pain under Onix's immense strength, Ash watched anxiously from the sidelines and couldn't help but shout, "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt, quick!"

Hearing Ash's words, sparks flickered from Pikachu's cheeks, followed by a violent burst of electricity. Even so, it dealt no damage to Onix.

Over there, Brock crossed his arms and said, "As a trainer, your methods are completely off the mark. You think you can defeat my Onix with just a Thunderbolt? How naive!"

"Damn it!" Ash clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. Seeing Pikachu becoming increasingly distressed and unable to break free, he finally shouted helplessly, "Please stop! I forfeit this match!"

Seeing Brock nod, Onix finally released its tail. Pikachu fell, and Ash rushed into the field to catch it.

"Are you okay, Pikachu?"

Seeing the battle end, Xia You slowly walked down from the stands, momentarily unsure of how to comfort him.

However, given Ash's personality, he would surely pull himself together soon.

Arriving at the trainer's command area, Xia You said to Brock, "Alright, the appetizer is over. It's my turn next."

Looking at Xia You, Brock recalled Onix and took out another Poké Ball.

"Looking at you, you seem completely different from that person just now."

"Although he is still a bit childish and lacks experience," Xia You smiled, "I believe that with enough tempering, he will one day become a respected Pokémon Master."

Ash, who was walking up to the stands while holding Pikachu, heard this and suddenly turned around. Being recognized for the first time made his eyes well up with tears.

*This person... actually thinks so highly of me?*

"Come forth, Geodude!" Brock threw his Poké Ball. With a flash of blue light, a round stone with thick arms appeared before Xia You.

Pokédex: "Beep. Geodude, the Rock Pokémon. Rock and Ground type. Most inhabit mountain forests, burying half of their bodies in the ground to observe climbers. Because they look so much like rocks, passersby often accidentally step on them and trip."

Xia You turned around, his gaze shifting between Squirtle and Bulbasaur, before finally saying to Bulbasaur, "Bulbasaur, I'm leaving this battle to you!"

"Bulba, Bulba!"

Whether it was the Water-type Squirtle or the Grass-type Bulbasaur, facing a Rock/Ground-type Pokémon would result in quadruple damage due to the double effectiveness. Therefore, no matter which one he chose, this battle seemed quite easy.

In the stands, seeing Ash approach, Misty first felt Pikachu's forehead and then teased Ash, "Knowing about type advantages... it seems unlike you, you idiot. Xia You understands battling much better; he's a qualified trainer."

Surprisingly, Ash did not argue back; instead, he watched Xia You's every move intently.

Perhaps it was Xia You's recognition just now that made Ash place more importance on this person.

Once Bulbasaur and Geodude were both in position, the match officially began.

"Geodude, use Tackle!"

Xia You shouted, "Bulbasaur, let's show it our new move! Use Razor Leaf!"

Before Geodude could close the distance, many leaves emitting a green light suddenly appeared around Bulbasaur and flew toward Geodude.

Brock shouted, "Geodude, dodge it, quick!"

However, the speed of Razor Leaf was too fast. Even though Brock gave the command, it accurately struck Geodude.

It was super effective!

After the explosion of dust and smoke, Geodude looked pained. Seeing this, Brock commanded, "Geodude, use Rock Tomb!"

Geodude raised its hands, and instantly, several massive rocks appeared out of thin air from the ceiling, crashing down toward Bulbasaur.

The area of effect was too large. Knowing Bulbasaur wouldn't be able to dodge with its speed, Xia You decisively ordered, "Bulbasaur, aim at those rocks! Use Razor Leaf!"

Green light condensed, and Razor Leaf shot out again, striking the falling rocks. Although it shattered most of the stones, many fragments still struck Bulbasaur.

Yet, even after being hit by the rocks, Bulbasaur remained standing calmly in place, as if that minor pain was not worth mentioning at all.

(End of Chapter)