Law's Magnezone had a special evolution path.
In the Pokémon world, Magneton can evolve into Magnezone by fulfilling one of two conditions: either being in a special magnetic field or using a Thunder Stone.
As for Law's Magnezone, it evolved using a Thunder Stone on Thunder Island, meaning it fulfilled both evolution conditions.
The result of this dual fulfillment was that Law's Magnezone was brimming with Electric-type energy.
Magnezone, an Electric and Steel-type Pokémon that could also fly, had an almost unbeatable combination of typing and abilities in battles.
Anyone with even a basic understanding of Pokémon battling knew how formidable it was.
Magnezone's 18 different type interactions allowed it to resist 12 types, be weak to only 3, and have neutral interactions with the remaining 3.
And if that wasn't impressive enough, consider this: Magnezone's only quadruple weakness was Ground-type moves, yet as a flying Pokémon, it was immune to Ground-type attacks in the first place.
In other words, Magnezone was a highly underestimated Pokémon. At least in the original anime, Magnezone's full potential was never truly depicted.
A good type combination in battle could be more advantageous than even high-stat pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
As a top student at Pokémon Academy, Kujaku was naturally aware of Magnezone.
Specializing in Pokémon battle studies, she knew that Magnemite, with its Electric/Steel typing, was considered overpowered. It was one of the first Pokémon discussed in class due to its strong attributes.
"Tsk."
Kujaku furrowed her brow, realizing that this battle would be more troublesome than she initially thought.
She hadn't expected that among the tournament participants, someone would own a Pokémon with a complex evolution requirement like Magnezone.
Altaria, being a Dragon and Flying-type Pokémon, would have its Flying-type moves only deal a quarter of the normal damage to Magnezone, and Dragon-type moves would deal half.
To effectively damage Magnezone, one would need Ground, Fighting, or Fire-type moves.
Unfortunately, Altaria didn't have any moves of those types in its arsenal.
This would be the most challenging battle Altaria had ever faced, one where it would truly understand what it means to be whittled down.
"Begin the battle."
While Kujaku was contemplating her strategy, the referee announced the start of the battle.
"Altaria, use Dragon Breath!"
Kujaku quickly ordered Altaria to attack first, not wasting any time.
Altaria's strengths lay in Flying, Dragon, and Normal-type moves, with Flying-type moves having minimal effect and both Normal and Dragon Breath being halved in effectiveness.
This battle didn't allow for Altaria to make any highly effective attacks, so Kujaku could only rely on skill and strategy to gradually wear down the opponent.
However, Kujaku's pride prevented her from switching out Altaria, seeing it as a sign of weakness.
If she were willing to switch Pokémon now, the battle might not be as difficult.
"Mirror Coat."
Law calmly extended a finger, instinctively making a gesture associated with using his Op-Op Fruit powers, forgetting that they were suppressed on Pokémon Island.
But Law remained unfazed because he had anticipated this scenario long ago.
He had heard the rumors that all powers were suppressed on Pokémon Island. So he figured that participating in the tournament here would likely mean no Devil Fruit powers and perhaps even no Haki.
It was known that some challengers used Observation Haki as a form of battle support when challenging gyms.
This wasn't considered cheating, much like how abilities like telepathy, Aura, and Dragon Tamer skills were natural gifts for trainers and could be used in Pokémon battles.
But such abilities were unusable on Pokémon Island.
Trainers who had grown accustomed to relying on Observation Haki for support in the One Piece world would see a significant drop in their battle command skills upon coming to Pokémon Island.
Law had taken this into consideration.
Therefore, unless he was in a wild battle, he generally refrained from using any external support, relying solely on experience and his eyes to command battles.
Magnezone took Altaria's Dragon Breath head-on, barely feeling a thing as it shrugged off the attack.
Immediately after, a light screen materialized in front of Magnezone, reflecting the Dragon Breath back with double the power.
"Protect."
Seeing this counter, Kujaku frowned and ordered Altaria to use Protect.
Protect was almost guaranteed to shield against the first attack, but its effectiveness would decrease with repeated use.
She had to defend against the reflected Dragon Breath. As a Dragon-type move, it would hit Altaria with amplified damage, which would be devastating.
While Magnezone's attributes were certainly impressive, its movepool was somewhat limited.
It could mainly learn Electric, Steel, and Normal-type moves, which were moderately effective against Altaria.
"Electric Terrain."
Law's expression remained steady and calm throughout the match.
Compared to when he first commanded a Magnemite, Law had grown significantly in battle acumen.
Magnezone emitted numerous electric waves, creating a shimmering electromagnetic field on the battlefield.
In this terrain, Electric-type moves were strengthened, and Pokémon on the field couldn't fall asleep.
Not only did this enhance Magnezone's attack power, but it also preemptively countered any potential sleep-inducing moves Altaria might have.
"Misty Terrain."
Kujaku, wary of Law's tactics, gave a quick command. She already realized Law wasn't an opponent to be taken lightly.
Law wasn't like those trainers who only spammed offensive moves; he was a strategist who used his head in battles.
Trainers like him could bring out the best in their Pokémon, making the combination more than the sum of its parts.
Most Pokémon, especially those hatched from eggs, were simple-minded and lacked the survival training of the wild, making them seem clumsy or foolish in battles.
This was why trainers needed to guide them, to think, see, hear, and strategize against their opponents.
If most trainers only commanded their Pokémon to use offensive moves, they might as well let the Pokémon battle on their own.
Kujaku's move was designed to deal with trainers like Law. Misty Terrain was an effective defensive move against Electric-type Pokémon.
It prevented her Pokémon from being affected by any negative status conditions for a while.
Electric-type moves often had a high chance of inflicting paralysis. For a Pokémon like Magnezone, which inherently possessed moves like Tri Attack, there was even a chance of inflicting burn or freeze.
Therefore, Misty Terrain was a necessary precaution.
"…"
Law raised an eyebrow, noticing that Kujaku seemed well-acquainted with Magnezone's movepool.
It appeared that Pokémon Academy's teachings were thorough. Kujaku's confidence wasn't baseless; she could go far in the Pokémon Battle Tournament.
"Metal Sound."
"Mist!"
As soon as Law's command was given, Kujaku anticipated it and quickly had Altaria surround itself with mist.
Metal Sound would have significantly lowered Altaria's Special Defense, but Mist prevented it from having any effect.
"Huh, interesting… Use Gyro Ball."
Magnezone began spinning rapidly, transforming into a spinning top that charged at Altaria.
The slower the user of Gyro Ball compared to its target, the more damage it would deal.
Law wasn't familiar with Altaria's specifics, but he knew that as a Flying-type Pokémon, it likely wouldn't be slow.
"Cotton Guard, then use Take Down!"
Altaria's fluffy body swelled, and it charged toward Magnezone.
Kujaku believed that while Altaria's damage would be reduced due to type disadvantages, Cotton Guard would significantly raise Altaria's Defense, while also lowering Magnezone's attack.
A head-on collision would generally result in a fair exchange of damage with Take Down.
Boom! The loud clash between the two Pokémon made everyone in the club involuntarily shrink back.
Did it seem like they were evenly matched?
"Stick close, then use Discharge."
However, Law's goal had never been to use Gyro Ball to attack Altaria but to get close enough to prevent it from evading Magnezone's attacks with its superior speed.
Now, Magnezone was unleashing its most powerful Electric-type move, supercharged by Electric Terrain. Even if Altaria wasn't knocked out immediately, it would be severely injured.
"Caw!!!"
Altaria screeched in pain, clearly suffering immensely.
"Altaria?!"
Kujaku was in a panic.
She had never encountered an opponent this strong, not even Sabo had pressured her this much.
This Magnezone was terrifyingly powerful!
It couldn't be put to sleep, its signature moves were ineffective, special attacks were reflected with double power, its type was fully countered, and its level wasn't any lower than hers…
She couldn't win!
She wasn't a match for this 'Rosinante'!
Kujaku considered using Dodrio, her ace Pokémon, to deal with Magnezone, but it seemed the outcome wouldn't be much different.
Dodrio primarily relied on close-range physical moves, while Magnezone could use Magnet Rise to float, making it hard to approach.
She had lost.
(End of Chapter)
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