In the clearing beside the forest cabin, Summer looked at the eager Grookey and asked:
"Grookey, are you ready?"
"Groo~"
Grookey held up its stick, indicating it was ready to start anytime.
"Great," Summer nodded. "Today, we'll begin with special move training."
He planned to train Grookey's moves first, as mastering a Grass-type move was a condition for acquiring the Grassy Maker ability.
[Grookey, Grass-type Pokémon. Known moves: Scratch, Growl, Branch Poke, Taunt, Razor Leaf, Acrobatics.]
The ranger assistant displayed Grookey's learned moves, and Summer was pleasantly surprised that Grookey had learned Acrobatics, which deals more damage when it is not holding an item.
However, the assistant did not show the proficiency levels of the moves. Summer inferred that the proficiency of the moves would be indicated after reaching a certain level of mastery.
The same move can have different effects and damage based on proficiency. For instance, a certain yellow electric mouse can perform Quick Attack with the effect of Extreme Speed, showcasing the pinnacle of proficiency.
"Grookey, use Branch Poke on it."
Summer placed a wooden board on the ground to test Grookey's proficiency.
"Groo~"
Grookey gripped its stick, which glowed faintly green, and thrust it forward vigorously. The board was knocked away, and when Summer examined it, he found small cracks.
"Hmm, seems like Grookey's proficiency with this move is decent."
Considering it was a Grass-type move, causing cracks on the board was impressive.
Branch Poke, like Ember and Water Gun, is a basic move that newly hatched Pokémon can learn.
Ember, when mastered, can become Flamethrower; Water Gun can become Hydro Pump with proficiency. So, what about Branch Poke?
Grookey's attack is closely linked to its stick. Its signature move Drum Beating, learned upon evolving into Rillaboom, tests its mastery over the stick.
Mastering Branch Poke enhances Grookey's control over the stick, crucial for its future development.
Summer placed the board back on the ground and asked Grookey:
"Grookey, if you use Branch Poke again, where would you attack?"
Grookey ran over, touched the previous cracks with its stick, and looked at Summer, indicating its answer.
"Right, attacking an existing wound is a good decision. But if the opponent isn't injured, where would you aim?"
Grookey thought for a moment, pointing to its stomach, then its neck and eyes, indicating all vulnerable spots.
"Excellent!"
Summer smiled and patted Grookey's head, saying:
"Targeting weak spots is key. Branch Poke focuses power on a single point, and hitting weak spots maximizes this move's effectiveness!"
"Speed, accuracy, power—mastering these three aspects can make a simple Branch Poke defeat an opponent," Summer raised three fingers. "Let's start with accuracy."
Accuracy is crucial. If you miss, all efforts are in vain, a lesson Summer learned from battles.
Summer opened a nearby bag filled with Coba Berries, light and hard, making them ideal targets. He picked one up and threw it towards Grookey.
"Try to hit the flying berry with Branch Poke."
Grookey gathered its strength, jumped, and thrust its stick forward. Unfortunately, the stick missed the berry, which fell to the ground.
Grookey looked at the fallen berry with a guilty expression, worried about disappointing Summer.
"Don't look so down, Grookey. Look here."
Summer picked up the Coba Berry and showed it to Grookey, which had a mark on it.
"We're training to overcome lack of proficiency. You hit it, just concentrate more next time."
Grookey was moved. It realized that failure was part of training. Next time, it would definitely hit the target!
"Grookey, I'm throwing it now."
Summer tossed the Coba Berry into the air. Grookey's gaze became more focused as it tracked the berry's movement. It jumped and thrust its stick, producing a sound upon impact, signifying a hit.
"See? You did it! Let's reinforce this."
Summer's throws became increasingly varied, making the berries' trajectories harder to predict. However, Grookey hit each berry with Branch Poke, gradually mastering the technique.
An observer watched this training from the cabin's roof—a Corvisquire. Initially displeased with using food as training tools, it changed its attitude upon seeing Grookey's progress. The berries Summer threw were challenging even for Corvisquire to catch.
"Let's take a break," Summer said, satisfied with Grookey.
Grookey held up its stick, signaling it could continue.
"Grookey, training requires a balance of work and rest. Overworking yourself can be counterproductive."
Following Summer's advice, Grookey stopped, and Summer pulled out a bag of bread, tearing it open and handing it to Grookey.
"Here you go, Grookey. Proper nutrition is essential for good training."
Grass-type Pokémon need less food, often absorbing sunlight for energy. However, they still enjoy delicious meals.
Grookey happily accepted the bread, its favorite food. As Grookey enjoyed its meal, Summer looked towards the roof and called out:
"Corvisquire, I need your help."
Corvisquire scoffed, feeling too noble to be at human's service.
"There will be Coba Berries."
Helping humans? An honorable task!
Corvisquire flew down. Though many Coba Berry trees now grew in Sunset Forest, it shared them with other bird Pokémon, understanding the value of sacrifice like its mother.
"Alright, let's start the second phase: Speed!" Summer picked up a Coba Berry.
"Corvisquire, snatch the Coba Berry from the air at your fastest speed. Grookey, your task is to hit the berry with Branch Poke before Corvisquire grabs it."
Corvisquire was confident. Its species prided itself on swift flight, akin to placing the berry in its beak.
"You ready? Here it goes."
Summer hurled the berry. Grookey and Corvisquire leaped simultaneously, one wielding a stick, the other flapping wings. In a flash of blue, the berry vanished.
Corvisquire landed, eyes narrowed smugly, cawing arrogantly. See? This is the prowess of bird Pokémon!
This ignited Grookey's fighting spirit. Next time, it wouldn't let Corvisquire have the berry!
(End of Chapter)