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As Sato emerged from the temporary medical station, he drew the attention of many trainers, especially those he had treated. Their faces showed a mix of surprise and disbelief.
After all, Sato had been performing high-intensity medical work for over two hours straight since the competition began, and his mental state was visibly strained.
More importantly, his key Pokémon, Bellossom, had expended a tremendous amount of energy and stamina healing other injured Pokémon, leaving it far from peak battle readiness.
Given both the trainer and their lead Pokémon were clearly fatigued, Sato's decision to participate in the St. Louis Pokémon Tournament at this time seemed reckless to many onlookers.
To make matters worse, Sato was a key member of the tournament's medical team. His decision to step away for the competition appeared irresponsible in the eyes of some trainers.
"What is he thinking? There are still so many injured Pokémon waiting for treatment. This is beyond irresponsible," Eileen muttered, her earlier positive impression of Sato now replaced with frustration.
As a trainer herself, Eileen had also wanted to participate in the tournament. However, prioritizing the greater good, she chose to dedicate herself fully to medical duties. After all, treating Pokémon required immense concentration and energy.
Engaging in a high-stakes Pokémon battle on top of that would only jeopardize her ability to provide care.
In Eileen's view, medical work demanded meticulous attention and left no room for distractions. Watching Sato divide his focus between two critical roles only deepened her disapproval.
To her, it felt like he was treating such a sacred responsibility with undue carelessness.
However, Sato paid no attention to the judgmental glances or whispered criticisms. He was fully aware of his priorities.
First and foremost, he was a Pokémon trainer. Only secondarily, and perhaps reluctantly, did he take on the role of a Pokémon medic.
The only reason Sato had agreed to serve as a medic for this event was that the request came from the ship's formidable boatswain, someone whose strength far outclassed his own.
Unable to refuse, Sato reluctantly accepted, lured only by the 300,000 PokeDollars reward for his service.
Time was precious to Sato, and he refused to waste even a second. With determined steps, he made his way to Arena 3, the venue announced over the ship's intercom.
Waiting for him on the far side of the battlefield was a young, blond sailor dressed in a crisp uniform.
The sailor's expression was cold and impatient as he locked eyes with Sato.
"Let's see what makes you special enough for Sophia to protect you personally," muttered Rhodes, standing on a high platform. Watching the commotion caused by Sato's abrupt shift from medic to competitor, his gaze betrayed a hint of jealousy.
As Sato stepped into the arena, the randomized roulette wheels for battlefield type and first Pokémon release spun into motion. The results: a rocky terrain and Sato's turn to release his Pokémon first.
"Let's go, Golbat! Take the stage!" Sato called out, releasing one of his strongest remaining Pokémon.
With Bellossom too exhausted to battle, and the match being a one-on-one elimination round, Sato had no choice but to rely on Golbat to maximize his chances of advancing.
The moment Golbat appeared, its large figure hovered in the air, instantly catching the attention of the crowd. Its size, far exceeding that of an average Golbat, elicited gasps from spectators.
As Golbat flapped its powerful wings, a gust of wind rippled across the arena, forcing onlookers to shield their faces.
The wind caused skirts to flutter, drawing startled squeals from some women in the audience.
"Am I seeing this right? That Golbat is fucking enormous! At least twice the size of a normal one!"
"What a beast! If that thing bit down on you, you'd be done for!"
"Whoa! The wind is so strong—what a view!"
The crowd erupted in murmurs, their opinions of Sato shifting as they reassessed his abilities. From the sheer size and strength of Golbat, it was clear that Sato was no ordinary trainer.
Among the spectators was Anna, a bespectacled girl standing at the edge of the battlefield with a large camera in hand.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she snapped photo after photo of Golbat, her enthusiasm evident in her energetic movements.
"Let's see what your Golbat is capable of!" Anna muttered eagerly, continuing her frenzied photography. Her camera clicked from every possible angle, capturing Golbat's imposing figure with almost obsessive precision.
Shortly after Sato released Golbat, his opponent, Thomas, followed suit, releasing his Pokémon for the battle.
With a flash of white light, the Pokémon materialized in mid-air—a Pelipper, one Sato had encountered earlier that morning.
Thomas's Pelipper was exceptionally well-developed, boasting a size larger than the average for its species. It was only slightly smaller than Sato's Golbat, whose wingspan stretched close to two meters.
As Pelipper emerged, Sato immediately utilized his system's detection capability to gather its details.
Pelipper Details:
Level: 29
Type: Water/Flying
Ability: Keen Eye
Gender: Male
Known Moves: Protect, Hurricane, Hydro Pump, Tailwind, Soak, Growl, Water Gun, Water Sport, Wing Attack, Supersonic, Haze, Water Pulse, Payback, Brine, Fling, Double Team (Tutor), Steel Wing (TM), Icy Wind (TM)
From the data, it was clear that Thomas's Pelipper was a formidable opponent. It boasted a wide array of moves, including several powerful ones and even some that could counter Golbat effectively.
Currently, Golbat was at level 31. With its recent level-up, it had learned Swift and Venoshock.
However, these moves hadn't yet become part of Sato's strategy. Golbat's core battle skills remained Supersonic, Shadow Ball, Gust, and its signature Air Cutter.
Among these, Air Cutter was undoubtedly Golbat's most lethal move. Its mastery of a six-strike combination gave it devastating offensive potential.
"Let's start by giving our opponent a shower! Use Hydro Pump!"
As soon as the referee gave the signal, Thomas seized the initiative, commanding Pelipper to attack.
Pelipper responded instantly, as if anticipating the order. A powerful jet of high-pressure water shot from its beak, streaking toward Golbat like an arrow.
"Good! Counter with small Shadow Balls!"
As soon as Pelipper unleashed its Hydro Pump, Golbat, guided by its echolocation ability, swiftly veered to the left to evade. At the same time, following Sato's command, it spat out a series of small, ping-pong-ball-sized Shadow Balls.
Though each Shadow Ball was weak individually, they retained their effect of lowering the target's special defense. If even one struck Pelipper, it could significantly reduce its resistance, creating an opening for Golbat to land a decisive blow.
However, Pelipper, as a level 29 Pokémon with substantial battle experience, adapted quickly. Without waiting for Thomas's direction, it tilted its head and adjusted its ongoing Hydro Pump to pursue Golbat while also intercepting the incoming Shadow Balls.
The sustained force of Hydro Pump not only continued its assault on Golbat but also neutralized the Shadow Ball counterattack.
Moments later, the initial exchange of probing attacks ended. Both Pokémon remained unharmed, evenly matched in this first skirmish.
However, while Sato maintained a calm, emotionless expression, Thomas frowned, his eyes betraying a newfound wariness.
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Happy New Year guys! I hope this new year brings all of you much closer to your dreams.
Also, I'd like to announce that you can now read (up to 35+ (previously 25) advance chapters of [Pokemon: The Legendary Trainer] and up to 25 (previously 20) chapters of [Pokemon: I refuse to be a supporting character!) exclusively on my Patreon!