Read 40 Chapters ahead in Patreon.
The light emanating from Gary's Charmander was unmistakable to any Trainer.
It was the light of evolution. When this glow appeared, it meant that the Pokémon was about to evolve.
Watching this unfold, Satoshi couldn't help but imagine Charmander declaring, "I don't want to be a Charmander anymore!"
"Wait, can it control evolution on its own? Did you press the B button on the Pokédex or something?" Satoshi muttered, both impressed and baffled.
It dawned on him that Gary had deliberately suppressed Charmander's evolution to train it better. Was Ash's Bulbasaur the same?
He glanced at Ash, who was wearing his trademark clueless expression, and immediately dismissed the thought.
As the smokescreen dissipated, Satoshi's Charmeleon stood surrounded by its [Double Team] copies. Meanwhile, Gary's Charmander completed its evolution into Charmeleon, letting out a loud roar as it fired a Flamethrower, sweeping away all the clones in an instant.
Satoshi's Charmeleon, however, had already retreated and avoided the attack.
[Pokédex Entry
Name: Charmeleon
Type: Fire
Ability: Blaze
Level: 23 (Intermediate)]
Looking at the updated data, Satoshi shrugged. "It leveled up, huh? Well, it's Gary, after all. I guess this is normal."
"Now that the conditions are equal, let's start round two!" Gary said, his confidence restored as his newly evolved Charmeleon stared down Satoshi's.
"I admit your sudden evolution was impressive," Satoshi replied, meeting Gary's confidence with his own. "But strength isn't decided by something like that."
"Then let's see whose flames are stronger!" Gary challenged.
"Why not?"
Both Trainers gave their commands simultaneously.
"Charmeleon, go!" x2
The two Charmeleons opened their mouths, beginning to stockpile energy for their next moves. However, it became clear that Gary's Charmeleon was stockpiling faster.
"See that? Your Charmeleon's not well-trained. The [Flamethrower] charge time is too slow. I've got this round in the bag!" Gary declared confidently as his Charmeleon unleashed its flames first.
But Satoshi remained unfazed.
"Gary, you're overthinking this. My Charmeleon isn't using [Flamethrower] at all. Show him our real power, Charmeleon!"
As Gary's Charmeleon's flames approached, Satoshi's Charmeleon released the energy it had been gathering. In a single breath, it unleashed a massive [Fire Blast], shaped like a blazing kanji character, that completely overwhelmed the incoming Flamethrower and barreled toward Gary's Charmeleon.
"What?! That's Fire Blast?! Your Charmeleon knows that move?!"
Gary's confidence shattered as he stared at the powerful flames heading toward his Pokémon.
As someone who prided himself on his breeding and training skills, Gary had taught his Charmander Flamethrower and honed its tactics to perfection. He had even suppressed its evolution to focus on its growth.
But now, facing a Charmeleon with superior skills and levels, Gary's confidence took a serious hit.
Satoshi, however, found Gary's shock amusing. "Gary, have you heard of TMs?" he thought but chose to keep that to himself.
The battlefield shifted again as Fire Blast struck Gary's Charmeleon, sending it skidding backward.
Though the attack was powerful, Gary's Charmeleon managed to stand.
"It's strong, but my Charmeleon is a Fire-type. That move's not super effective. We're still in this! Charmeleon, charge in close while you can!" Gary commanded, taking advantage of the long charge time required for Fire Blast.
"Hmm, you're aiming for close combat now to bypass the long charge time? Smart move, but unfortunately for you, my Charmeleon excels at close range too."
"Charmeleon, Iron Tail!" x2
Both Trainers gave the same command, surprising each other.
"Roar!" x2
The two Charmeleons spun, their tails glowing with energy, before colliding mid-air. The clash of their Iron Tail attacks sent sparks flying.
When the dust settled, Satoshi's Charmeleon remained rooted in place, while Gary's had been forced to stagger back several steps.
"Looks like the level difference is showing itself," Satoshi said calmly.
"Charmeleon, keep using Iron Tail, but don't engage head-on!" Gary shouted, adapting quickly to his disadvantage. He knew that a direct confrontation would only result in his Charmeleon being overpowered.
"Gary, I have to admit, I didn't expect your Charmeleon to know Iron Tail. But I don't believe you can counter this next move. Charmeleon, use what we've practiced!"
Satoshi smirked as he issued the command, and his Charmeleon began preparing for something new.
Gary narrowed his eyes, realizing that Satoshi had another trick up his sleeve.
End of Chapter