"Not at all. Actually, Manager Yashaku's Machamp is already very strong. The only issue is that its skill framework seems a little incomplete."
"If you can fill in some of its weaknesses, especially in the areas of ranged attacks and battlefield control, then even Greninja and I would have a much harder time winning."
Ash delivered his advice in a manner that was half encouragement and half genuine guidance.
As the manager of a large club, Yashaku naturally possessed enough intelligence and emotional awareness to understand what Ash was doing.
Ash wasn't merely offering suggestions.
He was also helping preserve Yashaku's reputation in front of the club members.
The gesture made Yashaku genuinely grateful.
"Thank you for the advice, Mr. Ash."
"Actually, I've encountered trainers who tried to kite Machamp with ranged attacks before."
"But none of them had offensive pressure anywhere close to your Greninja..."
Ash nodded.
"If you want to strengthen Machamp's ability to close distance, you could try teaching it Giga Impact."
"It offers excellent burst damage while also serving as a powerful charging move."
"Mm, I'll definitely look into that."
...
...
After answering a few more questions and offering some suggestions regarding Machamp's development, Ash's attention returned to the battlefield.
The match wasn't over yet.
This was still a 2-on-2 battle.
Yashaku had one Pokémon remaining.
At that moment, Misty raised her hand from the sidelines.
"Both trainers, please prepare your Pokémon for the second battle."
"Machamp, you've worked hard. Return."
Yashaku recalled his defeated partner.
Meanwhile, Ash also withdrew Greninja.
"Greninja, take a break."
"Let's give another teammate a chance to stretch their wings."
Greninja was one of Ash's first-echelon aces.
It was also a special Pokémon blessed with extraordinary fortune.
Even against opponents of equal level, Greninja could often emerge victorious.
Against Pokémon several levels weaker, the battle was practically one-sided.
Having Greninja sweep both opposing Pokémon by itself would feel a little too much like bullying.
And if Yashaku lost both matches to the same Pokémon, it would be difficult for him to save face in front of his club members.
That was why Ash chose to switch.
Among his first-echelon Pokémon, the one with the lowest level at the moment was Fearow.
Since the members of the second echelon were still developing, Fearow was the most suitable choice.
"Fearow."
"The second battle is yours."
Ash tossed a Poké Ball onto the field.
Yashaku had already selected his next Pokémon.
Since Ash had sent his out first, he could have chosen a more favorable matchup.
However, he didn't switch his planned choice.
Instead, he directly threw the Poké Ball in his hand.
"Nidoking."
"The second battle is all yours!"
"ROOOAAAR!"
The Poké Ball burst open.
A massive purple Pokémon landed heavily on the battlefield.
It stood upright on two powerful legs.
Its muscular body and reptilian appearance made it resemble a gigantic armored dinosaur.
It was none other than one of Kanto's most famous Ground-type Pokémon—
Nidoking.
"System, scan Nidoking's information."
Ash issued the command immediately.
[Scanning... Please wait...]
[Nidoking]
Level: LV.34
Type: Poison / Ground
Nature: Calm
Ability: Poison Point
Potential: Green+
Moves (Can Be Copied):
[Proficient] (1/1000):
Megahorn, Poison Sting, Toxic Spikes, Horn Attack, Toxic, Earth Power, Rock Slide...
[Skilled] (1/500):
Leer, Focus Energy, Double Kick, Flatter
[Novice] (1/100):
Growl, Helping Hand
Ash quickly reviewed the data.
Nidoking's potential was fairly average.
Its level was only LV.34, placing it in the middle stages of the Advanced Tier.
Its moveset also lacked a clear and complete combat framework.
Within moments, Ash had already formed an accurate assessment.
Although Nidoking possessed a few moves capable of threatening Fearow, overall the danger wasn't particularly high.
After all—
Nidoking was a Ground-type Pokémon.
And Fearow was a Flying-type Pokémon.
If this were a game, many of Nidoking's Ground-type attacks would be completely ineffective against Fearow.
"ROOOAAAR!"
The moment it appeared, Nidoking pounded its chest and let out a thunderous challenge toward Fearow, who was circling high above the battlefield.
Fearow didn't even bother responding.
Its battle experience was extremely rich.
And it possessed nerves of steel.
Unless Nidoking had an Ability like Intimidate, similar to Gyarados or Arcanine, a mere roar wasn't enough to make Fearow feel fear.
Once both Pokémon had taken their positions, Misty didn't hesitate.
Raising her hand sharply, she announced:
"Battle Two—Begin!"
"Come on, Manager Yashaku!!"
"Manager Yashaku, we're rooting for you!"
"Go, Mr. Ash!"
"Let's go, Mr. Ash!"
"Fearow!"
"Crush it!"
The spectators exploded into cheers.
The second battle had officially begun.
Both trainers ignored the noise around them.
Their focus was entirely on the battlefield.
Their expressions turned serious.
"You can move first."
Fearow was six full levels higher than Nidoking.
Combined with its type advantage as a Flying-type against a Ground-type, Ash once again graciously handed over the first move.
Yashaku didn't decline.
He knew exactly how strong Ash was.
And he knew Nidoking didn't possess any particular type advantage in this matchup.
"Nidoking!"
"Use Poison Sting!"
Yashaku thrust his arm forward dramatically.
"ROOOAAAR!"
The instant it received the order, Nidoking tilted its head back and opened its mouth.
A dense cloud of purple needles burst forth.
Thousands of Poison Stings shot into the air like a storm of toxic rain.
"SKREEE!"
Fearow reacted immediately.
Its long, sharp beak began spinning at incredible speed.
The rotation spread through its entire body.
Faced with the incoming barrage, Fearow transformed into a spinning drill.
Since there wasn't enough space to dodge all the projectiles, it simply smashed through them.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
The poisonous needles were knocked aside one after another.
Then Fearow accelerated.
Using the momentum of its spin, it dove straight toward Nidoking.
BOOOOM!
Within the curtain of purple needles, Fearow resembled a yellow missile descending from the heavens.
Nidoking's massive body was both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness.
Against a fast and agile opponent like Fearow, it was practically a giant target.
The Drill Run connected directly.
"ROOOAAAR!"
Nidoking's body jerked backward violently.
Its heavy feet scraped across the battlefield as it stumbled several steps in retreat.
Although Ground-types didn't possess any particular resistance to Flying-type physical attacks, Nidoking's thick armored hide still offered considerable protection.
Yet even so—
The armor-piercing power of Drill Run made the impact painfully obvious.
"Nidoking!"
"Are you alright?"
Yashaku called out worriedly.
"ROOOAAAR..."
Nidoking shook its head.
It wasn't down yet.
But the battle had only just begun.
--------------
T/N:
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