Join my p@treon for more chapters
[email protected]/Tempest_29
"Synthesis!"
Ash frowned slightly as he observed the scene unfolding before him, recognizing that Venusaur was taking advantage of the Sunny Day weather still in effect.
Upon hearing the command, Venusaur activated Synthesis, absorbing energy from the sunlight to gradually heal her injuries. The move was enhanced by the Sunny Day conditions present on the battlefield.
However, since they were indoors and not directly exposed to natural sunlight, the effect of Synthesis wasn't as potent as it would have been outdoors.
"Listen here, kid! Weather moves can't be used so carelessly!"
"Nidoking, Fire Punch!"
At that moment, Giovanni suddenly spoke up before issuing his command. Nidoking roared in response, raising its thick, muscular arms as scorching flames erupted around its fist.
"Fire Punch!"
Brock's expression shifted dramatically when he saw this development. There was no question that a Fire-type move would be super effective against Venusaur, but he hadn't anticipated that this Gym Leader's Nidoking would know a Fire-type attack.
Nidoking swung its blazing fist and struck the vines binding it. The vines were instantly reduced to ashes by the intense flames.
Having freed itself from Leech Seed's restraint, Nidoking charged directly toward Venusaur at an impressive speed.
Flames surged along its right arm as it swung toward Venusaur, who was still in the process of using Synthesis. The fiery attack cut through the air with tremendous force.
"Energy Ball!"
Seeing Nidoking approaching rapidly, Ash realized that even Venusaur's mobility wouldn't be enough to evade the attack. He called out his command, and Venusaur opened her mouth to condense an Energy Ball while continuing to use Synthesis.
Before she could release the attack, Nidoking had already closed the distance. Venusaur could only raise her head and aim the condensed Energy Ball at the incoming threat.
BOOM!
Nidoking's Fire Punch collided with the Energy Ball right in front of Venusaur's mouth, triggering a massive explosion. A powerful shockwave spread across the battlefield, and thick smoke engulfed the entire arena.
Ash and Giovanni stood on opposite sides of the field, both remaining perfectly still, while Misty and the others instinctively raised their hands to shield themselves from the blast.
After the shockwave subsided, the field remained obscured by smoke. Ash frowned slightly as he peered toward the battlefield, while Giovanni on the opposite side maintained the same composed expression.
A moment later, the smoke began to clear, revealing two figures on the field. Nidoking's form emerged with some dust coating its body, while Venusaur on the other side lay motionless on the ground.
Ash's frown deepened. Sunny Day had no other benefit besides increasing the charging speed for Solar Beam, but while this weather condition was active, it also enhanced the power of Fire-type moves.
This was what Giovanni had meant earlier when he said weather moves shouldn't be used carelessly. The Sunny Day that had been intended to counter the Rhydon had actually ended up benefiting Nidoking instead.
"Come back, Venusaur! Take a good rest!"
Ash quickly regained his composure and recalled Venusaur to her Poké Ball. After witnessing Ash's Venusaur being defeated, Misty and the others behind him grew tense once again.
At this point, Ash put away Venusaur's Poké Ball without saying a word, then reached for another Poké Ball from his belt.
Misty and the others were slightly surprised when they saw the Poké Ball, because the one in Ash's hand looked different from his other Poké Balls.
Just by looking at that particular Poké Ball, they could guess which Pokémon Ash was planning to send out next.
Giovanni also noticed the distinctive Poké Ball in Ash's hand. Upon closer inspection, he could tell it was a Safari Ball, not a special Poké Ball—it simply had a different color scheme.
"The rest is up to you!"
Facing the aggressive Nidoking before him, Ash threw the Poké Ball forward. Soon, a red figure materialized on the battlefield.
"Scizor!"
"Scizor? What is Ash thinking?" Looking at the third Pokémon Ash had sent out, Gary couldn't help but express his confusion.
It wasn't that he didn't understand Scizor's strength. On the contrary, he knew that Scizor was an incredibly powerful Pokémon with very few type weaknesses—but the one significant weakness it had was Fire.
The reason Gary reacted this way was because he had just witnessed Nidoking's Fire Punch. Knowing that Nidoking could use Fire Punch, Ash had still chosen to send out Scizor, which was weak to Fire-type attacks.
"Hmph! You already know my Nidoking can use Fire-type moves, so why would you send out Scizor?" Giovanni looked at the Pokémon Ash had chosen and sneered.
Moreover, the Sunny Day conditions were still active, making Fire-type moves even more powerful. This created a significant disadvantage for Scizor.
"Having a type disadvantage doesn't mean you can't battle! There are ways to fight even with unfavorable typing! Scizor, use Quick Attack!" Ash showed no concern.
Without wasting any more words, he launched his attack. Upon hearing the command, Scizor spread its wings as a silver gleam instantly enveloped its body, then shot forward.
The flash of speed created a long red streak, demonstrating extraordinary velocity as it rushed directly toward Nidoking from the front.
"Nidoking! Dodge and use Double Kick!"
Giovanni issued his counter-command simultaneously. Nidoking heard the order and suddenly leaped upward. The ground beneath its feet trembled violently as it jumped into the air to avoid the attack.
The moment Scizor passed beneath Nidoking, the Poison-type Pokémon twisted in mid-air and descended with a fierce kicking motion.
"Alloy Claw!"
Scizor spun around at the same time, opening its pincers as a metallic luster flashed across them. It swung upward into the air as it turned.
BANG! BOOM!
The forces from both sides collided, and a shockwave spread instantly outward. The tremendous power demonstrated the remarkable physical strength of both Pokémon.
Another explosion rang out as both combatants were forced back by their respective attacks, retreating from each other. Nidoking landed heavily on the ground.
"Fire Punch!"
Nidoking had barely stabilized its footing when Giovanni spoke again. Upon hearing the command, Nidoking immediately charged forward, flames erupting once more from its thick arms.
With Sunny Day's enhancement, the power increased to another level. As long as Sunny Day's duration hadn't ended, Nidoking would continue to maintain the advantage.
"Double Team!"
At the same moment Nidoking attacked with its blazing fist, Ash gave his command. As the attack gradually approached, Scizor's form flickered, and then several identical copies suddenly appeared before Nidoking.
Nidoking's fist swung out, only dispersing the clones in front of it, with no time to locate the real body among them.
"Scizor, Bullet Punch!"
Seizing the opportunity, Ash commanded an attack that struck at blinding speed like a bullet. All the clones rushed forward with identical movements, but only the real Scizor's attack would cause actual damage.
BANG!