"Focus on myself and my Pokémon?"
"Paul" murmured in thought.
"The old me used to analyze my opponents, study tactics, figure out how to coordinate Pokémon to become stronger. But as my strength grew... I realized something. At least for me, I didn't need to pay attention to all those things. If I just raised my Pokémon with care and trained them to be strong enough, then even the trainers who once surpassed me would eventually fall before me."
As Paul said this, an image of Barry inexplicably flashed through his mind.
He wasn't that Paul. He wasn't obsessed with defeating the Brandon of the Prime World — though he certainly intended to try but for him, it was more curiosity and interest than a burning obsession.
But Barry was different. That guy had once beat him soundly. Next time they met, he'd be sure to make him witness just how far he'd come.
"Before or after doesn't matter. Let's battle, Paul."
The last two words were spoken slowly by "Paul" as his sharp and calculating gaze met Paul's.
"A battle? When those two get back, sure. If you want it, then bring it." Paul replied calmly.
He didn't reject the challenge. He knew how tenacious he himself could be. And he was also curious in a world reshaped by countless butterfly effects, just how strong had this version of himself become?
Gently stroking the little monkey in his arms, Paul gazed off into the distance. In the lightning-filled sky, he knew Electivire was at it again.
And indeed, thunder boomed as Electivire with blinding speed beyond human reaction, toyed with the smaller Electivire floating at the center. Blasts of lightning rained down from above.
Even with the Motor Drive ability, which made it theoretically immune to Electric-type attacks, real life and the anime had one caveat: once the Pokémon's internal electricity storage reached capacity, any excess energy with nowhere to go could cause serious damage.
Electivire was one of the strongest among non-Legendary Electric-types when it came to absorbing electricity. But due to the massive difference in power levels and the multitude of buffs on Paul's Electivire, the other simply couldn't keep up.
It hadn't even released a tenth of its stored charge before the weaker Electivire was overwhelmed, its legs buckling under the weight of the lightning surging through it.
Seeing this, something clicked in Paul's mind. He pulled out his phone and began scanning the Chimchar in his arms.
His observational and psychic abilities were decent, but to get precise data, he needed help from his Rotom Phone or Pokédex.
A quick scan revealed the following:
Chimchar
Gender: Male
Type: Fire
Ability: Blaze
Moves: Ember, Flame Wheel, Scratch, Leer
"Wow, what a weak little monkey, Roto..."
Came a snide remark from Rotom.
After reading the scan, Paul silently nodded.
Just like Garchomp's puzzled reaction and Rotom's sarcasm, everything from observation to raw data confirmed that this Chimchar's potential barely reached the "above average" level.
Fortunately, he had expected that. He felt no disappointment.
He already had a rough development plan for Chimchar in mind.
"Didn't expect you to scan Pokémon with a Pokédex." "Paul" remarked.
"If I can catch a more talented Pokémon, of course I'll raise the more talented one. Pokémon without enough potential won't be able to keep up with my training."
Paul said blandly, then glanced toward the two Electivires and added: "Enough messing around. If you want to battle, get ready."
Just as he spoke, the skybound Electivire sent the other one hurtling to the ground. It crash-landed into the dirt with a groan, clutching its stomach in agony.
"Vireeee~"
'That's all you've got? What a disappointment.'
The stronger Electivire kicked its counterpart twice, grabbed it by the tail, and dragged it and the alternate Paul over, casually tossing them aside.
"Viree~"
Flashing a sheepish smile at the two Paul, Electivire seemed to say,
'I was just giving him a full-body thunder massage to loosen him up. No hard feelings.'
"..."
"Paul" said nothing, simply watching the two Electivires.
That earlier encounter didn't even qualify as a battle. Paul's Electivire hadn't even used a move, just its raw power and lightning alone had flattened the other one.
"That's enough sleep."
Paul stood up and shook the Chimchar in his arms awake.
"Yah...~"
The groggy Chimchar blinked a few times before jumping out of Paul's grasp and landing steadily.
He realized that his strength and injuries had all been restored. His gaze toward Paul softened.
"Watch closely and learn during the battle."
With that, Paul walked to face off against "Paul" with three Pokémon in tow.
This battle wasn't about testing Chimchar's strength. In fact, Paul didn't need to test, he already knew Chimchar was weak.
Probably weaker than even the six-tailed Vulpix that had just hatched three days after Lucas received Chimchar. No point in testing.
"Yah!"
Standing between the towering Electivire and the hulking Garchomp, Chimchar clenched its fists and nodded seriously.
"Vireee~"
'These opponents are way too weak. But I, the great Electivire, shall graciously teach them a lesson…'
Electivire smiled politely. This time, Paul had only brought it and the rookie, Chimchar. The kid was useless.
Which meant, for stomping noobs, it was its time to shine.
"Gaaar~"
Garchomp growled casually, signaling it didn't mind helping with the stomp-fest either.
Paul took in all three of his Pokémon's reactions.
As a Trainer who cared for his Pokémon, he respected their thoughts if they're willing to "graciously" battle, who was he to stop them?
"Rotom, prepare for battle."
Paul pulled out his Rotom Phone.
"???"
Garchomp and Electivire's eyes widened.
'R-Rotto? You mean me, Rotto?!'
"Yeah."
Even Rotom froze for a moment. Then, slowly, it de-fused from the phone.
Their shock was understandable. Normally, Rotom never participated in battles or training. It served as a utility partner or hung out with Mewtwo and Froslass for meditation or digital surfing.
The last time it battled was all the way back in the Lily of the Valley Conference elimination rounds, against nobodies.
Its actual battle experience? Almost zero.
Paul didn't offer any explanation. Despite its inexperience and the fact he'd never trained it beyond yoga and meditation, its power level was hovering near Elite Four-tier.
Even a Caterpie at that level would still be formidable.
(End of Chapter)
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