[Oh my gosh, it seems like Teacher Azure has completely read through the opponent's moves. He can instantly react to every step...]
[Wasn't there a guy in yesterday's live stream saying, "If I'm bad enough, Teacher Azure won't be able to predict me"? Look at today's example and see the result!]
[To be honest, the streamer's predictions are truly pleasing to watch, completely different from other Trainers. It's as smooth as performing a pre-written script...]
[The opponent switched Pokémon, and Teacher Azure immediately used Tailwind. How wicked is that!]
Last week, Aiden rotated between Sableye and Lucario to teach students about "move priority" and "team support," two concepts with profound impacts on battles.
This week, using the move Tailwind, he innovated based on Prankster, intending to delve deeper into the importance of speed and initiative in battles.
Real-life battles aren't turn-based like in previous games. Being one step ahead not only affects the current clash but also influences every subsequent command.
Once you can't find a way out under high pressure, you'll end up like Armarouge just now, being led around by Whimsicott without any chance to fight back.
Of course, this isn't really a Pokémon issue but more about the experience gap between Trainers.
Aiden's combo was so fluid, clearly pre-planned, leaving Kato, who hadn't even figured out the situation yet, utterly confused without any time to react.
Thus, he naturally forgot something very important—
The move Tailwind doesn't need a target on his side. It can be used while recalling a Pokémon, safely assisting teammates.
"Hiss—"
After realizing this, Kato couldn't help but gasp.
How does it feel...
Like I'm already kind of dead?
Not only did Trick Room fail to activate, but Armarouge, my main force, was hit with Leech Seed, forcing me to recall and switch.
As for Teacher Azure, apart from Whimsicott consuming some HP to use Substitute, there was no loss at all. He even seized the opportunity to activate Tailwind during the Pokémon switch.
My previous setup wasn't just a failure; it didn't even start before ending!
Is Teacher Azure teaching me what truly effective prediction is?
Kato silently sighed in his heart.
No wonder Teacher Azure said before the battle, "Don't worry about winning or losing." The gap in command ability is just too big...
But precisely because of this, I must show my spirit and resilience even more now!
Kato quickly took out another Poké Ball again.
"The next one, it's decided!"
"Krokorok!"
In critical moments, I still have to send out my most trusted partner!
As the most reliable player in my team, give me another hand, Krokorok!
Even if we lose, we must show our determination!
A seemingly thuggish Krokorok appeared on the opponent's half, immediately catching Aiden's attention.
"Oh?"
Aiden paused, quickly appreciating Kato with an obvious look.
"Not bad, not discouraged by the previous command failure, and quickly realized my next move, huh?"
"If it weren't for your substitution, I should've immediately made a command to continue the suppression tactic."
"But now, it seems awkwardly turned on me instead?"
"Just from this Pokémon choice alone, you've scored quite a few points with me!"
After Aiden smiled slightly, he quickly gave high praise.
[What do you mean??? Just now, Kato was getting shown off on by Teacher Azure, and suddenly he's affirmed by him? Is there some inside story…]
[Could it be comforting the opponent? After all, if the student gets psychologically scarred, President Geeta will definitely not be pleased LOL]
[Inside what story, have you forgotten the test paper we saw before the battle started? Didn't it mention Kilowattrel? I guess Teacher Azure originally planned to use Baton Pass or similar moves to rotate and bring out Kilowattrel to enhance the pressure.]
Reminded by one of the bullet comments, others quickly realized.
[Oh right, I forgot about that!]
[… At your level, you probably wouldn't pass Teacher Azure's test in Paldea either!]
[I just checked with the Pokédex. Kilowattrel's ability Wind Power automatically charges when Tailwind is active, enhancing Electric-type moves!]
[So that's why the opponent used Krokorok as a response, preemptively predicting Teacher Azure's next move?]
[It's not that simple. Besides Ground-type, Krokorok also has Dark-type, which means…]
[Whimsicott's Prankster has no effect on it, and the Leech Seed tactic won't work anymore!]
[Wow, so this substitution idea is this complex? Could he really be a genius?]
[This challenger named Kato seems pretty good! Although he got overwhelmed by Teacher Azure, he quickly adjusted, showing some elite Trainer potential!]
While the bullet comments and Aiden were praising him, Kato on the other side completely didn't get it.
What the heck?
Did I really think through all these layers?
I just thought of going all-in and switching to my ace Krokorok. How did it turn into me suppressing Teacher Azure's prediction?
Can you stop speaking in riddles and say something I can understand!
Although he complained internally, Teacher Azure was still looking at him with admiration, making him feel...
kind of good?
"Yes, that's exactly what I thought!"
Kato quickly flashed a bright smile, looked at the equally bewildered Krokorok, and decisively commanded:
"Krokorok, use Taunt!"
Teacher Azure's use of Taunt on Armarouge earlier had reminded him.
If I don't restrict this Whimsicott, there might be other troublesome moves besides Tailwind.
Wait... isn't Krokorok a Dark-type? There's no need to fear it using other miscellaneous moves?
In his thoughts, Kato suddenly realized belatedly.
Crap, I messed up again with another blunder!
"Oh, so cautious?"
Aiden nodded again, not rushing to command.
Knowing that simply using Dark-type to counter Prankster isn't enough, it can still normally use Substitute, the two Screens, and various other moves, so he specifically used Taunt to lock down all of Whimsicott's functions?
Whimsicott does have some offensive power, but not much.
The Fairy-type does suppress the opponent's Krokorok, but when renting Pokémon, Aiden considered it was just a gym challenge, so he deliberately chose a Whimsicott accustomed to wild life, only learning many status-altering moves to serve as the examiner...
So its power is even lower. Even using Moonblast would hardly cause effective damage to Krokorok.
With its support capabilities deprived and unable to stay on the field to deal damage, keeping this Whimsicott is just a waste.
What a godlike move!
Being able to remain calm-headed under such overwhelming disadvantage just now is already an incredible talent.
Moreover, he actually hid such an ace that directly locks down my tactics?
As today's first challenger, Kato's progress truly made Aiden feel gratified.
His efforts over the past week haven't been wasted!
Regardless of the outcome, at least Kato's efforts were evident to him and he could pass.
However...
"It's indeed a very good tactic, but it's still not enough to win the match."
Aiden lightly remarked, then decisively commanded:
"Whimsicott, U-turn!"
With the acceleration provided by Tailwind, Whimsicott almost instantly shot out, fiercely kicking Krokorok in the abdomen.
Although this move was too fast for the opponent to react, given its small build, there's obviously no significant impact. Even under Bug-type's effectiveness against Krokorok, the damage caused was merely making Krokorok frown slightly.
"Krokorok, use Crunch as a counter!"
But immediately after, before Krokorok reacted to counterattack, Whimsicott lightly jumped backward and was quickly recalled into the ball by a red beam.
Seeing the counterattack miss, Kato couldn't help but click his tongue inwardly.
U-turn is a common replacement move in battles, allowing you to chip away at the opponent's HP while switching. Very useful.
The Pokémon replacing was also familiar to Kato.
A huge bird Pokémon with electric sparks in its cheek pouches appeared.
It was none other than Kilowattrel, the main force of Brewster Gym Leader, Kiitsu.
Due to the influence of Tailwind, its body quickly filled with electricity, exuding a strong sense of oppression.
"Although Electric-type moves are indeed ineffective against Krokorok, similarly, its strongest Ground-type moves are also ineffective against Kilowattrel."
Aiden smiled slightly and continued,
"So, this is a very fair match."
After saying this, Aiden's lips twitched slightly and quickly returned to normal.
Then—
"Kilowattrel, fly up to avoid attacks and continuously harass the opponent with Air Slash!"
Aiden quickly issued another command.
From the perspective of type alone, it may indeed be a very fair match, but...
Krokorok is a pure physical attacker with almost no ranged capabilities. Even if Kato's Krokorok really learned moves like Dark Pulse, the power wouldn't be high.
For Kilowattrel, it can fully withstand it.
[??? So there's this kind of solution?]
[So this is the method]
[No wonder they built the battlefield outdoors. It seems playing like this is pretty standard. Many Flying-type Gym Leaders occasionally pull this kind of move...]
[To be honest, I'm still curious about what types Teacher Azure specializes in. Why does it feel like there's nothing he can't do?]
[What types does Teacher Azure specialize in? Of course, it's the dirty type!]
"..."
The teasing of the bullet comments didn't reach Kato's eyes. Even if he knew, he'd probably just find it annoying now.
This...
How can there be such a playstyle!
My Krokorok can't fly and hasn't learned any energy moves. It seems completely helpless against Kilowattrel!
Even if I switch to Armarouge, the effect won't be much better...
Thinking of this, despair crept onto Kato's face.
Damn!
Looks like I'll fail again this time!
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