On the battlefield, Aiden gave the start command and threw out a Poké Ball first.
"My lead Pokémon is Hippowdon—don't underestimate this child~"
As Aiden spoke, red light shot out from the Poké Ball.
A large, earth-brown hippo appeared—darkened on its back, feet, and snout. It opened its abnormally wide mouth, revealing the few teeth inside.
"Hippowdon, the evolution of Hippopotas, shares Tyranitar's Sand Stream ability. It's a common weather setter in Sandstorm teams."
While waiting for the opponent to throw their Poké Ball and officially start the battle, Aiden didn't forget to introduce it.
Muffled by the Go-Goggles, Aiden's voice sounded dull but carried clear cheerfulness.
"Though both are weather setters, their functions differ somewhat. As for where exactly..."
"You'll understand once the battle begins."
As Aiden smiled, Hippowdon's appearance immediately stirred the surrounding air.
Soon, sand gently rose around it, growing stronger until forming a small sandstorm.
Seeing this large creature—which looked fierce yet strangely ugly-cute—the rookie challenger didn't feel afraid. Instead, they visibly relaxed.
Great—it's not Tyranitar!
If Teacher Azure had used a powerful Pokémon like Tyranitar for assessment, the difficulty of both superior stats + skill torture would be much higher than usual...
But this time, I came prepared!
"Understood!"
The short, seemingly young challenger nodded, taking out a Luxury Ball from their pocket.
"I choose you, Tauros!!!"
The Poké Ball hit the ground with a crisp sound, releasing a bull Pokémon with sharp horns and an angry expression.
It had three tails. From the moment it appeared, its eyes burned with battle spirit. It impatiently scraped the ground with its front hooves, seemingly ready to charge forward at any moment.
[Is this Tauros? I remember it being yellowish-brown. Did it get sunburned again?]
[Paldean Tauros has several special forms. Based on horn shape... this should be the Aqua Breed?]
[Tsk tsk—such obvious targeting! Are students getting this competitive now?]
[Bro, haven't you joined Team Star yet? Come visit our club sometime—our members speak kindly and discuss strategies together. I love it here~]
[...Not to be rude, but as someone from another region, your "Team Star" sounds... suspicious?]
"Tauros?"
Aiden raised an eyebrow, his gaze showing clear appreciation toward the opponent.
In Paldea, Tauros—which had existed since the first generation—made its debut in a completely new form. Not only had its body turned dark, but its strength had also seen qualitative improvement.
However...
These students might not excel at much else, but taking advice was deeply ingrained in them.
Though Tauros' horned head couldn't wear goggles covering its entire face, this small challenger considerately equipped it with "tactical goggles" covering only its eyes.
Though questionable whether this "one-leaf-obscures-vision" approach would actually prevent sandstorm erosion in battle—at least it offered psychological comfort?
While mentally commenting, Aiden quietly observed the opponent.
According to regional variations, Paldean scholars classified local Tauros into three forms: Combat Breed, Blaze Breed, and Aqua Breed.
Corresponding to Fighting, Fire, and Water types respectively.
Facing Hippowdon was precisely the Water+Fighting type Aqua Breed Tauros.
Judging by typing alone, it perfectly countered Sandstorm teams centered around Rock, Ground, and Steel types. Its combat power, speed, and ability were all highly targeted.
From Hippowdon's instinctive trembling upon its appearance, it likely had the Intimidate ability.
Sandstorm team attackers mainly relied on physical attacks. Intimidate could effectively reduce their combat power, indirectly boosting the team's survival ability.
Even against Tyranitar, with comparable strength, this Tauros' Close Combat could easily finish off the powerful Sandstorm King.
Thus, just from this Pokémon choice, it was clear the opponent had done thorough homework.
Of course... this might also be credited to the behind-the-scenes contributions of Team Star.
Since Penny established this "fan club" at Naranja Academy, challenging students' overall quality had seen qualitative improvement.
This time should be no exception.
Penny—you've done well!
Aiden thought inwardly.
Of course, he genuinely felt Team Star's transformation was good—at least better than the delinquent group the protagonist needed to resolve in the original storyline.
With challengers' levels improving, he could battle more freely without maintaining one-sided mentorship matches.
In other words... he could finally let loose~
"Tauros, use Raging Bull!!!"
While Aiden's thoughts wandered, the opponent chose to strike unexpectedly, making the first move.
Aiden snapped back to attention, watching Tauros already moving forward.
It was said Tauros spent their entire lives running—their speed was naturally quite fast.
At least Hippowdon definitely couldn't dodge in time.
Raging Bull, Tauros' signature move, would have its attack type subtly change based on breed.
For example, the one before him now—when using Raging Bull, water would spray from its horn tips, transforming its attack method into Water-type.
This move even had effects similar to Brick Break, capable of forcibly breaking through opponents' field barriers with brute force.
Against Hippowdon, it indeed had strong power.
However...
"Hippowdon, Yawn!"
Facing the charging Tauros, Aiden didn't command it to use Protect for evasion. Instead, he started with Yawn.
[??? So this is what Teacher Azure meant by "different usage"? Capable of learning such an unorthodox move—no wonder Hippowdon was chosen as assessment Pokémon...]
[Another question—can Hippowdon survive being rammed by Tauros?]
[Seeing Teacher Azure so confident, it should be fine... but even if Yawn makes Tauros sleepy, it can probably still KO Hippowdon before falling asleep...]
Due to Aiden's command, Hippowdon didn't retreat from the charging Tauros. Instead, it tensed its body, preparing to take the hit.
Simultaneously, energy quietly gathered in its open mouth.
The distance between the two Pokémon quickly closed, with Tauros' fierce assault marking the start of their clash.
Even with Hippowdon's size, being fully rammed by Tauros clearly hurt. Its body was pushed backward by Tauros' terrifying brute strength.
The sandy ground left a clear trail as the two locked in a power struggle.
But even as the defending side, Hippowdon's sturdy frame clearly held advantages in this brute force collision.
Tauros' momentum from speed quickly exhausted. Lacking follow-through, it tried to pull back but was startled by Hippowdon's open mouth.
Though it didn't cause physical damage, the breath exhaled from Hippowdon's mouth made Tauros' expression visibly pained. Already dark, its face now showed clear suffering. Its eyelids quickly grew heavy.
After separating, Hippowdon opened its mouth again. From somewhere inside, it pulled out a hidden Sitrus Berry and swallowed it. Its HP quickly recovered.
"Tsk..."
Seeing this attack hadn't yielded good results, Tauros' trainer couldn't help clicking their tongue.
Logically speaking, with Tauros' power, this move should have flipped Hippowdon over. But judging by the final result, the effect seemed less than ideal.
It had revealed Teacher Azure's Hippowdon's item—but apparently it had no effect...
So should they try again? Betting that an attack before Yawn takes effect could finish Hippowdon?
The challenger calculated inwardly while subtly glancing at the still-smiling Teacher Azure opposite them.
Looking so confident—he must be certain I can't easily eliminate Hippowdon...
But Teacher Azure once said psychological warfare was an important part of Pokémon battles. Through small expressions and actions, one could sometimes deceive opponents.
Should they play it safe and recall Tauros? Or risk sleep status and try to eliminate Teacher Azure's Pokémon first?
The match didn't allow deep contemplation. Soon, the challenger made their decision—
Can't take it anymore—I'm exploding against Teacher Azure!
"Tauros, use Raging Bull again!"
In the blowing sandstorm, Tauros readied itself again, preparing to launch its second attack.
Aiden was somewhat surprised by the opponent's decision—raising an eyebrow at this seemingly reckless challenger.
Tauros' move did counter Hippowdon, and it had speed advantage. But...
Hippowdon wasn't a Pokémon with quadruple weaknesses like old Tyrani. With its life-saving Sitrus Berry, that attack wasn't fatal at all.
So Aiden was certain it could at least withstand one more hit.
"Hippowdon, Stockpile."
Aiden casually commanded.
Both Pokémon repeated their previous movements, soon clashing head-on again.
But clearly, Tauros—affected by Yawn—lacked stamina. This time, it didn't even have the chance to retreat and separate. Quickly overwhelmed by sleepiness, it collapsed directly on the field.
As for Hippowdon...
Though hit twice with full force, its size advantage kept it standing firmly on the ground. Taking advantage of the opponent's sleep, it used Stockpile.
Theoretically, Hippowdon couldn't learn this move on its own. But Aiden had noticed its parent was actually Greedent when renting it—so he boldly used it and achieved good results.
As Aiden mentioned in his video, Sandstorm team members generally had sufficient firepower. But for Sandstorm teams, defense-oriented tactics were also important.
Especially for weather setters—they needed ways to survive.
Like Torkoal with Eject Pack, U-turn Pelipper—things along those lines.
When Sandstorm teams led with Hippowdon, thanks to its excellent bulk and various moves, it could disrupt opponents' strategies by forcing them to deal with Yawn and its durability.
But what if the opponent was as headstrong as this student?
Simple—
"Hippowdon, Slack Off!"
Of course, if it could only rely on taking damage + Yawn to dissuade opponents, Hippowdon wouldn't be a qualified weather setter.
After all, only by maintaining healthy HP could it repeatedly enter battle to activate sandstorm weather. Being heavily damaged from the start would greatly impact the Sandstorm team's subsequent operation.
Thus, Slack Off—similar to Recover—became Hippowdon's important recovery method.
With Tauros asleep, it had a safe recovery window. Its previously dangerous HP quickly recovered.
Plus one Stockpile boosting its bulk—making this Hippowdon even harder to handle next time.
[Such an unorthodox tactic... I can only say—truly worthy of you, Teacher Azure. Even Sandstorm teams can be played with dirty tricks!]
[Don't say that—it's Teacher Azure's unique personal style, not "dirty"~]
[I'm also curious—where does Teacher Azure get so many absurd ideas? Feels like he plays new tricks every week without repeating...]
[If the opponent hadn't been greedy earlier, rotating out might have avoided all this?]
[Still difficult—if Tauros rotated out, Teacher Azure's Hippowdon would still recover HP after boosting. Depends on whether the opponent's backfield has anything to break through...]
[Another first-battle-kill examiner—thanks to this big brother's contribution to the strategy group. Team Star members will never forget your sacrifice! (tearing up)]
After two simple exchanges, both on-site and online viewers praised Teacher Azure's Sandstorm team this week.
"Come back, Tauros."
The small challenger opposite Aiden showed complex emotions, helplessly recalling the fainted Tauros.
Actually, his plan had already completely failed here.
He'd thought his Tauros' typing and strength should heavily damage or even eliminate most of Sandstorm team's Pokémon.
After all, Sunshine Gym's main assessment mode was 2v2. If he could eliminate one of Teacher Azure's Pokémon, he could slowly figure out the other.
But now it seemed he'd been overconfident...
Tauros' combat power hadn't even reached the level needed to handle Hippowdon.
So had he overthought it? Teacher Azure's approach was actually this simple, leading to the current situation?
The challenger suddenly felt like crying.
Damn it—who can even pass Sunshine Gym!
Underthinking leads to failure—likely becoming Teacher Azure's negative example. Overthinking doesn't work either—I defeat myself.
I don't have psychic powers—how can I possibly read Teacher Azure's mind!
At this point, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and continue this seemingly hopeless battle.
However...
Actually, he'd prepared a backup—and it was perfect for this situation.
"Next one... I choose you, Meowscarada!"
One of Paldea's three starter Pokémon—the highly popular grass cat appeared.
Seeing this somewhat mischievous yet inexplicably cute human-like Pokémon, Aiden instinctively raised an eyebrow.
If we're talking about the most popular Pokémon when Scarlet/Violet first released, this "new-era wife beast" Meowscarada must be it?
As Naranja Academy students, receiving a grass cat at enrollment was normal.
However...
Watching this seemingly cute little creature with a hint of disdain in its expression, Aiden vaguely felt something.
Wasn't it male?
Of course, for students purely focused on battling, this wasn't an issue.
But whenever Aiden thought about this fluffy cutie—with its in-game 7:1 female-to-male ratio—he found it absurd.
"Meowscarada, use Flower Trick!"
The opponent immediately commanded loudly.
Flower Trick—Meowscarada's signature move.
Though its power was average, it had two incredibly strong additional effects.
First, since the exploding bouquet thrown was actually part of its body, the move would definitely hit the opponent as Meowscarada intended.
Second, it precisely targeted the opponent's weak points—guaranteeing critical hits.
Hippowdon had indeed used Stockpile to strengthen itself. But attacking weak points completely ignored its stat changes.
And his Meowscarada's combat power even exceeded the previous Tauros!
As he thought, reality confirmed it.
As the ground-piercing explosive bouquet was about to erupt and attack Hippowdon's most vulnerable abdomen, Aiden raised an eyebrow. He decisively pressed his Poké Ball's release button.
"Good thinking—quickly finding the correct counterplay earns you extra points with me."
Aiden nodded while recalling Hippowdon's Poké Ball to his pocket.
Since accepting multiple challenges daily, he tried to avoid injuring these rental Pokémon when possible.
This had become a tacit understanding between him and the students.
[So Meowscarada can counter this Sandstorm team? Then it's simple—about a third of Academy students chose Sprigatito as their starter, right?]
[I doubt it—girls who love Sprigatito's cute appearance are especially numerous, so the actual ownership rate might be even higher...]
[Fuecoco fans crying in bathrooms—why doesn't anyone share my love for Skeledirge?]
[Hold on! Pause!]
With Hippowdon's retreat, the sandstorm gradually dissipated.
Both sides now had only one Pokémon left. Aiden no longer hesitated, immediately throwing his prepared Poké Ball.
"My next Pokémon is this child."
As Aiden spoke, red light shot out, soon revealing a snake Pokémon with a croissant-like body topped with a donut—looking quite comical.
[Isn't this Sandaconda? Its ability also relates to sandstorm weather, right? Teacher Azure brought two weather setters?]
[Two Ground-types—if the team has Grass or Water types, can't they just breeze through this week's gym assessment?]
[2v2 with two weather setters—is Teacher Azure going easy? Will he finally show mercy...]
[Teacher Azure, you're so gentle—I'll give you good reviews after my challenge!]
After sending out this oddly-shaped Sandaconda, Aiden's expression became slightly complex.
Because—
Though Sandaconda normally had Sand Spit ability—spewing countless sands with terrifying momentum after being hit to forcibly create sandstorm weather—it was quite common as Paldea's sandstorm weather setter.
But his was slightly different.
Aiden deliberately chose one with Sand Veil ability, planning to review the Minimize tactic he'd shown Nurse Joys in-game.
Due to Sand Veil's effect, in sandstorm weather, Sandaconda' form would become harder to capture with the naked eye, and move accuracy would drop significantly.
Plus Sandaconda' special body structure made it exceptionally skilled at using Minimize. It was one of the few Pokémon that could master both Minimize and Coil.
Once it stealthily uses Minimize in a sandstorm, the consequences would be terrifying.
It might finish off the opponent before they even noticed it had completed its setup.
Originally, that's what Aiden had thought.
But this first battle presented a small problem—
Meowscarada's Flower Trick had perception ability—making Sand Veil and Minimize meaningless.
And Ground-type Sandaconda was completely countered by it.
So the answer was only one—
"Meowscarada, use Flower Trick again!"
Seeing Aiden's Pokémon was Sandaconda, the young trainer's face lit up with joy. They immediately chose to press their advantage.
As for Aiden—he clicked his tongue inwardly, then took out another heavy sphere from his pocket.
With so many viewers watching live, he obviously couldn't recall his Pokémon and forfeit.
So what he would do was clear.
"Protect yourself with Tera Armor, Sandaconda."
Aiden spoke casually while forcefully throwing the heavy iron ball into the air.
Yes—actually, after conceiving this slightly unusual sandstorm tactic, he'd quickly realized the problem.
Too single-type—certainly leading to difficulty handling specific types.
Fortunately, Paldea had the miraculous Tera phenomenon—temporarily changing a Pokémon's type.
And according to President Nemona's gym assessment requirements, using Tera Shards frequently to demonstrate this special phenomenon to unfamiliar students was also a gym leader's main duty.
Compared to other leaders who used Tera Shards almost every battle, Aiden actually used them less often.
Ground-type weaknesses were Grass, Water, and Ice. Which type had excellent resistance to these while fitting sandstorm?
Yes, the answer was obviously—
Tera Steel!
The Tera Orb arced through the air before shattering above Sandaconda. Countless silver-white fragments quickly covered its body, soon forming a thick armor.
Meanwhile, Meowscarada's repeated Flower Trick attacked slightly late.
Originally fatal to Ground-type Sandaconda, this move now didn't even cause noticeable damage through the Steel-type Tera armor.
After Meowscarada's attack ended, it was Aiden's turn.
And what he would do...
The answer was obvious, wasn't it?
"Sandaconda, use Iron Head!"
Aiden smiled behind his goggles—his grin growing brighter.
Judging by the opponent's thinking, it was pure offense-oriented breeding. Moreover, Tera could enhance corresponding type energy, boosting move power.
Besides, Sandaconda' close-combat ability wasn't bad, while Meowscarada was a fragile glass cannon.
Caught off guard, the opponent's Meowscarada was immediately knocked out, spinning with stars in its eyes.
Thus, victory was decided.
[Dayum—Teacher Azure is truly amazing. He can use something as visually impressive as Tera phenomenon in such unorthodox ways. Is this what being "Sunshine Gym Leader" means?]
[Teacher Azure, you're invincible—even Sandstorm teams can be this unorthodox...]
[Though to be fair, this might actually be the correct way to use Tera phenomenon lmfao]
[Indeed—avoiding your weakness types, using the changed Tera type to counter opponents. Teacher Azure's thinking seems correct!]
[This poor dude —just seeing hope of victory, only to be crushed again by Teacher Azure's Tera phenomenon. So tragic...]
Under the viewers' gaze, the battle ended.
However, Aiden's duty as gym leader had one most important final step—
Aiden quickly stepped forward to the disheartened young trainer, again showing a kind smile.
"Though you lost in the end..."
"As I said during battle—I admired your reaction speed in actual combat."
"Moreover, forcing me to use Tera Shards shows you've drawn out all my preparations—setting a good precedent for this week's gym assessments."
"As for victory or defeat—at least on the path of growth, it's the least important thing to focus on."
"So... you pass!"
Aiden's encouraging voice quickly made the young student look up in disbelief.
Simultaneously, surrounding students broke into applause.
Just like the gym's name—occasionally, Teacher Azure could still show his sunny side~
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