Chapter 200:
"Someone's battling Hayashi Kaede again! Court Three, hurry and watch!"
Just as Goodra's qualifications were being verified, a small area nearby buzzed with excitement.
Unlike the relatively quiet arena in the morning, the afternoon scene was livelier. Thanks to Blaziken's distinctive appearance, even though Aogiri Town was some distance from Nagisuna City, some people still recognized Hayashi Kaede.
"Holy cow, Goodra... When did Hayashi Kaede catch this Pokémon? Using it in the Junior Cup... isn't that just bullying?"
"Didn't they say Pokémon have to be under one year old? This Goodra is under one year?"
"The referee is confirming, but Rotom didn't sound a red alert. It should be fine..."
"Wait, what are you all talking about? Who's 'Hayashi Kaede'? How can someone raise such a young Goodra?"
Some people had no idea what they were discussing and could only ask.
Those who knew about "Hayashi Kaede" through various channels or had visited the breeding house enthusiastically filled them in.
Meanwhile, on Court Three, the referee stared at the message from above: *Approximately ten months old.*
He fell into deep thought.
Are you telling me this Elite Four-level Goodra is ten months old?
But finally, he nodded to Hayashi Kaede. "Qualifications confirmed. Age complies."
However, after speaking, he paused and added with a hint of advice, "Please be mindful of the battle intensity."
"Mhmm."
Hayashi Kaede nodded. Then he turned to Goodra. "Don't be nervous. Let's take it slow."
The opposing Trainer, witnessing this, felt his world crumbling.
What do you mean, *don't be nervous*?
Shouldn't it be my Pokémon who's nervous?
He looked at his trembling Graveler and fell into contemplation.
As "Battle begin!" was called, the crowd instinctively cheered for Graveler.
"Go, Graveler! Don't lose too badly!"
"Show Hayashi Kaede you're not to be underestimated!"
"Don't waver~ Don't despair..."
Hearing the encouragement, the Trainer mustered a bit of courage. Seeing his opponent hadn't given a command yet, he ordered, "Graveler, use Rock Throw!"
Graveler took a deep breath. Stones the size of dinner plates quickly formed near it, then were hurled one after another toward Goodra.
Unlike typical Elite Four-level Pokémon, Goodra panicked upon seeing the attack.
But the next moment, a clear, green energy flowed from Hayashi Kaede onto Goodra.
Along with it came Hayashi Kaede's calm voice from behind, "Don't panic. Use Protect."
Hearing this, Goodra instinctively used Protect.
A shimmering membrane instantly enveloped Goodra's entire body.
The stones *thumped* against Goodra's Protect.
Feeling no pain, Goodra cautiously opened its eyes.
It looked itself over—completely unharmed.
Hayashi Kaede's gentle, reassuring voice came from behind, "It's alright. Don't be afraid."
Why had he agreed to let Goodra participate in a Junior Cup battle like this?
Because of Goodra's flaw...
Although Goodra was now at Elite Four-level, its temperament was still childlike, even... somewhat timid.
Its strength had been built up artificially.
So it couldn't properly assess itself.
Moreover, when Graveler's Rock Throw came, Hayashi Kaede sensed intense fear from Goodra.
This was the psychological pressure from past physical trauma.
Even facing a Graveler that had just reached Expert-level, it feared the attack.
"Goo?" (No hurt?)
Goodra felt strange yet intrigued. Battling wasn't as scary as it thought. Like Alolan Vulpix said, "It's like playing a game, and you're really strong."
"Win just one battle, and you'll be an official member of the Hero Squad!"
Goodra turned excitedly to Hayashi Kaede and Mewtwo. "Goodra~" (No hurt~)
It completely forgot it was in a battle. The opposing Trainer, seeing Goodra so relaxed, thought Hayashi Kaede and Goodra were looking down on him.
Anger rose within him. "Graveler, don't let them underestimate you! Use Brick Break!"
So what if it's Protect?
Take this Brick Break!
As Graveler charged forward, Goodra was still happily telling Hayashi Kaede it didn't hurt.
"Alright, alright, Goodra. Look behind you first."
"Goodra?"
Goodra instinctively turned and saw two "huge" fists coming right at it.
But unlike last time, Hayashi Kaede gave no command.
Goodra panicked, just raising its small hands to block the fists.
*Thud...*
With the sound of impact, Goodra opened its eyes again, staring blankly at Graveler, whose fists were resting against its palms.
Strange...
Why doesn't this Pokémon's attack hurt?
Graveler was even more confused...
Wait, no damage?
Seriously?
"Graveler?"
Goodra grabbed Graveler's fists, curiously examining this seemingly "fragile" Pokémon.
Graveler struggled with all its might but couldn't break free.
Finally, Hayashi Kaede smiled with satisfaction. "Okay, Goodra, use Slam! Throw it back to its Trainer."
The next moment, Graveler was flung back to its Trainer, eyes spinning, clearly dazed.
The farcical scene made the referee's mouth twitch.
Earlier, he'd suspected this Goodra was at least near-Elite Four-level.
Now...
It must be near peak-Elite Four level, right?
But this battling style...
Why so childish?
It felt like watching a toddler cup...
Furthermore what a weird *Slam* move is this...
However, his professional integrity made him announce the result promptly. "This match is won by Goodra."
"Goodra!" (I won!)
Goodra excitedly ran back to Mewtwo and Hayashi Kaede, spreading its sticky arms wide for a hug aimed at Mewtwo.
However, Mewtwo sidestepped it effortlessly.
Failing to share its joy immediately, Goodra felt a little down, but it was used to Mewtwo's aloofness.
In the end, it was Hayashi Kaede who gave it a hug, smiling. "There, there. You're a member of the Hero Squad now!"
(.・ω・.): "Goodra ?"
(*/ω＼*): "Goodra !"