Your Pokémon's power level is seriously a bit too high...
Satoshi calmly watched the scene before him.
Ceruledge, though not quite Armarouge-level, was still tough defensively: seven resistances and two immunities.
Its Fire-Ghost typing was a nightmare—among his Pokémon, only Froakie's [Water Pulse] could effectively handle it.
More importantly, Satoshi noticed Ceruledge's armor cracking—its hidden ability was [Weak Armor], just like Armarouge.
[Weak Armor]:When hit by a physical move, Defense falls but Speed sharply rises.
Its speed would easily outclass Raichu's.
"[Nuzzle]!"
At this extremely close range, Satoshi unhesitatingly used the ever-reliable [Nuzzle].
You speed up? Fine, I'll paralyze you.
"Rai~!" Raichu rubbed cheeks against Ceruledge, instantly sending a paralyzing jolt through its body. Ceruledge stiffened, slowed—but its armor cracked further, boosting its speed dramatically.
"Sobu..."
Unfortunately, Nuzzle was also a physical move.
I miss you, [Thunder Wave]!
Satoshi mentally apologized for previously disrespecting [Thunder Wave].
"Ceruledge, [Bitter Blade], now!"
At such close proximity, a hit would mean instant defeat for Raichu.
"[Electroweb], surround it!"
Ceruledge's body erupted in blue flames, gripping its bitter blade, slicing fiercely toward Raichu. Raichu quickly unleashed [Electroweb].
Golden threads of electricity formed a barrier in midair, disrupting Ceruledge's attack just enough to spare Raichu a direct hit—though it still sent Raichu flying backward.
"Now—[Thunderbolt]!"
"[Flame Charge], go straight through!"
Hikari's emotions noticeably stirred.
Ceruledge burst into blazing blue flames, swiftly burning through Raichu's [Electroweb], vaporizing it instantly into scattered ions.
"Sobu—!!"
Carried by flame momentum, it charged fiercely.
"Raichu—!"
Raichu's body exploded in electric currents, thousands of golden bolts rushing outward.
Yet Ceruledge endured the savage [Thunderbolt] and collided directly. The clash exploded in a shockwave, flinging both Pokémon violently apart.
Both trainers watched calmly, not surprised. Simultaneously, they withdrew their Pokémon into Poké Balls.
This fight had fully ignited their battle spirit.
Strong… she's incredibly strong!
[Satodear, this is looking rough. Keep going!]
It's fine. We'll win!
Determined, Satoshi drew out another Poké Ball.
"Grookey, you're up next!"
"Mr. White Bear, I'm counting on you."
Grookey and Beartic took the stage. Beartic, still heavily paralyzed, stood nearly immobile.
Ice-type countered Grass-type, but paralysis made this match unpredictable.
"Grookey, close the distance with [Grassy Glide]!"
Grookey rushed forward, skimming along the ground as though sliding across grass.
With [Grassy Glide], its speed rivaled [Quick Attack].
"[Icicle Crash], Mr. White Bear—don't let it near!"
Suddenly, over a dozen icy-blue spears materialized around Beartic.
But before they fired, Grookey had already closed in, drumsticks slamming hard, sending out a piercing sound.
"[Acrobatics]!"
"Pachi!" Grookey glowed white, striking before Beartic could react, delivering a fierce uppercut to its chin.
"Keep going, [Acrobatics] again!"
"Mr. White Bear, endure it and unleash full-power [Ice Punch]!"
"Pachi!"
As Grookey prepared another [Acrobatics], Beartic's [Ice Punch] shot forward, accurately striking Grookey's body with freezing force.
"Pachi..."
Grookey's tiny body flew backward instantly, knocked out in one blow.
Double type-advantage plus Beartic's massive 130 base Attack—Grookey felt like even ten lives wouldn't suffice.
Seriously—couldn't paralysis have activated at least once?!
Seeing this, Satoshi wondered if he'd become truly cursed. This entire battle, paralysis never kicked in properly—only slowing opponents slightly at best.
"Come back, Grookey. You did your best."
Satoshi recalled Grookey, unsure what else to say.
My Pokémon did nothing wrong. It's purely my awful luck.
Maybe it's time for a quick visit to Kalos or Galar to boost my luck stats.
Now only one Pokémon remained…
Froakie, I believe in our bond.
"Froakie, I choose you!"
Satoshi's spirit surged, throwing out the Poké Ball forcefully. Froakie appeared on the battlefield, letting out a passionate cry.
"Kerokero!"
"[Water Pulse]!"
At his command, Froakie leapt up, launching a wave of water forward.
"Froakie… In that case, Mr. White Bear, [Rain Dance]."
Hikari calmly analyzed the battle. Beartic closed its eyes, summoning light rainfall from the skies. Droplets drizzled softly, gradually soaking the field.
In that instant, [Water Pulse] struck Beartic. Already on its last legs, Beartic collapsed, unable to withstand the hit.
"[Rain Dance]?"
Satoshi blinked, puzzled.
"Satoshi… I was preparing something for myself, because I've always wanted to surpass you—since a long time ago."
Hikari recalled Beartic, her usually quiet voice suddenly full of words.
Wait, you also know me from before?!
Furiko, save me!
[Satodear, reply like this: Actually, I've been interested in your black stockings for a long time too!]
Are you insane?!
[Kidding! Seriously, be careful with your reply or Anon might elbow you on the spot.]
[Also, it's so you don't end up stabbed someday, Satodear.]
Forget it—I shouldn't have asked… But what's Hikari even saying?
Satoshi felt incredibly awkward.
Enough with this dialogue—I just want to battle! Why bring up stuff like this right now?!
Anyway… might as well encourage her a little.
"You're pretty good."
Satoshi nodded lightly, a stiff smile tugging at his lips. He really had no clue what else to say.
"Ah…"
"Thank you… It's the first time you've praised my battling…"
At his words, a blush spread across Hikari's face like blooming flowers. She shyly lowered her head, even slowing down as she reached for her Poké Ball.
"My god—the ice queen melted!"
"Is this the legendary charm of the Red-Hooded Devil? Even I'm turning into Nantong."
The crowd nearby eagerly began shipping the pairing—except for one person.
"Sylveon, I suddenly understand Soyo-san's feelings."
"Ninf? (Huh?)"
Right now, Anon's fists clenched tightly.
She really, really wanted to punch that woman.
We humans can understand each other, right?
Could you not flirt with my boyfriend right in front of me?
Feeling the bitterness of being "Tauros'd," even sunny, cheerful Anon couldn't withstand this pain.
The two continued speaking:
"So… I want to defeat you."
Hikari's expression was deadly serious. Satoshi nodded stiffly.
"Mmhm, that's… great."
Why is she suddenly talking so much?
With that, Hikari threw out her final Poké Ball.
"This is the last Pokémon I caught in Galar. Drizzile, prepare for battle!"
Appearing on the battlefield was Drizzile, the second-stage Water starter from Galar.
"Jime."
Satoshi's face stayed completely calm—no ripples whatsoever. Actually, he felt relieved. Ending with Drizzile was much easier.
"Drizzile, Dual [Water Gun]."
Yet Hikari gave her command with subtle excitement.
Drizzile raised both hands into gun shapes, gathering water energy at its fingertips, then rapidly firing twin streams of water straight toward Froakie.