"Poliwhirl, use Water Gun!"
The challenger was ecstatic. The Water type had an advantage over the Ground type—it was a clear opportunity!
"He knew, huh? Type advantage?"
"Sandshrew, use Sand Attack to block it!"
Ethan Black gave the order with total calm. For Sandshrew, water was no longer something to fear. Without the slightest hesitation, it unleashed a burst of sand like a miniature storm.
BOOM!
The two attacks collided in midair. Sand and water mixed and clashed, forming a small whirlwind as mud dripped down to the ground.
"What the heck? Isn't Sand Attack supposed to have no offensive power!? This move is way too strong!"
The spectators couldn't believe what they were seeing. It was still early in the integration of Pokémon into society, and most battle knowledge came from books.
They had never seen such an effective use of the move Sand Attack!
"Hehe, although Sandshrew hasn't yet mastered the move Sandstorm, its ability to simulate that move using Sand Attack is very well-trained," Ethan Black smiled before continuing to give orders: "Sandshrew, start rolling!"
"Sha~!"
Sandshrew let out a low growl, pushed the sand to block the water, then curled its body into a ball midair. Activating Defense Curl, it rolled forward with thunderous force toward Poliwhirl.
"Poliwhirl, use Water Gun to stop it!" The challenger was still full of confidence.
Poliwhirl cried out loudly and unleashed another jet of water straight at the rolling Sandshrew.
"W-What!?" The challenger's confident face froze.
Poliwhirl's Water Gun failed to halt the advance. Sandshrew kept rolling right through the stream as if it didn't exist.
"Quick, dodge!"
The trainer, now panicked, shouted in desperation after being stunned for a split second.
But it was too late.
Since it hadn't received a command in time, Poliwhirl kept firing water, thinking it was enough to defend. Just as it tried to move, Sandshrew struck it head-on. With a muffled cry of pain, Poliwhirl immediately collapsed unconscious.
"Ooooh! We have a result! Poliwhirl has been defeated in a single blow by Sandshrew's Rollout!"
As soon as the battle ended, the announcer grabbed the microphone to pump up the crowd, which erupted into loud cheers. Nothing excited the stadium like a knockout victory!
"What the hell?! This guy doesn't seem inferior at all to the club's Ring Leaders..."
"Tch, tough luck! I thought with a Grass-type I'd have a guaranteed win against Sandshrew... but now I'm not so sure."
The other challengers who had planned to rely on type advantage started to feel nervous. But now they couldn't back out.
And, as expected, the next six trainers, who used Water- or Grass-type Pokémon, were defeated one after another by the same Rollout.
If one spin wasn't enough, then two would do! It was all just a matter of keeping on rolling!
"Hmph! That Sandshrew only has one powerful move, Rollout. And with just that, nobody can stop it? Ridiculous! All you have to do is send a Pokémon that can fly, and that's it, guaranteed victory."
Just then, mocking laughter was heard from the challengers' area. A young man stepped onto the stage with a Poké Ball in hand. When he threw it, a four-winged Beedrill appeared.
"Ooooh! Against the invincible Sandshrew on the ground, the challenger has sent out a flying Beedrill! Let's see how Sandshrew handles an aerial opponent this time!"
The announcer was ecstatic with this twist. He clearly approved of the challenger's strategy, which finally seemed like a solid plan to defeat the current champion.
(End of Chapter)