"I see. By making Gengar the second Sandstorm core, we can ensure that the Sandstorm is stronger and also increase its duration. Furthermore, by using the ability swapping and ability exchange skills, the abilities of the Pokémon can be exchanged or even accumulated. This Gengar already has the prototype of a third core.
Aoki's current lineup is not perfect in terms of dual cores, but Gengar has made up for the shortcomings through different methods. It is not unreasonable
to call it a pseudo-triple core.
What a good kid..." Sitting next to Adams, Zuvuki Mujin saw Aoki's lineup arrangement and couldn't help but sigh.
Originally, I thought that Daigo could build a single-core lineup, and with the immunity of Steel and Rock Pokémon to the Sandstorm lineup, he could also gain an advantage. However, I did not expect that Aoki's talent was much more terrifying than I imagined.
Grandpa Mujin did not show any anger or dissatisfaction. On the contrary, he was somewhat gratified.
It is really good that Daigo can become good friends with such a person.
The Elite Four are nothing to them; the Zuvuki family doesn't particularly care about a Elite Four position. Besides, even if they don't make it this time, they'll definitely be able to next time!
Just as the spectators were sighing, the direct battle between Aoki and Daigo had begun.
Blaziken was the first to act!
Blaziken finished its Swords Dance, its legs powerfully striking the sand, leaving two deep craters as it dashed forward! As
Blaziken charged, psychic threads, visible throughout the sandstorm, connected to its body, instantly accelerating its speed, and golden flames erupted from its clenched fists!
Seeing Blaziken's move, Daigo wasn't to be outdone. His Aerodactyl wings, hovering in the air, flapped, dispersing the surrounding sand and creating an open area. White light emanated from its wings as it glided towards Blaziken!
The howling wind and sandstorm had no effect on Aerodactyl, which appeared in front of Blaziken in the blink of an eye. Blaziken, however, didn't consider Aerodactyl a match for it and completely ignored it, continuing its charge.
Aerodactyl's eyes narrowed; being ignored wasn't pleasant, and a shower of pebbles erupted around its flying body.
But just as it was about to hit Blaziken, a thick sand shield instantly formed, blocking Aerodactyl's path.
The sand shield was shattered by Aerodactyl's sharp attack, and Blaziken, which had vanished, was replaced by a massive, metallic fist – Aggron!
Slowking had appeared behind Aggron at some point, teleporting it to Blaziken's location.
Blaziken, meanwhile, accelerated again, charging towards Steven's Aggron.
Metagross, hovering in mid-air, emitted a yellow aura of energy – Magnetic Field!
This is one of the reasons why Steven uses Metagross as his core Pokémon, but it's not just that.
Aggron and Steelix are also enveloped in an electromagnetic field; any Pokémon that touches them has a chance of being struck by lightning, which is somewhat effective against Water-type Pokémon. After all, Steven has quite a few Rock and Ground-type Pokémon, which are severely weak against Water-types.
Blaziken ignores the electricity emanating from Aggron, clenching its fist and aiming at Aggron, golden flames condensing on its fist's surface.
BOOM!!!
A huge explosion resounds.
Blaziken's Flame Punch didn't completely hit Aggron, because Aggron reacted in time, crossing its arms to block Blaziken's attack.
Even so, Aggron was still blasted back three meters by Blaziken, its powerful legs leaving two deep gashes in the ground.
A charred black fist mark was also left on the attacked fist.
But the attack didn't stop there. Aggron's body still bore several small scratches. The sharp-eyed Daigo noticed that the moment Blaziken's punch landed, the surrounding sand seemed to receive a command, instantly gathering and slamming into Aggron along with the Blaziken.
That sand wasn't just sand; it also contained traces of Slowking's psychic powers.
In other words, Blaziken's single attack actually encompassed the combined attack of three Pokémon.
Meanwhile, Aerodactyl's attack also reached Aoki's Aggron. Having barely broken through Tyranitar and Slowking's sand shield, it was already somewhat lacking in momentum when facing Aggron's counterattack and was sent flying by a heavy punch.
Although Aerodactyl retreated in time and wasn't seriously injured, it was clear that Aerodactyl's single attack had to contend with the double defense of Tyranitar and Slowking.
One attack required facing the defense of three Pokémon!
Whether attacking or defending, one must be prepared to face three Pokémon at any time.
"Is this... the true Sandstorm Domain that Aoki spoke of?" Steven's expression turned grave. This was his first time fighting against such a lineup, especially a combined dual-core one. He was momentarily at a loss for how to break through.
This hesitation allowed Aoki to seize the opportunity and completely take the initiative.
Tyranitar and Slowking simultaneously took a large step forward, while Florges, standing at the back, waved her hands, causing the ground to tremble. Huge vines shot into the sky, binding the retreating Aggron.
Steven's expression changed. The Ancient Armor at the rear moved in tandem with the Steelix in front. The Ancient Armor's sharp twin blades were drawn, aimed at Grass Knot, while Steelix, using its massive body as a fulcrum, swung its Iron Tail towards Blaziken!
*Swish—swish—*
The Ancient Armor, amplified by Swords Dance, easily severed the Grass Knot vines, preventing Florges from binding Aggron and giving Aoki an opportunity to focus fire.
Just as Steelix's Iron Tail was about to strike Blaziken, Blaziken nimbly leaped into the air, as if it knew the direction and method of its dodge. Steelix's Iron Tail curved perfectly, whipping towards the airborne Blaziken.
Although Steelix's movement speed was slow, it didn't mean its attack speed was slow. Using its body twisting to lash out, the speed was incredibly fast, even producing the sound of a whip slicing through the air.
Aoki raised an eyebrow.
As expected of a good brother, he knew my Pokémon's fighting style so well.
Sand Shield instantly formed, condensing on Blaziken's face, then a pinkish-red light flashed, and Slowking appeared beside Blaziken.
Having seen Slowking teleport with a Pokémon once, Steven had predicted Aoki's move.
Claydol, which had been waiting for its chance, unleashed a large amount of psychic power, just waiting for Slowking to appear.
Steven's primary target wasn't Blaziken, even though Blaziken had a significant type advantage over his three Steel-type Pokémon. However, Blaziken wasn't the main concern. The Slowking, ubiquitous on the battlefield, was what Steven feared most; even Tyranitar's Sandstorm paled in comparison.
Utilizing Aoki's offensive rhythm, he seized the opportunity, turning his anticipation into his own offensive rhythm.
That anticipation was quite impressive!
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Fourth update! Requesting monthly votes!
(End of Chapter)