Facing the balled-up Munchlax, Minato issued a simple command.
"Eevee, approach carefully, then use Sand Attack."
Eevee possessed considerable intelligence. Extended companionship with Minato enabled comprehension of most command subtleties.
Upon receiving the order, Eevee raised its forelimbs slightly, setting them down gently, then proceeded toward the balled Munchlax with deliberate, measured steps.
Observing Eevee's leisurely approach resembling a pampered pet out for a stroll, Raku's expression darkened with irritation.
He failed to realize that Eevee's Anticipation ability operated at peak sensitivity precisely when the Pokémon was most relaxed.
Eevee's slow advance generated significant psychological pressure in Raku. Crucially, he could not command Munchlax to attack proactively, as speed was not Munchlax's strength.
Thus, he waited, allowing Eevee to close the distance.
After several moments, Eevee reached what Raku deemed an optimal range.
"Munchlax, Lick!"
Minato froze momentarily. Lick was a Ghost-type move, which would prove minimally effective against Normal-type Eevee...
Either this Raku was incompetent, or deception was at play.
Minato had prepared mentally, yet Munchlax's transformation still surprised him.
The balled Munchlax somehow acquired propulsive force. White light enveloped its body as it rolled toward Eevee at considerable velocity, resembling Rollout yet distinctly different.
"Using Defense Curl to ball up and conceal the mouth, then employing Lick against the ground to generate acceleration, transforming Tackle into something resembling Rollout..."
"I say, old friend, your son is quite the genius," Mr. Sanmei remarked with surprise.
Raku's father maintained silence, though he clearly felt satisfaction regarding his son's ingenuity. Had Raku's attitude been more serious, this would have pleased him further.
However, greater surprises awaited Mr. Sanmei.
Confronted with this sudden assault, Eevee's expression remained unchanged. The Pokémon leaped aside with agility, effortlessly evading Munchlax's increased speed, which seemed trivial by comparison.
"This Eevee demonstrates excellent reaction speed and physical flexibility. Evading under such circumstances suggests targeted training," Mr. Sanmei observed.
Munchlax's assault continued unabated. Aware of Munchlax's inherent slowness, Raku had devised this attack pattern.
Through Defense Curl, Munchlax curled into a spherical shape. Due to uniform mass distribution and symmetry, rolling across horizontal surfaces maintained a constant center-of-gravity height without energy expenditure. Disregarding other external forces, a rolling ball would continue indefinitely.
Though friction affected Munchlax's movement, the Lick attack provided propulsion and directional control, maintaining stable velocity.
Against other opponents... this tactic might have succeeded.
Minato now understood. The nineteen consecutive victories held genuine weight. This Munchlax had overcome its speed disadvantage to a considerable degree.
Unfortunately...
It faced Eevee.
It faced an Eevee that had mastered Quick Attack to the point of navigating dense forests with ease.
Dodging Munchlax's rolling Tackle repeatedly, Eevee displayed a cunning smile, as though toying with its opponent.
"Continue using Sand Attack," Minato commanded.
Though the speed deficiency was addressed, Munchlax's subsequent weakness became apparent.
Once balled up, Munchlax could barely perceive direction. Attacks relied entirely on momentum. Without direct confrontation, Munchlax could hardly touch Eevee.
"Eevee!"
Following the command, Eevee struck the ground, raising substantial dust clouds. Moving continuously while generating sand, the Pokémon filled the air with particulates, rendering the entire field hazy. Munchlax's ability to track Eevee's position diminished further.
"Munch! Munch!!"
Moments later, Munchlax emitted distressed sounds, rising hurriedly and glancing about frantically.
Covering its mouth and nose, it searched for Eevee's location. However, Eevee's coat color closely matched the sand, forcing Munchlax to strike blindly.
"Calm yourself, Munchlax. Eevee stands opposite you. Use the metronome and test your luck," Raku instructed.
Hearing its trainer's command, Munchlax ceased its anxiety. Its fingers moved rhythmically. Immediately, white light enveloped the Pokémon's fist. Metronome's random nature meant any move was possible through finger movements, stimulating the brain. Presently, Munchlax had randomly selected Mach Punch.
"What move is this..." Raku paused, puzzled.
Mach Punch proved remarkably effective—a Fighting-type move that dramatically increased punching speed. Far more threatening to Eevee than Tackle, its velocity rivaled Quick Attack. Though Raku did not understand the technique, he recognized Munchlax's enhanced punching speed.
Raku's expression brightened as he commanded Munchlax to attack. He failed to notice that Munchlax's body had become thoroughly uncoordinated. The speed granted by Mach Punch actually disadvantaged Munchlax, given its physiology. This speed exceeded Munchlax's control capabilities, playing directly into Minato's strategy.
"Mach Punch... fortunate selection. However, insufficient. Eevee, attack proactively. Use Quick Attack."
"Eevee!"
Eevee displayed a victorious smile. The moment Munchlax burst through the dust cloud, Eevee lunged to Munchlax's flank, executing Quick Attack with full force.
When the Mach Punch arrived, Eevee evaded easily. Munchlax attempted instinctively to adjust its punching angle, but bodily awkwardness caused it to miss the optimal attack window. Eevee had already shifted position, leaping behind Munchlax. Without hesitation, Eevee utilized ground contact to change direction multiple times, disrupting Munchlax's judgment and targeting the Pokémon's most vulnerable area—the back of its neck.
Munchlax flailed wildly with Mach Punch, panting exhaustedly yet never touching Eevee, causing considerable frustration.
Then came Eevee's decisive strike.
With a solid impact, Munchlax's neck suffered critical damage. Its body swayed dizzily for several moments before collapsing to the ground.
Eevee landed simultaneously, maintaining its attack stance.
"What happened?" Raku stared in disbelief, unable to comprehend why Munchlax had become even slower than before.
"Sand Attack. After Eevee's continuous Sand Attacks, the air filled with dust, and the ground became covered in sand. While rolling, Munchlax's long fur—which can conceal food—accumulated sand throughout. This accumulation caused the discomfort and sluggishness you observed," Minato explained.
It was over...
The referee assessed Munchlax's condition and announced immediately, "Munchlax is unable to battle. The victory goes to Minato."
...
"The results are apparent. This Minato exceeded my expectations. Beyond physical strength, this Eevee's fundamental attributes exceed Munchlax's in every category, particularly speed, which far surpasses Munchlax. However, what surprises me most is that he did not rely solely on this advantage but chose to expand upon it. This represents remarkably sound tactical thinking," Mr. Sanmei observed from the gallery.
"Explain," Raku's father requested.
"I initially assumed Sand Attack merely interfered with Munchlax's vision. I did not anticipate he would use this method to accumulate sand within Munchlax's fur. For Munchlax, fur filled with sand proves extremely uncomfortable. It stimulates the fat stores, affects sensory perception, and disrupts battle rhythm."
"Very well. Let us descend."