On both sides of the vast battle arena.
Stand Natsuhiko and Flint.
This is also Natsuhiko and Flint's first time standing opposite each other alone.
This is their battle, a confrontation Flint has anticipated for a long time.
To Flint, the final victory isn't the most important; what's crucial is that he and Natsuhiko are having their first full-team battle here.
Regarding this.
Flint is quite excited.
"Both competitors, please summon your Pokémon!"
At the referee's signal, each of them grasped a Pokeball in their hands.
The game started at that very moment.
The first match largely determines the tactical arrangement and direction.
In the flicker of red light.
Boom——!!
A shiny reflection of heavy metal armor, under the massive and solid body hides frightening brute force.
"Roar——!!"
The raised-arm roar reverberates throughout the arena.
"Flint's Aggron makes its appearance!!"
With a body length exceeding two meters, it seems like a Gyarados, wearing hard armor.
Aggron, among Flint's Pokémon, is undoubtedly one of the most representative, second only to his Shiny Golem.
Bringing out Aggron right from the start.
Clearly shows Flint's seriousness about this battle.
Seeing such a mighty Aggron, the audience erupted in cheers.
Compared to the Pokémon Flint summoned, the one appearing before Natsuhiko seemed relatively small.
But Pokémon battles aren't about size; it's not about imposing presence.
Natsuhiko raised the corners of his mouth; he wasn't surprised by Flint's choice of Aggron.
The commentator couldn't help but shout after seeing Natsuhiko's Pokémon, "Infernape! Natsuhiko's first Pokémon is Infernape!"
This is the first time Natsuhiko summoned Infernape in this tournament.
Although it's not Togekiss, which made the audience a bit disappointed.
They are equally looking forward to what "excellent" tactics Natsuhiko will use in the battle against Flint.
Infernape with dark red fur, the flame on its head flickers without wind.
The firelight flickers in Infernape's eyes.
Clearly, its heart is not as calm as its appearance suggests, full of battle intent.
From the attributes perspective.
Infernape holds absolute advantage.
But in terms of power and momentum, Aggron's advantage is more apparent.
This battle.
Is still quite fascinating.
As the referee's flag falls, both start commanding almost simultaneously.
"Aggron, Rock Lock!"
Infernape's speed is definitely faster than Aggron's; reducing Infernape's speed to prevent kite strategies is an excellent choice.
"Infernape, Trick!"
Natsuhiko's voice rings out as well.
He continues, "Clap Attack."
Watching the match, the King of Islands and Island Queens show expressions of surprise.
This move.
Isn't it Morden's specialty?
Not only they are surprised, many feel astonished by this.
After just one encounter with Morden, did Natsuhiko learn this move?
"Roar——!!"
Aggron's tail fiercely strikes the ground; under the terrifying power, the ground cracks, and rock chains of different sizes form almost instantly.
Binding towards Infernape.
And at this moment, Infernape moves.
Dark gleam in its eyes, footsteps unstopping.
A flash of dark red light streaks through.
Aggron's "Rock Lock" almost fails to lock Infernape's position as Infernape bypasses it.
Pop!
A crisp sound echoes around Aggron's ears.
The sound seems to carry strong intimidation, causing Aggron to fall into a "Wither" state.
"Close Combat!"
Natsuhiko's voice reaches Infernape's ears almost at the moment the "Clap Attack" lands.
"Kura!"
Infernape with sharp brows and bright eyes, its fists pouring onto Aggron's body like rain, "bang bang" sounds continuously echo.
As a Steel Type and Rock Type, Aggron, although not afraid of Fire Type, gets quadruple restrained by Fighting Type moves.
Certainly.
Aggron's strong defense power allows it to withstand those powerful punches to some extent.
"Wake up! Aggron!"
Flint calmly stands at the field's edge, shouting loudly.
Unexpected to Natsuhiko, Aggron indeed regains control of its body through Flint's call.
Is the state really relying on shouting?
Actually not.
Flint's calmness comes from his confidence in Aggron's willpower.
Since witnessing Natsuhiko's Togekiss's nearly perverted control ability, not only Flint, but their small group intentionally trains their Pokémon to counter "Wither" state.
The goal.
Is to give Natsuhiko a "surprise" when battling him someday.
Otherwise, is it only Natsuhiko who can "Backstab" them?
Here it is.
Surprise arrives, doesn't it?
"Aggron, grab it! Earthquake!" Flint hesitates not.
"Roar!"
Just watch.
The awakened Aggron's eyes flash with excitement, having been pounded by Infernape's fists. Although it has thick metal armor, claiming no pain would be a lie.
And enduring such a beating, Aggron also avoids its most awkward point.