"Is this... the 'Insect Monkey' that Senior Natsuhiko mentioned?" Kona murmured, pressing on his glasses.
Hilona's face showed a hint of astonishment.
Insect Monkey?
Previously, they had heard Natsuhiko refer to Infernape as such.
But they never understood why a perfectly good Infernape would be called Insect Monkey?
Does it even have anything to do with the Insect-type?
Now they understood.
Infernape's "Clap Attack," along with "Rapid Return," as long as the opponent isn't faster, it damn well is an Insect Monkey!
Against Flint's Pokémon, which are mostly Steel Type or Rock Type and tend to be slow, Infernape had an absolute speed advantage.
That means...
As long as Infernape and Togekiss cooperated well.
It could continuously torture using "Clap Attack" and "Rapid Return" without a brain?
No wonder Lance had goosebumps all over his body.
Too dirty!
Really too dirty!
It's just targeting Flint's Pokémon, which are better at defense and counterattack, lacking proactive speed attack, that weakness.
It's just to torture!
Boom!!
And when Aggron was hit by "Clap Attack" again, falling into a "Wither" state, the host and audience caught on.
What's this called?
This is called the flexible application of technique effects and traits.
Natsuhiko's face was constantly smiling, and faced with Flint's astonishment, his smile grew even more pronounced.
"Infernape, use Close Combat again."
Bam bam bam bam——!!
Like a storm, sharp fists pounded repeatedly on Aggron's proud thick armor, like bullets.
Fine cracks gradually appeared on the armor.
The pain and damage endured within were also multiplying.
This scene should be an exhilarating and exciting picture and moment.
Yet the entire place fell into eerie silence, only the sound of Infernape's fists landing, echoing back and forth.
The host had his mouth open, voice stuck in his throat, unable to come out.
Meanwhile online.
Viewers watching the live broadcast had their comments and barrage suddenly drop sharply.
Until the next second.
Comments exploded in growth.
"I now finally understand why Mr. Natsuhiko is called 'Tactical Master'!"
"So dirty! But I love it!"
"Gained knowledge, gained knowledge!"
"As expected, every time I watch Master Natsuhiko's battles, I gain something! I'm Infernape's trainer, after this... hehe."
"..."
The audience on-site also came to terms with it.
Theoretically speaking, this tactic isn't too hard.
But in reality, executing it demands quite a lot from the Pokémon.
It can be mimicked, but success in mimicking it would not be common.
Flint's reaction speed, of course, was the quickest.
In fact, the brief astonishment earlier didn't really impact the battle between him and Aggron much.
Because they were controlled.
But the moment Aggron awoke, Flint snapped out of it as well.
"Aggron, Double-Bladed Head Hammer!"
Bang——!!
The hard head, coupled with thick rock fragments forming a huge sharp point, hit Infernape precisely, knocking it away.
Actually, Natsuhiko could have avoided this situation.
Just like others guessed.
If he simply had Infernape repeatedly use "Clap Attack" and "Rapid Return," even if winning slowly, Aggron's strong Physical Defense could gradually be worn down.
But Natsuhiko didn't choose that.
The opponent was Flint.
This friend possessing "Money Power."
Natsuhiko really didn't want to be so "dirty."
Even though it's a bit "dirty" now, he didn't want to be "dirty" to such an extreme.
Otherwise, Natsuhiko seriously suspected, he would be blocked at the door after the match.
Literally blocked, with a wall.
So he slightly "restrained himself."
Backstab could be done, but not too thoroughly.
Just like Flint and them were also training to resist the ability to "Wither," preparing to backstab Natsuhiko.
Good friends, right? If not for backstabbing, what's the point?
Of course, this also gave Flint and Aggron a tiny bit of opportunity.
And Flint and Aggron seized that opportunity.
Certainly.
As for the result...
Boom——!
Aggron's heavy body collapsed on the ground, raising a huge cloud of dust.
The reactive force of "Double-Bladed Head Hammer" exhausted its last ounce of energy under the "Sturdy" trait.
"Aggron is unable to fight! The winner of the first match is Infernape!"
Infernape staggered up a few steps, baring its teeth.
The flames covering its body slowly dissipated.
Even though it had prepared, it still suffered some injuries, its arm a bit sore.
But compared to Aggron, Infernape's injuries weren't too exaggerated.
——————
PS: If you don't vote for the monthly ticket now, it'll expire! I'm going to blast updates these days, so can you give a monthly ticket incentive? You know I always deliver on my promises (Confident.jpg)
1.1w, asking for monthly tickets!