Aggron was forcefully brought down by Natsuhiko using a rather "reasonable" tactic.
It was not surprising for Natsuhiko to gain the upper hand first.
It was just unexpected for it to end in this manner.
Flint took a deep breath.
Then he shook his head somewhat helplessly.
Natsuhiko always manages to give them "surprises" in one way or another.
This move.
Indeed, Flint did not anticipate it.
But it's not like there's no way to fight back.
Taking a deep breath, Flint flipped his hand and threw out another Pokeball.
Screech—!!
The vibrating sharp feathered wings, along with heavy gleaming metal armor, created a strong gust of wind in an instant.
"Flint's second Pokémon is the Steel and Flying-type Skarmory!!"
Skarmory was also one of Flint's earliest Pokémon.
However, it wasn't as outstanding as the Shiny Golem or Aggron.
"Skarmory, use Spikes!"
As soon as Skarmory appeared, Flint gave the command.
To counter Natsuhiko's "Takeover" strategy, using Stealth Rock and Spikes is one of the somewhat restraining methods, which has almost become a consensus.
Skarmory's huge metal wings vibrated rapidly.
Countless small, metal-like, nail-like things scattered around the area where Natsuhiko stood.
And these nail-like things quickly became invisible after landing.
For the Infernape currently on the field, it wouldn't have any impact.
But once the Pokémon is switched.
The Pokémon will be affected by these spikes, causing damage.
This is one of the more practical "Spikes" tactics in Pokémon battles.
While Flint commanded Skarmory to set "Spikes" to guard against Natsuhiko's "reasonable" tactics, Natsuhiko wasn't idle either.
"Infernape, use Hot Wind!"
Skarmory, with its aerial advantage, was at a disadvantage against Infernape.
However.
As a Steel-type Pokémon, Skarmory's weaknesses are also very obvious.
Roar—!!
Terrifying dark red flames surged from Infernape's head, and a torrent of orange heat waves spread crazily.
The space distorted slightly wherever the heat waves passed.
Moreover, "Hot Wind" is a wide-area indiscriminate attack, making it impossible for Skarmory to dodge.
The scorching temperature instantly scorched its metal armor, turning it red hot, with wisps of white mist emanating from Skarmory's body.
This undoubtedly made it extremely uncomfortable.
"Skarmory, use Stealth Rock!" Flint commanded again.
Natsuhiko: "..."
First Spikes, now Stealth Rock again.
Flint's targeting was too obvious.
Not to mention these two techniques weren't prepared to counter his Eevee's "Takeover" strategy.
Then it was seen.
Rocks of various sizes surrounded Infernape's body.
Like "Spikes", these rocks disappeared upon forming, having no impact on Infernape, but posing a threat to the Pokémon that would come onto the field later.
However.
Achieving the successful setup of the two techniques Flint pursued came at a cost.
A towering pillar of fire shot up, engulfing Skarmory in an instant, covering its already high-temperature armor and turning it crimson.
Painful cries resonated intermittently within the flames.
Accompanied by the "hissing" sound of metal being heated inside the fire.
"Skarmory, hang in there!"
Flint's voice reached Skarmory's ears through the flames.
The next second.
A milky white glow appeared on Skarmory's body.
Although the flames breathed out by Infernape inflicted significant damage and caused immense pain, Skarmory managed to persevere.
Breathing heavily.
Flint's eyes flickered.
"Skarmory, use Blow Away!"
In an instant.
A strong wind blew, and the straight pillar of fire scattered in all directions, along with Natsuhiko's Infernape.
This was Flint's plan to counter Natsuhiko's "Takeover" strategy, and with the already laid spikes and rocks, it could yield unexpected results.
Blow Away: Forcefully make the opponent switch Pokémon.
This way, the amplification from the "Takeover" can be interrupted.
At the same time, the Pokémon switched in will face the damage caused by Spikes and Stealth Rock.
It must be said.
To counter Natsuhiko's strategy, Flint truly put in a lot of effort.
"Natsuhiko's Infernape was forcefully switched back, and the two techniques remaining on the field will cause considerable damage to the replacement Pokémon. Although Skarmory's state is already extremely poor, it cannot be said that Natsuhiko has gained an advantage!"
This battle, only just begun, already showed the audience the strategic battle between Natsuhiko and Flint in this encounter.
This is a brilliant match that can only be presented by two people who have a certain understanding of Pokémon, techniques, and strategy.
Meanwhile.
Previously, people were still immersed in Natsuhiko's "Insect Monkey" strategy being "dirty".
The next moment, Flint showed them how to correctly respond and even counter it.
Natsuhiko silently retrieved Infernape's Pokeball.
Lowering his head in thought for a moment, an Advanced Ball immediately appeared in his hand.
Thrown out.
"Cha-coo-wee~~"
With flapping wings, Togekiss made its reappearance.
It directly ascended into the air as it appeared.
As a Flying-type Pokémon, it wasn't affected by the existence of "Spikes".
But the "Invisible Rocks" densely packed around it gave Togekiss quite a bit of bumping and impact.