Ash was genuinely shocked.
Clarissa's Happiny possessed Blue potential, and its Hidden Ability had already awakened.
That level of talent surpassed every Pokémon on Ash's team except Pikachu and Frogadier.
Even his own shiny Pokémon with Blue (Perfect) potential had yet to activate their Hidden Abilities.
Which meant—
Clarissa's Happiny had extraordinary natural talent.
…
"Contestants X, Y, Ash, and Clarissa Joy. Your match is next. Please prepare to enter the field."
After waiting seven or eight minutes in Sub-Arena No. 10's waiting lounge, a staff member knocked on the door and called out.
"It's our turn," Ash said.
The four Trainers rose and headed toward the entrance corridor leading to the battlefield.
During the wait, Ash had spent the entire time helping Clarissa and Happiny calm their nerves.
With the soothing influence of Aura Power and Viridian Power, both Trainer and Pokémon had relaxed significantly.
"Don't worry," Ash said gently. "I've already explained the strategy. Just focus on controlling and interfering with the opponents."
"Leave the attacking to my Spearow."
"Okay!" Clarissa took a deep breath and nodded before following Ash through the entrance tunnel and onto the battlefield.
…
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the commentator shouted enthusiastically.
"You're in luck today! The next match is absolutely worth the ticket price—because stepping onto the field is none other than the Light of Kanto—Ash!"
"Woooooo!!!"
The crowd erupted.
"Ash!!"
"Ash!!!"
Under the blazing arena lights, the four Trainers entered the battlefield.
But the spectators cheered almost entirely for one person.
Ash.
Clarissa and the two opposing Trainers were visibly stunned by the overwhelming reaction.
Ash, however, was used to it.
He waved casually toward the audience before focusing his attention on the opposing team.
Their opponents were two office workers in their early twenties.
As Ash studied them, they were also studying him—
And their expressions clearly showed caution.
Despite the roaring crowd, the referee remained calm.
"The battle format is 2v2. Trainers, release your Pokémon!"
…
"Meowth, let's go!"
"Koffing, you're up!"
"Spearow, show them what you've got!"
"Come out, my sweetheart—Happiny!"
POOF!
POOF!
Four Poké Balls opened simultaneously.
Ash's side: Spearow and Happiny.
Opponents: Meowth and Koffing.
Ash quietly activated the Ascension Trainer System.
Meowth
Level: LV.19
Ability: Technician
Potential: Green
Moves:
Fake Out, Growl, Feint, Scratch, Pay Day, Bite
…
Koffing
Level: LV.21
Ability: None
Potential: White
Moves:
Poison Gas, Tackle, Smog, Smokescreen, Clear Smog, Assurance, Sludge
…
Ash quickly reviewed the data.
The opponent's Koffing had the highest level at LV.21, but its potential was poor and it lacked an Ability.
Meowth had slightly better potential and the Technician Ability, with LV.19.
Both Pokémon were lower level than Spearow (LV.27)—
But higher than Happiny (LV.15).
Fortunately, Happiny had several reliable control moves.
That was enough.
…
"Battle… begin!"
The moment the referee's command rang out, all four Trainers issued orders.
"Happiny—use Charm!"
"Koffing—use Smog!"
"Meowth—target Happiny with Fake Out!"
"Spearow—blow Koffing's Smog back at Meowth!"
The battle exploded into motion.
Happiny tilted her head adorably, clasping her tiny hands to her cheeks as she used Charm toward the enemy Pokémon.
Her irresistible cuteness briefly weakened Meowth and Koffing's fighting spirit.
But they were still opponents.
And their Trainers had already issued attack commands.
Meowth dashed forward on all fours, executing Fake Out toward Happiny.
Above the battlefield, Koffing opened its mouth and released a cloud of toxic Smog toward Spearow.
But Ash had intentionally delayed his command by half a beat.
When he saw the opponents split their attacks—Meowth targeting Happiny and Koffing targeting Spearow—
He immediately countered.
Koffing's Trainer intended to stall Spearow so it couldn't support Happiny.
Unfortunately for him—
He had underestimated Ash's battle instincts.
"Now!"
Spearow suddenly changed direction midair.
WHOOSH!
With a powerful flap of its wings, it redirected the incoming Smog, blasting the toxic cloud downward—
Straight onto Meowth.
"Not good! Meowth, dodge!" its Trainer shouted.
"Meow?!"
Meowth, focused entirely on attacking Happiny, hesitated for a split second.
That moment cost it everything.
WHOOSH—!
The poisonous cloud engulfed it.
"MEOW!!"
The toxins seeped into its body instantly, the corrosive gas burning its senses.
Meowth cried out in pain as the battlefield erupted into chaos.
--------------
T/N:
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