Chapter 271: Silver Conference (2)
The second match of Group H in the next day's Tournament was between Macey and another contestant named Junichi, who was a rookie Trainer from New Bark Town.
The result of the battle was that Macey's Quilava defeated Junichi's Poliwag despite the type disadvantage, securing the victory in the second match.
Ash's next opponent would also be Junichi; if Ash won, he would be guaranteed a spot in the Top 16.
After watching the match, the Ash's group headed to the Pokémon Center to retrieve their Pokémon that had been left there to recover their stamina.
After retrieving their Pokémon, Ash heard a familiar voice.
Upon getting closer, he saw that it was Junichi, his next opponent, communicating with Professor Elm.
"Junichi, do your best!"
It seemed like the two had a pretty good relationship.
"Professor Elm, long time no see!"
Ash and the others couldn't help but walk over as well.
"Oh, it's Ash!"
Professor Elm was also a bit surprised to see Ash and the others.
"You seem to be... Ash's next opponent, right?" Misty asked Junichi, feeling a bit uncertain.
"I am Junichi from New Bark Town, and you must be Ash from Pallet Town, right? Before I set off, I heard Professor Elm mention you all."
A look of admiration appeared in Junichi's eyes as he looked at Ash.
"You know Professor Elm?" Ash asked, puzzled.
"Yeah, I started my journey after receiving a Chikorita from the doctor," Junichi said.
Professor Elm, on the other end of the call, added, "I heard that Junichi's Chikorita has already evolved into a Meganium."
Hearing this, Brock asked in confusion, "But we haven't seen Junichi use it, have we?"
"Of course you haven't seen it. I wanted to save my strength for the final Tournament, so I chose not to use Meganium. That is the reason why I lost my previous battle."
Because he had been overconfident and lost a match, Junichi was filled with regret.
After chatting for a while, the Ash's group returned to their accommodation.
In front of the computer.
"According to the data on the computer, Junichi's strongest Pokémon should be Meganium, followed by Azumarill, and then Magneton. Of course, it's not ruled out that he might choose other Pokémon," Brock analyzed.
Ash thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll go with Meganium, Houndour, and Typhlosion."
Although using two Quasi-Elite level Pokémon to bully a rookie Trainer who had only just started a year ago might seem unfair, Ash felt it was necessary to field two Johto starters to show his respect for Junichi.
After Brock fiddled with the computer for a bit, he said, "Alright, I've registered them for you."
The next day.
The arena.
After the computer drawing, Junichi would go first.
"I have no way out now. Go, Azumarill!"
Junichi's starter was a well-trained Azumarill.
[Pokémon: Azumarill]
[Type: Water + Fairy]
[Level: Gym-Beginner]
[Ability: Thick Fat (Because it is protected by thick fat, damage from Fire-type and Ice-type moves is halved)]
[Moves: Water Gun, Charm, Bubble Beam...]
Seeing Azumarill's ability, Ash put back the Poké Ball for Houndour that he had halfway pulled out, "Meganium, I choose you!"
"Uh... Ash, you have a Meganium too?"
Seeing Ash's Meganium, which was over two meters tall, Junichi was stunned. He had thought his own 1.9-meter-tall Meganium was far superior to most Trainers', but he hadn't expected that there would always be someone better.
Ash smiled slightly and said, "Junichi, give it your all. I won't go easy on you."
"Azumarill, use Disarming Voice!"
The type disadvantage made Junichi afraid to use Water-type moves.
"Meganium, use Razor Leaf."
Because it hadn't seen Ash for a long time, Meganium really wanted to show off in front of him, so it was extremely excited after entering the field. It used its move very quickly; before Azumarill could even hum twice, the Razor Leaf struck its belly repeatedly, causing Azumarill to show a look of pain.
"Azumarill, hold on, then use Icy Wind!"
Under Junichi's encouraging shout, Azumarill gritted its teeth and managed to withstand Meganium's onslaught, unleashing Icy Wind.
Under the blowing cold wind, Meganium's eyes half-closed.
"Meganium, use Seed Bomb."
The petals around Meganium's neck lit up with a faint glow, condensing a pale green energy seed that shot toward Azumarill.
"Azumarill, dodge it quickly!"
Despite Junichi's quick reaction, the move released by Chikorita was extremely powerful.
After a cloud of dust settled, Azumarill fell.
The referee raised a flag and said, "Azumarill is unable to battle!"
Junichi took out a Poké Ball and recalled Azumarill, "You worked hard, Azumarill. Next one is up to you, go, Magneton!"
[Pokémon: Magneton (Shiny)]
[Type: Electric + Steel]
[Level: Excellent-Advanced]
[Ability: Analytic (If the move is used last, the power of the move is increased)]
[Moves: Thunderbolt, Double Team, Thunder Wave, Flash Cannon...]
"Oh, a Shiny Magneton!" Ash said, a bit surprised.
"This is something I put a lot of effort into obtaining. It's not an ordinary Magneton," Junichi said proudly.
"Come back, Meganium. From here on, it's up to you, Houndour." Ash began the substitution.
"Houndour, huh? Trying to use Fire to counter Magneton? I won't let you succeed easily. Magneton, strike first, use Thunderbolt!"
"Houndour, run and dodge it."
Magneton received the command and shot out a bolt of lightning. Houndour moved with agile steps, using serpentine movement to constantly close in on Magneton.
"Very good, Houndour, now use Flamethrower."
Facing the scorching flames that were almost point-blank, Junichi hurriedly shouted, "Magneton, dodge quickly!"
Magneton reacted extremely quickly, ascending rapidly and narrowly dodging the attack.
"Magneton, use Thunder Wave now!"
"Houndour, use Dark Pulse."
Facing the Thunder Wave attack released by Magneton, Houndour condensed Dark Pulse into a circular shield. The terrifying aura full of malice prevented Magneton's attack from hitting Houndour at all.
"Is this for real? An offensive move can be used for defense? Forget it, whatever. Magneton, use Flash Cannon!"
Junichi, in a desperate attempt, called for Magneton to attack.
Seeing Magneton charging up Flash Cannon, Ash smiled calmly, "I was waiting for this move. Houndour, use Fire Blast!"
Fire Blast broke through the Flash Cannon and hit Magneton hard.
The referee announced the result again, "Magneton is unable to battle!"
However, just as the referee finished speaking, a light of evolution radiated from Houndour.
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