"That… was a Pulse?"
Lorelei's red hair fluttered as she glanced at Bruno in surprise.
Bruno nodded solemnly, admiration flashing in his eyes.
Unlike his own close-range, fist-first combat style—
Natsume, as a martial artist, specialized in long-range energy strikes.
The difference between Fighting-type Attack and Special Attack moves.
"I just never expected…" Bruno muttered, "he could train Squirtle's Aura Sphere to that level."
The shockwave faded.
Silence gripped the arena until the referee's whistle finally pierced the air.
"Mienshao is unable to battle!"
"Contestant, please send out your next Pokémon!"
The crowd erupted.
"How was that a one-shot?!"
"That Aura Sphere… must've punched through its stomach!"
"It's got a real talent for knocking out female Pokémon."
Amid the murmurs, Natsume's expression was complex.
That just now… was Pulse Recovery?
This isn't a Squirtle. This is a MIGHTY TURTLE.
"Seriously," Natsume muttered. "Who opens with a super move?!"
Did you…
Charge your ultimate gauge before the match?!
Squirtle, you absolute madman.
Brawly wiped sweat from his brow.
Despite the KO, his spirit burned brighter.
For a martial artist—
This pressure, this thrill of facing a formidable opponent—this was the essence of battle!
"Charge forward, Machamp!"
He hurled an Ultra Ball.
"Ride the wave! DYNAMIC PUNCH!"
On the guest panel, Lorelei smirked.
"Your junior's got fire."
"A martial artist's creed is to advance unyielding."
Bruno crossed his arms, eyes narrowing.
Memories flashed—fist-clashing with Red atop an Onix.
For the first time in years, Bruno felt the heat of combat stir in his veins.
"I kinda… wanna fight him too!"
Machamp lunged, its four fists blazing with white-hot energy!
Bea's breath hitched.
My Machamp… couldn't compare.
Master…! Her nails dug into her palms as she watched.
A direct Dynamic Punch meant guaranteed confusion—a death sentence!
"MACHAMP!!"
The brawny Pokémon roared, fists crashing down like meteors.
Natsume's brow furrowed. "Withdraw!"
BAM!
Machamp's strike sent Squirtle's shell skidding across the field, carving fissures into the ground.
"Why not dodge?!" Brawly demanded.
"Could've." Natsume's voice was ice. "Didn't need to."
Squirtle—battered but unbroken—bared its teeth, eyes glinting.
This… was Torrent's moment.
Snowflakes drifted down, melting instantly.
"Skull Bash."
Brawly froze.
That Withdraw wasn't just defense—
It was a setup for Skull Bash's counterattack!
Unfazed by confusion, Squirtle was a loaded cannon.
BOOM!
Like a missile launch, it rocketed toward Machamp!
"Machamp—SEISMIC TOSS!" Brawly bellowed.
CRASH!
The two collided midair.
Machamp's roar shook the stands as its massive hands locked onto Squirtle's shell.
Squirtle's head shot out—THUD!—smashing into Machamp's forehead.
Seizing the opening, Natsume snapped: "Focus Punch!"
Though weaker than Squirtle's signature energy blasts—
At point-blank range, it was the perfect finisher!
"SQUIRTLE!"
Squirtle's fist ignited with white fury.
Brawly mirrored the cry: "Machamp—FOCUS PUNCH!"
The clash erupted in a shockwave.
Squirtle blocked one fist with its left, twisted—letting Machamp's Karate Chop slam harmlessly into its shell—
Then drove its right fist straight into Machamp's gut.
KABOOM!
The impact lifted Machamp off its feet.
A cough. A shudder.
Then—
SLAM.
The battlefield cracked like glass.
Silence.
Brawly wiped his face… and smiled.
"Winner—NATSUME!"
The referee's whistle pierced the cheers.
"UPPERCUT!!"
"Even a Fighting-type Leader lost?!"
"I TOLD YOU—NATSUME-SENSEI'S THE FIGHTING MASTER!"
"Squirtle…"
Panting, Squirtle trudged back to Natsume.
This was its hardest-fought victory yet.
After all… that shell took a direct hit.
"Got it."
Natsume sighed. "I'll buy you a Full Restore. And a Mystic Water."
"Squirtle!" A thumbs-up. A goofy grin.
CRACK.
Both froze, staring at the Everstone around Squirtle's neck.
A fissure ran through it.
A few more battles… and even the Everstone wouldn't stop its evolution.
Natsume's eye twitched.
You little—
Are you seriously planning to double evolve?!
"I'll… get you a new Everstone later."
Rubbing his temples, Natsume exhaled.
Honestly…
Hoarding power might backfire eventually.
Squirtle's evolution…
Maybe it's time to consult Professor Oak.
"Squirtle!" A satisfied nod.
Natsume recalled it into its Dive Ball.
Brawly approached, extending a hand. "Natsume-sensei… thank you for the lesson."
"Anytime."
"Oh, and—here's Dewford's Gym Badge. If you'd like—"
"No."
...
"NATSUME-SENSEI!" Brawly waved. "The Badge's waiting if you ever visit!"
Though he'd refused the badge…
Why did it feel like he'd just set up another flag?
Poké Mart.
"No Full Restores?" Natsume blinked.
"Sorry! With the medical team on-site, we don't stock expensive items."
"Then… where can I buy one?"
"Try the vendor stalls. Or pray for luck."
At the marketplace, Natsume paused—then headed straight for Green's stall.
"I'll take all your Full Restores."
Green: ???
"Plus an Everstone. And Mystic Water."
Green's eyes morphed into '$' symbols.
Business is BACK, baby!
Natsume's wallet wept.
Why does competing always leave me broke?
As Green cheerfully emptied her shelves: "Thanks for your patronage!"
"Sure." Never coming back.
Enjoy your scam.
Green, however, was already plotting.
Such generous spending deserves a gift!
Her eyes sparkled as she slipped a Technical Machine—Focus Energy—into the bag.
Not the rarest item…
But a little surprise never hurt!
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