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"Laziness cannot be completely overcome. If Slaking didn't have the Truant ability, how could it be called Slaking?"
Platinum looked at Norman, who was arguably the best Slaking Trainer in the world.
He had also raised more than one Slaking, in a sense.
If Lance was the Dragonite Jinchuriki, then Norman was the Slaking Jinchuriki. She wondered how his Slaking would perform.
"Slaking, get closer."
Norman commanded Slaking in a deep voice.
Hearing Norman's order, Slaking stood up, its previously lazy aura instantly turning wild.
It pounded its chest with its two massive, sandbag-sized fists before charging at Flutter Mane with an incredibly intimidating presence.
"Dazzling Gleam."
Mammon chuckled softly.
Flutter Mane shrieked, and pink light scattered down, a Fairy-type Dazzling Gleam.
"Block it with Shadow Claw!"
Slaking roared, its giant hand forming a claw, and dark, ghostly energy formed sharp claws.
A Ghost-type Shadow Claw!
As the Dazzling Gleam shone down, Slaking blocked it with its right claw raised above, the Shadow Claw intercepting the Dazzling Gleam's attack. Although a few stray rays of light landed on Slaking, it endured the scattered pain, its steps unwavering, continuing its charge while taking the Dazzling Gleam's attack head-on.
"Huh? That works?"
Watching Slaking use Shadow Claw to block Dazzling Gleam and approach Flutter Mane, Iono's eyes widened.
No, this was too exaggerated!
"This Slaking's strength is far greater than the Staraptor and Zangoose from before," Platinum said, also quite surprised.
"Roar!!"
Reaching the position beneath Flutter Mane, Slaking roared at Flutter Mane, stomping its legs forcefully, its entire sturdy and strong body leaping high.
The still-active Shadow Claw fiercely tore towards Flutter Mane.
"It has some skill, but that's about it," Mammon said, a slight smirk on his lips.
"Dodge."
Flutter Mane quickly retreated.
Although Slaking had desperately unleashed all its power to get close, Flutter Mane still had the advantage of flight and was extremely fast.
Slaking's Shadow Claw ultimately only tore through the air, failing to hit Flutter Mane.
"It's over," Wallace instantly understood when he observed this scene. It was over.
Slaking's attack missed this time, but the Truant ability was about to kick in.
"Thunderbolt."
Having dodged the Shadow Claw, Flutter Mane shrieked, and a Thunderbolt rapidly shot towards Slaking.
Slaking was already falling, furiously swinging its giant claw at the Thunderbolt.
A terrifying gust of wind howled, and Flutter Mane's Thunderbolt was actually torn apart and exploded by the Shadow Claw.
A strong air current rippled, and Slaking fell to the ground.
"I have to say, this performance is indeed much stronger than the previous two, and is it not going to rest? Uh…"
Iono praised it endlessly. This performance was worthy of Slaking, but what shocked Iono the most was that Slaking hadn't rested yet.
But as soon as Iono finished speaking, Slaking's once wild expression became lazy again. It sat down on the ground, completely relaxed, scratched its neck with its claw, and yawned.
Laziness had arrived.
Hmm, that's more like it.
Iono nodded in satisfaction, seeing Slaking's extremely natural and fluid behavior.
Just as Platinum had said, laziness could not be completely overcome, not even by Norman, an expert in raising Slaking.
He could only minimize the trigger of laziness and help Slaking overcome and reduce its rest time.
But no matter how hard he tried, laziness could not completely disappear.
And once laziness set in for rest, that was Slaking's most fatal moment.
"Thunder."
Mammon ordered Flutter Mane.
Lightning crackled around Flutter Mane, and a massive Thunder boomed down.
Boom!
Thunder heavily struck Slaking and exploded. Slaking cried out in pain and fell to the ground. Even though it wasn't a Same-Type Attack Bonus move and there was no type advantage, Flutter Mane's Thunder dealt high damage because Slaking's special defense wasn't high.
Norman frowned deeply but was helpless because he knew very well that Slaking couldn't dodge now.
"Continue Thunder." Seeing Slaking withstand that Thunder, Mammon ordered again.
Flutter Mane shrieked, and another thick bolt of lightning descended from the sky, striking Slaking.
"Slaking!"
Norman shouted loudly at Slaking.
Slaking, who had just propped itself up with its arms, had its lazy eyes suddenly change.
A wild roar echoed, and its two strong arms were raised to block above.
Boom!
Thunder heavily struck down. Under the impact of Thunder, Slaking's face was extremely ferocious and violent, and its entire body was illuminated by the lightning of Thunder.
"So fast!"
Seeing Slaking actually recover from its resting state, Iono couldn't help but be incredibly surprised.
The period of laziness was too short, only a few seconds, right?
"As expected of an expert who specializes in raising Slaking," Caitlin also praised.
"But… the tide has turned," Caitlin then commented.
"Slaking! Slash!"
Norman shouted loudly.
Slaking, struggling to withstand the Thunder's onslaught, roared again, its veins bulging, and its claws glowed with a sharp white light.
A Normal-type Slash!
As it slashed fiercely, the lightning of Thunder was literally torn apart by the Slash.
Flutter Mane tilted its head, looking at Slaking below in astonishment, a question mark slowly rising above its head.
This brute strength was truly astonishing.
Mammon raised an eyebrow, looking at the panting, terrifyingly powerful Slaking, which was able to tear apart his Flutter Mane's Thunder.
This was truly relying purely on astonishing will and terrifying brute strength.
He was a little tempted. Although Slaking's appearance wasn't beautiful, its battle-hardened posture was really cool.
But… thinking about Slaking suddenly lying down and letting its opponent beat it during the heat of battle, Mammon still stifled the thought.
He didn't want to die of anger.
Hmm, and in terms of violence and ferocity, his Tyranitar wasn't bad either.
"Thunder."
Mammon lost interest, and Slaking was indeed in poor condition now.
Flutter Mane unleashed another Thunder. The powerful lightning struck again. Slaking had no time to dodge and could only take it head-on.
However, this time Flutter Mane didn't give it a chance to show its power. It unleashed a full-power Thunder, and after only a brief resistance, Slaking was hit by the Thunder.
Amidst a violent explosion, Slaking's sturdy and strong body crashed to the ground.
"Slaking is unable to battle. Flutter Mane wins."
The referee came on stage, observed, confirmed, and then announced.
"All three of Norman's Pokémon are unable to battle, so this match is won by Mammon. Mammon's ranking will be promoted to 78th place!"
The referee announced the battle results.
"Slaking lost~!"
"Wow, this Mammon is too strong, isn't he? It seems that Flutter Mane wasn't hit at all throughout the match?"
"It was a complete crush (crushing victory). Young people nowadays are so brave."
"Gym Leader Norman is so miserable…"
The onlookers discussed animatedly. Hmm, this battle was not what they had expected.
But it had to be said, it was very discussable.
"You worked hard."
Recalling Slaking and comforting it, Norman let out a soft sigh and looked at Mammon, who was approaching.
Flutter Mane floated beside Mammon, like an obedient Ghost.
"A wonderful battle, Mr. Norman. It was a pleasure to face you."
Mammon extended his hand to Norman and smiled.
"Thank you, the pleasure was all mine. As expected of Team Rockets's boss, I've learned a lot today."
Norman shook Mammon's hand and smiled. Although it was a crushing defeat, Norman had a very mature mindset. He deeply understood the saying that there are always people better than you.
Moreover, it must be said that being able to battle such a powerful Trainer as Mammon was an honor in itself.
Was Mammon choosing him as an opponent not also a unique form of recognition?
Thinking this way, he felt no disappointment at all.
After a few more friendly words with Norman, Norman even enthusiastically invited Mammon to his home for a visit, which Mammon politely declined.
And… "Yo~ Master Wallace, since you're here, why don't you say hello?"
Mammon looked at Wallace and the two others, very warmly.
"Damn Mammon! Don't call me Master Wallace!"
Master Wallace immediately got angry. How many times had he said that? This Mammon was doing it on purpose!
"Oh, don't mind the details. Speaking of which, it's been a long time since I took artistic photos for you, Master. How about…"
"Mammon!!"
Wallace's voice became shrill, interrupting Mammon with a scream.
"Don't be so agitated. Actually, compared to artistic photos, I'd rather shoot a short drama for both of you masters."
Mammon said with a smile.
"I wonder, Master Wallace and Master Steven, are you interested in participating?"
"Heh~ Dream on!"
Wallace sneered.
It was because of Mammon that he had picked up an addiction he couldn't quit, and those artistic photos, damn it!
This guy actually wanted him to shoot a short drama. Didn't he know that his appearance fee was very high?
"Mammon, stop teasing Wallace," Steven said helplessly.
"Actually, it's not entirely a joke. I am indeed planning to shoot a serious TV series," Mammon shrugged.
"What's the theme?" Steven was stunned upon hearing this.
"Emmm… The bonds and trust between Pokémon and humans. Of course, to stand out, I've decided to center the story around Legendary Pokémon."
"Centered around Legendary Pokémon? Telling legendary stories?"
May's eyes lit up, very interested.
"Exactly. For example, Mew of the Tree of Life, Ho-Oh and the Rainbow Hero, Lugia the Sea God, the love-hate relationship of Kyogre and Groudon, the clash of ideals and reality, and so on. Finally, there's Arceus, the origin of creation."
Mammon grinned, smiling brightly.
"You know, right? I, Mammon, have enough resources and capital to film it!"
"I've even named this TV series: 'Pokémon Legends: Mythology.' Not bad, right?"
Steven and Wallace were stunned, exchanging glances. Then Steven noticed the eagerness in Wallace's eyes.
Although it sounded absurd, just as Mammon himself said, he really did have the capital and resources for it.
After all, who didn't know that Mammon truly owned a super abundance of Legendary Pokémon?
"Wow! Mammon, can I apply to play the protagonist?" May eagerly raised her hand, her big eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Filming a drama with Legendary Pokémon, oh, it sounded super interesting, and she could get close to those Legendary Pokémon!
"This might be a bit difficult, May," Mammon said, feigning difficulty.
"Please, Mammon! I'll do anything, and I want to join Team Rockets!"
"Cough cough, actually, it's not entirely impossible. For the Hoenn region's episodes, we can consider making you one of the protagonists."
Mammon coughed dryly, pulling out an enlistment contract as he spoke.
Damn, the audacity!
Wallace cursed silently, calling him shameless. How could this person change his expression so quickly?
Then Master Wallace also coughed dryly.
"Cough cough, Mammon, actually, I think, with my elegant and handsome image, it's not too much to play a protagonist, right?"
"My request in the drama isn't high. Just let me play Kyogre's Trainer!"
Master Wallace said seriously.
Please, if you let me play Kyogre's Trainer, I'll do anything!