If you asked which move Clawitzer had the highest proficiency in besides his signature three-move combo, it would definitely be Water Gun.
Even before Auron had set specific goals for Clawitzer, back when he was still Clauncher in the sea, Water Gun had been his highest-proficiency move.
After all, back then when Clauncher was trying to catch small fish in the ocean, Water Gun was the only move he knew.
Auron's Clawitzer was very stubborn. Auron had already realized this when he'd insisted on learning Fire Punch.
This trait had both advantages and disadvantages, but under Auron's proper guidance, though Clawitzer was stubborn, the results were excellent (Fire Punch aside).
Constantly practicing the same move, constantly practicing the same tactics, constantly practicing the same combos—this had transformed him from someone who wasn't particularly outstanding in the team into an assault specialist that Auron and his Pokémon trusted.
Both sides' moves were executed simultaneously, but due to the speed difference, Zoroark was still a beat slower.
And that slight delay had already created a gap.
When Dark Pulse was launched, Zoroark was already thinking about dodging Water Gun. Similarly, Clawitzer had the same thought.
But this tiny speed difference had already manifested at this moment.
Clawitzer relied on Water Jet's acceleration to dodge the Dark Pulse shockwave in one motion.
But Zoroark couldn't do the same. With her speed reduced, she sidestepped once but didn't escape Water Gun's attack range.
This final Water Gun was the last straw that broke the camel's back.
"Zoroark has lost the ability to battle! Clawitzer wins! The victor of this match is Auron Vale!"
With the referee's announcement, Zhang Xiaoqing smiled bitterly, shook his head, and helplessly recalled the defeated Zoroark into her Poké Ball.
"I hope you can win first place."
As he left the field, Zhang Xiaoqing said seriously to Auron.
Auron froze, then nodded. "I will."
"Mm."
Only then did Zhang Xiaoqing smile satisfactorily at Auron before heading toward the audience seats outside.
"Once he wins first place, when people ask, I'll just say I had bad luck and ran into the champion. That way, even if I didn't make top three, it still looks pretty good."
Zhang Xiaoqing grinned craftily. This move—this is peak-level understanding.
"Good luck!"
"Good luck!"
As Auron left the field and Jace took the stage, the two high-fived as they passed each other.
"Wait for me in the finals."
The corner of Auron's mouth curved upward. "Sure—then work hard to make it to the finals."
"Hmph hmph."
Hearing their brief exchange, Lu Zhengjie—who was two steps ahead of Auron—darkened his expression. Are they treating me like a pushover? Acting like they can squash me at will, not taking me seriously at all?
I'll crush you!
Soon, the battle between the two had already begun. But Auron couldn't watch this match—he was currently in the medical room, preparing to restore his two Pokémon's stamina.
Auron had won and made it to the top three, but the top three still had their own matches. He needed to rest first—maintaining good condition was most important.
So Auron didn't watch the situation on the field. He just sat quietly on the bench outside the medical room, playing around with Dratini.
"Myu~"
"Mwah~"
"Myu~ (｀▽)"
"Haha, you're just too cute."
Watching Dratini, Auron couldn't help but give her another kiss. What tough guy could resist such an adorable, pink Pokémon?
"Oh, right!"
Auron suddenly slapped his forehead, then released Elekid as well.
"Kii?"
"Come here, Elekid—try this." Auron pulled out a container of something and smiled at Elekid.
"Kii?"
"Come on, come on—don't be scared. This is just a cream. It can maintain your armor and also increase your electricity flow speed. Mm, it'll make you even more handsome."
"KII!"
Elekid's eyes immediately lit up. The electricity flow speed thing wasn't important—what mattered was getting more handsome!
"Haha, good! I'll apply it for you right now. This is one of my important research projects from this period!"
Auron laughed happily. As long as Elekid was willing to use it, that was good. Auron had been afraid he wouldn't be willing—wouldn't that waste all his hard work over so many nights?
Moreover, this could only be used on Elekid. After all, when Elekid evolved into Electabuzz, it wouldn't be armor anymore but skin. And after one more evolution, the outside would become a layer of fur.
Speaking of which, during this time aside from this, Auron had also made lots of delicious snacks from berries. They were currently packed in the bag Auron normally carried.
It had to be said—whoever developed the technology tree to create spatial storage bags was truly a great person. Along with whoever invented air conditioning and wifi, they should all receive humanity's worship together.
"Come, come, come—let big brother examine you."
Auron grinned and grabbed Elekid, placing him on his lap before starting to apply the ointment.
"Feel good? Nice and cool, right?"
Watching Elekid close his eyes comfortably, Auron asked excitedly.
"Kii~"
Elekid felt wonderful, as if mint had been applied to his body. His whole body cooled down, as if entering a cool water pool—but not the bone-chilling kind.
"Hehe, let me tell you—once I learn massage, I'll definitely make you all feel amazing."
"KII?!"
Elekid jolted in shock. Suddenly he didn't want to evolve anymore. At least with his current hard shell, he didn't have to fear Auron's supernatural techniques.
Dratini, who'd been sneaking snacks on the side, also froze, then resumed eating with relief. I'm so cute—he definitely wouldn't practice on me, right?
"!!!"
Just as Auron was about to receive Clawitzer's and Charizard's Poké Balls from Chansey, his body suddenly trembled. He couldn't help but look toward the arena.
"Aura... right?"
Rewinding time slightly—on the field, Jace was battling Lu Zhengjie. Currently on the field were Jace's Charizard and Lu Zhengjie's Lucario.
At this point in the battle, Jace's Arcanine had very little stamina left, but he'd successfully traded most of his HP to take down Lu Zhengjie's Machamp.
So the current battle on the field would directly determine who could advance again and who would be helplessly eliminated.
"Charizard! Fire Punch!"
Because Charizard had been Jace's second Pokémon sent out, this match his Charizard had evolved into Mega Charizard X.
After landing a well-timed Fire Punch, Lucario's HP had very little remaining.
Looking at the still-lively Mega Charizard and the already-battered Lucario, Lu Zhengjie couldn't help but grit his teeth.
"Really... does it have to come to this?"