Xiao Xia looked at Xiao Gang, who had suddenly taken the referee's position, and asked with some confusion, "Xiao Gang, why are you suddenly at the referee's position?"
Xiao Gang retorted, "Otherwise, is there anyone else here who can be a referee?"
"It seems so." Xiao Xia nodded, half-understanding, as if everyone else here except Xiao Gang was a novice; it was better to leave it to the professional.
Xiao Gang looked at the two and then said, "Currently, we are conducting a Pokémon battle between Gym Leader Wu De and challenger Xiao Zhi. Only one Pokémon can be used. The match ends when one side's Pokémon falls."
"Now, the match officially begins!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Wu De threw out a poké ball, from which a Poliwrath emerged.
Xiao Zhi, on the other hand, sent out Pikachu to battle it!
When he saw Poliwrath, he took out his Pokédex and scanned it: "Poliwrath, the Tadpole Pokémon. It's very good at breaststroke."
Wu De frowned, realizing the situation was not simple: "Xiao Zhi, where is your Ghost-type Pokémon? Relying solely on one Pikachu, even if it defeats Poliwrath, you won't have complete confidence in defeating Sabrina."
Xiao Zhi heard this and felt a bit embarrassed, casually finding an excuse to brush it off: "Well, sometimes it's just like that, please bear with me."
Wu De nodded slightly and said, "Challenger goes first."
Pikachu was already eager to battle that Poliwrath.
"Pikachu!"
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack to approach it!" Xiao Zhi and Pikachu had a tacit understanding, issuing the command simultaneously.
Pikachu immediately crouched down and swiftly started running, dashing across the ground. Its entire body was enveloped in a shimmering white light, like a white bolt of lightning.
"Good speed."
Wu De praised it, then shouted to Poliwrath, "After the opponent gets close, find an opportunity to use Dynamic Punch."
Poliwrath stared intently at the rapidly approaching Pikachu, searching for a suitable attacking opportunity.
At this moment, it noticed a brief instant when Pikachu's speed slowed slightly—this was its chance to attack!
Poliwrath immediately took off, quickly running towards Pikachu. As it got close to Pikachu, it suddenly pounced on the opponent with astonishing speed, wrapping its arms around Pikachu's body.
Xiao Zhi saw Poliwrath about to launch a fierce attack and immediately sensed the threat. He quickly made a decision and shouted, "Pikachu, force it back with Thunderbolt!"
Poliwrath held Pikachu tightly, then started to roll. Its figure spun rapidly, carrying a powerful whirlwind. Pikachu was caught in the whirlwind, unable to move freely.
Pikachu heard Xiao Zhi's command, first calming down, then a faint current began to appear on both sides of its cheeks. Poliwrath was still engrossed in its Dynamic Punch and had no idea of the impending danger.
Wu De saw a small current appearing in Poliwrath's arms and quickly warned, "Poliwrath, quickly throw this Pikachu away!"
Wu De's warning made Poliwrath immediately realize the danger, and it quickly tried to throw Pikachu away. However, there was no time.
The Thunderbolt released by Pikachu spread with astonishing speed, instantly engulfing Poliwrath. The current flickered in the air, and electric arcs danced within it, forming terrifying cages of lightning.
(Regieleki: Pay your royalties.)
Under the intense Thunder Shock, Poliwrath also released Pikachu. The now free Pikachu jumped to a distance, awaiting Xiao Zhi's next command.
'This guy's strength is indeed good, not that weak.'
Li Qingfeng praised it. To be able to withstand Pikachu's Thunderbolt, there was indeed something to it. However, this also indirectly showed Sabrina's strength.
Poliwrath was panting, its fists clenched, giving a feeling that it was about to unleash great power at any moment.
"Poliwrath, Hypnosis."
Wu De's command caught them completely off guard. Xiao Zhi quickly shouted, "Pikachu, quickly dodge!"
The pattern on Poliwrath's belly seemed to be constantly spinning. Pikachu accidentally glanced at it and immediately felt a wave of drowsiness.
It kept telling itself not to sleep, but it was still useless and fell into a deep slumber.
Wu De reminded him, "This move is called Hypnosis. Its effect is to make a Pokémon fall asleep, just like Sleep Powder."
"Sabrina's Gym also uses this kind of move. If you can't break this move, you will absolutely not be able to conquer Goldenrod Gym."
"Let me tell you a hot tip: Psychic-type doesn't just have Hypnosis as a fighting style."
Xiao Zhi nodded: "I know that. My Butterfree also knows Psychic-type moves; Confusion has control functions."
Xiao Zhi's answer satisfied Wu De, and Li Qingfeng, seeing this, added:
'Be careful of how Psychic-type Pokémon dodge; they can also use Teleport to avoid getting hit. Sabrina likes to fight like this; it's a bit of a bug.'
Hearing Li Qingfeng specifically add these points of information, Xiao Zhi also thanked him: 'Understood, thank you, Li Dage!'
Li Qingfeng waved his hand: 'No problem. The most important thing now is how to wake Pikachu.'
Xiao Zhi came back to his senses and cheered on Pikachu in the arena: "Come on, Pikachu! Wake up!"
This Lion's Roar technique is always effective for Pokémon with maxed-out affection. According to the current affection between Xiao Zhi and Pikachu, in game terms, it would be...
To keep Xiao Zhi from worrying, Pikachu healed its sleep!
"That fast?"
Clearly, Wu De was also surprised by this situation; it was the first time a Pokémon had woken up so quickly from Hypnosis.
It seems that if it's this young man, he might really have a chance to defeat Sabrina.
Wu De thought so.
Xiao Zhi saw Pikachu wake up and quickly commanded, "Now! Give it the final blow, Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu's body erupted in an extremely dazzling electric light, and a powerful current mercilessly struck Poliwrath's body.
The electric light instantly filled the entire battlefield, like a lightning bolt in a storm, blindingly bright. Poliwrath was struck by the current and immediately trembled violently.
"Return, Poliwrath."
Wu De recalled his Pokémon, walked forward, and shook hands with Xiao Zhi: "Your strength is indeed good, and you broke Poliwrath's Hypnosis. Perhaps you really have a chance to face Sabrina."
He pointed to the two Pokémon behind him: "How about it? Do you want to pick one from here?"
Xiao Zhi looked, seeing Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan. But he didn't even think about it and immediately refused: "No, I think it's better to catch Pokémon myself."