"Hmm?"
"Looks like you still don't understand this valuable Pokémon from overseas, Ethan."
Seeing that Ethan, despite facing Greninja—a Dark-type Pokémon—continued ordering Slowking to use Psychic-type moves, Derek Ashford couldn't help but burst out laughing. His expression grew even more confident.
"Greninja is a Water and Dark type. That's why Slowking's Confusion has no effect on it."
At that moment, Rachel Blake explained to the other Club members, though her expression clearly showed concern.
Besides the type disadvantage, it also looked like Ethan didn't fully understand that Greninja. Under such circumstances, the battle would be extremely difficult.
"Doesn't it have the ability Protean?"
Of course, Ethan wasn't stupid enough to try Confusion against a Greninja. He only did it to confirm the opponent's ability.
If Greninja had the ability Protean, then after using Quick Attack, its type should have turned into Normal. But since it remained a Dark type, Ethan ruled that out.
"It must be the most common ability... Torrent."
"As for the special bond ability... that should be pretty much impossible, right?"
Ethan closed his eyes, thinking. If Greninja had Torrent, then he needed to adjust his strategy: it would be best to avoid triggering that ability. Otherwise, with the boosted Water-type power, it could still put up a serious fight.
While Ethan analyzed, Greninja launched Night Slash, a Dark-type move.
However, the blow was once again blocked by the barrier Shellder had created.
For a moment, the two Pokémon chased, dodged, and clashed without managing to harm each other, freezing the situation in place.
"Slowking, let's begin."
Suddenly, Ethan's voice cut through the air, leaving everyone stunned.
"Greninja, be careful."
Derek grew serious. He was on full alert against Ethan's strange tactics.
"Yadon!"
Slowking's eyes glowed blue.
A water cyclone surged up from the ground, roaring straight toward Greninja.
Greninja swiftly moved to dodge, but the moment it shifted its body, it suddenly stopped—there was another barrier right in its path!
Greninja glanced at the barrier beside it, then at the incoming water cyclone, and attempted to change direction.
Boom!
But another barrier had appeared on the other side as well, blocking its escape route.
Clenching its teeth, Greninja formed a Water Shuriken, split the barrier apart, and shot forward with Quick Attack, barely evading the cyclone.
However, when it looked back, it saw the water storm—under Slowking's psychic control—curve in midair and begin to chase it again.
The battle turned into a full pursuit. With every movement Greninja made, barriers appeared out of nowhere, forcing it to break them open and wearing it down bit by bit.
"Controlling both the water cyclone and the barriers at the same time..."
"How strong is that Slowking's mental power?"
"What a shame Greninja's Dark type makes it immune to Psychic-type moves. Slowking is forced to fight like this..."
The spectators sighed with regret. What a waste that such powerful psychic abilities couldn't be used directly.
"Is Ethan aiming for a battle of attrition against Greninja?"
"If so, even if Slowking exhausts it to the point of fainting, it won't be able to keep fighting afterward."
Derek watched in confusion, but he didn't dare lower his guard. With Ethan, anything was possible.
The battle had drawn a lot of attention. Both Ethan and Derek were geniuses of their generation. In July, Ethan had even won the starter Pokémon selection competition in the capital, and his reputation was huge.
But compared to other matches, this one looked... boring. It had gone on for more than half an hour, and it was still the same endless chase, leaving the audience on the verge of falling asleep.
"Looks like the Ironvale City Club is done for."
Seeing Slowking's wear and tear, some spectators shook their heads.
If Slowking exhausted itself like this against Greninja, even if it won, it wouldn't be able to fight anymore.
Finally, with accumulated fatigue, Greninja couldn't endure any longer and collapsed under the combined assault of the cyclone and the barriers.
"Did it really end like that, by being worn out...?"
Derek's face darkened. Slowking's defense was truly incredible. No wonder Ethan considered it the core defensive pillar of his team: between barriers and controlled attacks, Greninja never managed to hit it even once.
"But..."
"Can your Slowking still fight?"
Derek took a deep breath and looked at Ethan with a mocking expression.
On the field, Slowking looked terrible: it slumped to the ground, exhausted, and even Shellder's eyes were closed. The battle had clearly been incredibly tough.
To Derek, although Ethan had worn down Greninja, this was a terrible strategy in a tournament at this level.
"Leave it to me."
Brandon Hayes stepped onto the stage with a relaxed look.
Although his Pokémon were mostly Fire types...
In Slowking's current state, losing would be more surprising.
"Come out, Typhlosion."
With a malicious grin, Brandon sent out his Typhlosion.
"Typhhhlooss!"
Upon appearing, Typhlosion roared excitedly. When it looked at Ethan, it froze for a second, then its expression turned fierce.
But what puzzled everyone was that Ethan looked completely calm. Not a trace of worry.
"He can't possibly turn this around like this... right?"
Everyone showed doubtful expressions... then shook their heads.
Turn things around in this state?
Impossible.
(End of chapter)