"Why did you come to challenge my gym? A trainer of your level should be challenging the gyms in the outer regions." Whitney wasn't belittling herself; it's just that the original gyms in the Johto region didn't pose much of a challenge for a trainer like Ash.
If there's any challenge, perhaps the Blackthorn Gym and the Cianwood Gym might offer some, but other than that, there aren't any overly challenging gyms in the Johto region.
"Because I came over to Goldenrod City to challenge the Battle Pyramid, but it's a battle facility and doesn't count as a gym badge. Currently, I only have two badges, so naturally, I go where badges are."
"Hey, Ash!" Serena gently tapped Ash on the back, thinking his words were too blunt!
Wasn't it obvious that challenging the Goldenrod Gym was just a side quest?
"Ah, Miss Whitney, don't misunderstand me. I didn't mean to belittle the Goldenrod Gym. In reality, no matter how strong a trainer is, the path of a trainer is endless. For each gym, I use different Pokémon, so that my level as a trainer can improve."
Ash realized he might have said something wrong, so he hurriedly corrected himself.
Whitney waved her hand casually, "No worries, I'm quite aware of the gap between myself and other gym trainers. But I need to correct you on one point, Ash—the battle symbol from the Battle Pyramid is equivalent to two badges!"
"Uhh... What?!"
Ash, along with his friends and Pikachu, were all incredibly shocked.
They never expected that the battle symbol from the Battle Pyramid could not only be counted as a badge but as two!
Why didn't Mr. Brandon tell them about this?
"You really didn't know, huh? Actually, the Battle Pyramid is special, and its strength is well known. Without reaching the Elite level, anyone who goes there is just cannon fodder. Even those at the Elite level find it challenging.
"So the Johto League specifically issued a directive that the battle symbol from the Battle Pyramid counts as two badges. From what I heard just now, you should have defeated the Battle Pyramid, right?"
Ash nodded woodenly.
"So now you have four badges, huh? So, do you still want to battle me?" Whitney clasped her hands behind her back, her face lit up with a bright smile.
If Ash chose not to battle now, she would understand, though she would feel somewhat disappointed.
After all, she's a gym leader with the dignity that comes with it.
To be treated like a roadside attraction was quite humiliating and hurtful!
"Of course, I want to fight! Didn't I just say, Miss Whitney, I challenge gyms not only for badges, but to improve myself. So I use different Pokémon for each gym. I'm really looking forward to battling you, Miss Whitney!"
Ash waved his fist with a face full of determination.
"Well said!" Whitney clapped her hands, her smile growing even brighter, "I accept you! You can call me Whitney. Well then, let's not delay any further. Let's start the battle! For some reason, I'm feeling excited!"
Whitney said as she hopped back to her position, "But let me be clear—as a renowned figure and even with Champion level strength, I won't go easy on you! We'll fight as we should, and if you lose, you lose. Don't expect me to hand you a badge!"
Ash walked to the challenger's position, showing the same excitement, "I'd want nothing less! If you went easy, the battle wouldn't have any meaning!"
Whitney took out a Pokeball from her waist and spun it on her hand, "The rules are three-on-three. The challenger can switch Pokémon, but the gym leader cannot. Is that okay?"
"No problem." Ash also took the Pokeball from his waist.
"My first Pokémon is this one, go Kangaskhan!" Whitney threw the Pokeball, and a large kangaroo-like Pokémon appeared on the field.
Kangaskhan, a Normal-type Pokémon, is known for its strong physical attack power and excellent stamina. Ash wasn't seeing this Pokémon for the first time.
This Kangaskhan was just a Gym Beginner Level, but the one Ash battled against was an Elite Level!
However, times have changed, and Ash was not using Lucario against Kangaskhan this time but another Fighting Type Pokémon.
"It's decided, it's you, Heracross!" Ash threw the Pokeball in his hand, and with a flash of light, a large, dark blue beetle-like Pokémon appeared on the field.
Since capturing Heracross, it had spent most of its time in the backyard of Oak's Research Institute, only occasionally being swapped into the team for training.
Even so, it had progressed from its initial Intermediate level to Professional Senior Level, a remarkable pace of improvement.
Strong talent really allows you to do as you please!
But Heracross's advancement to such a degree was definitely not unrelated to Venusaur's nectar.
Otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to jump more than two whole levels in such a short time!
Despite the obvious progress, the gap between Heracross and Kangaskhan was still substantial. If Aura Fusion wasn't used, this would likely be a tough battle.
"Heracross, the opponent is very strong, but we have the speed advantage, so use agile tactics," Ash advised.
"Hera!" Heracross nodded, spreading its wings slightly as it entered battle mode.
"Kangaskhan, use Fake Out!" Whitney initiated the attack.
Kangaskhan lunged forward instantly, its huge body bursting with speed unmatchable to its size, and the little Kangaskhan in its pouch waved its tiny paws, making quite the amusing spectacle.
But the power of its slap was anything but amusing—the right palm of Kangaskhan, accompanied by the sound of air being split, slammed down hard on Heracross!
Fake Out, used in the first turn, can cause the opponent to flinch, unable to take any action!
"Dodge!"
"Slap!" Fake Out hit directly, and Heracross was instantly paralyzed.
The priority effect of Fake Out, when used in the first turn, is even more terrifying than Extreme Speed!
Besides using Protect or Detect, any other methods are nearly impossible to defend against this move.
Unless your level far exceeds the opponent, which is another story. But in this case, Kangaskhan's level far surpasses Heracross!
"Heracross!" Ash's voice echoed in the field, but Heracross's body was already frozen.
The effect of Fake Out caused its limbs to temporarily lose control, and even its wings couldn't beat, leaving its body as stiff as a statue.
"Great! Kangaskhan, use Mega Punch!" Whitney seized the opportunity.
Kangaskhan's right fist glowed white, the punch wind roaring as it aimed at Heracross!
"Heracross, move aside!!!" Ash's voice was like a clap of thunder, exploding in Heracross's mind.
Heracross's eyes widened suddenly, and just before the Mega Punch was about to hit, it finally regained control of its body!
Its wings vibrated wildly, and Heracross managed to roll to the side at the last second, narrowly dodging the direct impact of Mega Punch!
"Heracross, use Aerial Ace now!" Ash's voice rang out again.
Heracross's body flipped in mid-air, the edge of its wings shining white like a blade, slashing toward Kangaskhan's side!
Kangaskhan had just thrown the Mega Punch, and its body was still caught in the momentum of the punch, unable to dodge!
"Bang!"
The blade-like Aerial Ace struck solidly on Kangaskhan's shoulder, the white light exploding, causing Kangaskhan to stagger sideways with a cry of pain.
Despite the level disadvantage, Ash had gained the upper hand?!