After their special training in Seafoam Island came to an end, an exciting piece of news reached Ash's ears. One of the Kanto Elite Four, Master Bruno, was currently undergoing a month long training session on Mount Hideaway.
For Ash, who was preparing for the Indigo League, this was undoubtedly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Without the slightest hesitation, he immediately decided to head there and pay a visit to the strict and renowned martial arts master.
Misty and Brock were also full of anticipation for this meeting. The three quickly packed their things and set off toward the rugged Mount Hideaway.
Mount Hideaway lay in the northeastern region of Kanto, famous for its unique terrain and abundance of Rock type Pokémon.
The winding mountain path leading to the summit was filled with jagged stones. Rock pillars of all shapes rose like natural sculptures. Occasionally, a few Geodude could be seen lazily rolling along the rock walls, or Graveler dozing under the sunlight.
"I've heard that although Master Bruno specializes in Fighting type Pokémon, his training methods incorporate the essence of Rock types and other types as well," Brock said, gazing up at the towering peak with admiration in his eyes. "In the industry, he's known as the trainer closest to understanding a Pokémon's heart."
Ash nodded, unconsciously touching the Poké Ball at his waist, which contained the Primeape he had been focusing on training recently.
"That's exactly what we need. There's less than a month left before the Indigo League. We need to break through to the next level."
As they continued along the winding path, a violent tremor suddenly shook the ground beneath them.
At first, they thought it was just a normal earthquake, but they quickly realized something was wrong. Massive chunks of rock were rolling down the mountainside at incredible speed.
When the object drew closer, they finally saw clearly. It was actually an Onix of enormous size!
"This Onix… it's at least twice as big as a normal one!" Misty exclaimed, instinctively taking a step back.
The giant Onix shimmered with a dark gray metallic sheen, each segment of its rocky body looking as if it had been meticulously polished.
It let out a deafening roar, clearly treating Ash and his group as intruders in its territory.
Its thick tail swept through the air with a sharp whooshing sound, kicking up clouds of dust that drastically reduced visibility.
"Primeape, I choose you!" Ash sent out his partner without hesitation.
Primeape leapt out of the Poké Ball, showing no fear despite the huge difference in size.
It agilely dodged Onix's initial charge, then countered with a sharp Karate Chop to its rocky body. However, it only left a faint white mark on the hard surface.
This won't deal effective damage. We need to find its weakness.
Ash carefully observed Onix's movements and noticed that when it turned, slight gaps appeared at the joints between its segments.
"Primeape, watch the connections between its rock segments and use Cross Chop!"
Understanding immediately, Primeape relied on its agility to quickly circle behind Onix and targeted the joints between its rocky segments, unleashing a Cross Chop.
This time, the attack was clearly effective. Onix let out a pained roar, and its turning speed noticeably slowed.
The battle that followed became extremely intense. Onix used Rock Slide, sending countless massive boulders crashing down from above.
Primeape darted through the falling rocks, dodging skillfully while seizing opportunities to strike at close range.
Ash's commands and the Pokémon's roars echoed through the valley as the fierce battle continued for a full twenty minutes.
At the moment when Onix's stamina faltered and its movements became sluggish, Ash seized the opportunity and threw a Poké Ball.
The Poké Ball traced a graceful arc through the air and struck Onix squarely on the forehead. It landed on the ground and began to shake violently, each movement tugging at everyone's nerves.
Finally, after three shakes, the Poké Ball let out a crisp chime.
It was a successful capture.
"Well done!"
A booming voice came from above the mountain path, full of strength and echoing through the surrounding peaks.
A burly man dressed in a traditional karate gi slowly stepped out from behind a massive boulder.
His bronze skin gleamed with a healthy luster under the sunlight, and every line of his solid muscles spoke of years of rigorous training. It was none other than Bruno, the Fighting type Elite Four.
"Master Bruno!" The three immediately recognized him and greeted him in unison, their voices filled with genuine respect.
Bruno's gaze passed over Ash and landed directly on Primeape, which had just finished battling and was still catching its breath.
"Young man, your Primeape has great potential. Especially that unyielding fighting spirit in its eyes, that is the most valuable quality of a Fighting type Pokémon."
His tone shifted, and his eyes sharpened.
"However, there is still much room for improvement in your technique and control of battle rhythm. How about a guided battle?"
Ash's eyes lit up, and he nodded without hesitation. It was exactly what he had been hoping for.
Bruno sent out a Hitmonchan.
Its gaze was as sharp as an eagle's, its stance as steady as a mountain. Its fists were held in perfect combat posture at all times, and its gloves were covered with signs of wear, clearly the mark of a seasoned fighter forged through countless battles.
Primeape quickly closed the distance, delivering a fierce kick aimed at its opponent's lower body.
However, Hitmonchan simply stepped back half a pace, narrowly avoiding the attack by mere millimeters, and countered with three rapid Fire Punches at a speed almost impossible to track with the naked eye, striking Primeape squarely in the chest.
"So fast!" Misty exclaimed. "I can't even see its movements!"
Ash frowned, realizing that his opponent was far stronger than expected.
"Create some distance and use Taunt to disrupt its rhythm!"
Following the command, Primeape retreated, trying to throw off its opponent's pace with Taunt.
But Hitmonchan's mind was as calm as still water, completely unaffected.
It moved with a unique, elusive footwork pattern, every step perfectly avoiding incoming attacks while continuously draining Primeape's stamina with Drain Punch. As one gained and the other lost, the situation became increasingly unfavorable.
"Do you see it?" Bruno's voice was steady and powerful, each word striking Ash like a hammer. "Combat is not just a clash of strength, it is a contest of wisdom and experience. Your Primeape has great power, but it does not know how to use it at the most critical moments."
These words struck Ash with realization. During Primeape's training, he had focused almost entirely on teaching it Fighting type moves, but had rarely engaged in real battle practice. After all, aside from himself, there were hardly any Pokémon that could withstand its blows.
Just as Bruno said, although Primeape's strength was not inferior, it lacked control over battle rhythm and timing.
Every move from Hitmonchan had been refined through countless battles. Its transitions between offense and defense flowed seamlessly, as if it were performing a carefully choreographed dance.
"Don't get dragged into your opponent's rhythm!" Ash suddenly realized. "Primeape, calm down and fight at your own pace. Use Rage Fist!"
Hearing this, the confusion in Primeape's eyes faded, replaced by firm determination.
It stopped blindly chasing its opponent and instead steadied itself, waiting for the right moment to strike.
When Hitmonchan charged in again with another rapid punch, Primeape did not dodge. It took the hit head on while gathering all its strength and unleashed Rage Fist!
The two powerful forces collided violently, erupting in a dazzling burst of light.
This time, even Hitmonchan was forced back several steps, a hint of surprise appearing on its face.
"That's enough."
Bruno raised his hand, his voice carrying a trace of approval.
Hitmonchan immediately withdrew, returning quietly to Bruno's side like the most loyal of warriors.
Primeape, having gone through two battles, was panting heavily and covered in injuries, yet its eyes shone with newfound understanding. It had clearly learned a great deal from this fight.
Ash recalled Primeape and bowed sincerely to Bruno.
"Thank you for your guidance, Master Bruno. We still have so much to learn."
Bruno nodded in satisfaction, a rare smile appearing on his bronze face.
"To be able to recognize your shortcomings so quickly shows that you have great talent. Remember, a true powerhouse must not only refine their techniques but also train their inner self. The bond between you and your Primeape is something special. That is the most precious treasure."
He looked out toward the distant mountains, his gaze deep.
"At the Indigo League, I look forward to seeing your progress."
On the way down the mountain, Ash kept replaying the battle in his mind.
Though it appeared to be just a guided match on the surface, he could feel that Master Bruno had been trying to convey something deeper through the fight, something about the true essence of strength, and about the unspoken understanding between a trainer and their Pokémon.
...
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