"That's right. Chesto Berry."
Rei Akagi chuckled lightly, confirming the chat's guess.
"The optimal solution would actually be the held item Safety Goggles, which completely prevents powder-based moves. Unfortunately, I haven't managed to get one yet, so I couldn't use it."
While he was speaking, Erika had already sent out her final ace.
A Pokémon with a large colorful flower on its head appeared, wearing a calm yet slightly mischievous smile.
Vileplume Lv.40
Ability: Chlorophyll(Boosts Speed in sunny weather.)
Arcanine's Intimidate activated!
Vileplume's Attack fell!
Arcanine wasn't in perfect condition anymore.
Although it had woken up, it had taken Tangela's heavy Slam earlier. Visible wounds remained across its body, and its breathing was slightly heavy.
"Hardworking Arcanine—Intimidate, Morning Sun, then Will-O-Wisp, with Extreme Speed for priority."
Rei Akagi began explaining tactics again.
"Arcanine is a well-rounded 'hexagonal warrior.' Depending on how a trainer raises it, it can fulfill completely different roles in battle."
"For example—Defensive Intimidate builds. With Intimidate suppressing opponents at the start and Morning Sun providing strong recovery under sunlight, it becomes a stable core that creates safe switching opportunities for the team."
"Then there's the mixed Extreme Speed build. Balanced physical and special attack stats allow it to seize initiative with Extreme Speed while maintaining wide offensive coverage."
"And finally—the Justified Beat Up strategy. That one is a bit special. It requires Arcanine's Hidden Ability Justified and works best in double battles, so we won't go into detail here."
He paused briefly before adding:
"These are just simplified theoretical frameworks suitable for game analysis. In real battles, strategies aren't fixed. Trainers must adapt depending on their team, their opponent, and the situation. Don't follow templates blindly."
The chat exploded again.
"Wait—are you serious?!"
"Three different builds just casually explained during a battle! Mastering even one of those would make someone a Fire-type expert!"
"I kinda understand the first two, but what's this Justified Beat Up strategy? Arcanine has a Hidden Ability?! Teacher Salted Fish, you're not messing with us, right?"
"As an Arcanine trainer, this explanation just opened my eyes. Meeting a master who shares tactical knowledge so generously is truly a blessing!"
"I may not understand everything, but one word comes to mind: insane."
Rei Akagi ignored the boiling chat.
His gaze focused on Arcanine basking in sunlight and the ready-to-strike Vileplume.
"Time to end this."
"Arcanine, use Morning Sun!"
Arcanine raised its head and let out a powerful howl.
The simulated sunlight from the artificial sky gathered around its body.
Bruises faded at a visible speed.
Its fiery fur shimmered in golden light, its imposing aura growing even stronger than when it first entered the battlefield.
"Erika: Vileplume! Hyper Beam! Interrupt it!"
The giant flower atop Vileplume's head aimed directly at Arcanine.
A terrifying destructive energy condensed rapidly before firing out as a massive white beam that tore through the air and slammed into Arcanine.
An explosion and shockwave swept across the field.
Yet under the sunlight—where Morning Sun was at maximum effectiveness—Arcanine endured the attack.
Its fur was blown into disarray, but it remained standing.
Golden light surged brighter.
Wounds reopened—and then healed again almost immediately.
When the beam finally faded—
Vileplume stiffened from the recoil of using Hyper Beam.
At that moment, Arcanine's momentum surged even higher.
"Arcanine! Flamethrower!"
At Rei Akagi's command, the accumulated flames roared forward and engulfed the immobilized Vileplume.
When the fire dissipated—
Vileplume collapsed onto the scorched grass, unable to battle.
The chat went wild.
"A clean sweep! Arcanine took down all three Pokémon by itself—and barely lost any HP!"
"Watching Teacher Salted Fish command battles is pure enjoyment. When will you host an exhibition match? I'd buy tickets!"
"He could've brute-forced the entire Gym—but he still demonstrated strategy for us. Teacher Salted Fish, you legend!"
"I need every piece of information about Teacher Salted Fish within one minute!"
"Thanks for the guidance! I've decided to step onto the Trainer's stage together with my Growlithe!"
Amid the flood of messages, Erika gently recalled her defeated Vileplume.
There was no sadness on her face.
Instead, there was relief and appreciation from meeting a worthy opponent.
She walked gracefully toward Rei.
"Erika: The taste of defeat is like an unripe fruit—slightly bitter."
"Erika: But meeting a strong and wise Trainer like yourself, and witnessing the passionate bond between you and Arcanine…"
"Erika: It makes the flowers in my heart bloom even more beautifully. This badge belongs to you."
"Rei received the Rainbow Badge from Erika!"
Rei Akagi had just finished putting away the Rainbow Badge when Red shouted excitedly.
"Teacher Salted Fish! Battle me!"
"Rejected."
Rei Akagi responded with two cold words.
"Oh my~ We worked so hard clearing the obstacles, yet someone still got the badge first."
Blue's voice followed immediately.
Even worse—
In the game, Bluehad somehow drifted right behind Rei.
Rei Akagi felt a chill down his spine and quickly controlled Rei to sidestep away, leaving room for Blueto trigger the Gym challenge.
"Hey, don't blame me… that's just how the code works…"
he muttered quietly.
Red had been excited moments earlier, but after being rejected by Rei Akagi and cut in line by Blue, he deflated like a popped balloon.
He could only move Red next to Rei and watch the battle.
Blue's Gym battle was completely one-sided.
Even more surprising—
Her style had completely changed.
Instead of her usual tricky tactics, she launched a relentless frontal assault.
Under overwhelming firepower, Erika's Grass-type Pokémon were pushed back continuously.
Even her ace Vileplume lasted less than three turns.
The entire battle was swift and devastating—almost like a display of violent beauty.
…This feels like she's venting her anger.
Rei Akagi thought silently, not daring to say it aloud.
When Blue obtained her badge and returned beside Rei, he cleared his throat and exaggerated his praise.
"Wow! That command! That momentum! Like a hurricane sweeping fallen leaves! Salute to Commander Blue!"
"Hmph~"
Blue merely snorted softly.
But the slightly rising tone at the end betrayed her quiet satisfaction.
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