Pokémon: Global Invasion

Chapter 9: If You Can't Win, Pay to Win

"Hahaha, go teach your opponent a lesson! Use Scratch!" Rojin said excitedly.

It seemed that Rojin had also been working hard during this time. Under his command, Sandshrew quickly sprang into action, its small claws gleaming with white light as it charged forward.

Faced with this fierce opponent, Ryoma's Sandshrew clearly showed signs of fear, instinctively wanting to retreat.

But just then, Ryoma's voice rang out at the right moment: "Sandshrew, if you believe in me, try to stand your ground!"

Upon hearing Ryoma's words, a look of hesitation immediately appeared on Sandshrew's face. It closed its eyes and suddenly recalled the countless days of hard training with Ryoma.

Why had it worked so hard?

Wasn't it to defeat the opponent in front of it?

Could it really shrink back before the battle had even begun?

No, it promised Ryoma it would become a powerful Pokémon, and it couldn't back down now!

Suddenly, Sandshrew opened its eyes, and soon its claws began to shine with white light as it headed straight for its opponent!

"Hahaha! You actually want to face my Sandshrew head-on? You're really underestimating yourself!"

Seeing this, Rojin laughed triumphantly. In his eyes, the size difference between the two Sandshrews was enormous; Ryoma's Sandshrew looked like a small child compared to his own!

But in the next moment, his laughter came to an abrupt halt, replaced by a look of shock.

At that moment, the two Sandshrews collided fiercely, their claws locking together in a struggle. Surprisingly, the battle that Rojin expected to be so one-sided was now evenly matched.

His Sandshrew, which was clearly larger, was gaining no advantage in this test of strength!

"Indeed, after this period of training Rollout, Sandshrew's physical condition has improved significantly!" Ryoma thought, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

"Shashasha!"

Sandshrew also realized this; the image of the imposing opponent before it had crumbled!

After a brief stalemate, the two Sandshrews separated and retreated, eyeing each other and subtly beginning to confront one another!

"Now it's our turn to attack; Sandshrew, use Rollout!"

Ryoma's smile broadened, clearly noticing the change in Sandshrew's mindset, and he decisively ordered a counterattack!

"We'll also use Rollout! Knock out the opponent!"

Compared to Ryoma, Rojin's eyes were almost shooting fire, clearly furious at the thought that his Sandshrew was now equal to a so-called garbage Sandshrew.

Immediately, under both their commands, the two Sandshrews curled into balls and began to Rollout towards each other, enveloped in Rock-type energy!

"Has it already mastered Rollout moves without any special training?"

"It seems this Sandshrew is really quite talented; it must have a decent standing within its group!"

Seeing the opposing Sandshrew successfully execute Rollout, Ryoma was a bit surprised.

While Rollout moves can be learned by Sandshrew as its level increases, in reality, they are still considered relatively easy to learn. However, truly mastering the technique requires hard work!

Boom!

As the two Sandshrews executed Rollout simultaneously, the large and small balls collided in the center of the arena, producing a thunderous sound. They began to clash like two intensely rotating gears, with Rock-type energy swirling around, occasionally creating sparks and embers!

"Still no clear winner?"

This time, it was Ryoma frowning. It was important to note that he and Sandshrew had trained hard for two weeks to master Rollout, yet even so, they still hadn't surpassed this exceptionally skilled Sandshrew!

Boom!

Another loud noise erupted as both balls were quickly sent flying backward.

Rojin's Sandshrew landed and stopped its Rollout, shaking its dizzy head. However, when it looked up, it saw the opposing Sandshrew still maintaining its Rollout, tracing an arc on the ground, and it charged in once more!

Rojin's Sandshrew's expression changed, and without the slightest hesitation, it leaped forward, curling into a ball in mid-air to collide with the incoming Sandshrew.

But this time, at the moment of impact, one ball was sent flying out, completely unable to withstand the force!

Boom!

With another crash, Rojin's Sandshrew was thrown back at an even greater speed, directly smashing into a stone wall. Its body slowly rolled to the ground, having fainted!

"Although Rollout has decent power, it hasn't completely mastered the technique."

"When it stopped its Rollout, the outcome was already decided!"

Seeing Rojin's Sandshrew lose its ability to battle, Ryoma smiled. After all, Rollout moves increase in strength with each successive use, so maintaining the Rollout state without being interrupted by the opponent is incredibly important!

There was no doubt that his Sandshrew had won this battle!

"Shashasha!"

At that moment, Sandshrew also stopped its Rollout. Upon seeing its opponent defeated, it let out an excited roar towards the sky!

In that instant, the unnamed weight that had been pressing down on it shattered, allowing a new spark of confidence to shine in its eyes!

"How does victory feel?"

At this moment, Ryoma had also come down holding the Poké Ball and smiled at Sandshrew.

"Shashasha~"

Sandshrew expressed that it felt amazing and loved this feeling.

"Damn it, don't get too cocky!"

"I've only just captured my Sandshrew. After my training, my Sandshrew will still be the strongest!"

Rojin recalled his unconscious Sandshrew into the Poké Ball, looking at Ryoma with eyes full of frustration!

"You won't have a chance! We will only get stronger in the future!" Ryoma said confidently.

"Hmph, we'll see about that."

"Training Pokémon is extremely expensive. I don't believe your family's finances can support it!"

"Unlike me, my family has mines; I'll throw a ton of money into this and still defeat you!"

Rojin began to threaten, confident that his family was the richest in the village and doubtful that Ryoma's family could be wealthier!

"Uh, so you can't win, so you'll just throw money at it?"

Ryoma rolled his eyes, watching Rojin rush off with his Poké Ball, his mouth twitching in annoyance.

However, Rojin's words also reminded him that training a Pokémon required a considerable amount of money.

Given their current situation, just covering Sandshrew's food expenses was a bit of a strain, not to mention other costs like training equipment, nutritional supplies, medical fees, and various Pokémon items!

"Looks like I need to find a way to make money. Relying solely on my parents won't cut it!" Ryoma thought to himself.