Pokémon: Global Invasion

Chapter 12: Challenging the Champion

"Can it actually use Thunderbolt? This Electabuzz seems to be at a very high level!" Ryoma thought, his expression becoming more serious.

After the first challenger was defeated, the second challenger stepped up to the stage, and the battle quickly began.

This time, the challenger sent out a Raticate, but this Pokémon, which was not particularly strong, clearly stood no chance against Electabuzz. After taking two Thunderbolts, it also fell on the battlefield.

It was evident that the champion had experienced a series of battles, and maintaining a ten-win streak during these rapid-fire challenges was a true test for these champions.

This clearly demonstrated just how powerful the champions of the Pokémon Club were!

Soon, after the first four opponents fell one after another, it was finally Ryoma's turn, standing in fifth place.

"Come out, Sandshrew!"

Ryoma stood at the side of the Battle Arena and took out his Poké Ball to release Sandshrew.

"A Ground-type?"

Seeing Ryoma release Sandshrew, Raiden's expression darkened slightly.

Ground types are immune to Electric-type moves, making them his least favorite among all types of Pokémon.

However, he felt somewhat reassured that this Ground-type was just a Sandshrew and not a Sandslash or an Onix, which would pose a more troublesome threat!

Moreover, this Sandshrew was merely a flawed, weak Pokémon, making it an even easier opponent!

"Looks like another filler—a skinny green Sandshrew?"

"Although Ground types can resist Electric-type attacks, this Sandshrew clearly won't stand a chance against Electabuzz!"

In the audience, spectators began to discuss excitedly the moment Sandshrew appeared, and unsurprisingly, none of them had high hopes for Sandshrew.

Although Sandshrew had been well-fed recently and had shown noticeable improvements in its physical development, it still appeared somewhat frail compared to its peers.

Additionally, given the existing prejudices against shiny Pokémon, this situation was not surprising.

"This is a shiny Pokémon; shouldn't the crowd be gasping in amazement?" Ryoma couldn't help but shake his head in resignation.

"The champion's Pokémon is Electabuzz, and the challenger's Pokémon is Sandshrew. Now, let the battle begin!"

"The challenger will attack first!" The referee announced as he waved his flag, confirming both sides were ready.

"Well then, I won't hold back. Sandshrew, use Rollout!"

Upon hearing Ryoma's command, Sandshrew immediately used Defense Curl, then curled its body into a ball and quickly rolled toward Electabuzz.

This was something Ryoma had already emphasized: to use Defense Curl first before executing Rollout to enhance its defense and attack power!

"Rollout, huh?"

"Use Quick Attack to dodge it!"

Raiden narrowed his eyes. He had often encountered Ground-type Pokémon like Geodude during his title defenses, so he was quite familiar with Rollout moves!

Electabuzz quickly followed the command; a flash of white light appeared behind it. At the same time, Sandshrew used Rollout and moved in closer. Just as it was about to collide with Electabuzz, the latter narrowly dodged to the side.

"This speed..."

"It seems this Electabuzz's training focus is primarily on strength!"

Ryoma noticed how close Electabuzz had come to being hit by the Rollout after using Quick Attack, and his eyes brightened.

In his memory, Electabuzz should have a high speed stat, and its Attack and Special Attack were also no slouch, making it a decent fast attacker.

However, seeing Raiden's well-defined muscles told him that his focus was undoubtedly on achieving maximum attack power.

Just like how in the games, Pokémon have a personality trait, in reality, a Trainer's personality can also influence the training direction of their Pokémon to some degree.

In fact, Ryoma was absolutely correct; Raiden's Electabuzz was indeed focused on attack, and it followed a dual-attack route. He thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of knocking out enemies with moves like the Thunderbolt that had previously taken out Pidgeotto in an instant!

"If this is an Electabuzz that prioritizes attack, then things will be easier!"

Ryoma let out a small sigh of relief. Currently, Sandshrew's two most feared opponents were those that could fly and those that were fast.

After all, once Sandshrew performed Rollout, it would lose sight of its opponent, and the direction of its attacks would largely depend on Ryoma's commands. If the opponent was too fast, he wouldn't have enough time to give effective commands.

"Sandshrew, turn to the eight o'clock position counterclockwise!"

Just as he said this, as Electabuzz dodged the attack, Ryoma's voice rang out.

Sandshrew understood the command perfectly; as it rolled toward the edge of the arena, it executed a beautiful drift, turning counterclockwise as per Ryoma's instructions. It then charged straight toward the eight o'clock direction.

And in that direction was the position where Electabuzz currently stood!

"What?!"

Seeing Sandshrew execute Ryoma's command perfectly shocked everyone in the arena.

This level of Rollout required not only mastery of the move and a good sense of direction from Sandshrew but also crucial synergy between the Pokémon and the Trainer!

"Can it really control its direction so perfectly?"

"No, Rollout moves increase in power with each attack. If it continues rolling, Electabuzz could be in danger!"

In the midst of Quick Attack, Raiden quickly assessed the situation and commanded, "Electabuzz, use Quick Attack to speed up and stop that rolling Sandshrew!"

Upon receiving the command, Electabuzz was enveloped in a flash of white light, bursting forward, arms outstretched, with sparks of electricity dancing around it as it charged straight at the Rollout-bound Sandshrew!

Ryoma's heart sank. If Sandshrew's Rollout was intercepted by Electabuzz, it would have no chance against Electabuzz in a close combat fight, taking multiple hits!

He immediately ordered Sandshrew to perform a lateral drift, avoiding Electabuzz's charge, and then began circling around the arena while continuing its Rollout.

"Wait, it actually dodged?!"

"It looks like this challenger intends to let the power of the Rollout attack reach its peak, then win with a single decisive blow!"

The spectators watched intently as Sandshrew continued to roll. They knew that the next moment could determine the outcome of the battle!

As Rollout continued, Sandshrew's speed increased, and the Rock-type energy around it grew denser. Eventually, it transformed into a visible wave of energy, swirling around Sandshrew like the shimmering heat ripples on a hot summer road.