"Worthy of Elite Four Bruno's Machop."
From that exchange just now, Grey had a clear read on Machop's real combat strength. "But next… how are you going to deal with this?"
The moment those words fell, Bruno's expression shifted slightly.
Machop also sensed something "off" about Timburr and took a few steps back.
Enemy retreats, I retreat. Even though Timburr's raw strength was still a bit behind Machop's at this stage, Machop felt one thing for sure—
This Timburr wasn't that simple.
So…
Grey was definitely hiding something!
That was exactly what both Machop and Bruno were thinking.
"Mach Punch!"
Grey shouted sharply.
Timburr shot forward like a bullet. Its body blurred into afterimages, the air cracking with a sonic boom as fighting energy shimmered over the surface of its lumber.
Boom!!
In an instant, that punch slammed squarely into Machop's abdomen, and the shockwave kicked up dust all around them.
Machop grunted, reaching out to grab—
But Timburr sprang back using the recoil, and the lumber carved a sharp arc through the air.
Thwack!
With a heavy, dull impact, the lumber smacked Machop cleanly on the temple.
Machop swayed, vision darkening for a moment, yet its Fighting-type instincts kept its stance intact.
One action, two instances of damage—this was an advantage only weapon-bearing Pokemon like Timburr could create.
Of course, it required genuine understanding of the weapon to pull it off.
"One strike, two hits… what a beautiful use of momentum!"
Bruno's thick brows rose high, his arms unconsciously mimicking the movement.
As an Elite Four specialist in Fighting-types, he understood better than anyone how exquisite that combo was.
Timburr used its forward rush to amplify the punch, then completed the follow-up with the lumber as it pulled away—smooth, natural, and clean.
But what impressed him even more was—
Grey had only started raising this Timburr two or three days ago, yet it was already using the lumber in such a nasty, tricky way.
Bruno rubbed his chin, remembering how he'd once seen the little guy practicing alone in the morning mist.
Back then it had still been awkwardly adjusting its grip.
Who would've thought it could already execute such veteran tactics now?
"Looks like some people are just born knowing how to teach a Pokemon to fight with a weapon."
Bruno laughed and slapped his solid knee, his curiosity about Grey's training methods growing even stronger.
When it came to raising Fighting-types, Grey's skill wasn't inferior to that famous "breeder" at all…
"But—"
Bruno's biceps bulged as he shouted, "Machop, use Close Combat!"
"Mach!"
Machop roared. Brownish fighting energy erupted around it, and its muscles swelled a full size larger as power flooded through its body.
It stomped hard—crack!—the battle field fractured under its feet, and Machop launched like a cannonball straight at Timburr in midair!
"Now—Brick Break!"
Grey's command hit almost simultaneously.
Timburr stayed calm under pressure. It tightened its core and twisted in midair by force.
The lumber glowed with Fighting energy, then came down with a mountain-splitting chop!
Boom—bang!
The moment lumber met Machop's rushing fists, a crisp clash rang out like metal striking metal!
Machop's power was greater—it actually blasted the heavy lumber and Timburr together up and away!
And in that lightning-fast moment—
Timburr suddenly exerted force, flipping itself onto the lumber.
Then it kicked off the lumber with both feet—
Like a gymnast, it completed a clean flip in midair.
Meanwhile, Machop—having lost its target—slammed down hard toward the ground under its own momentum.
Whoosh!
Dust exploded. Before Machop could steady itself, a slicing sound cut through the air from above!
Timburr dove like a hawk, the sharp edge of Brick Break wrapped around its palm as it chopped downward!
By the time Machop realized it, it was too late.
Timburr's chop landed, smashing into Machop's head and dealing heavy damage!
"This…"
After that flowing, seamless sequence, even Bruno couldn't help clapping.
Clap, clap, clap…
The applause was thunderous.
Outside the battle field, the spectators watching the fight couldn't help feeling stunned at Grey's training.
They were both early-stage Pokemon, sure—but to threaten Bruno's Machop like this, and with a battle plan that wasn't just random impulse…
It was genuinely educational.
A lot of Trainers who used Fighting-types watched closely, absorbing everything they could from both sides.
It was entirely possible that after this battle, the overall level of Fighting-type Trainers in Kanto would rise by a whole tier.
[It's not over yet, right? But that Timburr was insane just now!]
[Yeah—how does Grey even raise a Timburr like that? This is blowing my mind.]
[That's a very good Timburr, yes. Weapon handling and conditioning are both on par with my Pokemon—no, it's even starting to surpass them.]
In the chat, two big-name veterans who clearly had experience raising Fighting-types openly praised Grey's Timburr.
Even if neither side was using their main team, this Timburr was obviously being trained to main-team standards.
The effort and focus required for that would exhaust most people.
Was this… the power of an Aura user?
For centuries, Aura users had been far too rare.
So they naturally chalked up Grey's ability to raise such a strong Pokemon to Aura itself.
The battle continued.
Machop trembled as it stood back up.
That last hit had nailed a vital spot.
No Guard didn't increase crit rate, sure—but taking a blow like that to the head? There was no way it wouldn't leave it dizzy.
"Machop, stay sharp. That Timburr is weird as hell—don't relax."
Even with Bulk Up boosting Defense, a critical hit ignored those Defense boosts…
And Machop's Close Combat had hit Timburr's lumber.
Meaning that Bulk Up just now had basically been for nothing.
Tch. A total loss.
Bruno wiped his face, then slicked his messy hair back. "Machop—Abyss Roll!"
The moment the command fell, Machop's eyes flashed.
It bent its knees hard—crack—spiderweb fractures spread across the ground from the recoil.
Using that explosive force, Machop lunged at Timburr again!
Timburr stared at the charging Machop and raised both arms into a guarding stance.
"Detect!"
Grey's command came sharp and fast.
"What?!"
Bruno's eyebrow jumped.
He knew Detect was a move Timburr could inherit.
But…
Wasn't Timburr's inherited move supposed to be Mach Punch?
In just one day, did it use a Mirror Herb to learn another inherited move too?
Grey, you really do know what you're doing when it comes to raising Fighting-types!
Bruno's grin split wide.
No wonder you're a Trainer I acknowledge.
Kanto really is blessed.
For a moment, Bruno could practically see it—
Grey stepping on Lance, leading Kanto to become the strongest region of them all…
//Check out my P@tre0n for 30 extra chapters on all my fanfics //[email protected]/Razeil0810.