"Scizor, use Bullet Punch!"
At Ishida's command, Scizor rushed toward its opponent as swift as the wind and as fast as a bolt of lightning.
Its opponent was a Jolteon. This time, Ishida's opponent had failed to guess which Pokémon Ishida would use. Since Ishida carried six Pokémon with him, it was difficult to predict or deduce his rotation.
Consequently, the following battle relied entirely on their true individual strength.
Eichi watched from below as Scizor delivered a heavy Bullet Punch to Jolteon's body. Seeing Scizor made him smile slightly; Ishida's Scizor had improved significantly since their last battle. Furthermore, with Eichi's own Scizor serving as a model during the wilderness trial, its progress was nothing short of immense.
Currently, Scizor's strength had jumped to the top spot among Ishida's Pokémon.
Before long, Jolteon lost its ability to battle under Scizor's overwhelming speed and offensive pressure.
The Indigo Academy opponent recalled Jolteon and released a second Pokémon: Charizard.
Eichi observed that its level was the same as Scizor's, but it possessed a fourfold type advantage. Scizor was in a dangerous position now. As expected, Charizard immediately unleashed various Fire-type moves upon entering the fray.
Scizor relied on its lightning-fast speed to dodge Charizard's attacks. However, Charizard's trainer was clever and ordered it to use Fire Spin to trap Scizor.
Scizor took massive damage, especially since Charizard had unknowingly shrouded the entire battlefield in flames. This tactic was excellent, specifically prepared to counter a Scizor.
Not long after, a single Fire Blast from Charizard ignited the entire field. The power of the attack was too great; Scizor was caught in the explosion and immediately lost its ability to battle.
Ishida recalled Scizor with a look of frustration and released his second Pokémon, Mantine.
Eichi found this quite rare; he hadn't even seen Ishida use this Pokémon during the wilderness trial. However, this Mantine appeared at just the right time. In terms of typing, it countered Charizard, and since it could fly, it had no obvious shortcomings.
As the match began, both sides first used long-range moves to test each other. A stream of water collided with flames, canceling each other out and vanishing into steam.
Ishida and his opponent wore different expressions as they engaged in a second probe. Consequently, Ishida discovered an undeniable fact: although Mantine countered Charizard, the power of its moves seemed insufficient.
What followed was a continuous clash between the two Pokémon. Charizard stopped using Fire-type moves and instead switched to physical attacks. During the confrontation, Mantine exposed its greatest flaw—its movement speed was incredibly slow. It simply couldn't dodge Charizard's strikes.
Ishida had no better options and could only watch as Mantine was repeatedly struck, finally losing its ability to battle.
Ishida glanced at Eichi and the others below the stage. Seeing no negative reaction—only Matsumoto giving him an encouraging look—he felt relieved. He had been a bit afraid that Eichi and the others would look down on him.
Bolstered by this, he gathered his spirits to continue the fight. He recalled Mantine and released his third Pokémon, Sudowoodo.
Sudowoodo, based on its name and appearance, looked exactly like a tree. Despite its tree-like appearance, it was not a Grass-type but a Rock-type Pokémon, which was quite peculiar.
His opponent's expression shifted upon seeing Sudowoodo. What is going on? the boy thought. Where did this Sudowoodo come from? It wasn't in the data!
Seeing his opponent's confused expression, Ishida let out a triumphant smile. Where did this Sudowoodo come from? It was naturally brought from his own home.
The situation was now very favorable for Ishida. Sudowoodo was a Rock-type Pokémon, giving it a fourfold advantage over Charizard. Therefore, its moves dealt considerable damage.
Ishida's opponent suddenly found the situation tricky, but he had no choice but to push forward. He wanted to exploit Sudowoodo's inability to fly to wear it down, but he was still too green.
Ishida used a small trick to lure Charizard into close quarters. Once it was near, it couldn't get away. Sudowoodo delivered a sequence of moves that took it out directly.
Now it was down to the final Pokémon for both sides. Ishida watched his opponent recall Charizard and release a third Pokémon, Slowbro.
The two sides clashed once more. The Silver Academy spectators below were extremely nervous; every match was vital now. Everyone focused intently on the battle.
Slowbro was a Water and Psychic-type Pokémon, giving it a double advantage. However, this Slowbro's level and talent were quite average, which was good news for Sudowoodo.
After ten minutes of fierce combat, both Pokémon simultaneously unleashed their ultimate moves. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, both Pokémon collapsed at the same time. The referee ran to check each Pokémon and announced a draw.
Ishida was drenched in sweat. He found the fact hard to accept, but it had already happened and he had to live with it.
Below, Eichi let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, it was only a draw. If he had lost, everything would have been over.
When Ishida came down, everyone offered him praise.
It was now time for lunch, and the competition was paused to resume in the afternoon. As they headed out, the atmosphere on both sides was heavy, though the Indigo Academy side was slightly more relaxed. After all, they had won four rounds and had the confidence that came with it.
In the afternoon, after a few hours of rest, the competition resumed. The electronic screen buzzed, and Matsumoto's name appeared.
Matsumoto knew it was his turn to take the field. As he passed Sato, Sato suddenly remarked, "Don't lose, or it'll be too embarrassing."
Matsumoto paused and replied, "Don't worry. I'm Matsumoto; I won't lose."
He said the last sentence to himself. On the field, Matsumoto saw his opponent. Come on, he thought. No matter who it is, I won't lose.
The match officially began as both sides released their Pokémon. Two massive Pokémon appeared on the field. Both Pokémon simultaneously released their pressure. Even before the referee announced the start, their auras were already clashing.
Only the two trainers knew the result of that clash of spirits. Matsumoto suddenly revealed a confident smile.
"Battle begin!"
"Ursaring, use Fury Swipes!"
"Roar!"
Ursaring let out a violent roar and stomped its right foot heavily on the ground. Then, it charged recklessly toward its opponent.