Chapter 78: A Challenge from Ash. Skyman and Seaman also experienced the joy of tandem riding once again, and Natsuki thoroughly enjoyed it.
Frankly, at this point, Natsuki couldn't resist the urge to act like a rogue.
However, Natsuki used his Aura to suppress the raging fire, preventing Sonia from noticing anything amiss.
It worked; it was like a sudden cool breeze in the sweltering heat, allowing him to maintain his composure and calm down.
Of course, Natsuki didn't consider the other possibility: Sonia had already noticed, but she hadn't said anything.
The two strolled around a large shopping mall in Cinnabar City for a while, then Natsuki found a barbecue restaurant and took Sonia to try the local-style barbecue.
For Natsuki, this was actually the first time he had such a relaxed outing since his transmigration.
In his previous life, the pressure of life made it difficult for him to even breathe. Now, transmigrated to the Pokémon world, although he still faced various pressures, at least he wasn't as miserable as in his previous life.
After finishing their barbecue, Xia Mu took Sonia for a long stroll, buying two milk teas and plenty of snacks.
Xia Mu had been in a relationship in his past life, but his expertise in the field wasn't deep, so he didn't have many ways to build a closer relationship. Despite having various fantasies, none of them were suitable for him to put into practice. It wasn't
until after 1 PM that Xia Mu took Sonia back on his Arcanine.
The journey was no longer silent; he actively sought topics, allowing them to understand each other better.
Actually, Xia Mu's personality and Sonia's were somewhat complementary, and their values were similar; otherwise, even with their intimate interactions and shared experiences, they wouldn't have been able to connect.
Back at the Cinnabar Gym, a considerable crowd had already gathered in front.
Unlike the morning, there were even more people in the afternoon, and Xia Mu even recognized several familiar figures among them:
Ash, Brock, Misty, Sweetie, Ariel, Sora, and Seaman…
When they parted yesterday, they had indeed said they would come to challenge him, and he hadn't expected them to actually come.
Natsuki and Sonia dismounted from Arcanine's back, smiles on their faces.
Although everyone's memories had been altered, the memories remaining in Natsuki and Sonia's minds made them feel more familiar with Ash and his friends, as well as Sora and Seaman, since they had experienced the Mewtwo incident together.
As for Sonia and Ariel, they had met on Oboro Island and came to Cinnabar Island together.
Because of Natsuki's return, many trainers flocked to him, including some who had battled him before.
After calming everyone down, Natsuki then communicated with the black-clad security guards at the Cinnabar Gym to confirm the battle arrangements and instruct them to prepare.
During this process, Natsuki finally had the opportunity to stand before Ash and his friends.
Sonia had already spoken to them, and it was clear that after the Mewtwo incident, she had a special fondness for Ash and his friends.
In Natsuki's opinion, perhaps this was due to the protagonist's halo? Although his arrival changed many plot points, the luck surrounding Ash wouldn't disappear easily; this was just the beginning.
"Brother Natsuki, we meet again! I never expected so many people to line up to challenge the gym today," Ash greeted excitedly.
Hearing this, Natsuki replied naturally, "Yeah, I thought you guys weren't coming."
"Hehe, how could that be? I really want to battle with Brother Xia Mu. If I miss this opportunity, this trip will have been a waste. Although I've already obtained the Crimson Badge for the Crimson Gym, I still want to challenge you!" Ash clenched his fist, speaking with great confidence.
This kind of behavior truly shows the fearlessness of a newborn calf.
Coupled with Pikachu's eager expression, it certainly exuded confidence.
Misty and Brock were somewhat helpless, but it had to be said that it was precisely because of Ash's drive that they were willing to travel with him.
It must be said, the protagonist is the protagonist; Ash's actions resonated with some people around him.
"I understand, but we'll have to wait a little while. Everyone should go in order, after all, I can't let you cut in line just because I know you." Xia Mu maintained his smile, then greeted Xiaotian and Ali beside him. They weren't there to challenge, just to watch the excitement. They
had definitely seen the excitement, especially Xia Mu and Sonia returning together on their Arcanine, their posture ambiguous—clearly a couple.
Ali didn't feel anything, but Xiaotian felt a little uneasy.
Although she wasn't an adult yet, she was still a sixteen-year-old girl, and her mind was mature enough that it was impossible for her not to have feelings for Xia Mu.
The feeling of being outmaneuvered made her very uncomfortable.
She was the one who met Xia Mu first, yet Sonia and Xia Mu had developed such a close relationship so quickly.
After greeting Ali and Xiaotian, Xia Mu nodded to Kong Nan and Hai Nan.
Xia Mu already knew their strength well after the Mewtwo incident.
Although they all had Crimson Badges, they weren't there for the badges. They had no
other goal than to battle stronger trainers.
The more like them they were, the stronger they were.
Under Xia Mu's arrangement, this challenge was different from the previous ones; he wouldn't let them enter one by one.
Xia Mu planned to let all the challengers enter the arena to watch. Since they were
going to challenge him anyway, he might as well make it all public.
He also wanted everyone to clearly see his strength.
The reason for holding this public competition was also to shut up some of the critics.
While having lunch in Cinnabar City, Xia Mu and Sonia overheard a lot of gossip.
Many people questioned the strength of Xia Mu, the acting Gym Leader of Cinnabar City.
Because the challenge mode was one-on-one and not open to the public, only one person could enter at a time, and the next person could only enter after that person finished.
In short, they criticized possible behind-the-scenes manipulation and cheating.
Xia Mu had to admit that after hearing these sharp analyses, he found them reasonable.
So this battle method was somewhat influenced by those critics.
Actually, Xia Mu guessed that Blaine arranged it this way because he was afraid Xia Mu's strength wasn't enough, or that the gym would be overrun by a group of trainers, hence this semi-covert battle method, one by one.
Even if he lost badly, he could maintain public relations afterwards.
Led by Xia Mu and the black-clad security guards, the group of dozens entered the gym one by one.
Then, after registering with the gym administrator, they lined up in order and sat in the spectator area. ...
As the afternoon gym battles began, Blaine, despite the different format, also took the time to watch.
No one knew his exact location.
The rules remained the same: one-on-one, the winner takes the badge, the loser leaves the arena.
The opening match was with a formidable elite trainer; Xia Mu remembered him as one of the skilled trainers who had challenged him a couple of days prior.
Judging from his confident demeanor, he was clearly well-prepared.
And indeed, he had gathered sufficient intelligence; seeing Xia Mu send out the Psychic-type Gardevoir, he countered with a level 43 Pinsir.
"Using a Bug-type Pinsir for a type advantage battle? While it does have a type advantage, it doesn't guarantee a win," Xia Mu said with a smile.
Across from him, Xinzhe's expression was serious: "Of course I dare not be careless, after all, my opponent is you. In my entire life, I have never encountered a Gym Leader who could beat me so badly, so this time, I must get my revenge!"
With that, Xinzhe raised his hand and commanded Kairos to attack: "Go, Kairos, close range, use X-Scissor!"
'Knock knock~~!' Kairos let out a rough cry, then charged forward with brute force.
It looked truly frightening, especially since Kairos's appearance was already unsettling. Its Mighty Might ability allowed it to attack without being affected by its opponent's ability, allowing it to unleash its moves.
Kairos was extremely fast, and Xia Mu could roughly confirm that this Kairos had excelled in speed training.
"Although I really don't want to discourage you, if I ignore your blatant attack, it would be too lenient... Gardevoir, Magical Flame." Xia Mu showed no mercy.
Even though it was his second challenge, and even though his opponent's strength was indeed impressive, he might consider giving him a badge.
However, if he couldn't deliver a battle that would impress him, he definitely wouldn't give him the badge so easily.
While the power of the magical flame attack was only average, it was undoubtedly a perfect counter to the Bug-type Kairos.
Most importantly, there was a four-level difference in level, an absolute crushing advantage in Special Attack, and Kairos's weakness in Defense; if this attack hit, it could instantly KO the opponent.
"What? Your Gardevoir can use Fire-type moves?!" Xinzhe was clearly startled.
His previous investigation only mentioned that Gardevoir's psychic abilities were extremely powerful, and that all of its moves were psychic-related. He hadn't expected Gardevoir to know Fire-type moves.
Hearing Xinzhe's words, Xia Mu knew that while this kid had some strength, he was stubborn.
Since he had already investigated the Pokémon in Xinzhe's possession, he should go online and research what moves Gardevoir could learn.
The Pokémon database on the Pokémon League's official website does mention what moves Pokémon can learn, although it's not comprehensive and many moves are still unknown. However, the record for Gardevoir states that it can learn Fire, Electric, Grass, and even Ice-type moves.
Under the sweep of magical flames, Pinsir was hit before it could even get close and was sent flying.
Surprisingly, Pinsir didn't immediately lose its ability to battle, but bravely survived.
However, it was also at its limit. Xia Mu gave the order again, and Gardevoir fired another Aura Sphere, finishing off Pinsir.
Aura Sphere—this wasn't something Xia Mu bought Gardevoir to learn with a TM; it was something Gardevoir learned from Lucario.
It was an unexpected surprise.
"Pinsir is unable to battle. Gym Leader wins.
Please, Xinzhe, leave the arena. Next challenger, Sanyang, please enter the arena." "
Under the judge's ruling, Xinzhe tasted defeat once again.
'Pokémon battles aren't just about type; winning depends on factors like level, move usage, and tactical teamwork. Your reckless attack, even if you win by type, will severely damage your Pinsir. So next time you use Pinsir, remember not to attack so directly; use some tactics.' Xia Mu advised Xinzhe. Although
Xia Mu himself had many flaws, as the victor, he had the right to say these words.
If he were Pinsir's trainer, he would at least make Gardevoir pay .
'Thank you for the advice…' Xinzhe's face was pale. After recalling Pinsir, he left the arena without looking back. At
thirteen or fourteen, he was in the height of his rebellious phase, excessively self-centered, and unwilling to listen to much advice.
Watching Xinzhe leave, Xia Mu's attention turned to the second challenger. '
Should we change our Pokémon?'" "Or should we continue with Gardevoir?" Sanyang faced Natsuki, and even after watching Xinzhe's battle, he remained calm and fearless.
Natsuki nodded: "Continue, send out your Pokémon."
Hearing Natsuki's words, Sanyang grinned, seemingly pleased: "That's good, go for it, Haunter!"
A Ghost-type Haunter, level 39, quite good, but unfortunately not Gengar.
No wonder it wasn't afraid of Gardevoir and had such a confident attitude.
"Compared to the challengers this morning, the afternoon challengers are indeed of higher quality, so let me see what you've got." Natsuki didn't attack first, once again handing the initiative to the challenger.
"I couldn't be happier! Haunter, Dark Pulse!" "Sanyang gave the command, and Haunter immediately understood, licking its lips and grinning mischievously.
Its two illusory ghostly hands converged, forming a circle of dark purple light, before unleashing a powerful attack aimed directly at Gardevoir. "Take
this
! Aura Sphere!" Xia Mu reacted swiftly without hesitation.
For Gardevoir, trained as a special attacker, Aura Sphere was nothing to fear.
Even without any EVs invested, the current level difference meant that even with a type advantage, what was there to fear? Besides, moves could counter type advantages.
A loud 'Bang!!!' echoed.
Aura Sphere and Dark Pulse exploded from the impact, canceling each other out.
At the same time, something unexpected happened: Haunter suddenly appeared behind Gardevoir, launching a sneak attack with a highly effective strike.
Gardevoir's psychic abilities had sensed something, allowing it to avoid a fatal blow.
However, it had indeed taken damage, surprising Xia Mu.
His gaze lingered on Haunter's move list for a moment before he recognized the move and praised, "Not bad. Having Haunter use Surprise Attack during the brief interval between explosions really caught me off guard."
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(End of Chapter)