After his special training in Binu City came to a close, a piece of exciting news reached Ash's ears: Master Bruno, one of the Kanto Elite Four, was currently undergoing a month-long period of ascetic training at Mt. Hideaway.
For Ash, who was currently preparing for the Indigo Plateau Conference, this was undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Without a moment's hesitation, he decided to visit this fighting master, who was renowned for his strictness.
Misty and Brock were also full of anticipation for this meeting. The three of them quickly organized their gear and set off toward Mt. Hideaway, a mountain famous for its rugged and steep terrain.
Mt. Hideaway was located in the northeastern part of the Kanto region, known for its unique geography and abundance of Rock-type Pokémon. The winding mountain path leading to the summit was scattered with jagged rocks,
and rock pillars of various shapes stood like groups of natural sculptures. Occasionally, a few Geodudes could be seen rolling leisurely along the rock walls, or a Graveler dozing under the sunlight.
"I've heard that although Master Bruno specializes in using Fighting-type Pokémon, his training methods integrate the essence of Rock-types and other elements," Brock said, gazing up at the cloud-piercing peaks with eyes full of admiration. "In the industry, he is known as the trainer 'closest to a Pokémon's heart.'"
Ash nodded, unconsciously touching the Poké Ball clipped to his waist. Inside was his Primeape, which he had been focusing on training recently.
"That's exactly what we need. There's less than a month left until the Indigo Plateau Conference, and we need a further breakthrough."
As they traveled along the winding mountain road, the ground suddenly shook violently. At first, they thought it was an ordinary earthquake, but they soon realized something was wronga massive "boulder" was rolling rapidly down the slope.
As the object drew closer, they could clearly see that it was an exceptionally large Onix!
"This Onix... it's at least twice the size of a normal one!" Misty exclaimed, instinctively taking a step back.
This giant Onix had a deep grey metallic luster across its entire body, and each segment of its rocky form looked as if it had been meticulously polished. It let out a deafening roar, clearly viewing Ash and his friends as intruders in its territory. Its thick tail swept forward with the sound of a sonic boom, kicking up clouds of dust that blinded the eyes.
"Primeape, I choose you!" Ash shouted, sending out his partner to face the challenge without hesitation.
Primeape leaped from its Poké Ball, showing no fear despite the massive size difference of its opponent. It nimbly dodged the Onix's initial slam and countered with a sharp Karate Chop against the rocky body, yet it only left a shallow white mark on the hard surface.
"Its defense is incredible," Brock analyzed calmly. "Ordinary attacks will find it hard to deal any real damage. You need to find its weakness."
Ash carefully observed the Onix's movement patterns and noticed that when it turned, the joints between its segments revealed slight openings. "Primeape, watch the connections between the rocks! Use Cross Chop!"
Primeape understood immediately. Using its agile movements, it quickly circled behind the Onix and unleashed a Cross Chop directly at the connections between the rock segments.
This attack was clearly effective. The Onix let out a roar of pain, and its turning speed became visibly sluggish.
The battle that followed turned exceptionally fierce. The Onix used Rock Tomb, causing countless boulders to fall from the sky. Primeape wove through the falling rubble, dodging with precision and closing in for attacks whenever an opportunity arose. Ash's commands and the Pokémon's roars echoed through the valley; in that moment, their hearts were tied tightly together.
Just as the Onix's stamina began to fail and its movements grew heavy, Ash saw his opening and threw a Poké Ball. The ball drew a graceful arc through the air, striking the Onix squarely on the forehead. The sphere shook violently on the ground, each vibration tugging at everyone's heartstrings.
Finally, after three shakes, the Poké Ball emitted a crisp chime. The capture was a success.
"Well done!" A booming voice came from further up the mountain path. The voice was full of vitality, sending echoes rippling through the peaks.
A brawny man wearing a traditional karate gi stepped slowly from behind a massive rock. His bronze skin glowed with a healthy luster under the sun, and his well-defined muscles spoke of the results of years of rigorous training. It was the Elite Four member, Bruno himself.
"Master Bruno!" The three of them recognized him immediately and greeted him in unison, their voices filled with sincere respect.
Bruno's gaze moved past Ash, landing directly on the panting Primeape that had just finished its battle. "Young man, your Primeape has great potential. Especially that unyielding fighting spirit in its eyesthat is the most precious quality of a Fighting-type Pokémon."
His tone shifted as his gaze sharpened. "However, there is still significant room for improvement in the application of technique and the mastery of battle rhythm. Would you like to have a guidance battle?"
Ash's eyes lit up, and he nodded without hesitation. "I would be honored!"
Bruno sent out a Hitmonchan. This Hitmonchan had eyes as sharp as a hawk and a stance as steady as a mountain. Its fists were held in a perfect combat posture at all times, and its gloves were covered in scuff marks, clearly the hands of a veteran who had undergone a thousand trials.
"Primeape, use Low Kick!" Ash initiated the offensive.
Primeape closed in rapidly, aiming a sharp kick at the opponent's lower body. However, the Hitmonchan simply retreated half a step, dodging the strike by a mere millimeter. It countered with a Mach Punch, striking Primeape's chest with a speed that was nearly invisible to the naked eye.
"So fast!" Misty couldn't help but gasp. "I couldn't even see its movement!"
Ash's brow furrowed as he realized his opponent's strength far exceeded his expectations. "Pull back and use Swagger to disrupt its rhythm!"
Primeape retreated as ordered, attempting to use provocations to break the opponent's pace. But Hitmonchan's state of mind was like still water, completely unaffected. It moved with a unique, elusive footwork, shifting just enough to dodge every attack while using Drain Punch to constantly sap Primeape's stamina. As Hitmonchan thrived, Primeape's situation grew increasingly dire.
"Do you see?" Bruno's voice was steady and powerful, each word striking deep into Ash's heart. "Fighting is not just a collision of strength; it is a contest of wisdom and experience. Your Primeape possesses a body of raw power but doesn't know how to use it at the most critical moments."
These words awakened Ash. During his previous special training, he had focused solely on having Primeape learn fighting moves, but had rarely engaged it in actual battle training. After all, besides Ash himself, there were few Pokémon that could withstand Primeape's strikes.
Just as Bruno said, though the current Primeape was not inferior in raw power, its timing and grasp of battle rhythm were clearly lacking compared to its opponent. Every one of Hitmonchan's moves had been refined through a thousand trials, its transitions between offense and defense as fluid as running water, as if it were performing a meticulously choreographed dance.
"Don't let the opponent dictate the rhythm!" Ash suddenly realized. "Primeape, calm down! Follow your own pace! Use Rage Fist!"
Hearing this, the confusion in Primeape's eyes was replaced by a firm resolve. It stopped its blind pursuit and began to steady its stance, searching for its own moment to strike. When Hitmonchan came in with another Mach Punch, Primeape didn't dodge. It took the hit full-on and, simultaneously condensing its entire power, unleashed Rage Fist!
The two powerful forces collided violently, erupting in a dazzling light. This time, even Hitmonchan was knocked back several steps, a look of surprise appearing on its face for the first time.
"That's enough." Bruno raised his hand to signal the end, his voice carrying a hint of praise.
Hitmonchan immediately ceased its stance, quietly returning to Bruno's side like a loyal samurai. Having gone through two battles, Primeape was gasping for breath and covered in bruises, but its eyes sparkled with the light of realization. It had clearly learned a great deal from this exchange.
Ash recalled Primeape and bowed sincerely to Bruno. "Thank you for the guidance, Master Bruno. We truly still have much to learn."
Bruno nodded with satisfaction, a rare smile appearing on his bronze face. "The fact that you could realize the problem so quickly proves you are very talented. Remember, a true powerhouse must not only hone their moves but also cultivate their inner self. There is a special bond between you and your Primeape; that is your most precious treasure."
He looked toward the distant mountains, his gaze profound. "I look forward to seeing your progress at the Indigo Plateau Conference."
On the way down the mountain, Ash continued to reflect on the battle. Although it was a guidance match on the surface, he could feel that Master Bruno was conveying a deeper message through that combata message about the true meaning of strength and the understanding between a trainer and their Pokémon that transcends words.
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