Chapter 132: Humans and Pokémon Living in Harmony (Third Update Complete!)
2024-05-15 Author: Samsung Charmander (Author Name)
"Hah!"
Master Ma let out a low shout and threw a heavy punch.
The Urshifu beside him instantly sprang into action. Its fist, shrouded in a dark glow, moved in a flash. Incineroar couldn't react at all and was sent flying by the punch, only stopping when it slammed into the arena ropes.
"Heh heh, young man, your strength is quite impressive for your age, but you're still a long way off from my disciple."
Master Ma, his shirt now torn off, chuckled lightly. His face beamed with pride at the mention of his disciple.
The disciple he spoke of was about the same age as this Masked Man, but his strength was exceedingly formidable, not much inferior to his own.
At the Galar Champion League at the end of this year, though it was said to be a contest between powerhouses, it was more or less certain that he would be the one to become champion, barring any surprises.
Of course, Master Ma was referring to Pokémon battles, not a one-sided fighting tournament.
He could tell that this Masked Man was likely more of a trainer than a proper martial artist.
At this thought, his passion for battle stirred, and he offered a piece of advice:
"Your battle style is too limited. Battle more experts; it will help you improve."
"Thank you for your guidance, Master Ma!"
The Masked Man hurriedly gave Master Ma a serious bow. His voice, unlike his rough appearance, had the quality of a reserved scholar.
Ever since he had stepped out of the Alola Region, he'd found that the experts he met were on a completely different level from the local trainers.
Random trainers, Gym Leaders, the League Conference, the Elite Four, the Champion...
This only served to strengthen his conviction!
He yearned to establish a Pokémon League in his own homeland, allowing all the trainers of Alola to participate, to battle and grow together!
But he would absolutely not lose today's battle!
With this thought, the Masked Man took a deep breath. To the confusion of everyone watching, he struck a series of strange poses on the spot.
As if he were dancing, a red crystal on the Z-Ring on his wrist began to emit a blinding red light.
The Masked Man suddenly spoke, his voice a mighty roar:
"Burn! Let the flames of victory burn this venue to the ground!"
Incineroar roared, then leaped onto an arena corner post. It spread its arms wide, basking in the cheers of the roaring crowd as its presence reached a crescendo.
Then, it crossed its arms and flung them outward. A terrifyingly hot flame erupted around its entire body, the outer edges coated in a sinister black.
Next, Incineroar leaped high into the sky, its blazing body merging with the arena lights.
Its fiery form tilted downward and, wreathed in black flames, it dove toward the unmoving Urshifu on the arena floor!
"Malicious Moonsault!!!"
The Masked Man yelled, throwing a heavy punch as he called out the move's name.
"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"
A terrifying flash of fire and a thunderous explosion shot skyward. The entire arena trembled violently. The sound of the impact seemed to travel from the second dimension to the third; even the audience watching on screen felt a jolt run through them, stunned by the overwhelming battle intent, as if their own television was shaking.
The television screen really was shaking. A moment later, a blur of snowy static completely covered the screen.
"BOOM!"
Then, the television let out an explosive pop, and scorched white smoke rose from its back. The screen went dark.
"That's it?"
"Are you f***ing kidding me!"
"I was just getting into it!"
Complaints erupted from the surrounding crowd.
Ash, who had been sitting at the very front and was completely engrossed, couldn't stand being cut off at the climax. He rushed forward and started frantically slapping the television, trying to bring the signal back.
"Smack!"
With too much force, the television was knocked straight to the ground, collapsing into a pile of spare parts.
Ash: ?
Seeing that a brawl was about to break out, Brock quickly stepped in, laughing nervously as he explained, "It's alright, everyone. I saw the live broadcast. Master Ma won in the end."
He was a loyal fan of the P1 Grand Prix and had watched the entirety of this battle live two years ago.
In fact, the move he now used in Gym battles—ripping his shirt off—was something he had secretly learned from Master Ma.
But as soon as he finished speaking, the gazes of many people in the crowd, and even Ash, fell upon Brock, a dangerous glint in their eyes.
Even if you have a peaceful, Buddha-like nature, a spoiler is always the most detested kind of person.
Brock: ?
Afterward, Ash took his fully-rested Pokémon to the training ground in the backyard of the Pokémon Center.
The battle on the screen had his blood boiling. Compared to the final champion, Master Ma, Ash was more eager to have a thrilling, all-out battle with that cool Masked Man and his Incineroar.
"Come on out!"
In high spirits, Ash tossed out three Poké Balls. Red light flashed, but only two Pokémon appeared on the training ground, along with a single paper fan that fluttered down by itself.
On the paper fan was a small note.
"This place is too small. Afraid there are no lady ghosts. Gone to the big city next door."
"Don't worry."
Although the note was covered in bizarre scribbles, Ash still understood the meaning it was trying to convey.
The Strongest Gengar's Urban Love Hunt.
The Comeback!
"..."
Ash fought back the urge to run to Celadon City on the spot and drag Gengar back, turning his gaze to the other two Pokémon before him.
One irritable monkey, and one irritable fire dragon.
Primeape was quite a bit larger than Charmeleon.
However, both Pokémon gave Ash a disdainful look, then shot a similarly disdainful look at each other, before finally averting their eyes and standing there with a lazy, indifferent posture.
It was a far cry from the image of Incineroar in Ash's mind just five minutes ago.
"Ahem, you two, no whispering. I'm going to explain the plan for tomorrow."
Ash coughed, addressing the two troublemakers before him with a serious expression:
"Tomorrow is the P1 Grand Prix. I plan to choose one of you two to enter. The goal is to win the championship of this city-level P1 Grand Prix. Do you have the confidence?!"
Hearing this, a flicker of interest appeared in Primeape's eyes, but it quickly pretended nothing had happened.
Charmeleon, on the other hand, let out a yawn, clearly uninterested in the fighting competition.
Ash took in the expressions and actions of both Pokémon and secretly made his choice.
But he hadn't brought these two troublemakers out together just to decide who would compete.
He had only one goal: to get them to work together, stop the infighting, and follow his command to win.
In other words, they had to be obedient.
A team can only go further if its members are united!
"I know you might not be convinced. You probably think your strength is far greater than your trainer's..."
"Grr-rowl!"
"Grr-rowl!"
Both Pokémon nodded repeatedly, as if to say, "Don't state the obvious."
"Hah! In that case, let's cut the talk. We're settling this today!"
Ash suddenly shouted, making both of them jump.
"Grr-rowl!" "Grr-rowl!"
The dragon and the monkey glared at Ash with hostile, complaining looks.
If you have something to say, just say it. Why are you yelling so loud?!
But Ash simply took off his shirt, revealing lean yet powerful muscles. His skin, exposed to the air, had a healthy, wheat-colored glow. Every cell of his being seemed to brim with immense vitality. His two clear, sharp eyes glared predatorily at the two Pokémon before him.
In an instant, an ancient, primordial aura washed over them, causing both Primeape and Charmeleon's expressions to turn grim. They couldn't help but take a step back.
It was as if taking off his shirt had unleashed a terrifying primordial beast...
"Come on. Are you two going to team up, or am I going to take you both on?"
Ash's eyes glinted fiercely. He pointed a thumb at himself, his expression cocky as he spoke, word by word, "Today, I, Super Ash, will give you a little demonstration of tough love!"
Since they both thought they were stronger than him, then they would truly clash and see who was really the strongest!
"I, Ash, am by no means a low-level trainer!"
Red, who was watching the show from within his soul: "..."
*So that's what you mean by 'low-level'? Level is determined by your brain!*
Seeing that both of them were too intimidated to make a move, Ash's lips curled into a smirk. He immediately charged forward, tackling both Pokémon and dragging them to the ground.
"Grr-rowl!"
"Grr-rowl!"
Only then did the two Pokémon snap back to their senses. Fighting spirit blazed in their eyes. When it came to a brawl, they were more than ready!
They immediately counter-attacked, intending to teach their arrogant trainer a lesson in return.
As a human, he actually dared to compete with them, Pokémon, in physical strength?
Ridiculous!
"Ah, roooar!!"
Charmeleon swung its arm, unleashing a Dark Hell Thrust as it aimed a vicious draconic drill for Ash's rear.
"Hah! Stupid dragon, watch my Bullet Punch!"
But Ash's fist shot out like lightning, a step ahead, and slammed into one of Charmeleon's eyes, turning it into a panda-dragon.
"Eat my High Jump Kick!!"
He then spun around with a kick that landed squarely on Primeape's nose, bringing tears to its eyes.
"Grr-rowl!!" "Grr-rowl!!"
The dragon and the monkey, now enraged, pounced on Ash. Punches and kicks flew, and for a moment, the training ground was filled with a cloud of dust.
"What a harmonious picture of Pokémon and humans living together..."
Brock and Misty, watching from the side, couldn't help but let a pleased smile grace their lips.
This was truly the ultimate entertainment.
(end of chapter)