My name is Misty, the youngest girl of the Cerulean Gym, and also the strongest Trainer in the Cerulean Gym.
I specialize in Water-type Pokémon and dream of becoming the greatest Water-type Pokémon Master in the world!
But...
Can someone tell me why a Pidgeotto can use the Water-type move, Water Gun?!
It's not that Pokémon of other types can't ever learn Water-type moves.
But there is absolutely no way for a Pidgeotto to learn a Water-type move!!
Only those who have studied a field deeply will understand how absurd it is when something impossible appears in that field!
Right now, Misty had done in-depth research on Water-types.
So she understood clearly just how unbelievable it was for a Pidgeotto to use Water Gun!
What's the difference between this and a Goldeen suddenly learning to fly?!
Okay, fine, this is the "lesson" you're teaching me, right? How am I supposed to learn from that!!!
On the battlefield,
Ash commanded Pidgeotto to dodge Rock Slide gracefully, then counter with another Water Gun!
But this time, Brock reacted quickly and ordered Onix to use Defense Curl to block the attack.
Even so, facing a Pidgeotto that could use Water Gun,
Even with Onix's level advantage, it was still extremely hard to win!
After all, Pidgeotto was extremely agile,
And Water Gun was a long-range move.
If Pidgeotto's speed couldn't be limited, defeat was inevitable!
"Onix, use Sandstorm!"
At Brock's command, Onix let out a thunderous roar.
In an instant, a violent sandstorm swept across the entire battlefield!
The thick dust filled the air, obscuring both the Pokémon's sight and Ash's view.
Brock crossed his arms confidently.
"I don't know why your Pidgeotto knows something as outrageous as Water Gun, but don't underestimate a Gym Leader!"
"In a Pokémon battle, it's not only about the Pokémon's power, but also about the Trainer's ability!"
"Now, let's see how you deal with this, Ash!"
The sandstorm not only blocked Pidgeotto's vision,
It also greatly restricted its movements.
Furthermore, Pidgeotto would continue to take damage inside the storm!
On the other hand, Onix's resistance to Water-type moves increased slightly within the sandstorm.
In this harsh terrain, Onix felt as if it were in its element, able to move freely!
The situation flipped instantly thanks to Brock's Sandstorm!
"This is bad," Misty said nervously. "Even if I was shocked that Ash's Pidgeotto could use Water Gun, now it'll be hard to turn the tables."
"A Gym Leader who can control the weather like this against a beginner Trainer—that's an overwhelming advantage!"
Misty and Serena both showed anxious expressions.
As another Gym Trainer, Misty judged that Ash's Pidgeotto was basically in a desperate position.
"Ash will definitely find a way," Serena said firmly.
"Um... I know we're on Ash's side, but we can't just have blind faith!" Misty frowned.
Her words made Serena smile faintly.
After spending the past few days together, Misty knew that both Ash and Serena were new Trainers.
She herself had been raised in the Gym environment since childhood and had even traveled before.
So, in her mind, Serena had no idea how to properly read a battle situation.
To Misty, Ash was cornered!
But to Serena, Misty simply didn't understand Ash!
She believed in Ash completely.
This situation wasn't desperate at all!
Not only was it trust, but Serena could see it clearly—Ash was smiling.
That's right.
Even in such a grim situation, Ash's expression remained calm, even confident.
Because of the sandstorm, Brock couldn't see that smile.
Otherwise, he wouldn't be standing there so relaxed.
Instead, he would have been on full alert!
Believing he had regained control, Brock gave his next order.
"Onix, finish this! Use Rock Slide!"
The sandstorm blocked the enemy's sight and restricted their movement.
This Rock Slide was practically a guaranteed hit!
But a faint blue light flickered in Ash's eyes.
A mysterious power began to surround Pidgeotto.
The next instant, even without Ash's verbal command, Pidgeotto suddenly darted through the storm—
Effortlessly dodging all six massive boulders that flew from Onix's attack!
Waveguide Fusion!
"What?! That's impossible!"
Brock, who had been confident just a moment ago, was now completely stunned.
How could the opponent dodge Rock Slide in this situation?
What kind of joke was this?!
Ash's calm voice echoed through the gym.
"It's a pity Pidgeotto doesn't know Rain Dance yet, or I could show you something even more interesting, Brock."
"But it doesn't matter. The battle's over now."
"Pidgeotto, use Water Gun!"
Brock still hadn't processed what Ash meant about Rain Dance.
In the next second, Pidgeotto released a torrent of water—thicker and stronger than before!
The blast cut through the sandstorm, striking Onix directly and violently!
Even with the sandstorm boosting its special defense,
Onix couldn't withstand the attack from a Waveguide-enhanced Pidgeotto.
The massive rock serpent trembled, then collapsed to the ground, unable to continue!
As Onix lost consciousness, the sandstorm began to fade.
The faint blue light in Ash's eyes slowly vanished.
Brock stood frozen, unable to understand what had just happened.
What was going on?
Wasn't I supposed to be the one winning just now?
Why did my Onix fall in an instant?
This... this has to be cheating!
Misty's jaw dropped, her eyes wide in disbelief.
What just happened?!
Wasn't Ash cornered just a moment ago?
How did Pidgeotto dodge Rock Slide inside the sandstorm without even receiving commands?
Why did Pidgeotto's Water Gun still hit perfectly when visibility was zero?
And why did Onix, whose special defense had just increased, get taken down instantly?!
Thousands of questions flooded Misty's mind.
She felt like her heart was being scratched by a cat's claws—it was driving her crazy!
(End of the chapter)