Chapter 16: Battle with Brock

As Onix made its entrance, its massive body and the disdainful, cold gaze it cast upon the smaller Pokémon startled Pikachu greatly.

“Pika! Pika!”

Pikachu hurriedly scampered back to Ash’s side, lifting his jacket and attempting to press the switches of other Poké Balls, hoping to switch out and battle with Ash’s other Pokémon.

“Hey, hey!” Ash grabbed Pikachu up in one hand, annoyed. “Pikachu! Don’t decide to switch with Pidgeotto on your own. Get back out there and fight!”

Under Ash’s urging, Pikachu reluctantly returned to the battlefield.

Using Electric-type moves against a Ground-type...

In the stands, Sha You silently smiled. Not understanding Pokémon type advantages and battling recklessly was both Ash’s flaw and his strength. It was precisely because of this that he could repeatedly defeat many formidable opponents with creative tactics.

However, Ash’s experience was still too shallow...

Shaking his head, Sha You took out his Pokédex and aimed it at Pikachu.

In appearance, Ash’s Pikachu was no different from the common ones. Its fur was a smooth golden yellow, with long ears and two red circular electric sacs on its cheeks. Its tail was jagged like a lightning bolt, and its glossy black eyes made it look very adorable.

Pokédex: “Beep. Pikachu, Mouse Pokémon, Electric type. Also known as the Electric Mouse. The electric sacs on its cheeks store electricity. When angry, it releases all stored power in a single burst to deliver an electric shock.”

Sha You then pointed the Pokédex at Onix.

Onix had a long rocky horn on its head, a towering body composed of huge gray boulders, resembling a serpent, its appearance both imposing and majestic.

Pokédex: “Beep. Onix, Rock Snake Pokémon, Rock/Ground type. Its massive body is connected by boulders resembling a giant snake. It can swallow soil while simultaneously digging long tunnels underground at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour.”

With Brock’s command, the battle officially began.

“Onix! Use Tackle!”

Hearing the command, Onix’s massive body shifted, and with its huge head, it slammed fiercely into Pikachu.

Pikachu jumped up and down, intimidated by Onix’s overwhelming presence. It could only flee aimlessly, unable to counterattack. Soon, Onix seized the opportunity to wrap its tail tightly around Pikachu.

“Good, Onix! Use Bind!”

Under Onix’s tremendous strength, Pikachu was immobilized, struggling painfully. Ash watched anxiously from the sidelines and shouted, “Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!”

At Ash’s call, sparks flared from Pikachu’s cheeks, releasing a fierce electric blast. Yet, despite the intensity, it caused no damage to Onix.

Brock crossed his arms and remarked, “As a trainer, your approach is misguided. You think you can defeat my Onix with just Thunderbolt? That’s naive!”

“Damn it!” Ash clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. Seeing Pikachu suffer and unable to break free, he finally called out reluctantly, “Stop this. I surrender this match!”

Seeing Brock nod, Onix loosened its tail. Pikachu fell to the ground and was immediately scooped up by Ash, who rushed into the arena.

“Are you alright, Pikachu?”

As the battle ended, Sha You slowly descended from the stands, momentarily unsure how to comfort Ash.

But knowing Ash’s spirit, he would soon recover.

Approaching the trainer’s command area, Sha You said to Brock, “Alright, that was just an appetizer. Now it’s my turn.”

Looking at Sha You, Brock recalled Onix and pulled out another Poké Ball.

“You seem completely different from that other guy,” Brock observed.

“Though he is still somewhat immature and lacks experience,” Sha You smiled, “I believe that with sufficient training, he will one day become a Pokémon Master worthy of admiration.”

Holding Pikachu and climbing the stands, Ash heard these words and turned sharply. For the first time, someone recognized him, and his eyes glistened with tears.

This person... actually believes in me?

“Come out, Geodude!” Brock threw his Poké Ball. A flash of blue light revealed a rotund rock Pokémon with sturdy arms standing before Sha You.

Pokédex: “Beep. Geodude, Rock Pokémon, Rock/Ground type. Mostly inhabits mountainous forests. It buries half its body underground to observe hikers. Because it looks like a stone, unsuspecting passersby often trip over it.”

Sha You turned, his gaze shifting between Squirtle and Bulbasaur, then said to Bulbasaur, “Bulbasaur, this battle is yours!”

“Seed! Seed!” Bulbasaur responded eagerly.

Whether it was Water-type Squirtle or Grass-type Bulbasaur, facing a Rock/Ground-type Pokémon meant a double advantage, dealing quadruple damage. So whichever was chosen, this battle appeared quite manageable.

In the stands, Misty approached Ash, first feeling Pikachu’s forehead and then teasing Ash with a smile, “Knowing type matchups, looks like Summer is more battle-savvy than you, you dummy. He’s a capable trainer.”

Surprisingly, Ash didn’t retort but watched Sha You’s every move carefully.

Perhaps Sha You’s earlier recognition made Ash take him more seriously.

Once Bulbasaur and Geodude were both ready, the match officially began.

“Geodude, use Tackle!”

Sha You shouted, “Bulbasaur, show it our new move—use Razor Leaf!”

Before Geodude could close in, many glowing green leaves appeared around Bulbasaur and flew swiftly toward Geodude.

“Geodude, dodge quickly!” Brock ordered.

However, Razor Leaf’s speed was too great. Despite Brock’s command, it struck Geodude squarely.

The effect was incredible!

After the smoke cleared, Geodude grimaced in pain. Seeing this, Brock commanded, “Geodude, use Rock Slide!”

Geodude raised its arms, and suddenly several huge rocks materialized from the ceiling, crashing down toward Bulbasaur.

The attack covered a wide area. Knowing Bulbasaur couldn’t evade in time, Sha You decisively ordered, “Bulbasaur, target those rocks with Razor Leaf!”

Green light condensed as Razor Leaf shot out again, striking the rocks and shattering most of them. Still, many fragments fell on Bulbasaur.

Yet, even hit by the stones, Bulbasaur remained composed, standing firmly as if the pain was insignificant.