“Aaron versus Kenji, Rock Field.”
Aaron walked onto the stage naturally.
This was already his fourth match, and also the semifinals.
He was now in the top four, only one step away from the final match.
Having already played several rounds, he felt completely calm about it all.
To be honest, he had originally thought that since this was the Pokémon Research Academy, everyone here would be an expert.
But reality proved he had been overthinking things.
Just like that Pokémon Academy Ash once encountered on his journey, many of the students here were strong in theory but extremely lacking in practical experience.
Moreover, their bonds with their Pokémon were not particularly strong, and their command skills were mediocre at best—ordinary Trainer level, nothing more.
Especially this opponent.
Aaron had watched his previous matches.
His commanding ability was slightly above average, and his Pokémon lineup—two Graveler and one Sandslash across three matches—clearly showed he specialized in Ground-types.
Unfortunately for him, Ice-types heavily counter Ground-types.
In other words, he was simply walking into a disadvantage.
“Go, Ninetales.”
Aaron threw his Poké Ball.
Ninetales once again made an elegant entrance, drawing cheers from the surrounding audience.
After three consecutive wins, Ninetales’ popularity had skyrocketed and it had become the unofficial favorite of the academy.
After all, beautiful—and strong.
This time, Aaron’s opponent was a thirteen-year-old boy wearing glasses.
After seeing Ninetales, a strange glint flashed behind his lenses.
As expected, the opponent only had this one Pokémon.
Confidently, he threw his Poké Ball.
“Come out, Cyndaquil!”
Aaron’s expression shifted slightly.
This was the first Fire-type Pokémon he had encountered in the competition so far.
He studied it carefully for a long moment before speaking.
“This Cyndaquil is only moderately well trained, at best slightly above average.
It’s nowhere near your Sandslash.
In terms of strength, it’s only a bit stronger than a freshly started beginner Pokémon.
Did you neglect its training, or did you just catch it recently?”
“As expected of Professor Oak’s assistant—the most likely future Pokémon Professor in Kanto within the next three years, Aaron.
Just one glance and you can tell that much,” Kenji said.
“This Cyndaquil was freshly obtained, specifically to deal with you.”
“You know me?” Aaron asked in surprise.
“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself.
My name is Kenji.
My older brother is Elm from New Bark Town,” Kenji replied.
“Professor Elm… so you’re his younger brother.
No wonder,” Aaron said with a smile.
Professor Elm, from New Bark Town in the Johto League, was responsible for distributing starter Pokémon to new Trainers, much like Professor Oak.
Elm had once been Oak’s student and specialized in Pokémon evolution—an area Aaron knew quite well.
“My brother always calls you a monster in academia.
But I see you’re also a monster in battle.
That’s why I specifically chose this Cyndaquil.
You won’t be my opponent,” Kenji said confidently.
“That’s not necessarily true.
If you had brought a Typhlosion, I might’ve had a headache.
But a Cyndaquil?
Let’s see if I can suppress it with raw level difference,” Aaron said with a smile.
“You can’t suppress it!” Kenji declared proudly.
“Cyndaquil, use Flamethrower!”
In the center of the field, the normally lazy-looking Cyndaquil suddenly opened its eyes with fighting spirit.
Flames erupted fiercely from its back as it unleashed a blazing orange fire column from its mouth.
“Flamethrower, huh?
Not bad.
But not enough.
Ninetales, counter with Aurora Beam,” Aaron ordered calmly.
Ninetales fired a rainbow-colored beam from its mouth, colliding head-on with the Flamethrower.
The two attacks clashed in midair, neither giving way, before canceling each other out.
“Incredible… it actually countered it with Aurora Beam,” Kenji muttered, frowning.
“That’s basic.
Any elite-level Trainer knows how to deal with type disadvantages.
More importantly, you shouldn’t limit yourself to fixed moves.
The key is adaptability,” Aaron said with a smile.
“Adaptability…” Kenji frowned in thought.
“Ninetales, Quick Attack.”
Without warning, Aaron gave another command.
Ninetales instantly turned into a white blur and slammed into Cyndaquil.
Cyndaquil let out a pained cry, clearly taking heavy damage.
“Hey!
You can’t just attack while I’m talking!” Kenji protested.
“I’m giving you a free lesson,” Aaron said with a grin.
“In Pokémon battles, the first rule is focus.
Never get distracted.
Full concentration is the best respect you can give your opponent.”
“Fine!
Then I’ll defeat you!” Kenji declared firmly.
“Cyndaquil, use Dig!”
Cyndaquil nodded and quickly dug a hole, burrowing underground.
Ninetales tried to pursue, but it couldn’t use Dig and stood there momentarily confused.
“Now your Ninetales can’t attack my Cyndaquil anymore.
You can only wait to be hit,” Kenji said confidently. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
“Is that so?” Aaron smiled.
“Ninetales, use Mist.”
Ninetales’ eyes lit up as it released a thick white fog.
In an instant, the entire battlefield was engulfed, visibility dropping to near zero.
“Now then, how will your Cyndaquil attack?” Aaron asked.
Kenji froze, staring at the fog-covered field in panic.
If Cyndaquil came up now and missed, it would be exposed in the fog and easily countered by Ninetales.
“I don’t know your research level,” Aaron said calmly, “but your battle command is really average.
Pokémon battles may be fought by Pokémon, but the driving force comes from the Trainer.
A Trainer must always stay confident.
Even arrogance is better than hesitation and confusion.”
“Ninetales, close your eyes and listen carefully.
Cyndaquil can’t stay underground for too long.
When it comes out, there will be slight movement in the ground.
That’s your signal to attack.”
“Listen with ears…?” Kenji murmured, still confused.
Suddenly, Cyndaquil’s painful cry echoed from within the fog.
A moment later, the fog gradually dispersed.
Ninetales stood proudly in place, while Cyndaquil had fainted, its eyes spinning.
“Cyndaquil is unable to battle.
The winner is Aaron!”
The referee declared the result.
“You’re really amazing… both in research and in Pokémon battles.
Next time, I’ll train harder and defeat you,” Kenji said, recalling his Cyndaquil.
“I and Ninetales will be waiting for your next challenge,” Aaron replied with a smile as he recalled his Pokémon and slowly stepped down from the stage.
He was now just one step away from the final Pokémon Egg match.
At this rate, the academy tournament would be no challenge at all.
“Beautiful guidance match.”
Lorelei handed him a drink with a smile.
“Guidance match?” Aaron looked at her in confusion.
“Wasn’t it?
A perfect public teaching match.
Everything you said during the battle made sense—even I think a lot of it is exactly what academy students should understand but don’t.
If you ever have time, want to come be an assistant instructor at our academy?” Professor Uzuki said as he approached with a warm smile.
“Assistant instructor?” Aaron chuckled and shook his head.
He was going to become a Pokémon Professor and a Pokémon Master.
How could he have time to be an assistant instructor?
“What, you think our academy isn’t good enough for some wild nobody like you?
You win a few matches and think you’re something special now?”
Before Aaron could even refuse politely, the boy who had come with Professor Uzuki—Brandon—couldn’t hold back and spoke with clear mockery.
Aaron frowned and looked at him in confusion.
Who the hell is this guy?
Why does he sound like he’s been eating gunpowder since the moment he showed up?