“How is it, Ash?
Does the food suit your taste?”
During lunch, Caroline smiled warmly as she looked toward Ash.
Ash took a bite of the sandwich in his hand before replying politely, “It’s delicious, Mrs.
Caroline.
Your cooking is amazing!”
“Oh my, then make sure you eat plenty.
There’s no need to be shy here.”
Caroline covered her mouth with a gentle laugh, clearly pleased by the compliment.
The more she observed Ash, the more satisfied she became with the young Trainer’s manners and composure.
Ash was not exaggerating either.
Ever since beginning his journey, meals shared in a warm home always made him eat more than usual.
At that moment, Norman also turned toward him thoughtfully.
“You must have traveled to many places already, Ash?”
“Yes,” Ash answered with a nod.
“So far, I’ve journeyed through Kanto, the Orange Archipelago, and Johto.”
“That’s incredible!
Traveling through so many regions sounds amazing…”
Max leaned closer immediately, his face full of envy.
May dragged him back to his seat before he could practically climb onto Ash.
Then she turned toward Norman.
“Dad, Ash came here to challenge the Petalburg Gym!”
“Of course.
Petalburg Gym battles are conducted as three-on-three matches.
Once we finish eating and have a short rest, we can begin anytime.”
Norman smiled calmly as he explained the Gym rules.
Originally, today had been scheduled as a rest day for the Gym.
However, Norman had no intention of refusing a challenge from Ash.
Not only had Ash escorted May safely back home, but Norman had also heard plenty about the young Trainer who won the Silver Conference in Johto.
A talented challenger like this naturally stirred his competitive spirit.
“Three-on-three…”
Ash murmured thoughtfully after hearing the format.
At present, aside from Pikachu and Pidgeot, he only had Ralts with him.
Although Ralts technically fulfilled the number requirement, Ash had no intention of sending the newborn Pokémon into such a demanding battle especially against an opponent like Norman.
“Is something wrong?” Norman asked.
Ash explained his situation honestly.
Caroline then suggested, “Couldn’t you contact Professor Oak and have another Pokémon transferred from a Pokémon Center?”
Ash shook his head politely.
“This journey through Hoenn is different.
I want to challenge myself with a fresh start and train Pokémon native to this region.”
Then he looked toward Norman seriously.
“So next time I return to Petalburg City, I’ll challenge you officially for the Balance Badge, Mr.
Norman.”
“What ambition.”
Norman laughed heartily.
“I’ll look forward to that day, Ash!”
Then his eyes sharpened slightly with battle intent.
“Still, opportunities like this are rare.
How about a practice battle instead?”
Ash immediately stood up with a smile.
“I’d be honored.
Please teach me a few things, Mr.
Norman.”
Norman’s proposal aligned perfectly with what Ash wanted.
“Awesome!
We get to watch Dad battle Ash!”
Max cheered excitedly.
“Even if Ash is strong, Dad definitely won’t lose!”
Back at the battlefield, Ash temporarily entrusted the clingy Ralts to May.
The tiny Psychic-type Pokémon still looked shy in unfamiliar surroundings and nestled quietly in May’s arms.
Soon, Ash and Norman took their positions on opposite sides of the arena.
Since it was the Gym’s rest day, no official referee was present.
“So then,” Norman said calmly, “shall we make this a simple one-on-one battle?”
“No problem,” Ash agreed immediately.
From the spectator seats, Max excitedly whispered to May,
“What do you think Ash will use?
Pikachu?
Or maybe that Pidgeot?”
“Probably one of those two,” May replied thoughtfully.
Then she smiled unconsciously.
“The first time I met Ash, Pikachu and Pidgeot saved me.”
“Oh my~ what a sweet smile.”
Caroline teased gently from beside her.
May’s face instantly reddened.
“M-Mom!”
Caroline merely smiled knowingly and said nothing more.
Meanwhile, Norman had already taken out a Poké Ball.
His expression gradually became serious.
“Facing the Silver Conference champion means we should battle seriously.
Come out, Slaking!”
“SLAAKING!!”
A deafening roar exploded throughout the battlefield.
A gigantic Pokémon appeared in a burst of white light.
Its massive body radiated overwhelming pressure.
Dense muscles covered its arms, and even while standing lazily, it exuded tremendous destructive power.
It was Norman’s ace Pokémon
Slaking.
“What an incredible presence…”
Ash’s expression immediately sharpened.
“The challenge begins the moment Slaking appears on the field, doesn’t it, Mr.
Norman?”
This Slaking was undoubtedly the strongest opponent Ash had faced since arriving in Hoenn.
SlakingGender: Male
Type: Normal
Ability: Truant
Level: 59
Potential: Deep Blue
Known Moves: Slack Off, Hammer Arm, Double-Edge, Earthquake, Stomp, Body Slam, Hyper Beam
Slaking possessed astonishing raw stats rivaling even many Legendary Pokémon.
The only reason Trainers often avoided raising one was because of its Ability, Truant, which forced it to loaf around every other turn.
However…
Ash knew very well that Norman’s Slaking could not be judged by common standards.
Especially after scanning its moves and battle data, Ash felt a faint sense of pressure.
“As expected of the Trainer who won the Silver Conference.”
Norman nodded approvingly.
“Most challengers begin to panic the moment they face Slaking.
Once a Trainer loses confidence, it becomes difficult to think clearly during battle.”
Ash glanced briefly toward May in the audience.
It seemed Norman’s words were not only directed at him, but also intended to encourage his daughter.
What a thoughtful father.
After thinking for a moment, Ash reached toward his Poké Ball belt.
“This battle is yours, Pidgeot ”
“Pika!”
Before he could finish, Pikachu suddenly leaped forward eagerly.
It landed directly in front of Ash, sparks crackling from its cheeks as its eyes burned with determination.
Ash paused briefly.
Then he smiled.
“You really want this battle, huh?”
“Pikachu!”
“Alright then.
I’m counting on you, Pikachu!”
“Pika-pi!”
Pikachu immediately dashed onto the battlefield, facing Slaking head-on without fear.
Norman watched the scene with visible interest.
“So you chose Pikachu against my Slaking?”
Then he smiled slightly.
“This Pikachu must have been your first partner Pokémon.”
Ash nodded.
“That’s right.”
Then his gaze became unwavering.
“If Slaking is your strongest partner, then Pikachu is mine.”
“What admirable trust.”
Norman’s fighting spirit rose instantly.
“Then let’s begin!”
Ash’s eyes sharpened.
“Pikachu, Quick Attack!”
“Pika CHU!”
A streak of white light erupted behind Pikachu.
Its speed exploded instantly.
The ten-meter distance vanished in a blink as Pikachu rushed directly beneath Slaking’s guard.
Ash seized the opening immediately.
“Iron Tail!”
“PIKA!”
Pikachu spun through the air.
Its tail shone with brilliant metallic light before crashing heavily into Slaking’s face!
Clang!!
The impact echoed through the arena.
Even Slaking’s enormous body tilted slightly from the force.
Norman’s pupils narrowed.
The power behind Pikachu’s Iron Tail clearly exceeded his expectations.
However, the shock did not slow his reactions.
“Slaking!
Hammer Arm!”
“SLAAKING!!”
Slaking roared furiously.
Its massive arm glowed white before swinging upward with terrifying speed.
Despite its size, the attack was unbelievably fast.
Pikachu’s instincts screamed danger.
Almost reflexively, it raised its Iron Tail defensively.
Boom!!
The collision sent Pikachu flying backward like a cannonball.
“What terrifying strength…”
Ash narrowed his eyes sharply.
“But we’re not done yet!”
He swung his arm downward decisively.
“Pikachu, Thunder!”
“PIKA CHUUUU!!”
Electricity exploded from Pikachu’s cheeks midair.
Dark storm clouds instantly gathered above the battlefield as a massive bolt of lightning descended toward Slaking.
Norman, however, remained completely calm.
The instant he noticed Slaking’s brief recovery window from Truant ending, he shouted powerfully
“Hyper Beam!”
“SLAAKING!!!”
A violent orange beam erupted from Slaking’s mouth.
The Hyper Beam tore straight through the descending lightning and slammed directly into Pikachu before it could evade.
Boom!!!
A violent explosion swallowed the battlefield.
Smoke and debris spread everywhere.
Moments later, Pikachu’s small body crashed heavily onto the ground.
“Pikachu!”
Ash’s expression changed instantly.
“Pika…”
After hearing Ash’s voice, Pikachu slowly pushed itself back onto its feet.
Scorch marks covered its body from the explosion.
Yet its eyes still blazed with determination and battle spirit.
Seeing that, Ash finally relaxed slightly.
Then he lifted his gaze back toward Slaking.
Defense.
Attack power.
Reaction speed.
Battle timing.
Norman’s Slaking had been trained to an unbelievable level.
Clearly, both Norman and Slaking were battling with absolute seriousness.
And at that very moment
a faint blue aura slowly began to rise around Ash’s body.