Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

Uncle Wu Neng suddenly realized and chimed in.

"Without direct contact with the earth, the electricity cannot be effectively conducted underground, and all the violent electrical energy can only be absorbed by Onix's own body!"

Xiao Zhi nodded.

"So, it's not that attribute advantages have failed, but rather that we've created a special condition that temporarily disables attribute advantages!"

Everyone looked at Pikachu, who looked completely bewildered and clearly hadn't understood.

Pikachu's expression changed, and it immediately puffed out its chest.

That's right!

20. The Power of the Emblem!

"I see... Is that how it is?"

While Xiaozhi was raising the banner of science and giving a passionate speech, Xiaogang had quietly arrived nearby without anyone noticing.

Upon hearing Xiaozhi's explanation, he crossed his arms, and the confusion on his face was gradually replaced by contemplation, with a hint of understanding showing on his face.

"Applying scientific principles flexibly to actual combat...this idea is indeed refreshing."

He nodded slightly, his voice carrying a calm and collected quality.

"It seems that I still need to enrich my theoretical knowledge."

"That's true."

Xiao Zhi nodded in agreement.

He has always believed that the league's current ten-year-old travel system is not mature enough.

Starting school at age six means four years of basic education.

Having to master common sense and digest the vast amount of Pokémon knowledge, one can only have a very limited theoretical foundation in the end.

Now that you've realized this, you should put more effort into your studies from now on.

Xiao Zhi patted Xiao Gang on the shoulder and said earnestly.

"Knowledge changes destiny—this is not just a saying."

"Pikachu, Pikachu."

Pikachu nodded repeatedly, just like Ash.

It seemed to be true.

Xiao Gang: "......?"

Why do you never follow the rules?

Logically, shouldn't you reply with "Not at all"?

After that, I'll be humble again, and after a round of mutual flattery, we can perfectly conclude this gym challenge.

What do you really mean? Why are you actually encouraging me?!

How is he supposed to respond to that?

How do I answer this?!

Seeing this, Xiaoxia, who was standing to the side, quickly and quietly tugged at Xiaozhi's sleeve and desperately tried to wink at him—the badge! He hadn't gotten the badge yet!

With a subtle hint in his eyes, Xiao Zhi instantly displayed his emotional intelligence.

"Of course, it's not entirely your fault."

Xiao Zhi comforted him.

"As the saying goes, 'If a son is not taught, it is the father's fault,' after all, you've never had a father since you were little..."

Wu Neng, standing to the side, looked completely bewildered.

"Cough cough!"

He coughed twice to indicate that he was still there.

"...Oh, no, it's just that my father has been gone since I was young, and it's been very hard for me to make a living on my own. It's normal for me to have to put some things on hold for my studies..."

Wu Neng: "???"

It's better to say there's nothing at all!

Are you trying to sow discord between my son and me?

It’s so deceiving!

Wu Neng silently clenched his fist.

But when he thought of the amazing performance he had witnessed Ash turning the waterwheel with one hand, he slowly let go of his hand.

Of course, this doesn't mean he's afraid of Ash.

As a senior, I am broad-minded and, both morally and logically, I cannot possibly hold a grudge against a newcomer like Xiaozhi!

Yes, that's right!

That's it!

Seeing his elderly father looking so frustrated yet unable to lash out.

Xiao Gang's expression relaxed, and the corners of his mouth even turned up slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Ash gives Misty a thumbs up.

How about it!

His emotional intelligence was on an epic level!

Xiaoxia covered her eyes.

It's unbearable to look at!

"what?"

Having landed a successful blow, Ash attacked again. As if he had discovered a new continent, he patted Brock's arm hard, making a loud slapping sound.

"I didn't notice earlier, but you're quite physically fit."

"Those muscles, you must work out regularly!"

Xiao Zhi exclaimed in admiration.

However, in his critical eyes, the muscles were still a bit underdeveloped.

Not thick enough!

Not enough!

Not big enough!

It's obvious that he hasn't experienced the baptism of dragon power and was only shaped by primitive and backward natural body-refining methods!

You mean this?

Xiao Gang exerted a little force to make the lines on his body more obvious.

When it comes to his muscular physique, he immediately becomes very talkative.

“The Four Heavenly Kings, Shiba, has always been my role model. Over the years, I have never slackened in honing my physical and mental skills.”

"Shiba?"

Ash's eyes lit up instantly.

Fighting-type Elite Four member, Shiba!

He is said to be a man who can hold his own among the Elite Four without relying on Pokémon, solely through his physical strength and fighting skills.

It ranks in the top three of the strongest opponents that Ash most wants to consider!

"Oh, I'll have a match sometime. To be honest, I'm also quite interested in Shiba."

Xiao Gang looked at Xiao Zhi, whose body appeared perfectly normal under the cover of his clothes, and felt somewhat proud.

Wu Neng completely ignored the subtle signals he was giving Wu Neng.

"no problem."

Xiao Zhi and Xiao Gang exchanged a smile.

The two quickly grew closer.

"Oh, right, this is for you."

Xiao Gang said no more and took out a badge from his pocket.

The badge was gray, but its surface was as smooth as a mirror.

Shaped like a rock, or a cut gemstone, it gleams with a calm light—it is the grey emblem of the Pewter City Gym.

"This is what you deserve, proof earned through your true abilities."

He handed the badge to Ash.

"Oh!"

Ash took the badge, crouched down, and sat down next to Pikachu, their eyes shining as they stared at the hard-won badge.

"See that, Pikachu! From today onwards, we are Trainers at the first level of the Power of the Emblem, the Rookie Master level!"

Xiao Zhi excitedly announced.

"Pickup!"

Pikachu didn't quite understand what "Power of the Emblem" and "Newcomer's Great Perfection" meant.

Seeing how excited Ash was, it immediately put on a proud expression, puffing out its little chest.

"Level 1 of the Power of the Emblem? What is that?"

Having been away from the Kanto region for so long, Wu Neng is completely out of touch with the thought processes of today's rookie trainers.

Xiao Gang glanced at his father, pretending not to have heard him, and showed no intention of explaining.