Ash's Pokémon Travel Has Big Problems

The key to victory lies in [deception].

"More importantly... your [lightning rod] properties."

Ash highlighted the name of this feature.

That's the key to victory.

"This is our greatest asset."

"It can channel electrical energy into the earth, but only if..."

Ash looked at Pikachu's lightning bolt-shaped tail.

"Your tail must remain in constant contact with the ground, acting as that 'lightning rod' to channel Raichu's powerful electricity into the earth."

"We need to use this action to cover up our purpose... Only in this way can our final counterattack be unexpected."

"It will be tough, and we may even get injured, but it's the only way we can wear it down and eventually beat it."

The cards you can play are limited.

The only chance of winning is to combine these cards in the best possible way.

The formula for victory is already in our hands!

Pikachu's eyes showed no hesitation whatsoever.

It jumped off the table, solemnly pressed the tip of its tail to the ground, raised its head, and let out a cry:

"Pikachu!" (Leave it to me!)

Ash has already explained how to fight and has arranged all the tactics.

Pikachu is very confident now.

After all, if the kite-flying strategy were used... Pikachu can't even imagine how it would lose.

"Then it's up to you, partner." Ash reached out and patted Pikachu's head.

Look at the system interface.

—Partner Pikachu—

Nickname: Partner

Rating: 26

Personality: Shy

Features: Lightning rod

技能：伏特攻击LV1、电电加速LV2、电击LV4、叫声LV1、摇尾巴LV1、电磁波LV2、电光一闪LV2、影子分身LV2、二连踢LV2、电球LV1、佯攻LV1、守住LV2、高速星星LV2、挖洞LV1

Equipment item: Electric Bead LV30 (for levels below 30, Special Attack and Physical Attack are doubled)

-

This battle is against Raichu.

The more useful skills are Quick Attack, Dig, Double Kick, and High-Speed ​​Star.

Since Raichu isn't good at speed, then rely on speed to create distance and bombard it from a distance with high-speed stars.

Therefore, the double kick should not be needed.

After all, if it's a close-quarters battle, it would give Raichu a chance to hit Pikachu.

From a tactical perspective, close combat should be avoided.

Raichu's speed is definitely not as fast as Pikachu's, so Raichu can only use ranged Electric-type moves to hit Pikachu.

As long as Pikachu keeps its tail in contact with the ground, it can use the lightning rod's properties to conduct the lightning away.

This would create a situation where I'm allowed to hit you, but you're not allowed to hit me.

The only problem is that we don't know if this Raichu will have a move similar to Swift.

After all, Pokémon have many skills, and different Pokémon make choices when learning skills.

Officer Jenny said that this Raichu is definitely not a main force of Lt. Surge, which is also very important information.

Because if it were Mascherano's main player, they certainly wouldn't have the absolute weakness of speed deficiency.

There will also be no situation where the lightning attack is rendered useless, thus losing ranged combat capability.

How could seasoned gym trainers leave themselves with such a weakness?

"Lightning, lightning... magnetic field?"

"I now understand how Lt. Surge makes up for his weaknesses," Xiao Zhi said thoughtfully.

"Pikachu?" Pikachu asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Let's train that later; it's a bit too early for you now."

"Perhaps speed isn't Maslow's weakness; in fact, he's quite adept at it."

……

The next morning, Ash, Brock, Misty, and Ming, who insisted on coming, stood together in front of the Vermilion City Gym.

It was an extremely large factory-style building.

The towering walls are painted with striking yellow lightning symbols, exuding a sense of industrial power.

Enter the spacious hall.

The front desk staff seemed to have been notified in advance, and a hint of pity flashed in their eyes when they saw Xiaozhi.

"Master Ma Surge is already waiting for you on the main battlefield."

Her tone was calm, yet it inexplicably conveyed a sense of "good luck."

Following the instructions, they pushed open a heavy, enormous gate.

The scene behind the door startled the group slightly.

The arena in front of us is standard and spacious, but what's unusual is that there are quite a few trainers scattered around the stands.

When they saw Xiaozhi enter, their gazes were complex, containing curiosity, scrutiny, and above all, sympathy.

“These are all trainers waiting in line for a challenge, or those who are still observing,” Brock whispered.

Xiaoxia chimed in, her tone tinged with displeasure: "Trying to establish your authority in front of everyone?"

"...I heard...I don't know where the rumor came from, but Lt. Surge Gym Leader will decide the standards for future matches based on Ash's battle," Xiaoming said at this moment.

This is news that has been circulating privately within the training community.

The source of the information is unknown.

Xiao Zhi didn't respond. There were quite a few onlookers at the Sakuragi Lab at the time.

Considering this isn't some secret that can't be revealed... never mind.

His gaze had already crossed the field and landed on the tall figure opposite him.

Lt. Surge stood in the Trainer Command Area with his arms crossed, a signature wild smile on his lips.

His camouflage vest seemed tighter today, highlighting his bulging muscles.

"Boy~ you're finally here!" Lt. Surge's voice echoed through the empty arena, like a thunderclap. "I thought you'd deserted at the last minute!"

"Looks like you've got a bit more guts than those cowards!"

He opened his arms, as if embracing the gaze of the entire audience:

"Just right!"

"Let everyone see what true power is!"

"What truly deserves the orange badge!"

Although Lt. Surge decided to test Satoshi, he actually thought Satoshi would win.

If he falls here, how could he be worthy of Sakaki's attention?

The person Sakaki took a liking to couldn't possibly be only this good!

The spotlight shone on the center of the field.

The atmosphere instantly became tense.

Ash took a deep breath and, under the watchful eyes of everyone, walked step by step toward his command area.

Pikachu jumped off his shoulder and landed steadily on the ground.

The tip of its tail unconsciously tapped the ground lightly.

The battle is about to break out.

Chapter 62 Raichu the Heavy-Duty Turret and Pikachu the High-Speed ​​Assassin

The referee swung his arm down sharply: "The match begins!"

"Raichu, let this little guy see real power!" Lt. Surge waved his hand and spoke loudly.

His round Raichu immediately assumed a fighting stance, crackling with dangerous golden lightning, exuding immense power.

However, Ash's Pikachu did not rush forward as everyone expected.

It landed lightly at the edge of the field, its tail tip touching the ground silently.

In short, you absolutely cannot withstand Raichu's full-force electric shock.

Furthermore, the ground needs to be loosened.

"Oh? Too scared to come closer, boy?" Lt. Surge, seeing this, probably understood Ash's tactics.

lightning rod?

Yes, that's the right thing to do.

But can you persevere?

He grinned, trying to provoke him with words: "Your electric mouse seems to be just like you, a coward!"

"A true strongman doesn't shrink back!" Although Lt. Surge admired Satoshi's approach, he wasn't going to mince words.

Pokémon battles are not just about Pokémon battling.

The battles between trainers have already begun.

Although this is an official competition, it's impossible for Pokémon to directly attack the trainer.

However, misleading statements between trainers are still possible.

"What you say is meaningless; only winning in the end will determine everything." Ash's gaze remained fixed on the field, his tone calm and unwavering, as if he hadn't heard the taunts.

"Pikachu, Swift!"

Xiao Zhi glanced at Lt. Surge; he also knew how to use persuasive techniques.

"If you talk too much and end up not winning, wouldn't that be embarrassing?"

"Opening champagne at halftime is not something a mature trainer should do."

"Just as you said—those who shrink back will not be true strongmen."

"And the loser has no right to say that." Ash tried to use rhetoric on Lt. Surge.

This is about playing mind games with each other.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu moved as Ash spoke.

Ash's words are a signal—the tactics begin.

Its small body burst forth with astonishing speed, instantly transforming into a golden bolt of lightning that began to zigzag across the field.

Pikachu kept increasing the distance between itself and Raichu, while simultaneously flicking its tail, firing one star-shaped energy blast after another at Raichu.

High-speed satellites can be launched in large numbers at once.

But it can also be fired individually.

"A mere trick!" Lt. Surge had already seen through Ash's tactics.

All the two trainers can do is start or give orders.