Ash's Pokémon Travel Has Big Problems

Generally, he only defends against Rock-type and Ground-type Pokémon using the Dig tactic.

Moreover, this Pikachu's previous behavior clearly indicated a high-speed lightning rod tactic.

Ma Xueshi was tricked by tactics!

The entire venue fell into an eerie silence, everyone stunned by this unexpected turn of events.

Digging tactics?

A Pikachu?

Xiao Zhi's lips finally curled into a knowing smile.

The equation for victory has already been written.

Now, it's his turn to take control of the pace.

On the field, Raichu was briefly stunned after his skill missed, and looked around blankly, searching for his vanished opponent.

The violent arcs of electricity flickered weakly around it a few times before finally going out completely.

The maniacal expression on Ma Xueshi's face froze completely, replaced by an incredulous astonishment.

Right there in this silence.

Xiao Zhi's calm voice rang out.

It was clearly transmitted throughout the entire venue.

With a knowing calm:

“You seem quite surprised, Mr. Maschindler.”

"When did you get the illusion that you could see through my tactics?"

Why do you think I'm waging a war of attrition that's doomed to fail?

Ash slightly raised his head and looked at the tall gym leader opposite him.

"The 'lightning rod' tactic you see is just the most superficial disguise."

"Its purpose has never been for that pitiful energy exchange ratio, or even to deplete your Raichu's stamina."

"That's just a side benefit, bait to lure you into the trap."

Xiao Zhi's tone was calm, as if he had already anticipated all of his opponent's reactions on the chessboard.

"The outcome of the match was decided before it even began."

"You firmly believe that the physical advantages brought about by evolution are unshakeable."

"You firmly believe that as long as you compress space, you can crush all techniques with absolute power."

"Then you will definitely fall into the trap I have misled you into."

"This arrogance is the root of your failure."

"You ordered Raichu to withstand 'High Speed ​​Star' in exchange for a chance to close in and unleash a fatal blow... This decisiveness is commendable."

"Unfortunately, this is exactly what I hoped for."

Xiao Zhi's voice rose slightly:

"What I've been waiting for is that inevitable period of power depletion you'll experience after you unleash your most powerful attack, Raichu!"

Pokémon moves typically have phases such as wind-up, recovery, cooldown, and stun.

"As for 'digging a hole'?"

"Heh, who says Pikachu can't use Ground-type moves?"

"A fixed mindset is the biggest prison for a trainer."

"Now……"

Ash's gaze fell on the inconspicuous hole in the center of the field:

"It's over. Pikachu!"

boom!

Almost the instant Ash finished speaking, the ground beneath Raichu's feet suddenly exploded.

The golden figure, like a dragon emerging from the abyss, swept up the rubble brought from the ground and soared into the sky at an incredible speed.

It's Pikachu.

Its tiny claws were now brimming with all its strength, flashing with dazzling electric light.

It's a [Voltage Attack]!

"Pikachu!!!"

With an unprecedentedly sharp cry, Pikachu transformed into a golden lightning spear, striking Raichu's jaw with pinpoint accuracy from below, as Raichu was caught off guard due to the move's recovery animation.

—Give me a concussion!

—Little brother!

boom!

A heavy, muffled thud echoed throughout the venue.

Raichu's round body was thrown upwards a short distance by the enormous impact, his eyes rolled back instantly, and the remaining electricity around him completely dissipated.

It didn't even let out a mournful cry before crashing to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut, kicking up a cloud of dust and completely losing its ability to fight.

The entire Leaf Gym fell into a deathly silence.

The dust slowly dissipated.

Pikachu landed lightly beside the fallen Raichu, slightly out of breath, but with its posture upright and the electric sacs on its cheeks sparkling with victorious electric energy.

“Pikachu! (o?o)” It turned to look at its trainer.

"Well done, partner!" Ash stood in the command area and gave Pikachu a thumbs up.

Then, looking at Maslow, who was still in shock, he calmly spoke:

"Mr. Maschindler, how did this 'weighing' go?"

-

-

(Pikachu with a whirlpool knocks out Raichu with a single punch!)

(funny……)

Chapter 64 I've Burned Out (JPG)

The silence lasted for about three seconds.

Then, a loud and abrupt applause broke the silence.

It was Ma Zhishi.

The astonishment and stiffness on the tall dojo master's face melted away like ice and snow.

Instead, a complex yet genuine smile appeared.

I can afford to play this game.

Of course, we can afford to lose.

He's not the kind of person who's overly concerned with saving face.

As a dojo master, wouldn't it be a good thing if you could pull off an unexpected display of genius during your own assessment?

Maslow clapped his hands vigorously, followed by a loud laugh: "Hahahaha! Good! Well done, boy!"

His applause was like a signal, instantly igniting the deathly silence of the audience.

Om-!

The murmurs and exclamations eventually merged into a wave of enthusiastic and heartfelt cheers and applause that swept across the entire battlefield like a tidal wave.

Those trainers who had initially looked at them with sympathy or scrutiny were now filled with shock and admiration.

They witnessed firsthand a classic battle where the weak triumphed over the strong, a comeback that brought wisdom, tactics, and execution to their fullest potential.

Lt. Surge strode across the field, first walking to Raichu, recalling it with a Poké Ball, and muttering something under his breath:

"You've worked hard, buddy. We underestimated them."

Subsequently.

Maslow walked straight towards Satoshi.

He extended his broad, kind hand.

Xiao Zhi calmly reached out and shook his hand firmly.

"Great tactics, kid." Lt. Surge shook Ash's hand vigorously, his eyes full of admiration.

"You've outmaneuvered me from beginning to end!"

"The lightning rod is a decoy; digging a tunnel is the real killer move... They even took my mindset and reaction into account!"

He released his grip, put his hands on his hips, and declared loudly, "I, Ma Zhishi, keep my word!"

"You've proven your strength, not brute force, but this very place!"

Maslow tapped his temple with his finger, "You have even more courage to face me!"

"You passed this 'weighing' perfectly!"

As he spoke, he took an orange badge out of the pocket of his camouflage pants and solemnly handed it to Xiaozhi.

"This is what you deserve, the orange badge of the Vermilion City Gym!"

Ash looked at the badge that gleamed with metallic luster under the light, took a deep breath, reached out and took it, holding it tightly in his palm: "Thank you, Mr. Lt. Surge."

[Vermilion Gym - Yellow Badge]

[Effects: Slightly increases affinity with household appliances (energy perception/resistance), and slightly enhances basic physical fitness.]

"No need to thank me, you earned this through your own strength." Ma Xueshi grinned, revealing his snow-white teeth. His smile was still unrestrained, but now it had a touch more seriousness.

"Boy, I have high hopes for you."

"Take my badge and let's cause a ruckus at the Quartz Convention!"

He changed the subject, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit: "Once you win the Indigo League and have enough confidence... remember to come back to Vermilion City to find me."

"Then, we'll have a real, all-out clash of our strongest players!"

He patted his muscular chest.

"Let me show you the true strength of Lt. Surge and my men!"

"It's not like this, just going through the motions for an assessment!"

Mascher certainly has strengths and weaknesses, but he definitely doesn't have any obvious flaws.

For Maslow in his prime.

Speed ​​is not a weakness.

The little AI sensed the seriousness and expectation in the other party's words; it was a recognition and invitation to the strong.

He raised his head, his eyes clear and firm, without the slightest hint of timidity: "Okay."

“Mr. Ma, I will definitely come to learn from you again if I have the opportunity.”

Xiao Zhi felt that Ma Zhishi was indeed a good person to be around.

Although he has a rough personality, he can take a loss.

He had embarrassed him when he spoke earlier, but Ma Zhishi didn't seem to care at all.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu jumped back onto Ash's shoulder, its cheeks flashing with electricity, as if echoing this promise for the future.

"Hahaha! Then I'll be waiting!" Lt. Surge laughed and patted Ash's shoulder hard again.

"Let's go, boy!"

"Take your victory and badge with you!"