Against Norman 2

Facing Vigoroth as it charged at Umbreon with Brick Break, Gary remained calm in the face of danger.

The distance between the two Pokémon was extremely short. If Umbreon were hit by this attack, even if it did not become Unable to Battle, it would still suffer serious injuries. Its situation was perilous.

At this critical moment, Gary calmly gave an order.

"Umbreon, use Protect!"

At the very last second, a thin pale-green barrier suddenly appeared. Not only did it directly block Vigoroth's attack, it also firmly protected Umbreon within.

"Thank goodness!" Seeing that Umbreon was safe and sound, Rosa finally let out a huge sigh of relief.

"Then it's our turn now." After blocking Vigoroth's offensive, Gary swiftly launched a counterattack.

"Umbreon, use Double Kick!"

At Gary's command, Umbreon immediately leaped high into the air and used Double Kick, striking Vigoroth twice in succession.

The impact of the two attacks immediately knocked Vigoroth to the ground.

"Next, Confuse Ray!"

The moment Norman heard Gary's voice, his expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly shouted at Vigoroth.

"Not good! Vigoroth, dodge it!"

Although Norman had realized Gary's intention, it was already too late.

A multicolored energy orb flickering with bewildering light detached from Umbreon and swiftly reached the Vigoroth that had just gotten back on its feet, circling around it once.

Bathed in Confuse Ray's light, Vigoroth fell into a state of confusion, unable to distinguish friend from foe.

"Wake up, Vigoroth!" With things having come to this, Norman could only try to call Vigoroth back to its senses.

But Gary naturally would not give him that chance, decisively launching his final wave of attacks.

"Umbreon, it's time to finish it," Gary shouted, sweeping out an arm. "Use Giga Impact!"

At Gary's command, a dazzling white glow immediately burst from Umbreon's body. Then, carrying a fierce aura, it charged straight toward Vigoroth.

"Move!"

Although Norman shouted with all his might, the confused Vigoroth could not respond. It remained where it was without attempting to dodge.

In the end, Umbreon's Giga Impact struck its target without obstruction, hitting Vigoroth in the abdomen.

Vigoroth was sent flying on the spot by the powerful impact, only stopping when it landed in front of Norman.

"Vigoroth is Unable to Battle. Umbreon wins!"

Noticing Vigoroth's spiraling eyes, the referee immediately announced the result.

"You did well, Vigoroth!" Although Vigoroth had been defeated, Norman gently recalled it.

After recalling Vigoroth, Norman took out his final Poké Ball and looked up at Gary.

"Gary, this is my last Pokémon. Go, Slaking!"

As Gary had expected, Norman's final Pokémon was indeed his signature Pokémon, Slaking.

Pokémon: Slaking

Type: Normal

Ability: Truant

Gender: Male

Level: Level 61

Potential: Elite Four

Moves: Hammer Arm, Hyper Beam, Mega Punch, Brick Break, Body Slam, Double-Edge, Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Heavy Slam, High Horsepower...

"A Pre-Elite Four Rank Slaking... Norman really thinks highly of me!"

Seeing that Slaking's strength had reached Pre-Elite Four Rank, Gary's lips twitched slightly.

Slaking's strength far surpassed that of ordinary Pokémon. Its monstrous power in particular was something few Pokémon could withstand, making it exceptionally formidable.

However, due to its Truant Ability, it needed to rest after every attack, so few people were willing to catch and train one.

After clearly examining Slaking's Attribute Panel and pondering briefly, Gary took out a Poké Ball and threw it.

"I'll leave the final match to you, Arcanine!"

Against Slaking, Gary still decided to send out Arcanine.

Soon, after a flash of white light, Arcanine appeared opposite Slaking.

"What a fine Arcanine."

Norman also examined Gary's Arcanine. With his strength, he could naturally sense that Gary's Arcanine was nearly as strong as his Slaking from earlier.

"You flatter me, Mr. Norman." Gary was rather pleased by Norman's praise of Arcanine, so he replied with a smile.

"To possess such strength at your age is truly rare," Norman said with considerable admiration.

Then his expression turned serious as he said to Gary, "Gary, let me see your strength!"

"Alright!"

After agreeing, Gary decisively turned his gaze to Arcanine and gave his command.

"Arcanine, use Flamethrower!"

After receiving Gary's order, Arcanine let out a long roar and unleashed Flamethrower.

Scorching Flames formed a pillar of fire that surged toward the Slaking opposite it.

Facing Gary and Arcanine's attack, Norman did not react. He merely watched quietly.

As for Slaking, upon seeing this, it simply yawned, shifted its body slightly, and dodged the Flamethrower.

"What incredible speed!" Gary's pupils narrowed slightly at the sight.

"Hammer Arm!" Norman gave his command after Slaking dodged the attack.

Upon receiving Norman's order, Slaking swung its massive fist glowing with white light and charged toward Arcanine.

"Agility!"

After hearing Gary's command, Arcanine immediately used Agility, vanishing from its original spot in an instant and evading the attack.

Although Slaking pursued it several times afterward, Arcanine, using Agility, dodged every pursuit.

After failing to catch it multiple times, Slaking decisively gave up attacking. Under the effects of its Truant Ability, it simply stayed where it was and stopped attacking.

"Now, Flame Wheel!"

Taking advantage of Slaking's rest, Gary immediately gave Arcanine its next command.

The moment Gary finished speaking, flames flared up around Arcanine's body. Wrapped in those flames, it charged toward Slaking.

"Use Hammer Arm to block it!"

Faced with Arcanine's fierce attack, Norman calmly directed Slaking.

Slaking slowly extended both arms, which shimmered with a milky-white glow, and blocked the charging Arcanine.

Although Slaking was pushed back several steps by the impact, aside from a few light burns, it was otherwise unharmed.

"Grab it!"

After blocking Arcanine's attack, Slaking took the opportunity to seize Arcanine firmly with its thick arms.

"Break free!"

Seeing this, Gary realized something was wrong and hurriedly shouted at Arcanine.

Although Arcanine struggled desperately, it was still futile against Slaking's tremendous strength.

"Excellent, Slaking!" Seeing this, Norman's lips curled up slightly. Then, folding his arms across his chest, he gave Slaking an order.

"Slaking, use..."