The Powerful Machop

Mudkip took a deep breath, its cheeks swelling high. In an instant, a thick stream of water shot from its mouth like an arrow loosed from a bow, heading straight for the Beautifly in the air.

"What? Beautifly, use Silver Wind, now!" the female Trainer cried out, too hurried to steady the hat on her head as she gave the command.

Beautifly summoned its last bit of strength, its wings vibrating at high speed. Amid the scattering scales, Silver Wind surged forward with fierce Presence to meet the Hydro Pump. Yet the seemingly powerful Silver Wind instantly collapsed under Hydro Pump's impact.

Hydro Pump broke through the wind's obstruction and slammed heavily into Beautifly. Already exhausted, Beautifly had no strength to dodge and was knocked straight to the ground.

"Beautifly! Get up!" the female Trainer shouted anxiously.

But Beautifly only trembled its wings slightly before falling unconscious once more, losing its ability to battle.

After taking a look, the referee blew a sharp whistle that cut through the arena's clamor. "Beautifly is unable to battle. Mudkip wins!"

Yingnan clenched his fist excitedly, while Mudkip swayed unsteadily before finally collapsing to the ground, its strength completely spent as well.

Seeing this, Yingnan quickly rushed onto the field and gently picked up Mudkip. Looking at its battered body, he said painfully, "Thanks for the effort, Mudkip!"

At the same time, the female Trainer hurried forward and carefully checked Beautifly's injuries. She gently stroked Beautifly, her voice full of guilt. "I'm sorry, Beautifly! This was my fault. Get some good rest!"

After returning Beautifly to its Poké Ball, she walked over to Yingnan and held out her hand. "You have an amazing partner. Congratulations! Keep it up!"

Yingnan froze for a moment before breaking into a bright smile. "Your partner is amazing too!" Their hands clasped together.

"Would you like to go to the Pokémon Center together and get our Pokémon treated?" the female Trainer suggested.

Yingnan thought for a moment, then nodded. "Sure. Please wait a moment while I let my friends know."

After receiving her agreement, Yingnan quickly made his way down from the field and said to Xinhai and Shali, "Xinhai, Shali, I'm going to the Pokémon Center with Beautifly's Trainer to treat our Pokémon. I'll be back soon."

Xinhai said with concern, "That's a good idea. The treatment at the Pokémon Center is more professional. Go early so you don't delay your next battle."

Shali nodded quickly as well. "Go on! Mudkip's injuries aren't light. The sooner it gets treated, the better."

Yingnan replied with a smile, "Then I'm off. Shali, good luck! I'll be back soon."

Shali smiled confidently. "Don't worry, Eevee and I will definitely win!" The Eevee in her arms happily waved its little paws at Yingnan too.

Watching Yingnan leave, Xinhai and Shali headed over to the third arena to continue watching the matches.

During the following battles, Xinhai saw several more fairly strong Trainers. Among them, Trainer Ishikawa's performance was especially outstanding, drawing everyone's attention.

After the tenth battle ended, Xinhai heard a name that had left a deep impression on him.

"Next match: Trainer Ishikawa versus Trainer Kimura."

Xinhai, who had been mentally analyzing and recording information about the Pokémon that had won the previous battle, instinctively looked toward the field upon hearing that.

Shali excitedly said to Xinhai beside him, "Xinhai, Xinhai, it's that Machop's Trainer!"

Xinhai was still recording information from the last battle. Hearing Shali's words, he replied, "It's him. We might run into him later in the competition, so we can use this battle to learn more about him."

Shali nodded in agreement and focused intently on the two sides in the arena.

Seeing that both Trainers were in position, the referee shouted, "Both sides, send out your Pokémon!"

"Come out, Machop!" "Go, Corphish!"

Two flashes of red light appeared, revealing a sharp-eyed Machop in a Fighting stance and an energetic-looking Corphish holding up its large claws.

"Machop!" "Hehe!"

Seeing Corphish's claws, which were much larger than those of its kind, Trainer Ishikawa silently pondered, Hyper Cutter?

Once both Pokémon had been sent out, the referee raised his flag and brought it down. "Battle start!"

"Machop, use Double Team and charge in!" "Corphish, use Leer, then Bubble Beam!"

Machop's figure instantly became four as it charged toward Corphish. Corphish widened its eyes and used Leer on the four Machop. Then, regardless of whether it worked, it began spraying countless bubbles from its claws, sweeping them one by one toward the four charging Machop.

Soon, two Machop vanished under Bubble Beam's assault. As Bubble Beam closed in on the third Machop, it performed a nimble sideways flip and cleverly avoided the attack.

Seeing Machop already very close to Corphish, Trainer Kimura quickly ordered, "Bubble Beam at full power!"

"Heh... heh!"

Corphish raised its claws and fired an even denser Bubble Beam, shooting wildly at Machop.

Trainer Ishikawa frowned slightly and decisively ordered, "Use Karate Chop with both hands and charge through!"

Machop did not hesitate. With a resolute expression, it continued charging forward as red Fighting-type energy appeared around both hands. It crossed its arms and pushed through Bubble Beam's damage as it rushed toward Corphish.

Seeing that the opponent was willing to take damage just to close the distance quickly, Trainer Kimura helplessly ordered, "Corphish, use Razor Shell!"

"Hehe!"

Corphish immediately abandoned Bubble Beam. Excitedly raising its large claws, now wrapped in water and shaped like blades, it slashed at Machop.

The two moves collided. After only a brief stalemate, Machop, which had already begun to run out of strength, was forced two steps back.

Seizing the opportunity, Trainer Ishikawa shouted, "Machop, Thunder Punch!"

Machop steadied itself, electricity wrapping around its fist as it attacked Corphish.

Trainer Kimura's expression changed upon hearing that, and he quickly ordered, "Knock Off!"

Corphish raised its giant claw and struck down, choosing to clash fists with Machop again. This time, however, Corphish was the one at a disadvantage.

Though the two initially seemed evenly matched, when the Electric-type energy from Machop's fist burst onto Corphish's body, Corphish was affected and knocked directly backward.

"Hehe!"

After being knocked back, Corphish looked extremely angry.

Knowing it would be difficult to create distance now, Trainer Kimura quickly ordered, "Corphish, use Double Hit!"

Corphish's eyes turned red as it charged swiftly at Machop. Its twin claws glowed white, and its right claw smashed fiercely toward Machop.

Trainer Ishikawa's eyes lit up. Knowing his chance had come, he decisively ordered, "Thunder Punch!"

Electricity flashed around Machop's fists as it charged straight at Corphish, blocking its attacks in succession before suddenly slamming its head into Corphish.

Corphish instinctively shut its eyes and was knocked two steps backward.

Trainer Kimura's face turned pale at the sight, and he instinctively felt it was over, though he still tried to salvage the situation. "In front of you, Double Hit!"

Trainer Ishikawa seized the opportunity and swiftly ordered, "Machop, Low Kick!"

"Machop!"

Machop performed a beautiful sideways flip, easily dodging the attack and arriving at Corphish's side. A sweeping kick knocked it to the ground, followed immediately by a Thunder Punch.

"Heh..."

Corphish lay in the center of the field, letting out a pained groan. After twitching a few times, it completely lost consciousness.

The referee, who had been closely watching the situation, raised a red flag. "Corphish is unable to battle. Machop wins! The winner of this match is Trainer Ishikawa."

Enthusiastic cheers rose from below the field. After waving to the audience, Trainer Ishikawa left the arena with Machop.

Xinhai watched Trainer Ishikawa's retreating back and remarked, "He can clearly analyze both sides' advantages, and his commands are decisive and precise. Trainer Ishikawa really is impressive!"

Shali and Eevee nodded in agreement beside him. Shali said worriedly, "The third arena is getting harder and harder to stay in. Everyone's so strong—what are Eevee and I supposed to do?"

Xinhai smiled and comforted her. "The strength at every arena should be about the same now. It doesn't matter which arena you go to. What matters in the later battles is how thoroughly you understand your opponent's information and the condition of your Pokémon."

Shali agreed completely and raised Eevee in her arms. "Eevee, I'll be counting on you later!"

"Vee~"

Hearing that, Eevee tilted its head and acted cute.

Xinhai smiled at the girl and her Pokémon, then continued watching the upcoming matches.