Manalo Stadium.
Professor Kukui and Ash each sent out
their Steel-type Pokémon, Empoleon and Melmetal.
Professor Kukui had underestimated Melmetal's strength, meeting Double Iron Bash with Metal Claw.
Empoleon was sent flying by a crushing blow.
"In that case, Whirlpool!"
Empoleon raised both arms high,
sending a Whirlpool sweeping toward Melmetal.
Any other Pokémon would have struggled desperately inside the Whirlpool...
"You're way too heavy!"
Professor Kukui's mouth twitched.
Whirlpool had absolutely no effect on Melmetal!
Melmetal scratched its head with one arm.
What the heck are you doing?
Giving me a bath?
ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ...
Empoleon couldn't help looking at Professor Kukui, too.
I'm fighting this?
Are you sure you want me to fight this?
Empoleon and Melmetal were evenly matched in level. Both were Elite Four-level Pokémon, and Empoleon's level was even slightly higher.
"In that case, Wave Crash!"
Professor Kukui chose a powerful Water-type move.
It worked much like Brave Bird:
although powerful, it also inflicted recoil damage on the user.
"Melmetal, Thunder Punch and Double Iron Bash!"
Melmetal began spinning again,
and Wave Crash clashed with Double Iron Bash in the middle of the field...
Σ( ° △ °|||)︴
The result was nothing like Professor Kukui had imagined.
Melmetal still had the edge in strength.
The electrified tornado formed by Double Iron Bash and Thunder Punch forcibly knocked Empoleon flying despite its Wave Crash.
Golden arcs of electricity danced over Empoleon's body, its face contorted in pain as it flew backward.
Empoleon slammed heavily into the wall, then fell helplessly to the ground...
"Empoleon is unable to battle!"
Professor Kukui scratched his head in resignation.
"I'm sorry, Empoleon."
He truly hadn't expected Melmetal to be so terrifyingly strong. Its usual image as Meltan was simply too deeply ingrained in his mind.
Professor Kukui hadn't adjusted at all.