238. Battle on the Deck -2
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"Battle begins!"
With both Trainers ready, a sailor acting as referee swung his arm down sharply, signalling the start of the match.
Before either Trainer could even issue a command, both Pokémon charged forward, instinctively rushing at each other.
Even though the battle had only just begun, Kai had already formulated a strategy.
Poliwrath was a Water/Fighting-type Pokémon. While it had a double weakness to Electric moves, it was also a Pokémon that had proven its strength by winning a Fighting Tournament.
Its combat abilities were undoubtedly exceptional.
To play it safe, Kai decided against close combat.
"Jolteon, keep your distance! Use Thunder Shock!"
"JOLT!"
At Kai's command, Jolteon abruptly skidded to a stop, halting its charge.
Instead of closing the gap, it began circling Poliwrath, maintaining a safe distance at all times while preparing to strike.
Sparks flickered between its spiky fur before a burst of electricity shot toward Poliwrath!
Given its speed, Poliwrath had no chance of dodging the oncoming attack.
Faced with the threat of a super-effective hit, Tad had no choice but to have Poliwrath counterattack instead.
A chilling beam of light shot out from Poliwrath's mouth, directly colliding with the oncoming Thunder Shock!
Ice Beam.
It was a common move among water types, making it easy to recognize.
Shhh!
The two attacks clashed midair, but due to the sheer power difference, Thunder Shock was completely overwhelmed and shattered into scattered sparks before fading into the air.
The Ice Beam continued forward, heading straight for Jolteon!
But by the time it reached its target, Jolteon had already moved, dodging at the last second with a swift bound.
The attack missed by mere inches, leaving behind a layer of frost where Jolteon had just stood.
With the advantage shifting again, Jolteon retaliated immediately, firing another Thunder Shock at Poliwrath.
Poliwrath's breathing grew slightly ragged.
Powerful moves like Ice Beam took longer to use and drained more stamina. It couldn't keep using them repeatedly without rest.
And this time, it was caught off guard.
Poliwrath's energy hadn't fully recovered, making it unable to counteract the second attack!
The electrical blast struck Poliwrath directly!
CRACKLE!
A surge of golden electricity enveloped Poliwrath's body as the sharp sound of crackling voltage filled the air.
The Water/Fighting-type Pokémon let out a grunt of pain, its body twitching as jolts of electricity surged through it.
Even so, it refused to fall.
Gritting its teeth, Poliwrath pressed forward, still determined to close the distance.
It was clear Poliwrath desperately wanted to fight up close.
But Jolteon was just too fast.
No matter how hard Poliwrath tried to charge in, Jolteon kept slipping away, dodging with ease.
Seeing this, Tad frowned slightly.
He wasn't afraid of type disadvantages.
But he was afraid of opponents who refused to engage at close range.
Kai had completely shut down his usual battle style.
As Kai had guessed, Poliwrath's Fighting abilities were its greatest strength in previous battles, it had overpowered opponents with sheer close-range combat skills, even defeating Pokémon that should have had the advantage.
But now, its greatest strength was being neutralized.
'No… I need to find a way to get closer!'
Tad quickly adjusted his strategy.
"Poliwrath! Ice Beam, aim for the ground beneath Jolteon!"
With a deep breath, Poliwrath unleashed another Ice Beam, this time not at Jolteon directly, but at the battlefield itself.
In seconds, the entire field was covered in a slick sheet of ice.
With the deck now frozen over, Jolteon's speed began to slow, its movement hampered by the slippery surface.
"Now's our chance! Use Body Slam!" Tad shouted.
Seizing the opportunity, Poliwrath rushed forward, then leapt into the air, spreading its arms and legs as it descended toward Jolteon with full force!
Kai had seen through this plan the moment Tad had Poliwrath attack the ground.
So, instead of ordering Jolteon to dodge, he made a bold decision.
"Jolteon, don't move! Use Discharge!"
Hearing Kai's command, Jolteon stopped trying to escape.
Instead, it stood its ground, charging up energy as Poliwrath plummeted toward it.
Just before Poliwrath could land—
A massive surge of electricity exploded outward!
"ZAP!"
At the same time—
Poliwrath's Body Slam is connected!
The two attacks landed simultaneously, resulting in a massive shockwave that forced the onlookers to shield their eyes!
For a moment, no one could see what had happened.
When the light finally faded Jolteon staggered but remained standing.
Poliwrath, on the other hand, was flat on the ground, smoke rising from its body.
It looked completely fried but just as everyone thought the battle was over, Poliwrath trembled… then slowly pushed itself back up!
The crowd gasped.
Its willpower was unbelievable!
Even Kai was slightly taken aback.
Despite enduring a direct electric attack, Poliwrath refused to give up.
But… this was getting dangerous.
Kai glanced at Tad.
Surprisingly, despite Poliwrath's severe injuries, Tad wasn't calling off the battle.
Kai frowned slightly, 'This isn't some life-or-death fight… It's just a casual match, Forcing a Pokémon to push past its limit like this… That's reckless'
But he said nothing.
Everyone had their own way of training and battling.
If Tad wanted to risk his Pokémon's health, that was his choice to make.
Kai's job was to end the fight quickly, sparing Poliwrath from any further suffering.
"Jolteon, finish it. Thunder Fang!"
Jolteon nodded firmly.
Like Kai, it respected Poliwrath's fighting spirit but as an opponent, the greatest respect it could give was to fight at full power.
With lightning flickering around its fangs, Jolteon lunged forward!
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