Chapter 153: The Challenge of Psychic Power

Sabrina hadn't expected a Poké Ball-tier trainer like Ash to react so quickly—dodging and counterattacking at the same time was something that most trainers at this level struggled with. Many challengers relied purely on instinct or brute force, but Ash was different.

Even though Hypno had been hit by Water Pulse, its high Special Defense allowed it to endure the attack without much difficulty.

Sabrina placed her hands on her hips, a faint glimmer flashing in her cold eyes. Without needing to speak, she issued a new command to Hypno through their psychic connection.

"Use Psybeam."

Hypno's lips curled into an eerie smile as Psychic energy surged around its body. Raising its right hand, it swung its pendulum, releasing a beam of pink-purple light that shot straight toward Wartortle.

"Wartortle, dodge it!" Ash shouted.

Rather than taking the attack head-on, he wanted Wartortle to evade and counter at the right moment.

"Use Water Pulse!"

"Cami!"

Wartortle quickly analyzed the attack's trajectory and jumped to the left, avoiding Psybeam just in time. While still mid-air, it fired off a Water Pulse, aiming directly at Hypno.

Sabrina's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Increase your power."

Hypno immediately adjusted its attack. The Psybeam, which had originally been aimed at Wartortle's previous position, suddenly veered to the side mid-flight, locking onto the incoming Water Pulse instead.

Boom!

The two attacks clashed in midair, causing a violent explosion that sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield. Both Wartortle and Hypno were pushed back slightly by the force of the impact.

Ash clenched his fists.

Hypno can change the direction of its attacks mid-flight? Psychic-types really are tricky opponents.

Across the battlefield, Sabrina remained calm, her gaze cold and unreadable.

"Again."

At her unspoken command, Hypno launched another Psybeam toward Wartortle, trying to keep up the pressure.

Seeing no other choice, Ash continued to have Wartortle dodge and counter with Water Pulse.

He was starting to realize just how difficult Sabrina's battle strategy was to deal with. She wasn't just using overwhelming force—she was using tactical suppression.

If Hypno had been even stronger, and its attacks more unpredictable, dodging them would have been nearly impossible.

This must be why Sabrina is classified as a Great Ball-tier Gym Leader.

If she were using her real team, the Pokémon she had raised herself rather than the Gym's standard lineup, Ash wasn't sure he'd even stand a chance.

The battle hall echoed with repeated explosions as Water Pulse and Psybeam continued to clash, sending bursts of energy throughout the arena.

On the surface, it looked like an even fight. But Ash knew the truth—right now, he was being completely suppressed.

Unless he could figure out a way to break through Hypno's strategy, he had no chance of winning.

Sabrina's Strategy Shifts

While Ash was lost in thought, Sabrina was analyzing the battle as well.

Her original plan had been to pressure Ash and Wartortle into making a mistake. Yet, after multiple attacks, she found that neither of them had left an opening.

For the first time, she regarded Ash with mild interest.

He's better than I thought… but not by much.

Sabrina's expression remained emotionless, but her next order carried a new level of intensity.

Hypno stopped firing Psybeam and instead shifted into an unusual stance.

A blue glow enveloped its body, its eyes flickering with deep concentration.

Then, suddenly—a red aura flared up around it.

Ash's eyes widened.

"Meditate…?"

He immediately recognized the move.

Hypno wasn't just boosting its Special Attack—it was preparing for close combat.

She's giving up her Psychic-type advantage? That must mean… she's going to use a move with type advantage against Wartortle.

And there was only one move that made sense—Thunder Punch.

An Unexpected Approach

Without waiting for the attack, Ash gave his order.

"Wartortle, use Water Gun on the ground! Create distance!"

Instead of attacking Hypno, Wartortle fired a Water Gun straight down.

The force of the blast propelled Wartortle backward like a rocket, instantly increasing the gap between itself and Hypno.

"Cami!"

This wasn't a move Ash had just come up with—it was something he and Wartortle had trained for.

The ability to use Water Gun for maneuverability was a key part of their strategy.

Sabrina's eyes flickered with mild surprise.

He anticipated my move…?

However—

Just as Wartortle landed, Hypno stopped moving.

A smirk crossed its face.

Then—

A Psybeam fired.

Straight at Wartortle, who was still mid-air—unable to dodge.

Ash's expression changed instantly.

"What?! That was a trap!"

Hypno's Thunder Punch charge had been a decoy.

The real attack had been waiting the entire time.

A Critical Hit

The Psybeam struck Wartortle directly.

Boom!

A pink-purple burst of light filled the battlefield as Wartortle was sent flying.

It hit the ground hard, groaning in pain.

The crowd gasped, and in the stands, Misty stood up, eyes wide with concern.

"Wartortle!"

Brock frowned. "That was a perfect feint. Sabrina is toying with Ash right now."

Ash gritted his teeth. He had completely fallen for it.

Sabrina, still unfazed, simply continued.

"Finish it."

Hypno charged forward, this time with a real Thunder Punch, electricity crackling around its fist.

Ash had no time to think.

"Wartortle, use Water Pulse—on the ground!"

Wartortle, still injured, struggled to its feet.

Gathering all the Water-type energy it could, it slammed the Water Pulse into the ground at point-blank range.

The waterball exploded, sending a wave of water rushing outward in a massive arc.

A wall of water.

Hypno, just inches away from Wartortle, was caught completely off-guard.

Sabrina's eyes widened slightly.

"This is…"

A New Strategy – Wide-Range Water Pulse

Instead of focusing Water Pulse into a single high-powered blast, Ash and Wartortle had developed a new technique—

A wide-area shockwave.

Even though the attack's power was lower, its coverage was greater—making it nearly impossible to dodge at close range.

The water engulfed Hypno completely.

Boom!

Hypno was thrown backward, tumbling across the battlefield.

The moment it hit the ground, its electric charge flickered and died.

Sabrina narrowed her eyes.

This challenger…

For the first time, she was beginning to think—

Maybe this battle…

Wasn't going to be as easy as she thought.

To Be Continued…