Chapter 21: Combusken – I Was This Close to Meeting My End…

"Alright, Combusken, don't be scared. Look at this Machamp—so friendly, right?"

Combusken hid behind Nero, eyeing the Machamp with hesitation, swallowing nervously…

Even though Machamp did look friendly, why did Combusken feel an overwhelming sense of dread, as if stepping forward meant no return?

"Hahaha! Your Pokémon seems terrified of Machamp. Is it childhood trauma or something else?"

Nero glanced at the Machamp, which was cracking its knuckles and preparing its strength, and sweat beaded on his forehead.

Come on, any sane person would be terrified of a female Machamp, right!?

A 36D, six-packed, muscle-bound wrecking ball—one hit, and you might just be done for!

"Your name is Nero, right?"

"Yeah. And what do I call you, sir?"

"Hugo."

Nero nodded slightly, but in the next second, a thought flashed through his mind, stirring something deep within.

The name itself wasn't unusual, but remembering the way Hugo had skillfully struck the wooden training post earlier… and considering the meaning behind his name… could this man really be…?

Nero suddenly broke into a cold sweat.

"Go change into a gi," Hugo said, pointing toward the building.

From the origins of martial arts, every practitioner has adhered to strict discipline and traditions.

In modern martial arts, whether it's Taekwondo or Karate, practitioners uniformly wear white gis, symbolizing the purity of their spirit.

The belt tied around the waist showcases a martial artist's physique, and a properly fitted gi is loose enough to allow for fluid movement, enabling better execution of techniques.

Nero found himself liking this explanation.

After all, he was someone who prided himself on purity of mind.

A true innocent soul—never strayed, never led astray!

Unlike the bad influences in his class—those veteran "drivers" always trying to lead him down the wrong path.

After changing into the gi, Nero tested a few punches in the air.

Even though he had never properly learned Taekwondo, he had a basic understanding of it. Back in middle school, his desk mate practiced Taekwondo, and Nero had picked up a couple of moves from him.

…Which he promptly ruined with improper form.

Stepping out of the room, Hugo's eyes lit up. "This fits you well—it really suits you."

Hugo nodded in satisfaction, and even Machamp gave an approving grin.

Receiving such praise, Nero couldn't help but feel pleased.

"Now then, let's have a battle."

"A battle?"

Nero was momentarily surprised before realizing the purpose.

Even though he was now Hugo's student, they had only just met. Neither knew the other's capabilities, and a battle was the best way to assess their strengths.

The dojo's battle area was quite spacious, but right now, it only held Nero, Hugo, and their two Pokémon.

It looked a little… deserted.

From what Nero had gathered in his conversation with Hugo yesterday, it seemed this dojo had been in decline for quite some time.

Compared to traditional martial arts, many trainers now preferred high-tech training facilities.

Machines could analyze a Pokémon's full set of stats, and trainers could improve quickly with just a few expert pointers.

Not to mention, high-end dojos had access to manuals compiled by renowned Fighting-type masters, as well as specialized training rooms to enhance a Pokémon's abilities.

These modern advantages resulted in superior training outcomes, leaving many old-school dojos in places like Galas City to shut down.

Times were changing.

As the battle commenced, both Pokémon stood ready. Nero seized the initiative:

"Combusken, use Flamethrower!"

"Machamp, charge straight in!"

"Cha-mo!"

A pillar of scorching flames erupted from Combusken's beak, but Machamp, seemingly built like a tank, charged through the fire, its heavy steps unwavering.

The searing flames left charred marks on its skin, yet Machamp didn't slow down. It burst through the flames, throwing a punch straight at Combusken.

Combusken reacted swiftly, kicking off the ground with all its strength to narrowly dodge the attack.

However, without a defensive stance, it was still hit by the force of the impact!

The sheer power of the attack sent Combusken flying backward.

Regaining its balance mid-air, Combusken landed smoothly and immediately charged forward again.

Its Speed Boost ability had activated, increasing its speed. In a blink, it was right in front of Machamp.

Low Kick!

Combusken struck at Machamp's lower body, but even after a direct hit, Machamp didn't budge an inch.

"Still lacking power," Hugo commented calmly.

On the battlefield, Combusken suddenly found itself ensnared—Machamp had grabbed hold of it!

The female Machamp's eyes gleamed with excitement. Using all four arms, it pinned Combusken down and then—

SLAMMED it to the ground!

"Ma~champ!!!"

Rolling Press activated—Machamp and Combusken tumbled across the ground in a relentless grapple.

Combusken…

Combusken was done for.

Right there on the battlefield… it met its end.

—

After the battle, Hugo handed Nero a cup of tea. Taking a sip, Nero was instantly invigorated by the rich aroma.

The sparring match between Combusken and Machamp had ultimately been just a friendly bout. Though it looked intense on the surface, Nero knew full well that this Machamp's true strength was far greater than what it had shown.

After all, it was a Gym Leader-level Pokémon, whereas Combusken was only at the Elite level. Not only was there a two-tier difference in power, but Machamp also had far more battle experience.

Losing had been inevitable. But this wasn't an official match—it was merely Hugo's way of assessing their abilities.

Actual combat was the best way to uncover a Pokémon's weaknesses.

Still, Hugo seemed fairly satisfied with Nero's performance.

After a short rest, they officially began the first phase of training.

Standing on the open training ground of the dojo, Hugo's sharp eyes focused on Nero as he spoke:

"Fighting-type Pokémon rely heavily on their physical strength. They naturally possess greater raw power than most Pokémon, and their muscles generate explosive force."

"Machamp specializes in punching techniques, while Combusken excels in kicks. However, even so, a stable and solid upper body is essential for generating powerful kicks."

Nero nodded thoughtfully. What Hugo said made a lot of sense.

"In order for Machamp and Combusken to grow even stronger, they must enhance their muscle strength. Without sufficient power, Combusken's kicks—like the one it just delivered—would have no real impact on Machamp."

"So right now, our main focus is increasing Combusken's strength. I've decided to have Machamp teach it a new move."

Fighting-type moves were plentiful, but currently, Combusken didn't have a wide repertoire of them.

It needed to improve.

Once both Pokémon were in position, Hugo's expression turned serious. He locked eyes with Nero's Combusken and suddenly commanded:

"Alright! Combusken, fire at Machamp!!"

Nero & Combusken:

"?????"

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