Chapter 23: Soccer Under the Moonlight (Part 1)
The Pokémon soccer match follows a unique format, adopting a 6-on-6 structure.
David Gred's Pokémon team consists entirely of Fighting-type Pokémon: Hitmonlee, Infernape, Hitmontop, Timburr, and Hariyama as the goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, Ivan Lye's Pokémon team includes: Graveler, Electabuzz, Weavile, Ambipom, Primeape, Wigglytuff as the goalkeeper
The match is about to begin!
Weavile was the first to gain possession of the ball. As one of the fastest Ice-type Pokémon, it demonstrated remarkable agility, swiftly maneuvering past Machoke with a Marseilles turn.
"Oh ho! Weavile of Ivan's team has the ball! Look at that incredible speed! David's team isn't sitting back—Hitmontop and Hitmonlee are rushing in to intercept. Under pressure from both sides, Weavile passes the ball to its teammate, Ambipom!"
"Ambipom's got the ball! Ambipom's making a move! And… Ambipom's lost it!"
On the field, Ambipom showcased nimble footwork, skillfully dodging Timburr. However, it was quickly intercepted by Infernape with a precise sliding tackle.
This was a battle between the true and the false Monkey Kings.
And in the end, Infernape emerged victorious.
"Infernape moves with incredible speed! But here comes Graveler! Can Infernape get past it?"
"What a play! Infernape executes a stylish spin to evade Graveler and continues its charge towards the goal!"
The commentator's enthusiastic narration filled the stadium, stirring excitement among the crowd.
Even Combusken watched intently, eyes locked on Infernape's relentless advance.
"Go, Monkey King, go!"
The crowd erupted, chanting Infernape's name. After its stellar performances in previous matches, it had rightfully earned its title as David's ace player, making it the center of attention.
Infernape proved its prowess once again—when faced with Electabuzz's incoming sliding tackle, it quickly secured the ball between both feet and launched itself into the air, vaulting over its opponent!
After breaking through multiple layers of defense, Infernape set its sights on the opposing goalkeeper, Wigglytuff. It was ready to take the shot… but—
Weavile and Primeape had already closed in, sliding in from both sides to intercept.
Not only that, but Electabuzz, recovering from its previous miss, was ready to pounce at any moment.
Despite the tight defensive formation, Infernape showed no hesitation.
As it sprinted forward, its body curved like a scorpion's tail. Then, with a sudden aerial dive, it used its heel to flick the ball backward, sending it toward the goal!
It was a flashy and unpredictable move. Wigglytuff rushed to intercept—but to everyone's surprise, the ball hit the goalpost and bounced back into play!
As the opposing players momentarily froze in confusion, Infernape's sharp gaze flashed. Without missing a beat, it leaped into the air!
In midair, it twisted its body, head facing downward, feet reaching skyward. The moment the ball came within range, Infernape delivered a powerful bicycle kick!
By the time Wigglytuff reacted, the ball had already sailed into the net!
"It's a bicycle kick! What an absolutely stunning play!"
The stadium erupted in deafening cheers.
"Infernape! Infernape!"
"The Monkey King has risen!"
"The era of mocking monkeys is over! Now begins the reign of King Jiji!"
[Note: Jiji here refers to the monkey's cry.]
Both Infernape's scorpion kick and its magnificent bicycle kick were burned into the memories of everyone watching.
David's Pokémon swarmed around Infernape, showering it with praise and admiration.
Meanwhile, at home, Combusken's eyes sparkled as it watched the match on the computer screen. Seeing Infernape's flawless execution, it couldn't help but clap in excitement.
As the cheers echoed throughout the stadium, Combusken's mind replayed the scene of Infernape's goal over and over again…
So cool, so dazzling! The entire audience had their eyes on Infernape. And after scoring, its teammates rushed in to celebrate together. Combusken imagined itself in that very moment, basking in the glory of victory with its friends.
"Cha-mo~~!"
With Infernape leading the charge, David's team secured victory. Despite a strong comeback effort from Ivan's team, they ultimately fell short.
The final score was 3-1, with Infernape scoring two of the goals, making it the undisputed MVP of the match!
"Cha-mo!!"
Watching Infernape dribble, evade defenders, and score with such finesse, Combusken grew increasingly eager to step onto the field and put on a performance of its own.
"Cha-mo~"
Tilting its head as if deep in thought, Combusken pondered for a moment before hopping off the sofa and dashing toward the storage room.
The room was cluttered with various odds and ends, and Combusken carefully searched through the mess.
During the New Year's cleaning, Combusken happened to see Nero's mother placing a soccer ball into the storage room.
"Chaamo!!"
After searching for about seven or eight minutes, Combusken finally found the black-and-white soccer ball inside a box. It picked it up, gave it a slight press, and found that it was still well-inflated. Delighted, it lifted the ball high and dashed outside.
Excitedly carrying the soccer ball, Combusken trotted into the courtyard.
After setting the ball down, it began recalling how Infernape played soccer.
Mimicking Infernape's movements, Combusken started its practice. First, it used its right foot to drag the ball backward. As the ball reached the top of its foot, Combusken swiftly flicked its toes upward, sending the ball bouncing into the air...
A sharp glint flashed through Combusken's eyes as it executed a dazzling 360° spin! Then—BAM!—it delivered a powerful kick straight into the ball.
The ball shot forward in a straight line, moving at high speed before slamming directly into the trunk of a crooked tree.
Upon impact, the crooked tree shook violently, and dozens of vibrant green leaves fluttered down.
The ball rebounded, and Combusken skillfully intercepted it with its head before kicking it back into the air. With its body following through, it unleashed yet another powerful shot!
The tree trembled once more as another wave of green leaves drifted down to the ground...
"Chaamo~~"
Combusken let out a pleased cry as the ball bounced back to it again. Then, it recalled Infernape's most spectacular move—
The Bicycle Kick!
As the ball approached, Combusken swiftly leaped into the air, flipping its body upside down—head down, feet up. Just as the ball neared, it swung its leg in a precise strike.
However, this time, Combusken missed.
The ball remained untouched, and the crooked tree was spared from another impact...
Though disappointed that the bicycle kick had failed, Combusken didn't let it get discouraged. Determined, it picked the ball up once more and continued practicing.
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