Chapter 32: Combusken – I'm Used To It

Pokémon: Primeape

Type: Fighting

Ability: Guts

Gender: Male

Level: Elite

Condition: Good (No Abnormalities)

Nero's opponent was a young man named Carlos, and his Pokémon was an Primeape.

As both trainers sent out their Pokémon, the students in the audience began to discuss the match.

"A battle between two Fighting-type Pokémon? This should be interesting."

"Who do you think will win?"

"Hard to say. It depends on what we compare. If it's purely about Fighting-type techniques, then Primeape clearly has the advantage—it's a pure Fighting-type, after all."

"Let's just watch the battle. I don't think there's anything too surprising here."

On the battlefield, the two Fighting-type Pokémon locked eyes with intense rivalry. Primeape, with its characteristic fiery temper, was itching for a fight. If not for the referee's signal, it would have already charged at Combusken.

"Begin the match!"

"Primeape, use Brick Break!"

"Combusken, Fire Punch!"

Primeape could no longer contain its excitement. At Carlos's command, it dashed toward Combusken, its right fist glowing brilliantly white as it prepared its attack.

Since both were Fighting-types, the battle was bound to be fierce.

The blazing Fire Punch clashed with the radiant Brick Break, producing a loud impact.

Both Pokémon were pushed back from the force, sliding across the ground and leaving deep grooves behind them.

True to its ability Primeape was relentless.

Without hesitation, it readjusted itself, its fists crackling with electric energy as it charged at Combusken once again.

"Feather Dance!"

"Combusken!"

With a low cry, Combusken swiftly spun in place, scattering numerous orange-red feathers into the air, enveloping Primeape.

Undeterred, Primeape pressed forward. Just as its Thunder Punch was about to land, the surrounding feathers reacted, wrapping around its fist.

"Boom—!!"

The stadium echoed with the sound of impact. Despite the immense power of Thunder Punch, Feather Dance had significantly softened the blow, leaving Combusken with only minor damage.

"Combusken!"

A shimmering blue light flared beneath Combusken's feet, while a surge of red energy enveloped its body. Its muscles tensed, and both its attack and defense increased significantly.

Speed Boost and Bulk Up—dual enhancement!

"Shave!"

"Boom—!!"

At the cue, the ground beneath Combusken cracked as it accelerated like a blur, closing the distance in an instant.

"Primeape, stay calm! Use Brick Break!"

Carlos was momentarily shocked by Combusken's incredible speed but quickly refocused. Primeape needed to react; otherwise, it would take a direct hit.

Veins bulging on its forehead, Primeape's fist glowed white as it swung at Combusken's figure.

Brick Break—

Direct hit!

"Did it work?"

Carlos hesitated for a moment, but before he could celebrate, the hit Combusken vanished in a puff of white smoke.

Substitute!

The real Combusken had appeared behind Primeape.

"Bounce!"

Timing its move perfectly, Combusken leaped high into the air, surrounded by swirling white currents.

Its execution was flawless, and before Primeape could react, it was sent flying by a powerful kick.

As a Flying-type move, Bounce was particularly effective against Fighting-types like Primeape.

Of course, a single Bounce wouldn't be enough to take down Primeape. Quickly recovering, it lunged at Combusken again.

Now moving at incredible speed, Combusken sidestepped Primeape's reckless charge and spun around, delivering another precise kick that sent it crashing into the ground.

Primeape, a Pokémon known for its simple yet aggressive battle style, was growing increasingly frustrated. Despite its injuries, it roared and attempted to attack again.

"Stop!"

Carlos's voice snapped through the battlefield, momentarily halting Primeape's rage. He continued, "Don't be reckless! Use Swift!"

Though still fuming, Primeape obeyed without hesitation.

Its eyes burning with frustration, it launched a barrage of glowing stars.

The mysterious energy coating the Swift attack granted it homing properties, making it nearly impossible to dodge.

Seeing this, Combusken abandoned evasive maneuvers and instead puffed out its chest, preparing to unleash Flamethrower.

But just before it could, the Swift attack suddenly exploded!

A thick layer of black smoke blanketed the arena.

Combusken instinctively stopped its attack, coughing slightly from the smoke.

"Primeape, now! Use Rage Fist!"

Rage Fist—an attack fueled by the Pokémon's accumulated anger, unleashing devastating power based on how much frustration it had built up.

Similar to Return, which grew stronger the closer a Pokémon was to its Trainer, Rage Fist functioned in reverse—its strength increased the more resentment the user felt.

Glowing with crimson energy, Primeape's eyes burned with pure rage, its power nearing a breaking point.

Even with the lingering effects of Feather Dance, Combusken was sent flying by the sheer force of the attack...

"Whoa, just how much do you resent your Trainer?!" Nero couldn't help but blurt out.

The higher the grudge, the stronger the Rage Fist.

Despite the weakened attack power from Feather Dance, Combusken still suffered a significant hit. This clearly showed that Carlos and Primeape's relationship was less than ideal.

Primeape wasn't done. Its fists glowed as it hurled a shockwave straight at Combusken.

Vacuum Wave!

"Combusken, dodge!"

Still dazed from the hit, Combusken swiftly regained its footing and sidestepped to evade the Vacuum Wave.

However, everything had gone according to Carlos's plan. The moment Combusken dodged, Primeape dashed after it, grabbing hold with both hands!

Without hesitation, Primeape slammed Combusken into the ground and began rolling aggressively.

Rollout!

"You're finished!"

Carlos laughed confidently.

Perhaps due to his personality, he had always been obsessed with rolling-based techniques. Ever since Primeape learned Rollout, Carlos had been relentless in training it.

Through extensive practice, Primeape could now maintain Rollout for an extended duration, disorienting its opponent before following up with brutal attacks.

After completing the move, Primeape launched Combusken into the air, sending it crashing into the stadium wall.

"Primeape, charge again! Use Rage Fist!"

Veins bulging, Primeape roared as it rushed toward Combusken, fury building to its peak.

As Primeape closed in at breakneck speed, Carlos could almost see the light of victory. After all, there was no way a dizzy, disoriented Combusken could dodge this attack!

The spectators held their breath, nearly convinced that Primeape was about to pull off a stunning comeback.

Carlos's eyes gleamed with excitement, but then—

Just as Primeape lunged forward, Combusken's eyes suddenly snapped open, and with a powerful push against the wall, it propelled itself into the air!

CRACK!

Primeape's punch struck the wall, instantly shattering it.

"Cha-mo!"

Midair, Combusken let out a cold, confident smirk, surrounded by a faint white aura.

With its Bounce move activated, Combusken's powerful legs stomped directly onto Primeape's head.

Already exhausted from the previous exchanges, Primeape couldn't withstand the impact. It collapsed instantly, knocked out of the battle.

The sudden reversal left Carlos stunned.

Just moments ago, Rollout had clearly taken effect… So why…

Why was Combusken still standing?

This didn't make any sense!

After the match, Carlos rushed up to Nero, bombarding him with questions. However, Nero simply cast a sympathetic glance at Combusken beside him…

"Oh, that?" Nero replied nonchalantly. "It's used to it. It's built an immunity to that move."

…Used to it?

Carlos's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Combusken.

Used to it.

Just how much pain had it endured to be able to say that so casually…?

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