Chapter 44: Rematch Against Sho
Chapter 44: Rematch Against Sho
After much thought, Ron decided to unlock all the Max Effort Value Cheater Modes before modifying Charizard's battle techniques. He still vividly remembered the humiliation Charizard suffered against Tapu Fini when it was still a Charmeleon.
Once the tournament was over, he planned to go to Alola and challenge Tapu Fini. The upcoming main quest reward included a Master Ball, a complete Charizard X Mega Evolution Stone set, and a random Legendary Pokémon map.
With the Master Ball, he could finally try capturing a Legendary Pokémon. His first target was Tapu Fini—no matter what, he was going to take it down.
---
While daydreaming about his grand plans, the group headed to the selection hall. Unexpectedly, they ran into Ritchie, one of Ash's rivals. Shortly after, the elevator lost power, but Ritchie quickly fixed the problem.
After a brief introduction, Team Rocket's voices echoed through the hall, claiming they needed to "inspect the Pokémon's health."
Ron scoffed.
"How does no one recognize Jessie and James' voices?"
Initially, he didn't plan on interfering, but then a thought struck him—if he stepped in now, the situation would be resolved quickly. That meant Ash's Pidgeotto wouldn't be exhausted and could go into his next battle fully prepared.
A properly rested Ash versus Ritchie?
The outcome would be unpredictable.
With a smirk, Ron followed Team Rocket's van to the selection hall.
As expected, Jessie threatened the trainers, demanding they hand over their Poké Balls or be disqualified from the tournament.
Ron sighed.
"This is getting embarrassing."
Beedrill appeared in a flash, positioning its stingers at Jessie and James' necks.
Ron spoke calmly.
"You two were the ones who tried to steal the Sacred Flame, weren't you? Your disguises are absolute trash."
Jessie and James froze, feeling Beedrill's cold, sharp stingers pressing against their skin.
One wrong move, and Beedrill would spill their blood.
Ron turned to Ash.
"Call Officer Jenny and have them taken away."
Once Team Rocket was arrested, Ron let out a yawn.
"Time for a nap. Didn't get much sleep last night worrying about Nidoqueen's condition."
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The Next Morning – Selection Hall
At the selection hall, Ron drew his match.
His opponent?
A familiar face—Sho, the trainer he had fought with in the doubles battle back in Vermilion City.
(TL note: Sho is "Xiao Fei" in the previous chapter)
"Oh? A poison-type specialist? Now this could be interesting."
Curious, Ron glanced over at Ash's selection.
As expected—he was up against Ritchie.
"I have no idea who's going to win now."
After confirming the matchups, Ron returned to rest—his match was the first battle of the day.
For his team composition, he carefully planned his lineup:
Beedrill
Sylveon
Mewtwo (as a last resort)
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The Next Day – 16th Round Battle
Standing on the battlefield, Ron watched as Sho approached.
Sho smirked.
"Yo, Ron! We finally get to battle. I've been training hard just for this!"
Ron grinned.
"We'll see how much you've improved."
With the sound of the bell, the match began.
Sho sent out Weezing, while Ron chose Beedrill.
Seeing this, Ron smirked.
"Beedrill is part Poison-type—meaning it's immune to poison and resists Poison-type moves."
Sho clicked his tongue.
"Did you really have to counter me so hard?"
Ron chuckled.
"I just don't like making careless mistakes."
"I'll take the first move then—Weezing, Sludge Bomb!"
"Ignore it. Twin Needle."
Beedrill swiftly closed the distance and began rapidly stabbing Weezing with its stingers.
With its Scope Lens and Sniper ability, every hit landed on a critical point, dealing massive damage. In mere seconds, Weezing was barely hanging on.
Sho gritted his teeth.
"Too overpowered... Weezing, Explosion!"
"Nice try. Beedrill, Protect."
As Weezing self-destructed, Beedrill created a defensive barrier, nullifying the damage.
Sho sighed.
"You're way stronger than before... But I won't give up! Go, Pidgeot!"
A large Pidgeot appeared, immediately using Quick Attack to strike Beedrill, sending it tumbling midair.
Beedrill let out an angry cry.
Ron smirked.
"You're not using Poison-types anymore? Then let's steal your own move—Beedrill, Toxic!"
Beedrill sprayed purple venom, covering Pidgeot's entire body, badly poisoning it.
Sho panicked.
"We have to end this fast—Pidgeot, Brave Bird!"
Ron frowned.
"Protect. Then, Poison Jab."
Beedrill blocked Brave Bird, leaving Pidgeot vulnerable to counterattack.
Beedrill drove both its stingers deep into Pidgeot's wings, piercing vital spots.
The poison rapidly spread, crippling Pidgeot's speed.
Sho's face twisted in frustration.
"Pidgeot, Brave Bird one more time!"
Beedrill and Pidgeot clashed.
Both took damage, but Pidgeot collapsed first due to Poison Jab's critical hit and the worsening poison.
Beedrill was exhausted, so Ron recalled it.
"You did well."
---
Final Round – Crobat vs. Sylveon
Sho's final Pokémon was Crobat, while Ron sent out Sylveon.
Despite the type disadvantage, Ron wasn't worried.
"Crobat, Supersonic!"
"Sylveon, Misty Terrain."
A soft pink mist spread across the battlefield, blocking all status effects.
Sho clicked his tongue.
"Crobat, Poison Fang!"
"Sylveon, Double Team. Then, Psychic."
Sylveon's illusions made Poison Fang miss, and in the next moment, a concentrated burst of psychic energy slammed into Crobat, sending it crashing down.
"Time to end this—Sylveon, Moonblast!"
Sylveon leapt above Crobat, both forepaws glowing with immense energy, before slamming down with a forceful impact.
The ground shattered beneath Crobat, leaving a crater in the arena.
Crobat was knocked out.
"Crobat is unable to battle! The winner is Ron from Pallet Town!"
---
Sho recalled Crobat, sighed, and walked over.
Extending his hand, he grinned.
"I lost, but I'll keep improving. Next time, I won't go down so easily!"
Ron shook his hand.
"Looking forward to it."
The two exchanged respectful smiles—a silent promise between rivals.