Theory Can’t Beat Real Combat

In the end, Greninja still got to enjoy Su Feng's grilled fish. After all, it had helped find Tyrogue as a sparring partner.

"Make sure you reflect on your actions!" Su Feng said sternly between bites.

"Gra gra!"

Greninja didn't even look up, too busy devouring the fish. Ever since tasting Su Feng's cooking, it couldn't stand raw fish anymore. These days, it lived for grilled fish.

Su Feng sprayed some healing spray on Tyrogue's wounds and fed it a few Energy Blocks.

Unsurprisingly, Tyrogue was instantly won over by the delicious treats.

In the wild, Berries were usually monopolized by stronger Pokémon, leaving weaker ones like Tyrogue to survive on ordinary fruits. Energy Blocks, being concentrated Berry essence, were impossible for a wild Tyrogue to resist.

Greninja glanced at Tyrogue, who was happily munching away, and snorted.

Lucky brat.

Earlier, this Tyrogue had the audacity to challenge Greninja. After being thoroughly beaten, Greninja thought that would be the end of it. But Tyrogue kept coming back, refusing to give up despite repeated losses.

Its tenacity earned Greninja's respect, which was why it recommended Tyrogue as a sparring partner.

With Tyrogue settled, it was time to get down to business.

"Tyrogue, I'd like you to spar with Torchic. Would you be willing to be its training partner?"

Tyrogue thumped its chest confidently. "Ruu!"

It loved battling and challenging other Pokémon. This human had not only healed its wounds and fed it but was now offering a chance to fight. How could it refuse?

Su Feng's eyes lit up. "Great! Let's start with a practice match!"

Su Feng wasn't entirely familiar with Tyrogue's strength, nor was he fully aware of Torchic's combat instincts. A practice match would help him assess both.

[Why is the streamer making them fight?]

[Oh? A battle? I love battles!]

[Maybe it's like survival of the fittest in nature.]

[These battle-hungry monsters can't be safe! Don't let this guy keep spreading nonsense!]

[If you don't like it, leave!]

[Are there rules to Pokémon battles?]

Su Feng thought for a moment. "Battling is an essential part of a Pokémon's life. Their abilities, levels, and skills improve through combat."

"I can't say this applies to all Pokémon, but most strive to grow stronger."

"And battling is the best—and fastest—way to do that."

[Oh, so theory is no match for practice.]

[But fighting still feels wrong…]

[Go watch a nature documentary, buddy.]

"In short, Pokémon battles are common. There's no need to worry."

Su Feng clapped his hands to refocus everyone's attention.

"Alright, Torchic, try battling Tyrogue."

"Chirp!"

The two Pokémon took their stances. At Su Feng's signal, they charged at each other.

"Ruu!"

Tyrogue's attack was sharp and precise—clearly the work of an experienced fighter. A Fake Out landed squarely on Torchic's face, leaving it stunned.

"Fake Out is a move that only works at the start of a battle. It catches the opponent off guard and flinches them."

[I know this move—it's like a double slap to the ears!]

[Someone's been watching too many martial arts movies!]

[Wow… I'd be stunned too.]

Torchic took a while to recover. As it shakily tried to regroup, Tyrogue's next move was already on the way.

A glowing white aura surrounded Tyrogue as it charged at Torchic with a Tackle.

Torchic, still dazed, was sent flying.

"Chirp!"

Rolling across the ground, Torchic struggled to get back up. Two heavy hits had drained its stamina.

Su Feng shook his head. He could tell Tyrogue's level wasn't much higher than Torchic's, but its combat experience far surpassed Torchic's. Defeat was inevitable.

As Tyrogue prepared to attack again, Torchic finally reacted. A surge of white energy enveloped it as it launched a Quick Attack at Tyrogue.

Caught off guard, Tyrogue took the hit but wasn't knocked back due to its injuries.

"It's over," Su Feng murmured.

As predicted, Tyrogue quickly recovered and landed a Mach Punch on Torchic's face.

"Thud!"

Torchic staggered, unwilling to give up, but ultimately collapsed, unable to continue.

"Torchic is unable to battle. Tyrogue wins!" Su Feng announced, as if officiating a formal match.

[Tyrogue's too strong. Torchic didn't stand a chance.]

[Why do they glow when they attack?]

[Don't let Torchic get hurt! Poor baby!]

"Torchic's lack of battle experience showed. Its instincts are still a bit rough."

"The counterattack was a good idea, but it was too reckless given its low stamina."

Su Feng gently picked up Torchic, who hung its head in silence. The loss had hit hard.

"It's okay. You'll win next time." Su Feng patted Torchic's head.

"No Pokémon is born strong. Even Greninja started from the bottom."

Torchic looked up at Greninja, as if asking, Is that true?

Greninja glanced at Torchic, then at Su Feng's slightly threatening gaze, and reluctantly nodded.

"Gra."

For grilled fish, I'll play along.